Coastal Colombia - 8 Days

From £1,269£159 per day Save 2%

Who is this trip for

Age range

15 - 99

Start / End

  • Cartagena
  • Bogotá

Physical rating

3/5

Group size

1 - 12

Meals included

9

Highlights

  • Explore a dreamy slice of Colombia’s Caribbean coast in Tayrona National Park. Hike through rainforest, kick back on white sand shores and swim in calm bays – bliss!
  • Wander the flower-draped streets of Cartagena’s Old Town – a 16th-century walled city with well-preserved buildings, galleries, cafes and museums.
  • Get to know Colombian cuisine and hospitality on a street food crawl in Cartagena. Taste favourite local snacks like corn on the cob buns, chorizo sausage and shaved ice dessert.
  • Explore the intricate mangrove forest of La Boquilla on a canoe tour with a local fisherman. Float through tree tunnels and keep your eyes peeled for leaping fish and raccoons.
  • Spend time with the Kogui community to learn about their ancient connection to the land and get involved in an Indigenous reforestation project.

Talk to a travel expert

Our experts are ready to perfect your trip with personalised advice on itineraries, transfers, and local tips.

Email UsCall Us: 0208 004 8886
Recommended

Free Brochure

Uncover insider tips, see a packing list and view a detailed itinerary and accommodation information.

Summary

Looking for a well-rounded introduction to Colombia? This eight-day adventure delivers it all. Be captivated by Cartagena’s Old Town, laze on palm-fringed Caribbean beaches and meet the locals who make Colombia one of the world's friendliest countries. Hike jungle trails in Tayrona National Park, learn about Indigenous reforestation initiatives and dive into the bold flavours of Afro-Colombian cuisine on a tasting tour in Cartagena. If you’re looking for an offbeat experience full of nature, authentic food and local connection, Explore Colombia is right up there with the best of them.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Cartagena

     Bienvenidos a Colombia! Welcome to Colombia. With UNESCO World Heritage status, Cartagena is one of South America's most historic cities. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your hotel in the vibrant Getsemani neighbourhood. After, join your local leader and group for an orientation walk to get a feel for the Old Town. Surrounded by thick walls built by the Spanish in the 16th century to protect the city from pirate raids, it houses well-preserved architecture, street art, monasteries, plazas and mansions. For dinner tonight, maybe get to know each other over ceviche, arepas or coconut rice.

  • Day 2

    Cartagena

    This morning, set off on a daytrip to La Boquilla – a small fishing village on the outskirts of Cartagena – to explore the mangroves that are part of the Ciénaga de la Virgen coastal lagoon system. On arrival, you'll see the contrast between two sides of Cartagena: one of its most underprivileged areas alongside rising five-star hotels and luxury apartments. Hop in a canoe with a local boatman to explore the mangroves and the Juan Polo swamp, gliding through tree tunnels and past fishermen at work. The biodiversity here is rich, with a good chance of spotting various birds, crabs, and – with a bit of luck – a raccoon or green parrot along the riverbanks. Finish the tour with a fresh coconut, then return to Cartagena for some free time to relax.

  • Day 3

    Cartagena

    Today is a free day to explore at your own pace. You could join a half-day tour of the Old Town to explore highlights like La Popa Monastery, San Felipe Castle (the largest of the city's fortresses) and Las Bovedas – a former military fortification and network of dungeons that has been turned into a craft market. Or how about an island-hopping adventure around Islas del Rosario? This archipelago is surrounded by mangroves and coral reefs and is a great spot for snorkelling! Make sure to check in with your leader for recommendations to try some local food.

  • Day 4

    Taironaka

    Take a private transfer this morning to Taironaka – an ancient Tayrona archaeological and ecotourism reserve on the banks of the Don Diego River. This afternoon, you’ll meet a member of the Kogui community – one of the four Indigenous groups living in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta – and learn about their beliefs, ancient wisdom and deep connection to the land. The community also leads reforestation and regeneration projects, and you’ll have the chance to muck in and plant some trees yourself. This evening, maybe enjoy a cocktail or two with your fellow travellers.

  • Day 5

    Tayrona

    Get your walking shoes and bug spray ready – today’s all about exploring the jungle trails in Tayrona National Park! Stretching along a lush section of the Caribbean coast, Tayrona is home to some of the country's prettiest beaches, coral reefs and abundant wildlife – with over 100 species of mammals and more than 300 types of birds. You’ll hike to Cabo San Juan – a gorgeous beach only accessible by boat or on foot. Along the way, weave through rainforest, catch glimpses of the turquoise water and maybe spot a sloth or howler monkey overhead. Once you reach Cabo San Juan, cool off with a well-deserved swim or sip a fresh coconut under the palms. You’ll then head back to Taironaka for a free evening – how about treating yourself to a relaxing massage after today’s adventures?

  • Day 6

    Santa Marta

    Today you’ll take a private transfer to Santa Marta at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This coastal city is South America's oldest European-founded town. Once you arrive, join your leader for an orientation walk through the historic centre to find your bearings. Stroll past Santa Marta Cathedral, Parque de los Novios and Plaza de Bolivar, and hear stories about the city’s layered past. As the sun sets, you'll have free time to unwind or explore further. When hunger hits, ask your leader for some local dinner recommendations.

  • Day 7

    Santa Marta / Cartagena

    Travel like a local this morning on a public bus back to Cartegena. One of the best ways to gain an insight into the culture is through food, so this afternoon you’ll hit the streets on a tasting tour with a local guide. Wander market stalls, meet lively Cartageneros vendors and try a range of local snacks – think: carimañolas (torpedo-shaped meat pies), chorizo sausage, corn on the cob buns and enyucado (cassava cheesecake). As this is your final night as a group, you might like to go for one last dinner together and raise a toast to an unforgettable week in Colombia. Salud!

  • Day 8

    Cartagena

    With no activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you'd like to spend more time in Colombia, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability) – just let us know when booking.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Hotel (6 nights) Guesthouse (1 night)

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 7, Lunches: 0, Dinners: 2

    Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

    Vegetarian options available

  • Local Guide

    Guided

    This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.

  • Wifi

    Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

Dates & Prices

  • Sep 25

    from £1,552
  • Oct 25

    from £1,356
  • Nov 25

    from £1,314
  • Dec 25

    from £2,053
  • Jan 26

    from £2,156
  • Feb 26

    from £2,073
  • Mar 26

    from £2,156
  • Apr 26

    from £1,308
  • May 26

    from £1,269
  • Jun 26

    from £1,284
  • Jul 26

    from £1,308
  • Aug 26

    from £1,269
  • Sep 26

    from £1,269
  • Oct 26

    from £1,269
  • Nov 26

    from £1,308
  • Dec 26

    from £1,343
  • Jan 27

    from £1,441
  • Feb 27

    from £1,411
  • Mar 27

    from £1,372
  • Apr 27

    from £1,333
  • May 27

    from £1,333
  • Jun 27

    from £1,333
  • Jul 27

    from £1,372
  • Aug 27

    from £1,333
  • Sep 27

    from £1,333
  • Oct 27

    from £1,333
  • Nov 27

    from £1,372
  • Dec 27

    from £1,411
  • Save 2%
    Sat 16 May 2026 > Sat 23 May 2026
    6+ spaces of 12 leftPay Monthly
    £1,295Best offer£1,269Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
    Solo Room from +£289

Customer reviews & ratings

  • Could you please repeat my comments regarding Martin on the previous page? Otherwise - Colombia is an incredible country to visit. The people are incredibly warm and positive and welcoming, especially in spite of their war torn past. They have so much energy, the countryside is so beautiful and varied, the food/drink is delicious, and it really should be the country to visit at the top of your list!

    Benjamin Jan, 2020 Verified
  • No comment left

    Mike Jan, 2020 Verified

Essential trip information

Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

  • Livvy's profile
  • Anna's profile
  • Petra's profile

Still have questions?

Can't find the answer you're looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.

Get In Touch

Why book with us

  • Help Change The World

    We collaborate with local businesses and communities.

  • Best Price Guaranteed

    We won't be beaten on price. If you find this adventure at a lower price please get in touch!

  • You're In Good Hands

    We work with trusted tour operators around the world.

  • You're spoilt for choice

    We have the best choice of adventures on the market.

Similar adventures

  • Save6%
    Upgraded - Highlights of Colombia 2026 - 8 Days

    Upgraded - Highlights of Colombia 2026 - 8 Days

    from £2,537View Tour
  • Save6%
    Highlights of Peru 2026 - 9 Days

    Highlights of Peru 2026 - 9 Days

    from £1,691View Tour
  • Save6%
    Galapagos Express - Central & West Islands aboard the Archipel I - 7 Days

    Galapagos Express - Central & West Islands aboard the Archipel I - 7 Days

    from £3,220View Tour
  • Save6%
    Galapagos - Central & West Islands aboard the Treasure - 9 Days

    Galapagos - Central & West Islands aboard the Treasure - 9 Days

    from £5,870View Tour

Was this page helpful ?

If you need information about a tour or a booking, please contact us instead.