Colombia, History and Nature

7days- 6 nights

Cartagena, Santa Marta, Tayrona

Culture, History, Nature, Ecotourism

Day 1

Welcome to Cartagena!

Upon arrival our representative will be waiting for your at the airport, and take you to your hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure to enjoy Cartagena at your pace.

Cartagena’s unique history and diverse culture amaze every visitor as it opens a window to the past in a relaxing and sophisticated Caribbean ambiance. This intense city is home to the best preserved colonial architecture in all of South America.  The old walls that surround colonial Cartagena have guarded this UNESCO World Heritage Site for centuries and will continue to do so for many more. The mix of African rhythms, indigenous influences and the Spanish heritage makes from Cartagena a truly and remarkable destination.  Cartagena offers a large range of hotels from international beach front to state of the art boutique properties, fine dining, fascinating tours and excellent shopping.

Day 2: Cartagena

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before today’s city tour.  Visit to the Fort of San Felipe and the Monastery of La Popa. Tour the city passing through residential neighborhoods bordering the Bay of Cartagena, visit the Monastery of the Popa and the chapel of the Our Lady of Candelaria, from where you can admire a fantastic panoramic view of the city. Then, visit the fortress and castle of San Felipe de Barajas, the greatest military engineering work of its kind in the New World. End the tour with a visit to a major jewelry and learn all about the famous Colombian emeralds. This afternoon enjoy the city at your leisurel. [B]

Day 3: Cartagena, Rosario Island (El encanto) , Cartagena

After breakfast you will be transported to the pier and pier for a short boat trip to the Rosario Islands, your destination for the day. The Rosario Islands are an archipelago in the Caribbean Sea, located just 60 minutes by speedboat from Cartagena, where you will enjoy crystal-clear water and small beaches of white sand . Take advantage of the calm, emerald waters and surrounding beauty of the islands to rest and relax or to enjoy swimming and other water sports. Snorkeling and scuba diving activities can be arranged by speaking with your guide.

Your tour includes a typical lunch including rice with coconut, fried fish, fried plantain, salad and a non-alcoholic drink/  Free time in the afternoon before your transfer by boat from Rosario Islands to the Cartagena Pier and by land to your  hotel. Overnight in Cartagena. [B] / L

Day 4: Cartagena, Santa Marta

After breakfast depart Cartagena and drive to Santa Marta.  ( SIB)

The Caribbean Sea and snow make Santa Marta a difficult place to forget. The city is located on the shores of the Bay of Santa Marta on the Caribbean Sea, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, whose peaks can be seen on clear days from the beach. The capital of the department of Magdalena, which was founded in 1525, is one of the oldest cities in South America. The city, Simon Bolivar’s final resting place, captivates with activities and culture, among other options. Here visitors always find something to do: diving, adventure sports and visiting beaches where the rainforest meets the sea; bird watching, a historic city tour and a visit the heart of the Tayrona culture.

Upon arrival, tour the landmarks of Santa Marta. Visit the estate grounds and botanical gardens of La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino. View monuments to Colombia’s renowned 19th-century leader, Simón Bolívar, and the country’s famous soccer player Carlos Valderrama. The afternoon will be at leisure to enjoy this beautiful town on your own. (B)

Day 5 Santa Marta, Tyrona National Park 

After breakfast your tour guide will pick you up at the hotel and transfer your to Tyrona National Park.  Recommend Palomino Beach – Not the park

The Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona, as it’s known in Spanish, is one of the most popular national parks in Colombia, home to animals like monkeys, dolphins and condors that live in its 37,000 acres of land and sea.  Upon arrival rest of the day at leisure to explore the park on your own.  (B)

Day 6 Tyrona National Park 

Day at leisure to enjoy m ,the park.

Suggested activity:  Full day tour to Mamancana (B)

Day 7 Tyrona National Park, Santa Marta, USA

After breakfast transfer to Santa Marta Airport for your flight to Bogota, to connect to your home bound flight. (B)

Package includes:

  • 3 nights’ accommodation in Cartagena at hotel of preference
  • 1 night accommodation in Santa Marta at hotel of preference
  • 2 nights’ accommodation in Tyrona at Ecohab Lodge
  • Round trip transfers and all tours with English speaking guides
  • All tours and activities are a combination of shared and private basis with English speaking guides
  • All entrance fees
  • Daily breakfast, 1 lunch
  • All hotel taxes

Packages do not include:

International or domestic air tickets

Early check-in, late check-out

Services and food not listed in the itinerary

Beverages during the meals

Hotel extras, and personal expenses.

Tips for guides, drivers, and in restaurants