Colombian Caribbean Highlights 14D/13N
Colombian Caribbean Highlights 14D/13N
Colombian Caribbean Highlights 14D/13N
14 Days Starting in Cartagena, Colombia and ending in Santa Marta, Colombia
Visiting: Cartagena, Santa Marta, Lost City, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Riohacha, Cabo de la Vela, Punta Gallinas
Tour operator:
Tour code:
54571
Guide Type:
Partially Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a 14-day adventure through the Colombian Caribbean with the "Colombian Caribbean Highlights" tour. Begin your journey in the historic city of Cartagena, exploring its walled city and iconic landmarks. Experience the unique Totumo Volcano mud bath and enjoy a beachside lunch. Trek to the Lost City, immersing yourself in indigenous culture and breathtaking landscapes. Discover the Wayúu culture and pristine beaches of Cabo de la Vela. This tour includes 13 nights of accommodation in hostels, 3-star hotels, and hammocks, with meals and guided activities such as city tours, nature expeditions, and visits to indigenous villages. Enjoy seamless transfers and the expertise of English-speaking guides for an unforgettable Colombian adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Cartagena, Colombia
Location: Cartagena
Accommodation Name: hotel
Duration: 14 Days
Departure Time: 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00, 19:00, 20:00, 21:00, 22:00, 23:00, 00:00
Airport TransferWelcome to Cartagena! One of our representatives will be waiting for you at the airport to drive you to your accommodation. You’ll have the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 2: Cartagena, Colombia
Location: Cartagena
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cartagena City Tour (B)
Visit Cartagena, Colombia’s walled city. Within its fortifications you will find a unique culture and history that seem to blend reality and fantasy. Stroll the cobblestone streets and admire the colonial buildings. Visit the city’s plazas, galleries, churches and vaulted walkways where crafts and antiquities are sold. Visit the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built during the colonial era to protect Spanish interests from invasions by the English and French. Explore Cerro de la Popa, where you will find a church and colonial convent constructed in the 17th century.
Duration 04:00hrs.
Day 3: Cartagena, Colombia
Location: Cartagena
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Totumo Volcano Tour (B)
At 9 am, Go to the Volcano of Totumo (the journey takes 1-1,5 hours). The cone shaped volcano is located on the coast, close to the fresh water lagoon El Totumo. We will have this once in a lifetime opportunity, to bath in the warm mud pool which is 500 meters deep. But don’t worry, the mud is so thick that it is impossible to sink. Afterwards, we will be rinsed by local women in the lagoon nearby (for a little tip). They also offer massages in the mud pool (not included).
Once you are rinsed off, we will go to the beach, where we will have lunch: fish with plantain, coconut rice, salad and a beverage. Afterwards, we can take a walk on the beach, relax or go swimming. Around 2:30 pm, we will take you back to Cartagena.
Duration 05:00hrs.
Day 4: Cartagena - Santa Marta, Colombia
Location: Santa Marta
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to Santa Marta (B)
Today after your check-out at your accommodation you will take a bus to Santa Marta. Make your own way to your accommodation and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure!
Day 5: Santa Marta - Lost City
Location: Santa Marta
Accommodation Name: hammocks
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Santa Marta - Lost City (B/L/D)
After breakfast, pick-up from your hotel and private transfer to Machete Pelao (approx. 1.5 hour), where your small group Lost City adventure will begin. After lunch in Machete Pelao, we start our walk, the first part of the route will be rather steep and will take 4 hours to complete, until reach the native cabin 1. In the evening, we will have a delicious dinner at the local settler’s farm. Here we will sleep in hammocks, mosquito nets are provided.
Day 6: Lost City
Location: Lost City
Accommodation Name: hammocks
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lost City (B/L/D)
At 07h00 breakfast will be served, before our 7-hour trek to native cabin 3. The trail is very beautiful with abundant vegetation and memorable views. After lunch we continue our journey, reaching the valley of the Buritaca River, where there will be an opportunity to enjoy some swimming. On our way we will pass by indigenous dwellings such as those of the small settlement of Mutant where the Kogui people live. You will meet up with Mamo Romualdo, the main religious authority for the local people. Mamo’s dwelling is one hour away from the Lost City, in order to get there you need to cross a few creeks, please remember to bring a pair of sandals with you. After dinner, stay overnight in hammocks with mosquito nets.
Day 7: Lost City
Location: Lost City
Accommodation Name: hammocks
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit to the Lost City (B/L/D)
You guessed it – another early breakfast. Then, we’ll walk for an hour to the archaeological area. Here, you’ll have to climb the 1200 stone steps to reach Teyuna, the Lost City of the Taironas, a sacred site for indigenous communities living in the mountains. You can explore the remains of this ancient city, look at the archaeological excavations and experience its architecture. There will be spare time to enjoy the landscape and take photos. Then, we’ll have our meal and trek back to the native cabin 2.
Day 8: Lost City
Location: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Accommodation Name: hammocks
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lost City (B/L/D)
Free morning. After lunch at the camp, walk for 4 hours until native cabin 1 – Adan, where you’ll spend the night in hammocks with mosquito nets. Admire the lush vegetation and wildlife of the Sierra. Free evening.
Day 9: Lost City - Santa Marta, Colombia
Location: Santa Marta
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Transfer to Santa Marta (B/L)
After breakfast, walk for 4 hours approx. to Machete Pelao. After lunch in Machete Pelao, transfer to your hotel.
Day 10: Santa Marta - Riohacha, Colombia
Location: Riohacha
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to Riohacha (B)
Today after your check-out at your accommodation you will take a bus to Riohacha. Make your own way to your accommodation and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure!
Day 11: Riohacha - Cabo De La Vela, Colombia
Location: Cabo de la Vela
Accommodation Name: rancheria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Riohacha - Uribia - Salinas de Manaure - Cabo de La Vela (B/D)
At around 5:00am, you will be picked-up from your accommodation in Riohacha to begin your trip towards Cabo de la Vela. Along the way, you will visit Uribia, the indigenous capital of La Guajira, where upon arrival after a 1-hour ride, you will embark on a city tour, getting to know this important cultural center: Wayúu. After enjoying breakfast, you will start your trip to one of the most famous places of La Guajira: Salinas de Manaure. It will be a journey of about 20 minutes by car. In Salinas de Manaure you will visit the ponds where, in an artisanal way, they extract and process salt; during this tour, you will enjoy the company of a community leader. La Guajira is also famous for its indigenous market of Wayuu handicrafts and clothing, that is why, you will also visit a backpack and chinchorros (traditional Wayúu hammock) weaving enterprise. You will have time to share with the community in the Wualapuinje rancheria, where you will discover their rituals, customs, traditional dance, besides tasting a sample of typical food of the Wayuú community. Afterwards, you will continue your journey in a 2-hour drive to Cabo de La Vela. Upon arrival, you will have lunch at the Utta ethno tourism lodge before continuing with your visit to Pilón de Azúcar, sacred place of the Wayuú community. You will have time to rest on the beaches of Dorada and Ojo de Agua while you admire the fantastic sunset before going back to the rancheria.
Day 12: Taroa Dunes And Punta Gallinas
Location: Punta Gallinas
Accommodation Name: native inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Taroa Dunes and Punta Gallina (B/L/D)
After having an early breakfast, it is time to start your 2-hour trip to the Taroa Dunes where you will picture orange sand dunes, cactuses and other desert-like vegetation right in front of beautiful, turquoise, typical Caribbean water. Then you will visit the Punta Gallinas' lighthouse, where you will hear local stories about this place while enjoying a great landscape, since you are in the northernmost point of South America. You will continue your journey to La Boquita Bay, famous for its pristine beaches. There you will be accommodated in a native inn, basic but pleasant, considering the isolation and conditions of the area. At the inn you will have lunch and then you will visit the islets of La Boquita and BahÃa Hondita, to culminate in Punta Aguja Silver enjoying the majestic guajiro sunset. Back to the inn, you will participate in a Wayúu weaving activity to later enjoy dinner and rest before your last day of the tour.
Day 13: Punta Gallina - Riohacha, Colombia
Location: Riohacha
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer back to Riohacha (B)
Around 07:00hrs you will be transferred to Riohacha. You will have the day at your leisure and spend the night there.
Day 14: Riohacha - Santa Marta, Colombia
Location: Santa Marta
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to Santa Marta and Airport Transfer (B)
After your check-out, you’ll take a public bus to Santa Marta, once there you’ll be picked up by one of our representatives who will drive you to the airport.Â
What's Included
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Accommodation
13N in hostels or 3-star hotels and hammocks
3N in Cartagena
2N in Santa Marta
4N in Lost City
2N in Riohacha
2N in La Guajira -
Transport
All airport transfers
All transfers as per itinerary in Cartagena, Lost City and La Guajira Tours
Shared Shuttle and Public Bus -
Meals
13B/6L/6D
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Activities
City and Nature expeditions
Cartagena City Tour
Visit to Totumo Volcano
Visits to Indigenous villages
Cross the river Buritaca
Manaure Salt Mines
Taroa Beach Dunes and Punta Gallina Lighthouse
Walk through the indigenous Kogi village -
Guides
English-speaking guide for some activities
What's Not Included
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Other activities
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Bilingual guide in La Guajira: 178USD (2pax), 357USD (1pax), prices pp
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Flights
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Visas and departure and arrival taxes if apply
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Meals not specified in the itinerary
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Personal expenses and gratuities
Mode of Transport
All airport transfers are included, along with all transfers as per the itinerary in Cartagena, Lost City, and La Guajira Tours. Travel by shared shuttle and public bus.
Accommodation
Enjoy 13 nights in hostels or 3-star hotels and hammocks, with stays including 3 nights in Cartagena, 2 nights in Santa Marta, 4 nights in the Lost City, 2 nights in Riohacha, and 2 nights in La Guajira.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 13 nights in hostels or 3-star hotels and hammocks. Specifically, you will stay 3 nights in Cartagena, 2 nights in Santa Marta, 4 nights in the Lost City, 2 nights in Riohacha, and 2 nights in La Guajira.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 13 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 6 dinners.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of activities such as city and nature expeditions, a Cartagena City Tour, a visit to Totumo Volcano, visits to indigenous villages, crossing the Buritaca River, exploring the Manaure Salt Mines, visiting Taroa Beach Dunes and Punta Gallina Lighthouse, and walking through the indigenous Kogi village.
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Is there a guide provided during the tour?
Yes, an English-speaking guide is provided for some activities.
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What is the transportation arrangement for the tour?
All airport transfers are included, as well as all transfers as per the itinerary in Cartagena, Lost City, and La Guajira Tours. The tour also includes shared shuttle and public bus transportation.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Totumo Volcano?
During the visit to Totumo Volcano, you will have the opportunity to bathe in a warm mud pool that is 500 meters deep. After the mud bath, local women will rinse you off in a nearby lagoon for a small tip. They also offer massages in the mud pool, which are not included in the tour price. Afterward, you will have lunch at the beach and can relax or go swimming.
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What is the Lost City trek like?
The Lost City trek involves several days of hiking through beautiful trails with abundant vegetation and memorable views. You will visit indigenous dwellings, meet local people, and explore the archaeological area of Teyuna, the Lost City of the Taironas. The trek includes steep routes, river crossings, and opportunities for swimming. Accommodation during the trek is in hammocks with mosquito nets.
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several cultural experiences such as visiting indigenous villages, learning about the Wayúu culture in Cabo de la Vela, participating in a Wayúu weaving activity, and discovering the rituals, customs, and traditional dances of the Wayúu community.
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Is there an age limit?
No! Most of our bamba travellers fall between the ages of 18 - 35, but everyone is young at heart and welcome to come experience the world with us! If you are between the ages of 18 and 118, we invite you to travel with bamba and have the time of your life! Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Most of our trips cater to the adventurous independent traveller. In fact, many of our travellers arrive on their own and quickly find that they easily meet like-minded people along the way at their hostels, on transportation, or during activities.
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Do I need travel insurance?
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip, especially when travelling in developing countries. Bamba does not include travel insurance of any type.Your current medical insurance may cover part of your trip, so it is important for you to become familiar with your current coverage. We recommend purchasing additional travel insurance that provides coverage for medical emergencies, emergency evacuation and repatriation, lost or stolen items and unforeseen cancellations. If you plan to participate in activities such as white-water rafting, trekking, sand-buggy rides, etc please make sure they are included in your policy.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of bamba travel charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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