Colombian Caribbean Highlights 14D/13N

Colombian Caribbean Highlights 14D/13N

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14 Days From

$2783

$2695

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:

Bamba Travel

Tour code:

54571

Guide Type:

Partially Guided

Physical rating:

Mildly Challenging

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $2783 $2695 Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$88

NB: Prices correct on 11-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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

  • Explore Cartagena's walled city and iconic landmarks.

  • Experience Totumo Volcano mud bath and beach lunch.

  • Trek to the Lost City, encountering indigenous culture.

  • Discover Cabo de la Vela's Wayúu culture and beaches.

  • Visit the Manaure Salt Mines.

  • Walk through the indigenous Kogi village.

  • Relax on the Taroa Beach Dunes and visit Punta Gallina Lighthouse.

Itinerary

Expand All

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 Transfer
Welcome 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 Bahía 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. 



What's Included

  • 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

  • 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

  • Other activities

  • Bilingual guide in La Guajira: 178USD (2pax), 357USD (1pax), prices pp

  • Flights

  • Visas and departure and arrival taxes if apply

  • Meals not specified in the itinerary

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour package includes 13 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 6 dinners.

  • 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.

  • Is there a guide provided during the tour?

    Yes, an English-speaking guide is provided for some activities.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Jonas Nesset(Norway)  

The company is exceptional. When...

Dec 10 2019

The company is exceptional. When I had questions, I always got prompt and professional answers. The excursions that Bamba organized were fantastic! Thank you once again for everything!

Shane Alce(United Kingdom)  

For true explorers....

Aug 12 2019

For true explorers.

Marian Reder(Germany)  

To this day, this is...

Oct 2 2019

To this day, this is the best tour we've ever done together as a couple! The fun activities, great hotels and nice guides worth the money! We were always taken care of and they made sure that we had a good time. This tour is definitely worth taking.

Tanja Ottosen(Denmark)  

The Bamba Team really made...

Jan 9 2020

The Bamba Team really made my journey one of the most memorable experiences of my life! Still so nice and supportive! They handled everything and responded to each question within a few minutes. I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone. Especially if you want to do a lot of activities and travel to a lot of different places without feeling rushed. They've also helped me with specific issues that weren't covered by the tour, as well as answering general questions. Thank you so much for making my journey so enjoyable!

Braiden Rowe(United States)  

The tour was fantastic; I...

Feb 12 2020

The tour was fantastic; I was able to visit some of Japan's most beautiful locations, and the accommodations were excellent, with convenient access to the city's best attractions. Also, our tour guide was fantastic. I will pick bamba again and recommend the tour to anyone who wants to see Japan while having a good time!!

Aaron Davies(Australia)  

I only have good words...

Oct 23 2019

I only have good words about our trip to Kenya. The entire experience was totally magical and I struggle to say how fantastic it was. We were fortunate enough to have a brilliant vehicle for ourselves, but we had great luck with David for our guide too. He was very knowledgeable, courteous and nice. Thank you for helping to create this fantastic safari experience. I Highly recommend this company.

Matteo Hoffmeister(Germany)  

Bamba Experience has been the...

Jun 5 2019

Bamba Experience has been the best tour guide I've ever had. Every tour has been a thrilling experience. There are so many things to choose from. Bamba has been extremely helpful in providing us with all of the necessary information for our departures and activities! Bamba has made this a simple and enjoyable experience. I'll certainly tell my friends and family about it! Thank you very much, Bamba!!

Melanie Liu Chang(Australia)  

We organized a trip through...

Feb 20 2020

We organized a trip through Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia on the hop-on, hop-off bus. It made the trip so much simpler for us as first-time travelers because we just had to send an email to arrange the bus, which avoided the hassle of looking for the best price and so on! We also had a number of tours included, they were all amazing and saved us the trouble of trying to find the best offers on our own; it also meant we got to see a lot of stuff we wouldn't have seen otherwise. Overall, it was a fantastic experience that I will strongly suggest and use again!

Marius Halvorson(Norway)  

Our Bamba tour of Vietnam...

Jun 25 2019

Our Bamba tour of Vietnam was fantastic. We had a lot of new experiences and all of the help we needed to make this a stress-free vacation. The well-organized accomodation and transportation were excellent. We will certainly use Bamba in the future.

Alexis Helman(Australia)  

I had booked our Uyuni...

Jun 25 2019

I had booked our Uyuni Salt Flats & Desert Adventure 3D/2N (Uyuni to Atacama) tour via an Australian travel agency, but they had made an error and refused to assist us or take responsibility. This was very difficult for us because we wanted to have a stress-free honeymoon. I contacted Bamba and I asked if we could talk on the phone so they made the improvements to our tour reservation that our travel agent declined to make. The quality of service was exceptional and they generously offered to us a complimentary gift because it was our honeymoon. I can't say enough good things about Bamba.

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Saturday - Friday

Dec 14, 2024 - Dec 27, 2024
$2783 $2695

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$88

Sunday - Saturday

Dec 15, 2024 - Dec 28, 2024
$2783 $2695

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$88

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Bamba Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Bamba Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform bamba travel, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Bamba Travel requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

  • 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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