Colombian Odyssey: Urban Splendor to Island Wonders 10D/9N

Colombian Odyssey: Urban Splendor to Island Wonders 10D/9N

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Colombian Odyssey: Urban Splendor to Island Wonders 10D/9N

10 Days Starting in Medellin, Colombia and ending in Cartagena, Colombia

Visiting: Medellin, Santa Marta, Tayrona National Park, Cartagena

Tour operator:

Bamba Travel

Tour code:

10062

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Easy

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Interests:

Beach Tours, Cultural

Activities:

Hiking, Walking

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Discover the magic of Colombia with an unforgettable adventure blending urban culture and tropical bliss! Explore vibrant Medellin, Bogotá, and Cartagena, then bask in the sun on Rosario Islands’ pristine beaches. Immerse in local coffee culture, marvel at colonial architecture, and savor mouthwatering cuisine. This tour promises a perfect mix of urban excitement and exotic relaxation, offering an authentic experience of Colombia's diverse landscapes and rich heritage. Embark on a journey that truly captures the essence of this captivating country!

Highlights

  • Medellín's local-life treasure hunt

  • Sun-soaked tranquility in Tayrona National Park

  • Colonial charm and salsa beats of Cartagena

  • Idyllic bliss on Playa Blanca's shores

Itinerary

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Day 1: Medellin, Colombia

Location: Medellin

Accommodation: Hostel

As you land in Medellín, a bustling city known for its year-round springtime climate, a private transfer will be ready to take you to your accommodation. Ease into the Colombian rhythm and anticipate an unforgettable adventure ahead.

Day 2: Medellin, Colombia

Location: Medellin

Accommodation: Hostel

Embrace the day with a sense of wonder as you partake in a mysterious treasure hunt. Unearth the transformation of the 'City of Eternal Spring', witnessing its vibrant essence as only a true paisa (a Medellín local) can.

Day 3: Medellin, Colombia

Location: Medellin

Accommodation: Hostel

An unhurried day beckons in Medellín, presenting an opportunity to delve into the local lifestyle freely. Roam the cultural hotspots, sip coffee in leafy plazas, or consider a guided journey to Guatape, an enchanting lakeside town known for its kaleidoscope of colours and the grandeur of El Peñol. Here, an optional climb rewards with bird’s-eye views of a watery maze scattered with green isles.

Day 4: Medellin - Santa Marta, Colombia

Location: Santa Marta

Accommodation: Hostel

Your journey shifts to Santa Marta as a private transfer guides you to your flight. Upon landing in this venerable city, settle into your new abode before embarking on a culinary quest in the bustling city centre. Savour the local street food, indulge in the flavours, and opt to continue exploring or return for seaside relaxation.

Day 5: Santa Marta - Tayrona National Park, Colombia

Location: Tayrona National Park

Accommodation: Hostel

Today you will have an early start. You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to Tayrona National park. Tayrona National Park covers 15,000 hectares and is full of unspoiled beaches, coral reefs, verdant flora, mangroves and mountains. From the place where the trasnfer will drop yuo off, you will do a 45-minute eco-tourist walk through a tropical jungle to Arrecifes beach. Along the way you'll be able to see all types of flora and fauna including monkeys which are just some of the 108 other species that live within the Tayrona National Park. Then you'll set off on a 20-minute hike that leads you to La Piscina, a natural pool where you can bathe in the warm, crystal clear waters of the Caribbean. Here you can relax a bit and gain streight for the final walk of around 20-minutes to San Juan del Cabo where you will spend the night in Tents. You can take a small backpack and the rest of the luggage will be taken to the office of our provider in Santa Marta. On the way to Cartagena the luggage will be picked up. What to bring: Small back pack to carry your personal belongings Comfortable clothes and shoes for the hike, bathing suit on and flip-flops Hat or cap Sun glasses Towel Sun block Insect repellent Cash for drinks and food (only Colombia Pesos and cash are accepted) Photocopy of your passport Tissues or toilet paper Water (however you can buy water at the entrance and inside the park). Plastic bottles are not allowed

Day 6 Tayrona National Park - Cartagena, Colombia

Location: Cartagena

Accommodation: Hostel

Today you will walk back to the same spot where you were dropped off the day before, there your private transfer will be waiting for you to take you to Cartagena. Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and demonstrates the perfect marriage between rich colonial history and the vibrancy of the Caribbean. Depending on the time of your arrival in Cartagena, the rest of the day is free to explore the area near to where you’re staying, the city’s maze of cobblestone streets and its charming buildings. The historic center of Cartagena is surrounded by an impressive 8-mile-long colonial stonewall and is the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing cocktail in the Café del Mar while watching the sunset over the Caribbean. In the evening you will make your own way to the Salsa school where you will enjoy 1 hour lesson of this famous music in Colombia.

Day 7, Cartagena, Colombia

Location: Cartagena

Accommodation: Hostel

Today you will have a day to spend at leisure exploring Cartagena on your own. At night we recommend you to visit some of the salsa bars in the city center and Getsemaní. You will have great fun!

Day 8: Cartagena, Colombia

Location: Cartagena

Accommodation: Hostel

Leaving from Cartagena you will take a group tour to the beautiful Playa Blanca. First you will do a panoramic view of the island of Manga, to contemplate infrastructures that preserve the republican style, then you will cross through the industrial zone of the city, where you can see some of the largest companies in the area until reaching the Island of Barú where these majestic emerald green beaches are located. Upon arriving at the beach you will take a small boat to travel to Playa Tranquila, located 7 minutes from Playa Blanca, where you will enjoy the day away from the siege of the sellers. Upon arrival in Cartagena you can make your own way to the hostel.

Day 9: Cartagena, Colombia

Location: Cartagena

Accommodation: Hostel

Let yourself be captivated by this “clandestine” part of Cartagena: it’s ideal for an adventure. The Bazurto Market is a traditional market offering fish, meat, fruit, clothing, and art, and is as significant in Cartagena as the convent of La Popa and the Castle of San Felipe. This very traditional market is seldom visited by tourists. We can purchase traditionally prepared Colombian food for breakfast or lunch, or simply enjoy the local market of Cartagena in the early hours of the day. We will navigate through a maze of alleys, where the guide will show us all kinds of fruits, herbs, vegetables, fish, seafood, and meats. There are also several stands of spices and medicinal herbs. At the end of the tour, we reach the dining area where you can try the typical lunch: fried fish with cassava (not included). Later on, a great workshop that lasts approximately one hour and is a unique opportunity to connect with the typical African rhythms from drums which are the basis of the region’s folk music, such as cumbia, bullerengue, Mapalé and champeta. The Cultural Cooperation team offers you to live an extraordinary experience that could not be more authentic in a beach kiosk. First a little theory, then the presentation and finally the interaction: the playing of the drums.

Day 10: Cartagena, Colombia

Location: Cartagena

On this last day, you will be taken to the airport in Cartagena on time to catch your flight back home.

What's Included

  • Transport

    Travel seamlessly with airport transfers, intercity transfers, and a flight from Medellín to Santa Marta, ensuring a smooth journey between destinations.

  • Meals

    Included meals are 7 breakfasts and 1 lunch.

  • Activities

    Participate in a variety of activities including a Medellín surprise activity, Tayrona trek, street food and salsa experiences, Playa Blanca tour, and a market visit with a drum workshop.

  • Guides

    Local guides are provided for day tours, while leisure days are self-guided.

  • Extras

    An orientation meeting to kick off the trip and camping equipment for Tayrona are included.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities are not included in the tour package.

  • Meals and beverages not listed

    Any meals and beverages not specifically listed in the inclusions are excluded.

  • Tips and personal expenses

    Tips and personal expenses are not covered in the tour package.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.

Mode of Transport

Travel seamlessly with airport transfers, intercity transfers, and a flight from Medellín to Santa Marta, ensuring a smooth journey between destinations.

Accommodation

Enjoy 9 nights in locally inspired hostels, offering a comfortable and authentic experience throughout your Colombian adventure.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 9 nights in locally inspired hostels, offering a comfortable and authentic experience throughout your Colombian adventure.

  • What kind of transportation is included in the tour?

    The tour includes airport transfers, intercity transfers, and a flight from Medellín to Santa Marta, ensuring a smooth journey between destinations.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes 7 breakfasts and 1 lunch.

  • What activities are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a Medellín surprise activity, a trek in Tayrona National Park, street food and salsa experiences, a Playa Blanca tour, and a market visit with a drum workshop.

  • Will there be local guides during the tour?

    Yes, local guides will be available for day tours, while some days are self-guided leisure days.

  • Is there an orientation meeting at the start of the tour?

    Yes, there is an orientation meeting to kick off the trip.

  • What should I bring for the Tayrona National Park trek?

    You should bring a small backpack for personal belongings, comfortable clothes and shoes for the hike, a bathing suit, flip-flops, a hat or cap, sunglasses, a towel, sunblock, insect repellent, cash for drinks and food (only Colombian Pesos and cash are accepted), a photocopy of your passport, tissues or toilet paper, and water (plastic bottles are not allowed, but you can buy water at the entrance and inside the park).

  • What is the accommodation like in Tayrona National Park?

    You will spend the night in tents at San Juan del Cabo within Tayrona National Park.

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Yes, there are optional activities available, such as a guided journey to Guatape from Medellín.

  • What is the final destination of the tour?

    The final destination of the tour is Cartagena, Colombia.

  • 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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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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