Destination: Colombia | Duration: 8 days | Customized Vacation Package: Please Call for Pricing
Experience the best of Columbia’s Caribbean coast beginning with a tour of colonial Cartagena, one of the most romantic cities in the Americas. Head east along the coast to Tayrona National Park where you’ll embark on an amazing rainforest hike in a spectacular natural setting. Relax on a secluded pristine beach where you can swim in the turquoise blue waters or take a leisurely walk while admiring the gorgeous setting. Stroll the cobblestone streets of Colombia’s oldest city, Santa Marta, while learning about the Tayrona Culture and visiting the second oldest Cathedral in the Americas before concluding your trip of a lifetime with last minute shopping in Cartagena.
Day 1: Welcome to Cartagena, Colombia!
Colombia’s most popular destination was founded in 1533 by Spanish Conquistador Don Pedro de Heredia as “Cartagena de Indias”. This beautiful colonial city rapidly became the gem of the Spanish Crowns’ territories. To protect it from continuous attacks by pirates, the largest wall fortress in America was built around it.
Night in Cartagena at the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena
Day 2: Private Half Day Guided Walking Tour of Colonial Cartagena
Today’s walking tour beings at Bolivar Park which is shaded by large trees and has four fountains with a statue of the great Liberator in the middle. Surrounding the square is the Gold Museum, which exhibits its fine collection of archeological objects dating back to the pre-Hispanic period; and the Inquisition Palace, easily recognized by its large baroque door.
Overnight in Tayrona National Park.
Day 3: Full Day Trekking Tour of Tayrona National Park and Pueblito
This morning after breakfast you will venture out along the Caribbean coast to Tayrona National Park where you will hike to a little town called ‘Calabazo’. You will begin the hike along a pathway that leads to “Pueblito” through foothills offering spectacular views with immense rocks and exuberant vegetation. Upon arrival to Pueblito there’s the feeling of being at the heart of Tayrona’s civilization. The tropical flora and eerie silence seem appropriate here amongst ruins of terraces, homes, bridges, and stairways that lead to the beach.
Overnight in Tayrona National Park.
Day 4: Full Day Guided Tour of Taironaka
Taironaka is an ecological and archeological reserve within Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta which was inaugurated on June 15 2008. There you will find the remains of a Tayrona settlement. You will leave early in the morning for your 1.5 hrs. drive along the highway to Guajira. Along the way you will cross several rivers until arriving at Taironaka.
Overnight in Tayrona National Park.
Day 5: Leisure and Beach Day at the Tamaca Beach Resort
Located in front of El Rodadero bay with direct beach access, the Tamacá Beach Resort offers a tropical environment which is perfect for relaxing and enjoying a great tropical beach. The privileged location of the hotel was the ancestral place of worship for the Gaira indians. To celebrate very special occasions, they went to this site on pilgrimage from the Gaira small village to the beach, taking the royal path parallel to Tamacá stream.
Overnight at Tamaca Beach Resort.
Day 6: Half Day Guided Santa Marta City Tour
Today you will have the opportunity to visit the colonial district of Colombia’s oldest city, Santa Marta. Beginning at Santa Marta Bay is the monument to the Tayrona Gods. The Tayrona culture inhabited this region long-before the Spanish Conquistadores arrived. Admire the ‘Casa de la Aduana’ Museum, which makes part of the Anthropological and Ethnographic Museum where there’s a fine collection of Tayrona handcrafts and artifacts. The Cathedral is the second oldest in the Americas.
Overnight at Tamaca Beach Resort.
Day 7: Return Transfer to Cartagena and Remainder of Day at Leisure
Today you will return to Cartagena where you will have the remainder of the day at leisure. You might want to stroll the colonial city on your own or do some last minute shopping for gold or handicrafts before your flight home tomorrow.
Overnight in Cartagena.
Day 10: Private Transfer to Cartagena International Airport for Flight Home
All great things must come to an end but you will leave Colombia with many incredible memories of the spectacular landscapes, genuinely kind and friendly people, and your experiences discovering some of the most fascinating architectural and cultural sites in all of South America!
