Overview

Get ready to experience the ultimate Colombian Caribbean Escape with this Santa Marta and Cartagena Tour Package. This tour package not only includes visits to divine beaches but also incorporates history, culture, and nature. Visit one of the most beautiful national parks in the World: Tayrona National Natural Park. Here, you’ll get to enjoy extraordinary biodiversity as you walk through its trails. You will also have the opportunity to visit Cartagena’s emblematic Historic Center and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Rosario Islands. 

What you get

  • • 3 nights at a Premium Hotel in Santa Marta
  • • Private excursion to Arrecifes beach at Tayrona National Park
  • • Private tour of the Taironaka Natural and Archeological Reserve
  • • 3 nights at a Premium Hotel in Cartagena
  • • Cartagena's Historic Center and Monuments Private Tour
  • • Day tour to Isla del Encanto at Rosario Islands

A Sneak Peek

Santa Marta City, Colombia
Tayrona National Natural Park
De la Popa Convent in Cartagena, Colombia
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas en Cartagena, Colombia
Centro histĂ³rico de Cartagena, Colombia
Santa Marta City, Colombia
Santa Marta, Colombia
Tayrona National Natural Park
Tayrona National Natural Park, Colombia
De la Popa Convent in Cartagena, Colombia
De la Popa Convent in Cartagena, Colombia
Rosario Islands in Cartagena, Colombia
Rosario Islands in Cartagena, Colombia
Historic Center of Cartagena, Colombia
Historic Center of Cartagena, Colombia
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Highlights

Professionally guided tours of:

Santa Marta:

  • Arrecifes beach at Tayrona National Natural Park
  • Cabo San Juan del Guia at Tayrona National Natural Park
  • Tayronaka Natural and Archeological Reserve
  • Don Diego River

Cartagena:

  • La Popa Convent
  • San Felipe Castle
  • Las Bovedas marketplace
  • San Pedro de Claver Church and Convent
  • Del Encanto Island

and…

The following during your journey:

  • Private meet and greet at the airport in each city
  • Private guidance and assistance in your chosen language at every city
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Assistance provided by our destination experts before, during, and after your trip
  • 24/7 assistance in case of emergency during your stay

Day by Day

Day 1: Arrive in Santa Marta / Transfer to Hotel

Santa Marta City in Colombia

Welcome to Santa Marta, Colombia! At Simon Bolivar International Airport, you will be greeted by a member of our team who will assist you with your luggage and transfer to Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida. Upon arriving at the hotel, our team member will help you with the check-in process and will present you with your detailed itinerary containing all the services that are included throughout the following days.

Day 2: Los Arrecifes Beach / Tayrona National Natural Park

Tayrona National Natural Park

Our guide will meet you at the lobby to take you to a fascinating place known as Arrecifes, at the Tayrona National Park. After a 1 ½ hour drive in a private vehicle, you will arrive at the Cañaveral’s reception area, where the trek begins. 

During this walk through the rainforest, you’ll observe different species of birds, monkeys, squirrels, peccary, and more in their natural habitat. After an hour-long walk, you’ll get to the spectacular Arrecifes (Reefs) Beach. Here you’ll get to rest and enjoy the view. People are not allowed to swim at this beach because of the strong waves and currents. 

The hike then continues for another 20 minutes until we reach La Piscina, a beach where you’ll enjoy a fresh dip in the water. Later, we’ll take a 25-minute walk to Cabo San Juan de Guia, where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch.

After this, we’ll take you back to your hotel for you to enjoy your time at leisure.

Notes: We recommend bringing a small backpack with a pair of slippers, a bathing suit, insect repellent, sunscreen, and any other thing you might need. We also recommend wearing comfortable clothes and walking boots or sneakers. 

Day 3: Tayronaka

don diego river tayronaka colombia santa marta caribbean

Taironaka is a natural and archaeological reserve that extends over what was once the ancient Tayrona city. Here, you’ll get to walk through the reserve and explore the terraces, stairs, houses and relive the daily life of the people that inhabited this territory for over 1.000 years.

After enjoying a fantastic lunch, you’ll partake in a short walk to the Don Diego river to enjoy a lovely boat ride. If you’re feeling more adventurous, an optional tubbing activity is available. 

Notes: We recommend bringing a small backpack with a pair of slippers, a bathing suit, insect repellent, sunscreen, and any other thing you might need. We also recommend wearing comfortable clothes and walking boots or sneakers. 

Day 4: Cartagena

cartagena colombia caribbean city

On this day, our guide will meet you at the hotel’s lobby to take you to Caribe Hotel in Cartagena. Upon arrival, we will assist you with all the registration procedures at the hotel.

Day 5: Cartagena City Tour

san felipe castle cartagena colombia

Today, we’ll visit La Popa Monastery, located on the highest mountain in the whole city. Once there, we’ll get to enjoy one of the best views in Cartagena before visiting the San Felipe de Barajas Castle.

This castle was regarded as one of the strongest forts ever built for a Spanish colony. Afterward, we’ll head to Las Bovedas – a former ammunition depot that now functions as a marketplace for artisanal, jewelry, and antique shops. We’ll visit the “Iglesia y Convento San Pedro de Claver” at the end of this tour. This baroque church has an imposing stone facade, fine stained-glass windows, and a high altar made of Italian marble. You will also find a beautiful cloister surrounded by trees, a museum, and the place where San Pedro Claver lived and died.

Notes: Please note that some churches, monasteries, and shrines have a dress code requiring both men and women to avoid shorts or clothes that expose most of the legs while visiting. 

Day 6: Isla del Encanto

rosario islands cartagena colombia national park

Step outside the walls of Cartagena and experience the beauty of Isla del Encanto, located at the Rosario Islands National Park.

You will be picked up from your hotel early in the morning to head down to the port. Then, you’ll enjoy a 60-minute ride in open water, where you’ll get to enjoy the beauty of the ocean. Upon arrival, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of activities offered by the hotel at extra cost or simply enjoy your day on the beach. A delicious typical lunch will be served. Our boat departs around 3:00, depending on weather and tide conditions, and you will arrive in Cartagena between 4:00 and 4:30 p.m.

Day 7: Transfer to airport / Farewell!

cartagena colombia caribbean

Our guide will meet you at the hotel’s lobby to take you to the Rafael Nuñez Airport. We will assist you at the airport during the check-in process at the airline counter to help you board your flight to your next destination.

Safe travels!

Conditions

  • Prices are listed in U.S. dollars. Published rates are valid for 2023 (excluding blackout dates). Restrictions may apply.
  • This package, its accommodation options, entrance fees, and prices are subject to availability and changes without prior notice.
  • A minimal deposit per person is required to confirm your reservation. Credit card payments are exempt from additional fees.
  • The order and timing of services may vary according to availability.
  • Terms and conditions may vary depending on the hotels included in your package. Please verify this information with your destination expert.
  • Rates are per person and based on double occupancy. Your destination expert can prepare a specific quote for the number of people in your party.
  • Transfers include the transportation of one suitcase of up to 50 lbs (23 kg) and one carry-on per person. Should you be traveling with additional luggage, please let us know in advance, so we can accommodate you with a larger vehicle if necessary. Additional costs may apply.
  • Unfortunately, the boat ride towards Isla del Encanto doesn’t allow pets or pregnant women aboard for safety reasons.

Not Included

  • International and domestic airfare.
  • Meals or any other item not described in the itinerary.
  • Additional costs resulting from early check-in or late check-out, if applicable.
  • Personal expenses, tips, or gratuities for guides and hotel staff.
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages that are not included as part of the meal.
  • Additional expenses incurred at the hotel.
  • Airport tariffs or taxes, where applicable.
  • Activities at Isla del Encanto include some optional activities that are not covered by this package. These services are provided by the hotel. If you wish to enjoy these activities (snorkeling, kayaking, diving lesson, ecological walks, bicycle rides, massages, etc.), they must be requested and paid for directly in cash on the island.