Cartagena and Santa Marta Package Overview

Get ready to experience the ultimate Caribbean Escape with this Cartagena Vacation Package and Santa Marta Tour. This package not only includes visits to stunning beaches but also offers history, culture, and nature. Visit one of the most beautiful national parks in the WorldTayrona National Natural Park. On your visit to Cartagena, Colombia, you’ll enjoy extraordinary biodiversity as you walk through its trails. You will also have the opportunity to visit Cartagena’s emblematic Historical 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 histórico 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 Santa Marta and Cartagena Vacations

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
  • Service provided by our destination experts before, during, and after your trip
  • 24/7 assistance in case of emergency during your stay on your Cartagena vacations and Santa Marta tour.

Day by Day Cartagena Vacations and Santa Marta Tour

Day 1: Arrive in Santa Marta / Transfer to Hotel

Santa Marta City in Colombia

Welcome to Santa Marta, Colombia

Upon your arrival at Simon Bolivar International Airport, a member of our team will greet you, assist with your luggage, and facilitate your transfer to the Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida. Once you reach the hotel, our team member will guide you through the check-in process and provide you with a detailed itinerary outlining all the services included over the upcoming days.

Day 2: Los Arrecifes Beach / Tayrona National Natural Park

Tayrona National Natural Park

Our guide will meet you in the lobby to escort you to an intriguing location known as Arrecifes, located within Tayrona National Park. After a 90-minute drive in a private vehicle, you’ll arrive at Cañaveral’s reception area, the starting point of our trek.

As we traverse through the rainforest, you can observe various species, such as birds, monkeys, squirrels, and peccaries, in their natural habitat. An hour-long walk will bring us to the breathtaking Arrecifes Beach, where you can rest and soak in the view. Swimming is prohibited at this beach due to the strong waves and currents.

Our hike then resumes for another 20 minutes until we reach La Piscina, a beach where you can cool off with a refreshing dip in the water. Following this, we’ll embark on a 25-minute walk to Cabo San Juan de Guia, where you’ll be served a delicious lunch.

Afterward, we’ll transport you back to your hotel so you can spend your time at leisure.

Please note: We recommend packing a small backpack with essentials such as a pair of slippers, a bathing suit, insect repellent, sunscreen, and anything else you might require. For your comfort, wear comfortable clothing and walking boots or sneakers for the trek.

Day 3: Tayronaka

don diego river tayronaka colombia santa marta caribbean

Taironaka is a natural and archaeological reserve established on the site of the former Tayrona City. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to walk through the reserve, exploring the terraces, stairs, and houses, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the people who inhabited this territory for over 1,000 years.

After savoring a fantastic lunch, you’ll briefly walk to the Don Diego River for an enjoyable boat ride. For those seeking a bit more adventure, there’s an optional tubing activity available.

Please note: We recommend packing a small backpack with essentials such as a pair of slippers, a bathing suit, insect repellent, sunscreen, and any other items you might require. We also suggest wearing comfortable clothing and walking boots or sneakers for convenience.

Day 4: Cartagena Vacation

cartagena colombia caribbean city

On this day, our guide will meet you at the hotel’s lobby to take you to the 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: Rosario Islands

rosario islands cartagena colombia national park

Venture beyond the walls of Cartagena to explore the charm of Isla Grande, one of the many islands nestled within the Rosario Islands.

Situated approximately 30 miles from the city, the Rosario Islands are an archipelago composed of coral reefs boasting petite white sandy beaches and crystal-clear Caribbean waters. These waters beckon you to marvel at the abundant marine life. The islands have been a protected area since 1977, when they were designated as a National Park.

Take time to unwind on the quaint beach, embark on a leisurely island stroll, enroll in a diving course to explore the coral reefs, swim, or indulge in a relaxing massage session. 

The hotel features a beachfront bar, and snacks are available throughout the day.

The day-use fee at Isla del Encanto covers a shared motorboat transfer, towel service (one per person), and a traditional lunch with a set menu.

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.

We hope you’ve thoroughly enjoyed all the wonders that our Cartagena vacation packages have to offer!

Terms and Conditions

PRICES All prices are in US Dollars and are subject to change without previous notice. Prices are per person based on two people in a double occupancy room unless otherwise specified.  

ITINERARY The itineraries are planned with great care. However, for operational reasons, it may be necessary to change the sequence of activities in the itinerary or the specified route, and though such cases are exceptional, in general, the itinerary should be treated only as a basic guideline.  

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED  

The passenger is responsible for obtaining passports, visas, travel insurance, payment of excess baggage, personal requests such as extra drinks, laundry service, communication (calls, faxes, emails, etc.), national and international airport departure taxes, gratuities, or other services and fees not specified in the itinerary.  

UNUSED SERVICES  

Some services may be interrupted or canceled due to climate conditions, force majeure reasons, acts of nature, strikes, etc., or others beyond the control of the hotels, airlines, other suppliers, or Metropolitan Touring or its associates. No reimbursements will be made as a result of such interruptions or cancellations that escape our control.  

INSURANCE  

We highly recommend that passengers get trip cancellation, travel repatriation, and international medical insurance to cover any inconveniences that may arise during the trip. We also urge them to check with their doctor to update vaccines and review medical concerns regarding international travel.  

AIR TICKETS  

Prices of air tickets are subject to change without previous notice until their final issuance. Flight schedules are subject to change by the airline companies up until the day of the flight. Additional restrictions, limitations, penalties, and/or specific conditions may be placed by the airlines.  

BOOKING CONDITIONS  

Any reservation must include at least the following information about the passenger(s) or group:  

a. Complete names and surnames  

b. Nationalities  

c. Passport numbers  

d. Dates of Birth  

e. Gender  

f. Dietary restrictions, if any  

FIT/GROUP SIZE DEFINITION  

FIT’s conditions apply to a set of nine or fewer travelers.  

GROUP conditions apply to a set of ten or more travelers.   

PAYMENT CONDITIONS  

Full payment is required on behalf of Metropolitan Touring Colombia:  

– 45 days before the date of arrival for FITs.  

– 60 days before the date of arrival for Groups.  

Notes: Airfares always require Payment in Advance. 

Please note that depending on the service date, some hotels and suppliers may request an advance payment to guarantee the reservation. Once we have the formal confirmation from the selected suppliers and hotels, we will proceed to inform you if we must receive any deposit in advance. 

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.