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SHORTLIST

Coastal Colombia

Looking for a well-rounded introduction to Colombia? This eight-day adventure delivers it all. Be captivated by Cartagena’s Old Town, laze on palm-fringed Caribbean beaches and meet the locals who make Colombia one of the world's friendliest countries. Hike jungle trails in Tayrona National Park, learn about Indigenous reforestation initiatives and dive into the bold flavours of Afro-Colombian cuisine on a tasting tour in Cartagena. If you’re looking for an offbeat experience full of nature, authentic food and local connection, Explore Colombia is right up there with the best of them.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 4 (Guesthouse) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) in order to purchase Entrance tickets to certain sites. Additionally on certain trips it's needed to book bus, train or flight tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets. Delays to provide this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.

3. This trip starts with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1 in Cartagena. If you are unable to find a suitable flight it is possible to book additional nights at the joining accommodation.

4. In order to comply with tourist regulations set by the Colombian government, a copy of your passport will be required. This will be emailed to our local office in Colombia, your tour leader will assist you with this on day 1.

Tour details
Tour Provider Intrepid Travel
Price From
$2,770
Number of Days
8
Start Location
Cartagena, Colombia
End Location
Cartagena, Colombia
Age Range
Avg. 30+
Group Size
1 to 12
Tour Style
Standard
Tour Themes
Adventure
Physical Rating
Moderate
Itinerary Open all
Day 1: Cartagena
Bienvenidos a Colombia! Welcome to Colombia. With UNESCO World Heritage status, Cartagena is one of South America's most historic cities. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your hotel in the vibrant Getsemani neighbourhood. After, join your local leader and group for an orientation walk to get a feel for the Old Town. Surrounded by thick walls built by the Spanish in the 16th century to protect the city from pirate raids, it houses well-preserved architecture, street art, monasteries, plazas and mansions. For dinner tonight, maybe get to know each other over ceviche, arepas or coconut rice.
Day 2: Cartagena
This morning, set off on a daytrip to La Boquilla – a small fishing village on the outskirts of Cartagena – to explore the mangroves that are part of the Ciénaga de la Virgen coastal lagoon system. On arrival, you'll see the contrast between two sides of Cartagena: one of its most underprivileged areas alongside rising five-star hotels and luxury apartments. Hop in a can with a local boatman to explore the mangroves and the Juan Polo swamp, gliding through tree tunnels and past fishermen at work. The biodiversity here is rich, with a good chance of spotting various birds, crabs, and – with a bit of luck – a raccoon or green parrot along the riverbanks. Finish the tour with a fresh coconut, then return to Cartagena for some free time to relax.
Day 3: Cartagena
Today is a free day to explore at your own pace. You could join a half-day tour of the Old Town to explore highlights like La Popa Monastery, San Felipe Castle (the largest of the city's fortresses) and Las Bovedas – a former military fortification and network of dungeons that has been turned into a craft market. Or how about an island-hopping adventure around Islas del Rosario? This archipelago is surrounded by mangroves and coral reefs and is a great spot for snorkelling! Make sure to check in with your leader for recommendations to try some local food.
Day 4: Guachaca
Take a private transfer this morning to Taironaka – an ancient Tayrona archaeological and ecotourism reserve on the banks of the Don Diego River. This afternoon, you’ll meet a member of the Kogui community – one of the four Indigenous groups living in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta – and learn about their beliefs, ancient wisdom and deep connection to the land. The community also leads reforestation and regeneration projects, and you’ll have the chance to muck in and plant some trees yourself. This evening, maybe enjoy a cocktail or two with your fellow travellers.
Day 5: Tayrona National Park / Guachaca Region
Get your walking shs and bug spray ready – today’s all about exploring the jungle trails in Tayrona National Park! Stretching along a lush section of the Caribbean coast, Tayrona is home to some of the country's prettiest beaches, coral reefs and abundant wildlife – with over 100 species of mammals and more than 300 types of birds. You’ll hike to Cabo San Juan – a gorgeous beach only accessible by boat or on foot. Along the way, weave through rainforest, catch glimpses of the turquoise water and maybe spot a sloth or howler monkey overhead. Once you reach Cabo San Juan, cool off with a well-deserved swim or sip a fresh coconut under the palms. You’ll then head back to Taironaka for a free evening – how about treating yourself to a relaxing massage after today’s adventures?
Day 6: Santa Marta
Today you’ll take a private transfer to Santa Marta at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This coastal city is South America's oldest European-founded town. Once you arrive, join your leader for an orientation walk through the historic centre to find your bearings. Stroll past Santa Marta Cathedral, Parque de los Novios and Plaza de Bolivar, and hear stories about the city’s layered past. As the sun sets, you'll have free time to unwind or explore further. When hunger hits, ask your leader for some local dinner recommendations.
Day 7: Cartagena
Travel like a local this morning on a public bus back to Cartagena. One of the best ways to gain an insight into the culture is through food, so this afternoon you’ll hit the streets on a tasting tour with a local guide. Wander market stalls, meet lively Cartageneros vendors and try a range of local snacks – think: carimañolas (torpedo-shaped meat pies), chorizo sausage, corn on the cob buns and enyucado (cassava cheesecake). As this is your final night as a group, you might like to go for one last dinner together and raise a toast to an unforgettable week in Colombia. Salud!
Day 8: Cartagena
With no activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you'd like to spend more time in Colombia, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability) – just let us know when booking.
Inclusions
  • Meals: 7 breakfasts, 2 dinners.
  • Transport: Private Bus, Public bus.
  • Accommodation: Hotel (6 nights) Guesthouse (1 night).
  • Cartagena - Orientation walk.
  • Cartagena -La Boquilla Mangrove Tour.
  • Santa Marta - Kogui Indigenous community & reforestation project visit.
  • Tayrona National Park hike.
  • Tayrona National Park - Entrance fee.
  • Santa Marta - Orientation walk.
  • Cartagena - Street Food Tour.
Departure dates
All pp pricing is based on twin share occupancy. Single supplements will apply
Start End Availability Price NZD
20 Dec 2025 29 Dec 2025 6 $4,014
27 Dec 2025 05 Jan 2026 6 $3,791
30 Dec 2025 08 Jan 2026 9 $2,891
10 Jan 2026 19 Jan 2026 6 $4,554
17 Jan 2026 26 Jan 2026 4 $4,464
24 Jan 2026 02 Feb 2026 5 $4,374
07 Feb 2026 16 Feb 2026 6 $4,760
14 Feb 2026 23 Feb 2026 7 $4,660
21 Feb 2026 02 Mar 2026 7 $4,660
07 Mar 2026 16 Mar 2026 5 $4,895
28 Mar 2026 06 Apr 2026 8 $4,860
04 Apr 2026 13 Apr 2026 4 $4,695
25 Apr 2026 02 May 2026 9 $2,850
16 May 2026 23 May 2026 8 $2,770
13 Jun 2026 20 Jun 2026 12 $2,790
11 Jul 2026 18 Jul 2026 11 $2,850
25 Jul 2026 01 Aug 2026 9 $2,850
29 Aug 2026 05 Sep 2026 5 $2,770
12 Sep 2026 19 Sep 2026 10 $2,770
26 Sep 2026 03 Oct 2026 12 $2,770
10 Oct 2026 17 Oct 2026 12 $2,770
31 Oct 2026 07 Nov 2026 12 $2,770
07 Nov 2026 14 Nov 2026 9 $2,850
14 Nov 2026 21 Nov 2026 12 $2,850
21 Nov 2026 28 Nov 2026 12 $2,930
28 Nov 2026 05 Dec 2026 9 $2,930
05 Dec 2026 12 Dec 2026 9 $2,930
19 Dec 2026 26 Dec 2026 11 $2,980
26 Dec 2026 02 Jan 2027 10 $2,980
29 Dec 2026 05 Jan 2027 12 $2,980
09 Jan 2027 16 Jan 2027 12 $3,095
16 Jan 2027 23 Jan 2027 12 $3,095
23 Jan 2027 30 Jan 2027 10 $3,095
06 Feb 2027 13 Feb 2027 12 $3,040
13 Feb 2027 20 Feb 2027 12 $3,040
20 Feb 2027 27 Feb 2027 12 $3,040
06 Mar 2027 13 Mar 2027 12 $2,960
13 Mar 2027 20 Mar 2027 12 $2,960
27 Mar 2027 03 Apr 2027 12 $2,960
03 Apr 2027 10 Apr 2027 12 $2,870
24 Apr 2027 01 May 2027 12 $2,870
15 May 2027 22 May 2027 12 $2,870
12 Jun 2027 19 Jun 2027 12 $2,870
10 Jul 2027 17 Jul 2027 12 $2,960
24 Jul 2027 31 Jul 2027 12 $2,960
28 Aug 2027 04 Sep 2027 12 $2,870
11 Sep 2027 18 Sep 2027 12 $2,870
25 Sep 2027 02 Oct 2027 12 $2,870
09 Oct 2027 16 Oct 2027 12 $2,870
30 Oct 2027 06 Nov 2027 12 $2,870
06 Nov 2027 13 Nov 2027 12 $2,960
13 Nov 2027 20 Nov 2027 12 $3,040
20 Nov 2027 27 Nov 2027 12 $3,040
27 Nov 2027 04 Dec 2027 12 $3,040
04 Dec 2027 11 Dec 2027 12 $3,040
18 Dec 2027 25 Dec 2027 12 $3,095
25 Dec 2027 01 Jan 2028 12 $3,095
28 Dec 2027 04 Jan 2028 12 $3,095