THE CARIBBEAN COAST

Top 5 cities on Colombia’s Caribbean coast: between History, Beaches and Adventures

What to do, where to go, what to see on the Caribbean coast: 5 must-see spots to discover

Like the rest of the Pacific Rim, the Caribbean coast is the most sought-after destination for travelers in search of paradisiacal beaches, historic cities and unforgettable adventures. From Santa Marta to Cartagena, via the Tayrona National Park, the La Guajira peninsula and the Barranquilla carnival, each stage of your trip will immerse you in the diversity and richness of this Caribbean region, and who better to guide and inform you than our local guides.

Santa Marta: Gateway to the Sierra NevadaSanta Marta: Gateway to the Sierra Nevada

Santa Marta, South America’s oldest colonial city, is much more than just a gateway to the Sierra Nevada. It is the starting point for exploring exceptional natural sites such as the Tayrona National Park and the Ciudad Perdida (Lost City), which is even older than Machu Picchu. The city itself offers a relaxed atmosphere, with beaches along the Caribbean coast, a colorful historic center and lively markets where you can sample the local cuisine.

Cartagena de Indias: A Jewel of Colonial Architecture

Cartagena de Indias is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic cities on the Colombian coast. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this fortified city transports you to another time, with its cobbled streets, colorful houses and imposing ramparts. Stroll through the Getsemaní district, visit the San Felipe de Barajas castle, and enjoy the sunset from the Café del Mar.

Tayrona National Park: An Ecological Wonderland

Tayrona National Park is a treasure trove of biodiversity. Situated between the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Caribbean Sea, the park offers breathtaking scenery, with white sand beaches, lush rainforests and hiking trails that lead to ancient archaeological sites. It’s the perfect place for nature lovers and for encounters with local indigenous communities.

La Guajira: At the Edge of the World

The La Guajira peninsula is a wild, desert region where the Wayùu culture reigns supreme. Here, desert meets sea in a unique landscape of dunes, cliffs and isolated beaches. You’ll see pink flamingos and pelicans on the hunt.

The beaches offer a wide range of sporting activities, including kite surfing schools for thrill-seekers. Visit Cabo de la Vela for a breathtaking natural spectacle, explore the Manaure salt flats, and discover the ancestral traditions of the indigenous peoples of this coastal region of the Caribbean, still little known to tourists.

Barranquilla and its carnival

The frenetic city of Barranquilla with its carnival, the biggest in Colombia and the third biggest in the world. It begins on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday and ends on Mardi Gras. The country’s fourth-largest city is a major tourist destination, both nationally and internationally. Its geographical location makes it one of the country’s largest ports. The city offers a wide range of cultural activities. Visit the historic center or the Museum of Modern Art.

Colombia’s Caribbean coastline, including Santa Marta, Cartagena de Indias with its cobbled streets and ramparts, a jewel of colonial architecture, Tayrona National Park, and the La Guajira peninsula, is a destination of choice for travellers seeking paradisiacal beaches, cultural riches and adventure. Santa Marta is the starting point for exploring the Sierra Nevada and Tayrona Park, a jewel of biodiversity. Guajira, with its desert landscapes and Wayùu culture, offers a unique experience and immersion. This region offers everything a tourist could wish for: adventure, culture, relaxation on heavenly beaches, history, nature and a change of scenery. Many tourists like to start by visiting the capital Bogotá and end up in the Caribbean.

Don’t miss your chance to discover Colombia’s Caribbean coast, and make wonderful memories with Colombia Tour Adventure, your tourism partner. You also have the option of including this northern region of Colombia in our coffee plantation tour or in our private a la carte tour.

11 days / 9 nights

Day 1: Bogotá

• Arrival in Bogotá, Colombia.
• Private transfer from the airport to your hotel in “La Candelaria”, the city’s historic center.

Day 2: Bogotá

• Visit to the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum, Bogotá’s two most famous museums.
• Visit La Candelaria: explore the historic district with its colorful streets, museums (such as the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum), and ancient churches.
• Climb Montserrate: Take the funicular or cable car to admire a panoramic view of the city from this highest point.

Day 3: Bogotá

• Visit La Candelaria: Explore the historic district with its colorful streets and museums (morning).
• Plaza de Bolívar: Discover the central square surrounded by historic buildings such as the Primada Cathedral and the Palace of Justice (morning).
• Gastronomic tour: discover all the country’s specialties with our gastronomic guide (afternoon).

Day 4: Bogotá to Cartagena.

• After a typical breakfast in the capital, off to the airport.
• Transfer to the Pearl of the Caribbean: Cartagena de Indias. Check-in at your hotel, a magnificent colonial house in the walled city.

Day 5: Cartagena de Indias.

• Discover the historic center: Explore the walled city, its history with pirates, its anecdotes….and its main points of interest.

Day 6: Cartagena de Indias.

• CHEVICHÉ WORKSHOP and PASSION FRUIT LEMONADE: Cartagena is also a place where the magic of the Caribbean is experienced on a plate of food. You’ll learn step-by-step how to prepare a delicious local specialty, as well as how to make a passion fruit lemonade to surprise your guests.

Day 7: Cartagena to Santa Marta

• Morning drive to Santa Marta: South America’s oldest colonial city, surrounded by mountains and beaches.
• Afternoon city tour and Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino: Discover Simón Bolívar’s final resting place.

Day 8: Santa Marta

• Excursion to Tayrona National Park: Spend a day in this natural park, where the jungle meets the sea. Hike to the beaches of Cabo San Juan, swim and explore the region’s unique biodiversity.

Day 9: Santa Marta to San Andres

• In the morning, after a hearty breakfast, we head for the island of San Andres, with its sandy beaches and clear blue waters.
• The afternoon is free to discover the island and its inhabitants.

Day 10: San Andres

• In the morning, enjoy a swim in the sea or go shopping – the island is tax-free.
• In the afternoon, you can snorkel and discover San Andres’ rich underwater of San Andres by taking a boat trip to a lagoon.

Day 11: San Andres to Bogotá

After a final breakfast on the beach, return to the capital Bogotá, where you’ll catch your connecting flight to Paris.

Additional options :

Excursion to Ciudad Perdida: If you have more time and enjoy hiking, set off on a multi-day trek to Ciudad Perdida (the Lost City), an ancient pre-Columbian archaeological site nestled in the Sierra Nevada even older than Machu Picchu.

Exploration of the island of Providencia: a paradise island and another jewel of the Colombian Caribbean coast, accessible by short flight or boat.

This tour allows you to discover not only the vibrant Andean capital, but also the diverse landscapes and culture of Colombia’s Caribbean coast, combining history, nature and idyllic beaches.

FROM €2,290 INCL. TAX PER PERSON*

What’s included :

• Private transport to visits, hotels and airports.
• Domestic flights – English-speaking guides
• Hotel accommodation (with breakfast) in medium category (3*)
• Activities and entrance fees to sites on the program
• 24-hour assistance

Not included :

• International flights
• Transportation not included in the program
• Guides during your free days
• All meals to leave the choice of restaurants up to you
• Souvenirs, tips
• Cancellation/repatriation insurance

*Average price based on a group of 4 people. These prices are indicative only and may vary according to season and demand. Lunches and dinners can be included on request. The exact price of our tours is shown on our quotations. Itineraries and activities are completely modifiable according to your criteria and wishes.