Colombian Culture, Caribbean & Lost City

Embracing nature in Colombia and the Caribbean is like nowhere else on Earth. 

Imagine picturesque beaches, busy cities, and the freshest coffee you’ve ever had. And you’re only scratching the surface of what’s in store for you on this 22-day trip.

Check out the resurgence of culture, art, and food in Bogotá and Medellin, dive deep into the Caribbean vibe of Cartagena, explore Tayrona National Park, get back to nature in Taganga, and trek to ancient Ciudad Perdida (a lost city known to the locals as “Teyuna”).

Colombia will change you. All you have to do is let it.

 

Itinerary

Day 1 - Bogotá
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 - Bogotá/Villa de Leyva
Visit Paloquemao market before driving to Villa de Leyva for an overnight. Stop en route to visit the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral.

Day 3 - Villa de Leyva/Armenia
Enjoy a morning in Villa de Leyva before an afternoon flight to Armenia, in Colombia's coffee region. Spend two nights outside Armenia in a traditional hacienda.

Day 4 - Armenia
Enjoy a tour of a coffee farm in the Calarcá area to learn more about the coffee culture here.

Day 5 - Armenia/Salento
Stretch your legs with a morning hike through the Cocora Valley before an afternoon arrival to Salento town. Continue the full coffee experience in the region of Quindío.

Day 6 - Salento/Medellín
Drive through beautiful landscapes to Medellín. Opt to explore the city in the evening.

Day 7 - Medellín
Enjoy a neighbourhood tour of the city and learn the fascinating recent history of the city's ongoing transformation. Spend the rest of the day with free time to explore this vibrant city.

Day 8 - Medellín/Cartagena
Hop on a morning flight to Cartagena and arrive in time to spend the afternoon exploring the old walled city. Opt for dinner and a night out in this lively town.

Day 9 - Cartagena
Enjoy a free day exploring all Cartagena has to offer. Opt to enjoy the beautiful coast or explore the charming colonial city.

Day 10 - Cartagena
Enjoy a city tour, visiting the colonial walled city and fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy free time to take in the Caribbean vibe of the city and beach.

Day 11 - Cartagena/Santa Marta
Travel by bus to Santa Marta with free time to explore this beautiful coastal city.

Day 12 - Santa Marta/Taganga
Journey into the hills around Minca and hike to a beautiful waterfall. Take a tour of a coffee farm, learn about chocolate preparation and indulge in a local lunch. Continue to Taganga, a perfect base for exploring nearby Tayrona National Park.

Day 13 - Taganga
Spend the day exploring Taganga. Opt for more active options like snorkelling or hiking or hit one of the beaches and relax in a hammock.

Day 14 - Taganga/Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
Head into Tayrona National Park for a moderate hike with a local guide. This is a perfect opportunity to experience nature and learn a little more about the rich, natural diversity of northern Colombia. Stay in a lodge close to the park.

Day 15 - Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona/Santa Marta
Hike out of the park and return to Santa Marta for an optional evening out on the town.

Day 16 - Santa Marta
Relax on the beautiful Caribbean coast in Santa Marta or go further afield to explore.

Day 17 - Santa Marta/Ciudad Perdida Trek Campsite 1
Transfer to Machete Pelao, where the trek to the Lost City of Teyuna begins. Trek for between 4-5 hrs each day through farmland, steamy jungle, and rural communities, and get a glimpse of local families going about their daily lives. The route runs along the Buritaca River, and there are natural swimming pools at the campsites to enjoy a refreshing dip before relaxing in a hammock.

Day 18 - Ciudad Perdida Trek Campsite 1/Ciudad Perdida Trek Campsite 2
Continue trekking along the route to Ciudad Perdida.

Day 19 - Ciudad Perdida Trek Campsite 2/Ciudad Perdida Trek Campsite Teyuna Paraiso
Continue trekking along the route to Ciudad Perdida.

Day 20 - Ciudad Perdida Trek Campsite Teyuna Paraiso/Ciudad Perdida
Early start to climb the 1,200 steps to get to the Lost City, but the view across the surrounding mountains is more than worth the hike.

Day 21 - Ciudad Perdida/Santa Marta
In the morning, trek the last leg of the hike back to Machete Pelao, and transfer back to Santa Marta and relax for the rest of the day.

Day 22 - Santa Marta
Depart at any time.