Classic Colombia – 10 Days

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 – Arrival in Bogotá | Airport Pick-Up

After arriving in Bogotá in the afternoon or evening, you will be transferred to the historic district of La Candelaria, where you will stay for the next two nights. The rest of the day is reserved for rest and acclimatization after your international flight. Bogotá is located at 2,600 meters above sea level, so we take the first evening at a relaxed pace to adjust to the altitude.

DAY 2 – Bogotá

Today we will explore Bogotá, visiting its historic districts and main landmarks. We will begin with a cable car ride to Cerro de Monserrate, offering panoramic views of the capital, before continuing on foot through the historic city center.

In the morning, after breakfast, we will head directly to Cerro de Monserrate, taking advantage of the best weather and visibility. From the summit at 3,210 meters above sea level, we will enjoy sweeping views over Bogotá. At the top, we will find a Catholic basilica dating from 1925, along with souvenir stalls, local handicrafts, refreshments, and restaurants serving traditional Colombian cuisine.

After descending, we will continue to the historic district of La Candelaria, known for its narrow streets and colorful colonial houses dating back to the Spanish era. In the heart of La Candelaria lies Plaza Bolívar, named in honor of Simón Bolívar, leader of South America’s independence. Here we will see the Capilla del Sagrario Cathedral, an architectural gem, as well as the Parliament building, the Palace of Justice, and City Hall.

We will also visit the renowned Museo del Oro (Gold Museum), home to approximately 15,000 pre-Columbian artifacts, most of them crafted in gold, making it one of the most important museums of its kind in the world.

Return to the hotel in the evening (together or individually).

DAY 3 – Flight to Santa Marta & Afternoon City Tour

Depending on the flight schedule, we enjoy free time or visit the famous Paloquemao fruit market before continuing to the Caribbean coast and flying to Santa Marta.

Depending on the timing of our flight, we will either have free time or visit the lively Paloquemao market, one of Bogotá’s most famous traditional markets. Here, we will discover and taste a wide variety of exotic tropical fruits and experience local daily life. We will then transfer to the airport and fly to Santa Marta. Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel and enjoy a relaxed afternoon city tour to get acquainted with Colombia’s oldest colonial city and its Caribbean atmosphere.

DAY 4 – Tayrona National Park & Cabo San Juan

We visit Tayrona National Park, where Caribbean beaches meet lush jungle and the Sierra Nevada mountains, ending the day with relaxation at Cabo San Juan beach.

After breakfast, we head to Tayrona National Park, which covers an area of 225 km² along Colombia’s northern Caribbean coast. We enjoy an approximately two-hour walk to the stunning Caribbean shoreline; for those interested, part of the return journey can be done on horseback. The park is framed by tropical rainforest and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the highest coastal mountain range in the world, with peaks reaching 5,775 meters. We visit the beautiful beaches of Arrecife, Arenilla, and La Piscina, surrounded by rainforest, giant boulders, and turquoise waters. Walking along jungle trails, we reach the park’s most famous beach, Cabo San Juan, where we spend the rest of the afternoon. In the early evening, we return to our hotel in Santa Marta.

DAY 5 – Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta & Waterfalls

Prepare for a journey through pristine jungle landscapes, waterfalls, and breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains reaching all the way to the Caribbean coast.

After breakfast, we travel by 4×4 vehicles into the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Along the way, we admire untouched nature, waterfalls, coffee farms, and spectacular viewpoints in a pleasant mountain climate. We begin the day with a refreshing swim at Pozo Azul waterfall, fed by crystal-clear mountain springs. We then continue to the Los Pinos viewpoint, offering panoramic views over the Santa Marta coastline. Later, we visit Sierra Minca, an ideal place to relax and enjoy lunch while taking in stunning views, with the option to use a heated swimming pool. The day concludes with a visit to the two-tiered Cascada Marinka waterfall.

DAY 6 – Leisure Day with Optional Experiences

A full day at leisure to enjoy Colombia at your own pace—your farewell day, tailored to your preferences.

Guests may choose to relax on the beach, explore the city independently, swim in the sea, or enjoy last-minute shopping and dining. For those wishing to make the most of the day, optional experiences can be arranged in advance or on site, such as a visit to a secluded beach within Tayrona National Park, a private sailing experience for the entire group or selected participants, or individual excursions for couples or solo travelers, depending on interests and availability. This flexible day allows each traveler to end the journey in the way that suits them best, while logistics and organization remain fully supported.

DAY 7 – Transfer to Cartagena de Indias

We travel along the Caribbean coast to the colonial city of Cartagena de Indias.

After breakfast, we depart Santa Marta and travel by road toward Cartagena. Along the way, we make a short stop at the Malecón in Barranquilla to stretch, enjoy the riverfront views, and take a short break before continuing our journey. Upon arrival in Cartagena, we transfer to the hotel and enjoy free time to relax.

DAY 8 – Cartagena City Tour & Fortresses

We discover one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the Caribbean, exploring its historic fortresses, colorful neighborhoods, and elegant colonial center, with the option to enjoy a memorable sunset from the city walls.

After breakfast, we head out early to visit the impressive San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, avoiding the higher temperatures later in the day. Named after King Philip IV of Spain, this is the largest and strongest fortress ever built by the Spanish in their colonies. Original cannons, prison areas, and underground tunnels highlight the strategic importance and authenticity of this site.

We then continue to Cerro de la Popa, the highest point in Cartagena. At its summit, we visit the colonial church and convent of the Order of Augustinian Recollects, built between 1606 and 1611, while enjoying panoramic views over the historic center, modern districts, and the Caribbean Sea.

Afterward, we explore the vibrant neighborhood of Getsemaní, known for its colorful streets, street art, and lively local atmosphere. We then continue into the historic walled city, walking through its charming streets and plazas. We visit Plaza Bolívar and see key landmarks such as the cathedral, the Church and Monastery of San Pedro Claver, the Palace of the Inquisition, and the Church of Santo Domingo. Return to the hotel individually in the evening.

DAY 9 – Rosario Islands

We enjoy a full-day excursion to the Rosario Islands archipelago, known for its crystal-clear waters and coral reefs.

Today we spend the entire day in the Rosario Islands, located about 35 kilometers south of Cartagena and consisting of 27 islands. The archipelago is surrounded by coral reefs and boasts stunningly clear waters. The entire area is protected as a national park. We take a boat trip to one of the islands, where there will be time to relax, swim, and enjoy lunch. After soaking in the Caribbean atmosphere, we return to Cartagena in the afternoon.

DAY 10 – Departure

Departure from Cartagena to Bogotá, followed by your international flight home.

According to the flight schedule, we transfer to the airport for the flight to Bogotá, where you connect to your international flight. If your international flight departs from another city, this connection can be adjusted accordingly. In case of a later departure from Cartagena, an additional activity and airport transfer can be arranged depending on the schedule.

Optional Extension: 4-Day Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida)

🔗 https://www.iguanastours.com/tour/los-city-trek/

The Lost City, known as Ciudad Perdida, is an ancient archaeological site built in stone by the Tayrona civilization around 700 AD. Hidden deep within the lush jungle of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, this remarkable site predates Machu Picchu by more than 600 years and remains one of Colombia’s greatest archaeological treasures. Surrounded by dense rainforest, rivers, and mountains, the Lost City preserves the mysteries, traditions, and legends of the indigenous cultures that once inhabited this sacred land.

This multi-day trek is considered one of the most rewarding and challenging hikes in South America. The journey takes you through breathtaking natural landscapes, river crossings, tropical forests, and remote indigenous villages, offering meaningful cultural encounters with local communities along the way. The Lost City trek is ideal for travelers seeking adventure, authenticity, and a true disconnect from everyday life—trading modern comforts for unforgettable experiences, physical challenge, and a deep connection with nature and history.

What is included

• All domestic flights
• Cabin and checked luggage according to airline baggage rules
• All entrance fees (except optional on-site activities)
• All transportation during the tour (except during free time)
• 9 nights in carefully selected 3* and 4* hotels
• 9 breakfasts
• 2 lunches (Rosario Islands and Sierra Nevada excursion)
• English-speaking guide throughout the tour (except during free time)