Magic of the Caribbean: Cartagena & Santa Marta

Day 1 – Arrival to Cartagena – Airport Pick Up
Upon arrival in Cartagena in the afternoon or evening, we will transfer to the historic center or the colonial district of Getsemaní, where we will stay (3 nights). After a long flight, you’ll have time to rest and acclimatize.

Welcome to Cartagena de Indias on the Caribbean coast. The city was founded in June 1533 and named after the Spanish city of Cartagena. During the Spanish colonial era, it became one of the most important ports in Spanish America. Due to its strategic location and importance, the city was frequently attacked by pirates, leading to the construction of one of the most extensive fortification systems in Latin America and the Caribbean. Since 1984, the city’s historic center and its fortifications have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. We’ll stay here for 3 nights.

Day 2 Cartagena
We will explore one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the Caribbean. We’ll visit the San Pedro district with its well-preserved buildings and the largest Spanish colonial fortress.

In the morning, after breakfast, we’ll head out to explore Cartagena’s highlights. The city’s main attraction is its fortifications, one of the most extensive in the Caribbean and Latin America, along with its colonial architecture. We’ll visit the walled city, see Plaza Bolívar, and explore the San Pedro district, once home to nobles and officials during colonial times. Notable landmarks include the Cathedral, San Pedro Claver Church and Monastery, the Palace of the Inquisition, and the Santo Domingo Church. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the impressive San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, named after King Philip IV of Spain, the most powerful and largest fortress built by the Spanish in their colonies. You’ll see original cannons, prison cells, and tunnels that add to its authenticity. We’ll also visit the monastery on Cerro de la Popa, the highest point in the city.
Return to the hotel (group or individual).

Day 3 Islas del Rosario
We will take a full-day trip to the Islas del Rosario archipelago, known for its crystal-clear waters and coral reefs. We’ll enjoy a boat ride between the islands and soak in the Caribbean atmosphere.

Today, we’ll spend the day on the Islas del Rosario archipelago, located about 35 kilometers south of Cartagena. The archipelago consists of 27 islands surrounded by coral reefs and clear turquoise waters. This area has been designated as a national park. We’ll take a boat trip to one of the islands, enjoy some relaxation time, and have lunch before returning to Cartagena in the afternoon.

Day 4 Transfer to Santa Marta
We will travel to Santa Marta, where we’ll stay, and if time allows, we’ll take a walk around the city.

In the morning, we’ll head to Santa Marta. Santa Marta is the oldest surviving city from the Spanish colonial period in the country and the second-oldest in South America. Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel for a four-night stay. Depending on the time, we may take an evening stroll around the city. Santa Marta is also the starting point for the multi-day trek to the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida), located deep in the jungle of the Sierra Nevada, and more than 600 years older than the famous Machu Picchu (for those interested, we can arrange an extension with a trek to the Lost City).

Day 5 Sierra Nevada
Prepare for a drive through the jungle, with stunning virgin nature and views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. We’ll refresh at a waterfall, and from Los Pinos, we’ll enjoy views stretching to the coast of Santa Marta.

After breakfast, we’ll embark on a 4×4 vehicle tour through the Sierra Nevada mountains, where we’ll admire pristine nature, waterfalls, coffee farms, breathtaking views, and a pleasant climate. We’ll start the day with a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Pozo Azul waterfall, which originates in the Sierra Nevada. Afterward, we’ll  go to the Coffee farm La Victoria, the oldest coffee farm in the region. From La Victoria we’ll head to the Los Pinos viewpoint, offering stunning views of the entire Santa Marta coastline. We’ll continue to Sierra Minca, an ideal spot for relaxation and lunch, where we can enjoy excellent Colombian cuisine with beautiful views and even take a dip in a heated pool. Later, we’ll visit the two-tiered Cascada Marinka waterfall.

Day 6 NP Tayrona
We will explore Tayrona National Park and walk along the stunning Caribbean coastline. We’ll also marvel at the jungle and the Sierra Nevada mountains, and we’ll end the day relaxing on the Cabo San Juan beach.

After breakfast, we’ll head to Tayrona National Park, which covers 225 km² along Colombia’s northern Caribbean coast and is one of the most beautiful areas in the country. We’ll embark on a two-hour walk to this breathtaking Caribbean coastline. For those interested, the return journey can be done on horseback. The coast is surrounded by jungle and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the world’s highest coastal mountain range, with peaks reaching 5,775 meters. The mountains in Tayrona Park rise to about 900 meters. We’ll visit beautiful white-sand beaches such as Arrecife, Arenilla, and La Piscina, which are framed by tropical rainforest, massive boulders, and crystal-clear water in shades of blue and green. Nature lovers will also enjoy the park’s wildlife, with scientists recording 108 species of mammals and 300 species of birds. We’ll hike through jungle trails to the park’s most famous beach, Cabo San Juan, where we’ll spend the rest of the afternoon.
Return to the hotel in Santa Marta in the evening.

Day 7 – Departure: Transfer back to Cartagena or to the airport in Santa Marta
Today, we’ll transfer to Cartagena for your international flight.

For those departing from a city other than Cartagena, we can arrange a transfer to the airport in Santa Marta.

Optional extension: 4-day trek to the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida)

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

The Lost City or “Ciudad Perdida” is an ancient majestic city built with stones by a civilization called “Tayrona” . This construction dates back to the 700 a.d. approximately and keeps all the mysteries, customs, and legends of these ancient and legendary people who inhabited this beautiful paradise known as the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

Is one of the most challenging and pleasant trekkings because of the natural beauties and the cultural exchange with indigenous people, a tour to all who are willing to disconnect from the routine, wear out the soles of the shoes and leave behind the comforts of daily life to get new and enriching experiences.