Colombian Explorer: Medellín Nights & Tayrona National Park

from $1,259.25 USD 10 Days Tour

Forget scrolling and start experiencing the real deal. This 11-day adventure through Colombia’s Caribbean coast is all about soaking up the sun, culture, and natural beauty of this vibrant country. Kick off in Cartagena’s charming walled city before venturing into the lush jungles of Minca and Palomino. Hike to hidden waterfalls, chill on the beaches of Santa Marta, and explore national parks packed with adventure. Wrap it all up with the electric vibes of Medellín. These spots may be all over your feed, but trust us, they’re even better in person — so what are you waiting for?

Travel Style

18-to-Thirtysomethings

Service Level

Basic

Physical Grading

3 - Average

What's Included

Your G for Good Moment: Tour Comuna 13 Guide Local, Medellín
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Your Big Night Out Moment: Santa Marta. CEO-led orientation walks in old town Cartagena, Santa Marta, and Guatapé. Walk to the Marinka Waterfalls outside of Minca. Tayrona National Park visit and moderate hike. Palomino beach bonfire. Comuna 13 visit and tour. Free time for optional activities in Cartagena, Minca, Palomino, Santa Marta, and Medellín. Internal flight. Transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

What are the main highlights of this trip?

Wander the streets of the historic walled city of Cartagena, Enjoy laid-back coastal vibes with a beach bonfire in Palomino, Hike to the beautiful Marinka Waterfalls in the forest outside of Minca, Explore the jungle trails and biodiversity of Tayrona National Park with a local guide, Visit Comuna 13 in Medellín and witness the area’s reinvention and a G Adventures-supported community initiative there

How large will the group be?

Max 16.

What meals are included in this trip?

8 breakfasts, 1 lunch

What are the modes of transportation on my trip?

Private vehicle, public bus, plane, walking

Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Where will we stay during the trip?

Hotels (9 nts).

Itinerary

Day 1

Cartagena

Arrive at any time. After a welcome meeting at the hotel in the evening, choose to join your fellow travellers for an optional group dinner and check out the local flavours and bustling atmosphere of Plaza Trinidad.

Day 2

Cartagena

Start the day with a CEO-led orientation walk through streets of the historic old town. Depart from your hotel and pass by the Plaza de San Diego, Murallas de Cartagena for views of the Caribbean Sea, Heredia Theatre, and Monumento Torre del Reloj, during the route. Then, the day is yours to explore this coastal colonial city. Check out the San Felipe fortress, keep walking the lively streets, or take a break from the heat and people watch in one of the city’s many plazas, like Plaza de Santo Domingo.

Day 3

Cartagena/Minca

Leave the liveliness and pulsing energy of Cartagena behind and travel to the small town of Minca, where you can breathe in the fresh mountain air and take advantage of free time to explore. This growing village has a laid back, but energetic vibe with lots of opportunities for jungle hiking, waterfalls, and other adventurous activities.

Day 4

Minca

In the morning after breakfast at the hotel, set off on one of the best, but lesser-known activities while in Minca; a hike to the Marinka Waterfalls. These two large jungle cascades can be found about 3.6km from town amidst the beautiful forest, and they offer a deep swimming pool to cool off in after your hike. The group will arrive back to Minca for a free afternoon to lounge about, or be as adventurous as you choose.

Day 5

Minca/Palomino

Get ready to lean into those beach vibes and a laid-back coastal paradise energy as the group travels from Minca to Palomino, on the Caribbean coast. Due to it’s location at the southern portion of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, you get the lush mountain greenery right up against the warm sea. Upon arrival there will be free time for lunch on your own as well as the opportunity to book an optional tubing activity on the nearby river. Later, kick back with your travel buddies around a beach bonfire before a free night out in Palomino on your own.

Day 6

Tayrona National Park

Travel into Tayrona National Park for a moderate hike thorough the stunning landscape accompanied by a local guide. Experience the natural biodiversity and beautiful trails while any nature lovers unite on a search for wildlife amid the dense jungle forest. Spend half of the day here in the park before an included lunch and transfer back to Palomino. Arrive in the early evening and spend it as you choose. Opt to find a local spot for dinner and toast with your travel pals to a day well spent, maybe catch the sunset.

Day 7

Palomino/Santa Marta

In the morning the group will travel by private vehicle to Santa Marta from Palomino. Upon arrival, join your CEO for an orientation walk of the town passing by landmarks such as, Parque de los Novios, Parque Bolívar, Parque Camellón Rodrigo de Bastidas (along the water), and the marina. Then, take advantage of free time in the afternoon to explore. Choose to grab some lunch at a local restaurant, or maybe head to El Rodadero for white sand beaches and warm water. Tonight, head out for a final night out on the town with your travel crew.

Day 8

Santa Marta/Medellín

Wheels up! In the mid-morning, fly inland to Medellín, a city that has transformed into one of Latin America’s safest destinations. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to become acquainted with your surroundings on your own before an optional night out with the group.

Day 9

Medellín

Explore Medellín today and visit the Comuna 13 neighbourhood—a community transformed. Embark on a walking tour and learn more about the organization Berracas de la 13, a G Adventures–supported project. Afterwards, enjoy time to grab lunch on your own and choose to visit museums, take a historical tour, or try one of the other optional activities available in the area.

Day 10

Medellín

Depart at any time.

Is travel insurance required for my trip?

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.

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