Colombia has a certain kind of magic that you won’t find anywhere else in the Caribbean. On this trip, you’ll experience it first-hand via visits to rural regions, treks through Tayrona National Park’s picturesque trails and (of course), downtime on the beach. Spend time with village communities to learn about Indigenous traditions before heading deep into the jungle to Teyuna — the fabled Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) older than Machu Picchu — a place crowded with history and free of crowds. Colombia is mysterious. Come figure out the riddle.
Travel Style
Classic
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
4 - Demanding
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Katanzama Community Visit, Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group. City tour in Cartagena. Tayrona National Park hike with local guide (5hrs). Taganga Orientation Walk. Trek to the Lost City with indigenous guide (5 days). Guided tour of the Lost City. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Wander the old walled city of Cartagena, Encounter the rich biodiversity of Tayrona National Park, Learn about indigenous traditions on a village visit, Hike through the lush jungle to the Lost City
How large will the group be?
Max 16, avg 12
What meals are included in this trip?
13 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 4 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private van, public bus, 4x4, 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/guesthouses (9 nts), camping (4 nts in hammocks or rustic bunks).
Itinerary
Cartagena
Arrive at any time.
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.
Cartagena/Minca
Travel to the small town of Minca, breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy free time to explore.
Minca to Tayrona National Park Area
Leave Minca behind as the group heads into the Tayrona National Park area to spend the day visiting a nearby indigenous community. Gain insights into the rich traditional cultures of this region, and the Arhuacos. Enjoy a textile weaving demonstration by members of local families in the Katanzama community. Afterwards, transfer to your accommodations just outside Tayrona National Park, where you will have free time to enjoy the property and its amenities. Relax in a nearby hammock, find a local restaurant for dinner, and enjoy the cool ocean breeze.
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. Lunch is included during your hike. Afterwards, the group will travel the short distance to our nearby accommodations and spend free time unwinding after a full day of exploring this stunning national park.
Tayrona National Park Area / Taganga
In the afternoon, travel from Tayrona to Taganga. Orientation walk with CEO upon arrival.
Taganga/Santa Marta
With a free day at leisure, tour Taganga by foot or don a snorkel and mask and explore the water. This evening, travel to Santa Marta and join your group for an optional evening out on the town.
Santa Marta
Relax on the beautiful Caribbean coast in Santa Marta or go further afield to explore. Use the day to soak up some sun or make any last minute purchases before starting the big trek.
Santa Marta/Ricardito Camp
Wake up and hit the road to the village of El Mamey where your trek to the Lost City of Teyuna begins. Trek through farmland, steamy jungle, and rural Kogi communities. Enjoy and let it all soak in – this is your opportunity to get a glimpse into the local way of life in the remote river valleys of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The group will have lunch at the village and hike about 4 hours to the first basecamp.
Ricardito Camp/Teyuna Paraiso Camp
Venture further into the lush jungle en route to Ciudad Perdida. Be prepared – today is a tough portion of the trek with a lot of steep views. Arrive at the campsite in the afternoon for some much needed relaxation by the river.
Paraiso Camp to Mumake Camp
Wake up early feeling refreshed, recharged (hopefully!) and start your trek to La Ciudad Perdida. Climb the 1200 ancient steps and explore the different sacred sites of Lost City. Later, continue trekking through the deep jungle today on winding paths through banana trees and cacao plants as you make your way to Mumake Camp. The total hiking time today is 8 hours with about 3 hours to explore the Lost City.
Mumake Camp to Las Cascadas Camp
The group will have an early departure from Mumake Camp. Hike past the village of El Mamey and arrive to Las Cascadas Camp where you'll have lunch and rest for the remainder of the day.
Santa Marta
In the morning, take in your last views of the jungle as you trek back to Machete Pelao. Transfer to Santa Marta where the rest of the day is yours to relax.
Santa Marta
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.
