Experience Overview
You've seen it all over Instagram and TikTok, but now’s your chance to explore Colombia beyond the screen. This eight-day adventure through northern Colombia hits all the must-see spots and hidden gems you never knew you needed. Perfect for high-energy travellers craving a mix of nature, beach parties, and laid-back Caribbean vibes, this whirlwind itinerary has it all. Trek through the lush jungles of Tayrona National Park, cool off in hidden waterfall plunge pools near Minca, and feel the thrill where the Sierra Nevada Mountains meet the coast in Palomino. With stops in the vibrant cities of Cartagena and Santa Marta to bookend your trip, this epic journey checks all the boxes for an unforgettable time in a Colombian jungle paradise.
Highlights
- Wander the streets of the historic walled city of Cartagena
- Enjoy the laid-back 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
Trip Details
Product Code: 20711
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Private vehicle, walking
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: 18 - 39 Year Olds Only
Tour Operator: G Adventures
Supplier Code: SMCR
Starts: Cartagena, Colombia
Finishes: Santa Marta, Colombia
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating: Average
Includes
Activities
- 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 walk in old town Cartagena
- Walk to the Marinka Waterfalls outside of Minca
- Tayrona National Park visit and moderate hike
- Palomino beach bonfire
- CEO-led orientation walk in Santa Marta
- Free time for optional activities in Cartagena, Minca, Palomino, and Santa Marta
- Transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hostels (2 nts, multi-share), Hotels (5 nts).
- 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Transport
- Private vehicle, walking
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1326 ($166 /day)
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.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Activity - Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.Accommodation - Hotel Villa Colonial
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.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enjoy an orientation walk alongside your trust CEO and get to know the Old Town of Cartagena as you walk a 3.7km loop from your hotel in the area. Pass by various monuments and museums and gain an introduction to the streets, sounds, and sights of this Colombian city.Free_time - Choose your own adventure today! From numerous museums to city tours and nearby island visits, there's no doubt you'll find plenty of options to keep you entertained.Accommodation - Hotel Villa Colonial
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.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle from Cartagena to Minca.Free_time - Settle in to this town in the middle of the rainforest in the lower part of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. A place brimming with hiking trails, coffee and cocoa plantations, rivers, and waterfalls. The ideal place to immerse yourself in nature. Go for a hike or explore the town on your own.Accommodation - On the rock hostel
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.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - After the hike travel back to Minca and spend the afternoon on your own. Maybe head to Pozo Azul, a collection of three swimming areas on the river that runs by town, or choose to tour a chocolate and coffee farm.Activity - Hike to the impressive Marinka waterfalls that flow with crystal clear water and generate a natural pool perfect for swimming. This easy to moderate hike offers a great chance to feel refreshed in nature amid the beautiful jungle scenery.Accommodation - On the rock hostel
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.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Enjoy yourself during a free afternoon in the small beachside town of Palomino. This off-the-beaten-track is the perfect place to sunbathe on golden sand beaches or tube down a lazy rive beneath the jungle trees.Activity - Hang out on the beach with your travel pals and enjoy a bonfire as the sun goes down and you enjoy one another's company.Accommodation - La Riviera Playa
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.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy the first part of the day in the beautiful landscape of Tayrona National Park on a moderate hike led by a local guide. Learn more about the rich diversity of Tayrona's natural heritage and simply enjoy the outdoors.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Spend the evening on your own. Opt to grab dinner together with the group or find a spot in town to watch the sunset.Accommodation - La Riviera Playa
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.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Walk through town with your CEO and pass by landmarks like Parque de los Novios, Parque Bolívar, Parque Camellón Rodrigo de Bastidas (along the water), and the marina. Get to know this gorgeous place on the Caribbean Sea and simply enjoy the coastal location.Free_time - Explore on your own and choose from the optional activities available locally.Activity - Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials, or hanging out by the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Hotel Tayromar
Day 8: Santa Marta
Depart at any time.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
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Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.
In Business Since 1990
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