Tour 4 Days Santa Marta, Tayrona And Minca

Nestled along Colombia's Caribbean coastline, Santa Marta beckons as a captivating destination where sun, sea, and history converge. This coastal gem is framed by the Sierra Nevada mountain range, providing a stunning backdrop to its sandy beaches and azure waters. As Colombia's oldest surviving city, Santa Marta boasts a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and ancient archaeological sites.

DAY 1: Arrival - 1 hr

Welcome to Santa Marta and the Caribbean

Embrace the coastal allure and cultural richness as you arrive in Santa Marta, where the sun-kissed beaches and the city's historic charm extend a warm invitation to your unforgettable Colombian adventure.

Bienvenidos a Santa Marta!

You'll be collected from the airport and taken to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, we can arrange an extra tour or offer recommendations on places for you to visit.

Check-In - Santa Marta, Tayrona Park, or Minca Hotel

Whether you seek the charm of the historic district, the tranquility of Tayrona Park, or the natural beauty of Minca, Santa Marta has the perfect accommodation for you.

In the heart of the Santa Marta historic area, discover hotels that blend history with modern comfort, offering a unique experience amidst Santa Marta's rich cultural heritage. For those seeking proximity to Tayrona Park, where the magic of the jungle meets the allure of the Caribbean, there are excellent choices that offer a seamless blend of adventure and relaxation.

And for a retreat in the mountains, Minca beckons with its breathtaking views and refreshing atmosphere, providing a haven for those looking to unwind.

DAY 2: Cabo San Juan

8 hr 30 min

Tropical jungle, beautiful white sands, and the Caribbean ocean

Cabo San Juan in Tayrona Park is a mixture of environments where you can find tropical jungle on one side of you, beautiful white sands, and the Caribbean blue ocean on the other. Together this mix of nature forms a perfect Caribbean landscape.

You’ll be taken to Tayrona Park and enjoy a 2-hour ecological walk through the jungle and visit four beaches along the way including Arenillas, La Piscina, Cabo San Juan, and Los Arrecifes.

You'll enjoy some fantastic beach time (approx. 3 hours), along with time to explore the area or partake in some watersports, such as snorkeling. After your beach time has passed you'll enjoy a 1.3-hour walk through the jungle and your waiting transportation.

During your ecological walks, you will learn about the local environment and the local indigenous. You'll learn about what native animals can be seen and or heard. Your guide will also be safeguarding your possessions while you're relaxing in the temperate waters and taking as many photos as you may need.

NB.

For those not so inclined to walk for 3-4 hours during this tour there are horses available to ride to and from the beach.

The recommended start time is 7 am to avoid the queue to enter Tayrona Park. This time can be adjusted if needed.

The estimated finish time is between 4 - 5 pm. But this can vary depending on the weather, traffic, and tour conditions.

DAY 3: Minca - Fresh Mountain Air!

8 hr

Travel to the small town of Minca where you'll breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy a tour of this wonderful little mountain pueblo, including its delightful cafes and artisan shops.

Following this, you'll experience a coffee tour, where you'll learn everything about the production of Colombian liquid gold, from seed to cup.

Next, it's time to uncover the process of creating delicious chocolate! You'll discover the wonderful flavors of Colombian Cocoa, and perhaps you'll enjoy a chocolate facemask as well!

To finish off you're mountain adventure you'll explore some hidden waterfalls, with the opportunity for a refreshing swim (don't forget your swimming wear)! Of course, throughout your journey, you need to keep an eye out for any exotic birds that happen to be hanging out close by!

DAY 4: Departure

Departure - 1 hr

Today it is Farewell to Santa Marta and Colombia!

We'll have transportation ready to conveniently take you to the airport or your next destination in Colombia at your specified time.

Hablamos pronto, safe travels home, and visit again soon!

OPTIONAL TOURS

8 hr

The Lost City of Taironaka

Collected from your Santa Marta hotel at around 7 am you’ll start your adventure into the jungle of the Sierra Nevada with a relaxing drive of approximately 1.5 hours to the entrance of the beautiful Rio Don Diego. Once here, you’ll jump out of the car and into a boat for a short 15-minute ride up the river to Tayronaka.

On arrival to Taironaka, you’ll immediately see all the wonderful nature surrounding this archelogy site and begin to understand the significance of this location to not only the ancestral history of the Kogui indigenous but that of all of Colombia, if not the history of the entire Americas.

You’ll walk over these ancient ruins and visit the museum filled with ageless artifacts for approximately an hour with your guide freely answering all your questions about the past and present location.

Next, it’s a short walk to the Kogui community that calls this land their home, and to meet some of the direct descendants of the Tayrona people who built these structures and lived in this region for thousands of years.

Meeting these kindhearted people is an experience in itself, and while here you’ll also receive an “Aseguranza” which will safeguard you for all your future travels. Ensuring a Kogui spirit will help and guide you into the future. (Please note, a Mamo is available 99% of the time to provide this experience. But on rare occasions they have other obligations, and are unavailable)

To finish off your time here you’ll enjoy a wonderful typical lunch (not included) before setting off back down the river. But this time on/in your choice of a Kayak, a paddleboard, or a large inner tube.

Arriving at the mouth of the river where it opens into the Caribbean Sea you’ll be in time to enjoy some relaxing beach time as well as a beautiful sunset before setting off back to your hotel to reflect on yet another day in the Caribbean paradise of Colombia.

8 hr

Taykú Indigenous Village

We will bring along a few coloring books and pencils as presents for the children on your behalf, along with some coffee and corn flour for the adults.

Collected from your Santa Marta hotel at 08:00 am you’ll enjoy a relaxing 50 min drive to a small settlement called Calabazo. Stopping here, you’ll enjoy a coffee and a good stretch before setting off on foot through some rugged terrain towards Tayrona Park. Trekking mostly uphill for 80-90 minutes you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas that surround us, including towering trees, indigenous wildlife, lush greenery, and unparalleled views of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains.

Arriving at this small indigenous village the first thing you’ll notice will be the stone paths and beautiful circular dwellings with thatch roofs. With a community ranging in numbers from 60 to 80 people, you’ll be interacting with those both young and old, including the mamo (spiritual leader) of this small population of Kogui.

Enjoying, up to two hours strolling through the village admiring its unique architecture and delving into the history and ethnicity of this remarkable culture that has remained unaltered for centuries. You’ll discover not only the unique culture of the Kogui indigenous but also a wonderful feeling of contributing, if only in a small way, to the preservation of their heritage and giving a magical insight into the past.

Next, it’s back down the track to Calabazo for a late lunch before taking the journey back to Santa Marta, and a relaxing evening with some wonderful photos and memories that will last you a lifetime.

8 hr

Katanzama Indigenous Village

We will bring along a few coloring books and pencils as gifts for the children on your behalf.

Collected from your Santa Marta hotel at 08:00 am you’ll relax in a 90-minute drive up the Caribbean Coast to pull over a short distance past the Don Diego River. With the sounds of the ocean in the air and a refreshing breeze on your skin, you'll head off on an easy 30-40 min walk through tropical rainforest to find the Katanzama indigenous village.

You'll find it easy to understand how this area of Colombia with spectacular views of the Snow-Capped Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains behind you and the amazing Caribbean sea in front is considered a paradise by so many.

On arrival to this blissful beachside destination, you'll be greeted by your local Indigenous host and start an exploration of their home village. Enjoying a relaxing and informative stroll of around 90 minutes through the Aruhacos Indigenous community you’ll take note of the rectangular dwellings with thatch roofs, different to other indigenous groups who prefer circular houses.

You’ll learn the skills passed down through the generations weaving a mochila, along with taking a tour of the cacao plantation, giving you a small insight into the daily life of this captivating culture. you'll also have an opportunity to meet with the spiritual leader (Mamo) of the indigenous and receive blessings for your future travels.

Appreciating its distinctive architecture and immersing yourself in the rich history and heritage of this extraordinary culture that has remained unchanged for countless generations. As you explore, you will not only uncover the distinctive customs of the Aruhacos indigenous people but also experience the gratifying sensation of making a modest impact, by planting a tree for future generations to enjoy and bringing smiles to the children through the gifts you've brought with you.

Enjoying a wonderful lunch made in one of the family homes will conclude your exploration into this ancient civilization. And you’ll head off back down the track to your waiting vehicle and a relaxing cruise back to your Santa Marta hotel.

8 hr

Playa Cristal (Crystal Beach)

Playa Cristal (Crystal Beach), where the purity and clarity of its water allow you to explore the sea and all of its life so easily.

You'll be collected from your hotel and enjoy a relaxing drive to your first stop; the amazing Seven Waves Beach vantage point where you'll enjoy some wonderful views and an excellent opportunity for some wonderful photos.

Next, it's just a short drive to Neguanje Beach, where you'll be changing transportation for a motorboat ride to your final destination; Playa Cristal!

Once here you'll enjoy a wonderful 3-4 hours of beach time, where you'll also have the opportunity to go swimming and hire snorkeling gear as well.

After your time is up, it'll be on to the boat to start your journey back to your hotel and a peaceful night's rest.

5 hr

New Venice, The City on Water

You'll journey across the largest coastal lagoon in Colombia; La Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 this lagoon is considered the most important in this region and vital for the livelihood of the locals.

Making a stop along the way at Buenavista, another city floating atop the Caribbean Sea. You’ll enjoy experiencing this close encounter with the amphibian culture that lives entirely on floating pontoons and houses on stilts.

Continuing to New Venice (Nueva Venecia), you’ll travel around and through this town suspended on sticks, to visit several of the most important watermarks (landmarks lolol) such as the Mona y Sábalo Bakery, the only carpenter's house, the house of María la “bossy” (who is the living figure of the New Venice carnival), the aqueduct, the drugstore, the village apothecary, and the craftsman's house. Finishing your tour of the town you’ll enjoy some lunch along with a walking tour to the police station, the town church, the soccer field Falcao donated, and the school.

You’ll not only love the colorful wooden houses and the canoes parked at almost every house, creating a unique and unforgettable landscape. But you’ll also enjoy a cultural exchange with the families that make their living fishing in these very waters.

What's Included:

Accommodations

Breakfasts

English-speaking guide during all excursions.

All entrance fees

All airport transfers

24-hour support group

What's Excluded:

International & Domestic flights

Travel Insurance

Meals and Services not mentioned