Travel through Colombia on an 11-day Caribbean Cultural Adventure, where colorful customs coexist with stunning scenery. Begin in Waya to explore indigenous culture, then journey to Cabo de La Vela in the stunning La Guajira desert. Dive into beach adventures at Mayapo with water sports before marveling at the pristine Tayrona National Park. Head to Minca for lush waterfalls, coffee farms, and birdwatching in Santa Marta. Discover Arhuaco's heritage with a hands-on workshop, and step back in time to explore Cartagena’s enchanting streets and historic sites. Complete your journey with a serene visit to the idyllic Rosario Islands.
Highlights
Discover the enchanting culture and beauty of La Guajira, Colombia
Explore the indigenous Wayuu's culture and unique tradition
Travel to Cabo de La Vela to see La Guajira desert and Ojo de Agua beach
Dive into beach adventures at Mayapo with water sports activities
Admire Minca's natural beauty, biodiversity and unique coffee culture
Experience Arhuaco's heritage with a hands-on workshop
Uncover Cartagena’s enchanting streets and historic sites
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
Welcome to Colombia! Upon arrival in Santa Marta, meet your driver, and you will be transferred to your hotel. Unwind at your hotel and get ready for La Guajira, a genuine Caribbean gem.
In La Guajira, step into a world where golden deserts meet the blue sea. Explore Wayuu culture firsthand, uncovering traditions that tie the people deeply to the land. Discover a rare serenity in the vast landscapes, where solitude and adventure meet. Let the dunes and wind guide you into the heart of Colombia’s untouched beauty.
Day 2: La Guajira & Wayúu Culture: Riohacha | Albania
Today, experience the cultural exploration and Indigenous traditions of the Guajira region and the Wayúu people. Once you reach Riohacha, transfer to Albania's charming Waya Guajira to settle in. In the afternoon, return to Riohacha for an immersive experience in the rich culture and ancestral traditions of the Wayúu indigenous community. Depart from Riohacha to a picturesque Wayúu ranchería, where you'll delve into the intricate tapestry of their way of life, gaining insights into their culture, rituals, customs, beliefs, and more.
During this captivating experience, savor the unique flavors of the traditional "ENTAYAA" beverage, a delightful welcome drink. Engage directly with the indigenous people as they perform the distinctive dance of the Wayuú ethnicity. Witness the application of "Ulisha," an ocher-colored powder extracted from a stone, adorning faces uniquely and symbolically. Return to the hotel for an evening of dinner and relaxation.
Day 3: Salt Mountains & Beaches: Cabo de La Vela | Uribia
Explore the wonders of La Guajira and travel to Cabo de La Vela. Around 6:30 am, after enjoying a delicious breakfast, depart on an early morning adventure. Set out in comfortable, air-conditioned 4x4 vehicles for a captivating three-hour journey to Cabo de La Vela. As you explore the many wonders of La Guajira, you will come across unique locations like the Salinas de Manaure, the mystical Salt Mountains (availability subject to mineral exploitation), and Uribia, the indigenous capital of Colombia.
Upon arrival at Cabo de La Vela, delve into its most iconic spots, including the striking Pilón de Azúcar and the serene Ojo de Agua Beach. Cap off the day by witnessing the mesmerizing sunset from the vantage point of the lighthouse. After enjoying a delectable lunch, return to Albania, which will take three hours, and spend the night comfortably.
Experience the thrills of water sports, windswept beach bliss, and Mayapo Adventure. After enjoying breakfast, set off in comfortable, air-conditioned 4x4 vehicles for a two-hour journey to Mayapo. This beach is widely known for its robust winds, attracting visitors keen on water sports such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, and navigating in boats or small sailboats.
Following an adventurous morning, a satisfying lunch awaits. The return trip to Albania will take approximately two hours, providing time to reflect on the day's experiences. The evening concludes with a delightful dinner and a restful night's stay.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast to wrap up the first leg of your Colombian Caribbean adventure, say goodbye to this exciting journey, and then head to Santa Marta in the afternoon. Spend the next few days at the magnificent Casa Tayrona de los Naranjos, a magnificent lodging that embodies comfort and charm.
Nestled just 5 minutes from Tayrona National Park, the exclusive boutique hotel on Los Naranjos Beach offers exquisite waterfront facilities. The hotel, located between the lush jungle with palm trees and the beach where the Piedras River meets the sea, was painstakingly designed to blend in with the natural surroundings. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta graces the distant backdrop. With views of the Sierra Nevada at sunset and sunrise in the morning, this special location and design create a truly unique atmosphere.
After a leisurely breakfast, travel to Minca and admire the natural beauty, pristine rivers, and unique biodiversity. Discover Minca's coffee culture with guided tours, observe traditional production, and savor the delicious flavor of a cup of coffee made entirely of organic beans.
Enjoy the captivating experience of bird watching, which allows you to see these magnificent animals in their pristine natural environment, in addition to these sensory pleasures. This Minca adventure offers genuine, immersive experiences in the heart of the Sierra Nevada with refreshing moments, leaving with enduring memories of peace and natural wonder.
Embark on an exhilarating day trip to Tayrona National Park! This natural wonderland, tucked away along Colombia's northern coastline, offers visitors a combination of beauty, nature, conservation, and pure fun. Admire the breathtaking views of gorgeous beaches, verdant jungles, and glistening waters as soon as you enter Tayrona National Park. This location's breathtaking beauty invites guests to explore its varied ecosystems and stunning views, a testament to the grandeur of nature.
Experience the park's rich biodiversity and get up close and personal with a variety of plants and animals along its scenic trails. Tayrona National Park also presents a multitude of enjoyable activities. Relax on gorgeous beaches like Cabo San Juan, go snorkeling in the colorful coral reefs, or cool off in natural pools tucked away in the heart of the jungle.
Day 8: Arhuaco Backpack Workshop: Tayrona | Cartagena
After breakfast, embark on a unique experience of cultural enrichment, the Arhuaco Indigenous Backpack Workshop. Delve into Tayrona traditions in the Sierra Nevada. Learn backpack crafting, engage in cultural exchanges with the Arhuaco family, and immerse yourself in nature. Witness daily life, participate in sacred rituals, and enjoy a refreshing mountain bath. Take in stunning sea views and tropical rainforest surroundings. Wrap up the day with a farm-fresh, organic fruit drink.
After lunch, enjoy a picturesque drive to the Caribbean gem of Cartagena. Your accommodation awaits at the splendidly located and beautifully designed Hotel Casa Quero, strategically situated around the historical center.
After breakfast at the hotel, your English-speaking guide will pick you up for a comprehensive city tour of Cartagena. Your adventure begins with a seamless transfer from the bustling city center to the serene La Popa Convent. Enjoy the stunning panoramic view that covers the entire city from this high vantage point.
From there, the journey continues to the awe-inspiring San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, a testament to the grandeur of Spanish colonial architecture in South America. Admire the recognizable Clock Tower, which serves as a gateway to the walled city and a reminder of its significance throughout history. Just beyond, see the Monument of Don Pedro de Heredia, the visionary founder of Cartagena de Indias in 1533.
Set out on a revitalizing journey by spending the entire day in the fascinating Rosario Islands. Let the gentle lull of the turquoise waters and the soft caress of the sea breeze whisk you away to a haven of tranquility. Experience the smooth transition from the bustling old city to the quiet seclusion of the islands.
After a day of sun-kissed bliss, return to the heart of Cartagena to the welcoming embrace of Hotel Casa Quero. Unwind in the chic comfort of your accommodation, reflecting on the day's island escapade. As night falls, venture out onto the cobblestone streets, where the best restaurants in the city offer an enthralling array of flavors. Enjoy a stroll, savoring the remnants of island serenity now seamlessly blended with the lively urban rhythm.
Day 11: Return Home
1 Breakfast
Before a private transfer takes you from the hotel to the airport, enjoy a leisurely breakfast on your last day and say goodbye to the historic city of Cartagena.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 50% per person, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check, or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and a maximum of $20,000 charge
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Creating a checklist was very beneficial and meeting objectives on certain dates helped as well (to keep my trip organized). The Adventure Travel personnel helped keep me on track which is why my trip was so successful. Communication from both travel agencies (AT/MT) was vital.
Iziah Carthens
1 day ago
This is an amazing company to work with. I generally do not use tour companies as I am more of an independent traveller so I was slightly reticent. They were fantastic from the start - 10/10 - from lining up a phone call to discuss requirements, then their ongoing communication in the lead up to the tour and during it (thank you, Franny and Phen). They also explored cost-effective options (eg group transfers). The tour was in Patagonia so Adventure Life organised a pickup from the El Calafate airport to the El Chalten accommodation, two day hikes with a private guide and then to the El Calafate accommodation. A tour coordinator came to the hotel to explain, using the maps, what was involved in each day tour and what should be expected, and patiently answered all questions. The tour guide Marcos was excellent - very professional, knowledgable, communicative and at all times felt very safe with his navigational skills (important in the Patagonian wilderness). On the second day I forgot to take hiking poles so Marcos kindly gave me his. I honestly wouldn't have changed a thing and would happily recommend and book through them again.
Petrina Sta
3 days ago
Adventure Life has been great throughout my planning process for our up and coming Galapagos cruise. Kevin Moore, in particular, was very helpful in assisting me in making choices and providing me with options. He was also very patient, as I worked through figuring out what I really wanted in this vacation.
Lucy Greenway
3 days ago
Adventure Life was a pleasure to work with. They helped us find different options for our charter and answered a lot of questions with patience and clarity.
Brooke Hopper
4 days ago
Excellent service, great hotels and well organized excursions with expert guides! Highly recommended!
