Complete Colombia: Coastal Caribbean & Inland Hidden Gems image
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Operated by G Adventures

Complete Colombia: Coastal Caribbean & Inland Hidden Gems

From
CAD 3,119
Duration
17 days
Countries
Colombia
Activity
moderate

The adventure

We get it, choosing the right itinerary for a country as diverse as Colombia is tough. But we’ve got you covered with this 17-day whirlwind adventure that ticks all the boxes. From coastal Cartagena to vibrant Bogotá, explore the best of both worlds: iconic highlights and hidden gems. Trek the jungle trails of Tayrona National Park, dive into waterfall plunge pools in Minca, soak in the chill vibes of Palomino, and uncover the lesser-known hot springs of Santa Rosa de Cabal. With adventures at every turn and plenty of time to soak in the culture, you’ll come home with stories — and a deeper connection to Colombia — that’ll last a lifetime.

At a glance

Duration
17 days
Route
Cartagena → Bogotá
Countries
Colombia
Activity level
moderate
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Food & Drink, National Parks & Wilderness, Trekking & Hiking, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Complete Colombia: Coastal Caribbean & Inland Hidden Gems image

Day by day

Vibrant landscape of cropland with a mountain backdrop in Guayabal, Tolima, Colombia.
Your journey through

Colombia

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive 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.
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 2Start the day with a CEO-led orientation walk…Cartagena
Vibrant colonial architecture on a historic street in Cartagena, Colombia.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.
Map showing Cartagena
Day 3Leave the liveliness and pulsing energy of Cartagena…
Charming colonial street view with historic cathedral tower in the background.Cartagena
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.
Map showing Cartagena
Day 4In the morning after breakfast at the hotel
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 5Get ready to lean into those beach vibes…
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 6Travel into Tayrona National Park for a moderate…
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 7In the morning the group will travel by…
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 8Wheels up! In the mid-morning
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 9Explore Medellín today and visit the Comuna 13 neighbourhood
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 10Take advantage of this full free day…
Take advantage of this full free day in Medellín to try various optional activities in the area. Perhaps prebook a day trip to a nearby town focused on adventure activities, or ride the metrocable, which is this cool cable car part of the city’s public transportation, and enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and sprawling Medellín.
Day 11Travel from Medellín to Guatapé
Travel from Medellín to Guatapé, where the town sits on the shores of the man-made reservoir, and is home to the climbable granite stone called El Peñol Rock. Climb the staircase in the rock and from the top, enjoy epic views of mountains and lakes in the distance. Then, enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk of the town and spend the remainder of the day free for optional activities in the area. Consider pre-booking a boat trip out onto the lake for some fun on the water.
Day 12The entire day is yours to adventure is…
The entire day is yours to adventure is the funky outdoorsy town. Walk the streets adorned with brilliantly painted frescoes (called Zócalos locally) each one telling a story. Choose to prebook a boat excursion on the lake or try kayaking along the shores. Maybe even climb El Peñol again. There are also loads of restaurants and street food to try like arepas and fresh cheeses.
Day 13Transfer by private vehicle in the morning…
Transfer by private vehicle in the morning from Guatapé to Santa Rosa de Cabal with a stop en route to grab lunch on your own. The town hosts natural hot springs fed by nearby active volcanoes and is nestled at the base of the Nevado del Ruiz Volcano. Picture clouds clinging to the sides of these ultra green mountains and feel in a different, lost world out here in the jungle amid coffee plantations and thermal pools. Upon arrival in the late afternoon there will be some free time before an included visit to the hot springs for a relaxing evening.
Day 14After breakfast at the hotel the group will…
After breakfast at the hotel the group will travel to Cocora Valley. Along the way stop to enjoy a hike through the area where the wax palm, Colombia’s national tree grows up to 197ft. Be on the lookout during the hike for the yellow-eared parrot that calls this place home. Arrive in Salento in the afternoon and enjoy exploring on your own and getting a feel of this majestically green and hilly landscape.
Day 15Spend a free morning in Salento and choose…
Spend a free morning in Salento and choose to join some optional activities in this gorgeous area. Grab some lunch on your own before the transfer to Armenia where the group will then board a public bus to Bogota. Arrive in the evening and choose to have some dinner together or on your own.
Day 16Set off to explore Bogotá today…
A scenic view of Bogotá's skyline surrounded by greenery, showcasing urban architecture and nature.Bogotá
Set off to explore Bogotá today on a walking tour of the charming La Candelaria neighborhood and listen to fascinating tales about the town's origin, legends, and other key historical moments. Then there will be free time for lunch and the remainder of the afternoon is open for optional activities in the area like, visiting museums or going on a cable car ride for panoramic views of the city. In the evening attend a farewell dinner with the group at a local restaurant.
Map showing Bogotá
Day 17Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.

Discover Colombia

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

A breathtaking aerial view of the lakes and rolling hills in Guatapé, Antioquia, Colombia, under a dramatic sky.
Lush green hills under a cloudy sky in Manta, Colombia.
Explore the serene landscape of Sumapaz Paramo, showcasing lush greenery and a tranquil lake.
Stunning aerial shot of verdant hills and forests in Bogotá, Colombia under a cloudy sky.
Stunning aerial view of Medellín's urban landscape nestled in the Aburrá Valley, Colombia.

Upcoming departures

20% off The Americas · ends 2026-06-30
DatesPrice / personAvailability
19 Jun 20265 Jul 2026CAD 3,603unknownBook my trip
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