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The Caribbean Coast and Lost City

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The Caribbean Coast and Lost City
From $1,940USDBook Now
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The Caribbean coast of Colombia is full of beauty and wonder. From remote, pristine beaches to rich indigenous culture and colonial history, to the highest coastal mountain range in the world, this area is an adventure traveler’s dream. The Exploring the Caribbean tour is the best way to experience it all.

You’ll explore the remote Guajira peninsula, crossing the open desert of the Colombian Outback in a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Trek through the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains to discover the ancient Lost City of the Tayronas.

Visit the Tayrona National Park, which is one of Colombia’s best and most popular parks. Bookend your adventures with some of Colombia’s most incredible beaches and the warm, refreshing waters of the Caribbean Sea. Book your Exploring the Caribbean tour today, then pack your swimsuit and your hiking boots because adventure awaits!

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The Caribbean Coast and Lost City

Discover magical landscapes and diverse Caribbean culture on this 11-day guided adventure
4.60
(24 reviews)
10 days from $1,940USD
Easy quote
Duration
10 days
Season
Jan-Mar, Nov-Dec
Activity
Trekking
Type
Guided, Private
Accommodation
Hotels / Camping
Difficulty
Moderate (3/5)
From $1,940USD (see prices for this tour)
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Panoramic view from The Caribbean Coast and Lost City
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

The Caribbean coast of Colombia is full of beauty and wonder. From remote, pristine beaches to rich indigenous culture and colonial history, to the highest coastal mountain range in the world, this area is an adventure traveler’s dream. The Exploring the Caribbean tour is the best way to experience it all.

You’ll explore the remote Guajira peninsula, crossing the open desert of the Colombian Outback in a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Trek through the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains to discover the ancient Lost City of the Tayronas.

Visit the Tayrona National Park, which is one of Colombia’s best and most popular parks. Bookend your adventures with some of Colombia’s most incredible beaches and the warm, refreshing waters of the Caribbean Sea. Book your Exploring the Caribbean tour today, then pack your swimsuit and your hiking boots because adventure awaits!

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Trip highlights

Discover the beautiful beaches and indigenous cultures of Punta Gallinas and the Guajira peninsula.

Trek through the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains, the highest coastal mountain range in the world.

Tour the incredible Lost City of the Tayronas archaeological site.

Walk along the beautiful coastline of the Tayrona National Park and relax on Colombia’s best beaches.

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Day by day itinerary
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Day 1
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Arrive in Riohacha
Arrive at the Riohacha Airport and meet your transfer to the Sanctuary of Flora and Fauna Los Flamencos. Here, you will tour the Navio Quebrado Lagoon and view different local species of birds, before sharing a traditional lunch with locals. Afterwards, you will transfer to your hotel to check in and spend the afternoon exploring Riohacha.
Distance None
Overnight Location Hotel in Riohacha
Included Meals None
Day 2
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Drive to Cabo la Vela
Today you will begin the tour by driving to "La Guajira," the exotic desert region in the northernmost part of Colombia. This expansive and captivating arid territory is inhabited by the Wayuu Indians and is characterized by open landscapes bordered by the Caribbean Ocean, where roads lack both names and numbers. The journey is quite challenging, and transportation for the day involves 4WD vehicles (3.5 hour transfer). The first stop takes you to the village of Uribía, the indigenous hub of La Guajira, where you will explore this significant center of Wayuu culture. After, you will proceed to your accommodation for the night in Cabo de La Vela. In the afternoon, a hike to the Pilón de Azúcar awaits, which is a sacred site for the Wayuu community. You'll also visit the rainbow beach and take a brief walk to the lighthouse for views of Guajira's sunset. Enjoy some free time at the Dorada and Ojo de Agua beaches before returning to the Ranchería.
Distance None
Overnight Location Rancheria in Cabo de la Vela
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
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Cabo la Vela to Santa Marta
Following breakfast, you will set out for Manaure to explore the Wayuu's salt ponds and witness the traditional technique of salt extraction, guided by a community leader. There will be time to engage with the community at the Wualapuinje ranch, where you can gain insights into rituals and traditions. After a delightful local lunch, you will begin the return journey toward Riohacha. The route traverses the desert, possibly over a salt flat if it is dry enough, and then follows the railroad until reaching Cuatro Caminos. From there, it's a short 1.5-2 hours to Riohacha. The final destination is Santa Marta city, approximately 2 hours from the state border. The afternoon will be yours to savor the city at your leisure.
Distance None
Overnight Location   Hotel Casa Carolina in Santa Marta
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 4 Santa Marta City Tour
After breakfast, take a 3-hour tour of the city of Santa Marta. This was the first town established by Spanish settlers in Colombia in 1534. Walk through the crowded downtown streets of the colonial areas. Visit the Santa Marta Cathedral, the oldest church in Colombia, where Simon Bolivar was initially buried (His body was eventually moved to his birthplace in Caracas). You’ll also learn more about the native culture of the surrounding areas at the gold museum. End your tour with the Plaza Bolivar, the pier, and the seaside promenade. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore at your leisure or relax in the hotel.
Distance Flexible
Overnight Location Hotel Casa Carolina in Santa Marta
Included Meals Breakfast
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Day 5 Begin Lost City Trek
You’ll be picked up at your hotel in the morning and travel in 4-wheel drive vehicles, following the coast to the northeast. After about an hour, the paved road ends and the off-road adventure begins. Another hour after you leave the paved road, you’ll come to El Mamey, or Machete Pelado, village (150 m/492‘). Stop here for lunch and then begin your hike to the Lost City (La Ciudad Perdida). Today’s hike is exposed to the elements, so be sure to pack plenty of water and dress appropriately for the weather. You will be offered tropical fruit along your hike to help give you energy. Take the trail along the Quebrada del Alto Mamey River, which is a gentle one-hour walk before the path climbs steeply up to the El Mirador Pass (640 m/2,100’). Pause here to appreciate the fantastic view overlooking the Buritaca River and the town of Mamey. Descend from the pass for 1.5 hours to the Donde Adan Lodge, which awaits you in a beautiful location beside the Quebrada Honduras River. A dip in the natural pool by the lodge is very refreshing after a day of hiking. Spend the night in a hammock at the lodge.
Distance 4 hours, 8.9 km, (490 m of ascent, 160 m of descent)
Overnight Location Donde Adan Lodge (480 m/1,574’)
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 6 Trek to El Paraiso Lodge
Begin by hiking to the Mumake Pass (680 m/2,231’) via a gentle and well-marked trail. Along the way, you’ll cross into protected land that’s controlled by the Kogi indigenous tribe. There are also Wiwa Indians settled in these valleys that run some of the hikers’ lodges. Notice how the landscape changes from farmland to a more natural and well-preserved wilderness as you enter the protected areas. After crossing the Mumake Pass, descend quickly to the Buritaca River (430 m/1,411’), where you’ll see the Kogi settlement called Montangi and get a glimpse of their way of life. Continue hiking for about an hour, then cross the river via a hanging bridge and begin the ascent to the Koskunguena Pass (824 m/2,703’). On the other side of the pass, you’ll descend once again to the Buritaca River (743 m/2,438’) and cross the river one last time. Follow the riverbank to El Paraiso lodge (870 m/2,854’), where you can swim in the river before spending the night sleeping in hammocks.
Distance 7-8 hours, 13.6 km, 721 m of ascent, 327 m of descent
Overnight Location El Paraiso Lodge (870 m/2,854’)
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 7 Trek to the Lost City
Another early start for an exciting day! Initially, the trail follows the right bank of the Buritaca River, then after a short distance, crosses to the other side. Here you’ll see the ancient stairs that climb steeply up to the Lost City of the Tayrona (1,175 m/3,855’). Climbing these steps is like traveling back in time as you draw closer to this astounding archaeological site. The original name of the city was Teyuna, and it is all that remains of the lost Tayrona civilization. Spend 4 hours touring the area and learning about the culture and architecture of the city. It is believed that the Kogi people descended from the Tayrona people, and you may also be able to visit the home of a Kogi Mamo, or shaman, during your tour. After the tour, return to El Paraiso lodge for lunch, then follow the same trail back toward the Mumake Pass. At the foot of the pass, spend the night at the Mumake Lodge (389 m/1,276’).
Distance 6 hours, 9.4 km, 382 m of ascent, 786 m of descent
Overnight Location Mumake Lodge (389 m/1,276’)
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 8 Trek to El Mamey Town
Complete your Lost City trek today. Immediately after leaving the Mumake Lodge, hike up to the Mumake Pass (680 m/2,231’). After crossing the pass, descend again to the Quebrada Honduras River then climb once again up to El Mirador Pass (640 m/2,100’). Continue walking to reach the end of the trail in the town of El Mamey (150 m/492’). Eat lunch here in town, then drive for about 2-2.5 hours to reach your next hotel.
Distance 4-5 hours, 14.2 km, 451 m of ascent, 690 m of descent
Overnight Location Eco Hotel Yachay, Tayrona National Park
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 9 Visit Tayrona Natural Park
Spend today touring Tayrona National Park, which is one of Colombia’s best-known natural parks. Here you’ll find some of the best beaches in Colombia nestled into the foothills of the world’s tallest coastal mountain range, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. This park ranks second in Colombia for annual visits and it is easy to see why. The park area (150 square kilometers of land and 30 square kilometers of sea) protects tremendous biodiversity as well as archaeological ruins such as Pueblito. Take a light hike from the main parking area, following the coastline to see iconic locations such as Arrecife’s area, La Piscina beach, and El Cabo San Juan, all within 2 hours of hiking. Spend a peaceful day enjoying the beaches and natural areas. Enjoy traditionally prepared fish for lunch. Return to the lodge in the afternoon for the last night of your tour.
Distance N/A
Overnight Location Eco Hotel Yachay, Tayrona National Park
Included Meals Breakfast
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Day 10 Transfer to Santa Marta Airport
Sadly, your Exploring the Caribbean Tour has reached its end. Transfer to the Santa Marta Airport takes approximately 1.5-2 hours. Have a pleasant journey!
Distance N/A
Overnight Location N/A
Included Meals Breakfast

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Dates and prices

Pricing for this guided Exploring the Caribbean Tour depends on whether you choose to join an existing group on a specific date or if you prefer a custom tour for your group only.

The prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room:

  • Guided Groups of 2: from $2,375USD per person*
  • Guided Groups of 4: from $1,940USD per person*
  • Guided Groups of 6: from $2,330USD per person*

* Pricing for this tour depends on the size of your group, as well as your travelling dates. Please click the Book Now button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.

What’s included

Meals

9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners are included on your tour.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 9 nights along the tour are included as described. You will usually stay in 3- or 4-star hotels, except along hikes and in areas where only rustic lodges or camping are available.

Transportation during the Tour

  • Airport transfers
  • Private transportation throughout the tour

Also Included

  • Local Spanish-speaking cultural guide for days 1-3
  • Local Spanish-speaking trekking guide for days 5-8
  • National Park entrance fee and park’s insurance
  • Santa Marta City Tour and entrance fees
  • Quality mountain tents for camping (2 people per tent)
  • Common camping equipment for the group
  • Pack animal for Lost City trek

Not included

  • Transportation to Riohacha to begin the tour and from Santa Marta after the tour
  • Separate airport transfers in case of multiple arrivals/departures
  • Guide in Tayrona National Park
  • English speaking trekking guide during Lost City tour
  • English speaking guide during La Guajira tour
  • Camping gear
  • Tips
  • Pack animal for Lost City trek
  • Personal equipment and expenses
  • Insurance
  • Anything else not listed as included

Optional Extras

  • Boat tour to Hondita Bay from Punta Aguja beach (day 3)
  • Kite surfing course / gear rental in Cabo la Vela (day 3)

Accommodation for The Caribbean Coast and Lost City

Accommodations on this tour are based in 3- and 4-star hotels in cities and towns where they are available. In rural areas and along treks, you will often be camping, sleeping in hammocks, or staying in rustic lodges.

In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel. Contact us and we can try and match single travelers up, where possible.

Frequently asked questions

How hard is the Caribbean Coast and Lost City Tour?

We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. You should be able to hike for up to 8 hours but most of the trails are not strenuous and most of the hiking is under 1,000 m of elevation.

Do I need a visa to travel to Colombia?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

When is the best time of year to explore Colombia?

The weather is most reliable between mid-November and the end of March. From June to mid-September, the weather may accommodate this tour, but it is not reliable. This tour is not recommended in April or May, or from mid-September through mid-November. Also please note: the Lost City trek is closed once a year in early September for indigenous religious ceremonies. Beginning in 2020, Tayrona National Park closes 3 times each year for 2 weeks in early February, early June, and late October. If you are planning your trip during any of these closing periods, please contact us to confirm these dates.

Are meals included on the Caribbean Coast and Lost City Tour?

9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners are included on your tour, as described in the itinerary.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Riohacha to start this tour?

Fly to the Almirante Padilla Airport in Riohacha (RCH). You will most likely need to connect through Bogota, Colombia’s capital city. Airport transfer to your hotel in Riohacha is included.

Where does the Caribbean Coast and Lost City Tour end?

The tour ends with transportation to the Simon Bolivar International Airport in Santa Marta (SMR). Please make travel arrangements from here.

Is the Caribbean Coast and Lost City Tour in English?

Yes, the tour guide is English speaking on the entire tour for groups of 6 or more people. For smaller groups, parts of the tour may not be in English. Some guides may be Spanish speaking. See Included for more details.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Colombia?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Colombia?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

When is the best time to travel to Colombia for this tour?

The best time to travel to Colombia for this tour is from November to March.

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