Colombian Explorer: Medellín Nights & Tayrona National Park

5.0Based on

Carbon neutral

10 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 39 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Cartagena, Colombia

Ends

Medellin, Colombia

Highlights

Wander the streets of the historic walled city of Cartagena.

Enjoy laid-back coastal 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 with a local guide.

Visit Comuna 13 in Medellín and witness the area’s reinvention and a G Adventures-supported community initiative there

Itinerary

Why just scroll when you can experience Colombia for yourself? The "Colombian Explorer: Medellín Nights & Tayrona National Park" tour spans 10 days of moderate activity, offering young travelers a perfect mix of coastal bliss and urban excitement. Kick off in Cartagena’s walled city, journey through Minca’s jungles and Palomino’s beaches, and wrap up with Medellín’s electric nightlife. Along the way, hike to secret waterfalls, explore national parks, and soak up the culture at every stop. The trip’s USP is its dynamic blend of adventure, relaxation, and the real Colombia—far beyond what any screen can capture.

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.

Accomodation:Hotel Villa Colonial (or similar)

Included Activities:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr, Connect With New Friends

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.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Villa Colonial (or similar)

Included Activity:CEO-led Orientation Walk of Old Town Cartagena Duration : 1.0 hr - 1.5 hr Distance : 3 km

Optional Activities:Naval Museum of the Caribbean Visit Located in the historic walled city, visit this spacious museum housed in two heritage buildings. Explore the various exhibits relating to the naval history of the Caribbean Sea and enjoy the charming patios. , Islas del Rosario National Park Take a boat to this park with a lengthy name—Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park—and be wowed by the beauty of the Rosario Islands. Admire the clear blue water and natural landscape of the islands. Opt to snorkel and explore the park’s lively reefs or sit back and relax on the beach., Palace of Inquisition (Museum) Visit Visit the museum and learn about the Spanish Inquisition in Colombia. Explore this fine example of colonial and Baroque architecture and see artifacts and torture equipment on display. , Night Exploration on Chiva Get ready to party and explore the city by chiva bus. These colourful vehicles are a national symbol and feature open sides making it easy to truly experience vibrant Cartagena as you go. Drink, dance and enjoy Colombian music on this fun-filled ride., Gold Museum Visit Head to Plaza Bolivar and pay a visit to this well-curated and informative museum. Admire the intricate, pre-Columbian gold works and pottery of the indigenous Zenú people while learning about their history and traditions—all on display in a charming colonial home. , Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno) Visit Museum entry is free on Tuesdays., Cartagena City Tour

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.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:On the rock hostel (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 5.0 hr Distance : 240 km

Optional Activities:Pozo Azul , Hiking Jungle Trails Near Minca

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.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:On the rock hostel (or similar)

Included Activity:Marinka Waterfall Hike Duration : 0.75 hr - 1.0 hr Distance : 4 km

Optional Activities:Pozo Azul , Hiking Jungle Trails Near Minca

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.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:La Riviera Playa (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr Distance : 88 km

Included Activity:Palomino Beach Bonfire Duration : 1.0 hr

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.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Accomodation:La Riviera Playa (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 44 km

Included Activity:Tayrona National Park Visit & Hike Duration : 4.0 hr - 4.5 hr

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.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Tayromar (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr Distance : 82 km

Included Activities:Santa Marta CEO-led Orientation Walk Duration : 0.75 hr Distance : 1 km, Big Night Out

Optional Activities:Gold Museum Santa Marta Explore the colonial mansion that houses indigenous artifacts from the Tayrona area including an impressive gold collection. , Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino Visit Simon Bolivar's final resting place, la Quinta is the estate where the famous libertador spent his final days. The former rum plantation now includes a restored house, museum, library, and extensive gardens perfect for exploring.

day 8 - Santa Marta/Medellín

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.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Yolo Hostel Medellin (or similar)

Transport:Plane Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 850 km

Optional Activities:Explora Park A symbol of transformation in the northern part of Medellín, the park is a large piece of modern architecture housing a variety of scientific exhibits. Learn about the flora, fauna, and astronomy of Colombia while exploring the vivarium specializing in the Amazon River, the planetarium, or one of the many interactive exhibits on display., Modern Art Museum Wander around the Museum of Modern Art and enjoy the work of Colombian artists in a variety of medias. Make sure to check out the Débra Arango permanent collection. , Nutibara Hill (Cerro Nutibara) Visit For a breath of fresh air 80m (263 ft) above the city, visit Nutibara Hill. Ride a colourful bus, take a taxi, or climb winding paths through the greenery to get to the top of the hill and enjoy great views of the city. Pueblito Paisa waits at the summit: stroll through this replica of a traditional Antioquian town and enjoy the charm of whitewashed buildings, bright-coloured doors and tiled roofs. Try some local food here or shop for souvenirs.

day 9 - Medellín

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.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Yolo Hostel Medellin (or similar)

Included Activity:Tour Comuna 13 Guide Local

day 10 - Medellín

Depart at any time.

Included Activity:Departure Day

Colombian Explorer: Medellín Nights & Tayrona National Park

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotels (9 nts).

Meals

8 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Note: Allow USD235-305 for meals not included.

Transport

Private vehicle, public bus, plane, walking

Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Included activities

Your G for Good Moment: Tour Comuna 13 Guide Local, MedellínYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour First Night Out Moment: Connect With New FriendsYour Big Night Out Moment: Santa MartaCEO-led orientation walks in old town Cartagena, Santa Marta, and GuatapéWalk to the Marinka Waterfalls outside of MincaTayrona National Park visit and moderate hikePalomino beach bonfireComuna 13 visit and tourFree time for optional activities in Cartagena, Minca, Palomino, Santa Marta, and MedellínInternal flightTransport between destinations and to/from included activities

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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