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> Colombian Explorer: Medellín Nights & Tayrona National Park
Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 10 Day Colombian Explorer: Medellín Nights & Tayrona National Park. Forget scrolling and start experiencing the real deal. This 11-day adventure through Colombia’s Caribbean coast is all about soaking up the sun, culture, and natural beauty of this vibrant country. Kick off in Cartagena’s charming walled city before venturing into the lush jungles of Minca and Palomino. Hike to hidden waterfalls, chill on the beaches of Santa Marta, and explore national parks packed with adventure. Wrap it all up with the electric vibes of Medellín. These read more spots may be all over your feed, but trust us, they’re even better in person — so what are you waiting for?
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Our Price From
US$1,343 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $336 per person
Trip Length
10 Days
Trip Starts
Cartagena
Trip Ends
Medellin
Departures
Jul 2026 to Dec 2027
Countries Visited:
Operator
G Adventures
Trip Style
18-to-Thirtysomethings
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
18-39 Years
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Moderate
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
SMCD
Itinerary
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.
Accommodation:
Hotel Villa Colonial
Included Experiences
- Connect With New Friends: Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
- Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
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.
Accommodation:
Hotel Villa Colonial
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- CEO-led Orientation Walk of Old Town Cartagena: Enjoy an orientation walk alongside your trust CEO and get to know the Old Town of Cartagena as you walk a 3.7km loop from your hotel in the area. Pass by various monuments and museums and gain an introduction to the streets, sounds, and sights of this Colombian city.
- Free Time: Choose your own adventure today! From numerous museums to city tours and nearby island visits, there's no doubt you'll find plenty of options to keep you entertained.
Optional Experiences
- 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. (320000-350000 COP per person)
- 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.
- 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: Housed in two historic buildings, one a former weapons storehouse, is the collection of the Museo de Arte Moderno de Cartagena. Stroll through the unique space and admire Latin American paintings from the 1950s along with contemporary Colombian art.
- Cartagena City Tour: Learn more about Cartagena’s history from a bilingual guide on a tour of this lively city. Travel between sights by private transport and visit the clock tower, Plaza Bolivar, and the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. Take in sweeping views of the city from the hilltop Convento De La Popa and enjoy a walking tour from San Pedro Claver Church to Santo Domingo Church.
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.
Accommodation:
On the rock hostel
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Settle in to this town in the middle of the rainforest in the lower part of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. A place brimming with hiking trails, coffee and cocoa plantations, rivers, and waterfalls. The ideal place to immerse yourself in nature. Go for a hike or explore the town on your own.
Optional Experiences
- Pozo Azul: Choose to visit Pozo Azul, a series of waterfalls near Minca that create the perfect natural swimming holes to feel refreshed in the tropical, humid environment of north Colombia.
- Hiking Jungle Trails Near Minca: Set off on the trails through the jungle around Minca and do some exploring on your own.
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.
Accommodation:
On the rock hostel
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: After the hike travel back to Minca and spend the afternoon on your own. Maybe head to Pozo Azul, a collection of three swimming areas on the river that runs by town, or choose to tour a chocolate and coffee farm.
- Marinka Waterfall Hike: Hike to the impressive Marinka waterfalls that flow with crystal clear water and generate a natural pool perfect for swimming. This easy to moderate hike offers a great chance to feel refreshed in nature amid the beautiful jungle scenery.
Optional Experiences
- Pozo Azul: Choose to visit Pozo Azul, a series of waterfalls near Minca that create the perfect natural swimming holes to feel refreshed in the tropical, humid environment of north Colombia.
- Hiking Jungle Trails Near Minca: Set off on the trails through the jungle around Minca and do some exploring on your own.
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.
Accommodation:
La Riviera Playa
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Enjoy yourself during a free afternoon in the small beachside town of Palomino. This off-the-beaten-track is the perfect place to sunbathe on golden sand beaches or tube down a lazy rive beneath the jungle trees.
- Palomino Beach Bonfire: Hang out on the beach with your travel pals and enjoy a bonfire as the sun goes down and you enjoy one another's company.
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.
Accommodation:
La Riviera Playa
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Tayrona National Park Visit & Hike: Enjoy the first part of the day in the beautiful landscape of Tayrona National Park on a moderate hike led by a local guide. Learn more about the rich diversity of Tayrona's natural heritage and simply enjoy the outdoors.
- Free Time: Spend the evening on your own. Opt to grab dinner together with the group or find a spot in town to watch the sunset.
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.
Accommodation:
Hotel Tayromar
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Santa Marta CEO-led Orientation Walk: Walk through town with your CEO and pass by landmarks like Parque de los Novios, Parque Bolívar, Parque Camellón Rodrigo de Bastidas (along the water), and the marina. Get to know this gorgeous place on the Caribbean Sea and simply enjoy the coastal location.
- Free Time: Explore on your own and choose from the optional activities available locally.
- Big Night Out: Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials, or hanging out by the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.
Optional Experiences
- 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.
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.
Accommodation:
Viajero Medellin
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Plane: Sit back and relax as you fly from Santa Marta to Medllín.
- Free Time: Enjoy time to get settled in Medellín and explore on your own.
Optional Experiences
- 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. (24500-37500 COP per person)
- 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.
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.
Accommodation:
Viajero Medellin
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Tour Comuna 13 Guide Local: Explore dynamic communities and support women–owned social enterprises on a tour led by residents of the Comuna 13 of Medellin. A G Adventures,–supported project, Berracas de la 13 is a nonprofit organization who have developed a new Comuna tour and meal service, benefitting women and youth from the community. Travellers have the opportunity to learn from local guides, visit small shops, try local food and purchase unique handicrafts.
- Free Time: Spend free time exploring the city and make sure to try as many fun optional activities as you can. If you haven't ridden the metrocable yet then we suggesting catching a ride up for sunset views.
Optional Experiences
- 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. (24500-37500 COP per person)
- 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.
Depart at any time.
Trip Inclusions
- 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.
- Your G for Good Moment: Tour Comuna 13 Guide Local, Medellín
- Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Big Night Out Moment: Santa Marta
- CEO-led orientation walks in old town Cartagena, Santa Marta, and Guatapé
- Walk to the Marinka Waterfalls outside of Minca
- Tayrona National Park visit and moderate hike
- Palomino beach bonfire
- Comuna 13 visit and tour
- Free time for optional activities in Cartagena, Minca, Palomino, Santa Marta, and Medellín
- Internal flight
- Transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Private vehicle, public bus, plane, walking
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
- Hotels (9 Nights)
- A variety of styles of hotels/hostels are used on this trip. In many instances, they might not be like what you are used to back home as service and efficiency can vary.
- Some nights on this tour will be multi-share. This may involve 4-6 group members sharing a room. The majority of accommodation will have shared bathroom facilities.
- Where we use multi-share hostels, rooming requests of any kind cannot be taken. For private accommodation please see tours in our Classic Travel Style.
- Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Ecuador (even in upgraded hotels and private homes). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.
- 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings
Built for young travelers ready to break free from the everyday grind, these trips bring together a safe and supportive group of like-minded people in their twenties and early thirties.
Connect on the First Night Out, explore with a Chief Experience Officer (CEO), enjoy free time, and celebrate unforgettable moments with new friends - without breaking the bank. Travel confidently, respectfully, and affordably.
Dates & Pricing
USD
Friday
22 May 2026
22 May 26
Cartagena
Sunday
31 May 2026
31 May 26
Medellin
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$1,679
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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