3 weeks along the Colombian Caribbean coast
Colombia itinerary
Created by:
itinerary-hub
Published on:
Sept. 16, 2020
21 days
627 km
7 steps
This 3 week one way itinerary starts in Cartagena and ends in the the peninsula of La Guajira. This route will take you past the lively colonial cities of Cartagena and Baranquilla. Next enjoy some time in the cute town of Minca and explore the Siera Nevada mountain range, head down to the relax for some days at the beach in Taganga and the astonishing Tayrona National Park. Finish your trip in the unique desert town in the La Guajira peninsula.
Step 1: Cartagena
3 days recommended
Cartagena
Cartagena is a port city founded in the 16th century located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. It's known for its walled Old Town with cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings.
step 1: Cartagena
Transportation type:
car/bus/boat
125 km / 77 miles
step 2: Barranquilla
Step 2: Barranquilla
2 days recommended
Barranquilla
Barranquilla, located where the Magdalena River enters the sea on the Caribbean coast, is the capital of Colombia’s Atlántico Department. It's a bustling seaport that is known for its enormous Carnival.
step 2: Barranquilla
Transportation type:
car/bus/boat
98 km / 60 miles
step 3: Santa Marta
Step 3: Santa Marta
2 days recommended
Santa Marta
Santa Marta is a city located on the Caribbean coast of the northern Colombian department of Magdalena. The city was the first Spanish settlement in Colombia and remains a busy port city. The city is known as a gateway for trips into the Tayrona National Natural Park, its nearby beach towns and for treks to the Lost City archaeological site in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains.
step 3: Santa Marta
Transportation type:
car/bus/boat
21 km / 13 miles
step 4: Minca
Step 4: Minca
4 days recommended
Minca
Minca is a small peaceful town located near Santa Marta, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains. Minca is known for its waterfalls, coffee farms, biodiversity and as a gateway to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains.
step 4: Minca
Transportation type:
car/bus/boat
23 km / 14 miles
step 5: Taganga
Step 5: Taganga
2 days recommended
Taganga
Taganga is a small fishing town located on the Caribbean coast next to Santa Marta. The town is known for its beautiful bay, its beach and its laidback atmosphere.
step 5: Taganga
Transportation type:
car/bus/boat
13 km / 8 miles
step 6: Tayrona National Park
Step 6: Tayrona National Park
3 days recommended
Tayrona National Park
Tayrona National Park is located in northern Colombia, along the Caribbean coast. It consist of a large protected area covering the foothills of where the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta meet the Caribbean coast. It’s known for its tropical beaches, coastal lagoons, dense rainforest and rich biodiversity. There is also an archaeological site found withing the park, consisting of terraces and structures built by the Tayrona civilisation.
step 6: Tayrona National Park
Transportation type:
car/bus/boat
344 km / 213 miles
step 7: Cabo de la Vela
Step 7: Cabo de la Vela
5 days recommended
Cabo de la Vela
Cabo de la Vela is a small town located in Colombia’s northern desert region of La Guajira. It is becoming more popular among travellers due to its unique landscapes and culture and its wonderful beaches.