Colombia’s Caribbean Coast

Tropical beaches, steamy jungle, exquisite cities & vibrant culture…Explore Colombia’s coast at Caribbean pace on this idyllic adventure. The perfect reset

What's included

All activities mentioned on the itinerary
6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Private minibus
Arrival airport transfer
Accommodation in twin rooms
Hand-picked 3-4 star hotels
Experienced Pack Leader with you throughout the trip
Max 16 travellers per group

Flashpackers must provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their adventure. Remember, flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.

About your trip

Tropical beaches, steamy jungle, exquisite cities & vibrant culture…Colombia’s coast is best explored at Caribbean pace.

Take it easy as you travel from colonial Cartagena – the jewel in Colombia’s crown – to historic Santa Marta, where the soaring Sierra Nevada mountains plunge into the turquoise sea beyond. You’ll stop by Barranquilla, famed for its colourful carnival (and birthplace of Shakira), and kick back on the wild, boulder-strewn sands of Tayrona National Park.

Over seven immersive days, you’ll learn the art of ceviche making, snorkel in crystalline bays and connect with the region’s Afro-Colombian rhythms in a hands-on drumming workshop. You’ll meet the spiritual leader of the Tayronaka indigenous community to take part in a ritual cleansing and spend your evenings sipping cocktails with new-found friends under the Caribbean sun.

Sound dreamy? We think so.

Ceviche in Cartagena

Touch down in Cartagena, a beautiful 16th-century port on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, where a private Flash Pack transfer will be waiting for you at the airport
Check in at your hotel in the Getsemaní district, feasting your eyes on it’s stunning murals and captivating street art transforming ordinary buildings into open-air galleries
Get to know your group over a delicious three-course dinner; learn how to prepare ceviche and raise a toast of aguardiante (sugar cane spirit) to friendship and adventure

Drumming by the beach

Visit the laidback fishing village of La Boquilla where you can book a boat ride with a local fisherman; learn how to cast a net the traditional way and catch local crabs
Feel the beat with a drumming workshop led by local villagers, and discover how folk music such as cumbia, mapale and champeta, connects them with their African roots.
Spend a free afternoon in Cartagena, exploring the Unesco heritage walled city, with the charm of colonial architecture followed by sundowners overlooking the Caribbean

Barranquilla's carnival vibe

Stop off at the bustling town of Barranquilla, famed for its spectacular carnival, explore the carnival museum and have lunch overlooking the Rio Magdalena
Soak up the tropical scenery as you continue to Tayrona National Park; your destination tonight is a secluded retreat surrounded by dense rainforest
Follow the jungle trail from your retreat leading down to a nearby beach; there’s a special Flash Pack surprise in store tonight, but that’s all we’ll say for now

Beach beauty in Tayrona National Park

Spend the day exploring beautiful Tayrona National Park: a stunning slice of mountainous jungle, vast boulders and golden-white sand lapped by the Caribbean Sea
Hop aboard a private boat to a quiet cove where you can snorkel in the calm, crystalline water, relax on the beach and picnic under the palm trees – bliss!
Return to your lodge and continue your journey to the coastal city of Santa Marta – Colombia’s oldest Hispanic city – where your next hotel awaits

A free day in Santa Marta

Spend a free day exploring Santa Marta, with its well-preserved historic centre and long sweep of sandy beach; your Pack Leader will have plenty of suggestions
Take an optional tour to the pretty highland village of Minca; surrounded by thick cloud forest and soaring mountain peaks, it’s a wildlife haven and famed for its organic coffee

Take part in a tribal ritual

Travel by boat to an indigenous village to meet the Kogui tribe; see how they live in harmony with nature and take part in a ritual cleansing with the spiritual leader
Return to Santa Marta for a farewell dinner with your group, reflecting on the incredible adventures you’ve shared

Farewell, Colombia

Say farewell to your new Flash Pack friends and make your own way to the airport for your onward flight; your Pack Leader will be on hand to help you book a taxi
Return home sun-kissed and carefree from your Colombian adventure, having immersed yourself in the culture of this beautiful stretch of coast

Where you'll be staying

We often feature these unique hotels on this trip, with final options confirmed a month before departure. We work with these or similar hotels to ensure a stylish and comfortable stay every time.

Open Social House Getsemaní, Cartagena

This big, beautiful eco-hotel in one of Cartagena’s coolest neighbourhoods is full of personality and feel-good vibes. Earthy colours, exposed brickwork and walls draped with plants add a touch of modern Colombian style, while the beautiful roof-top pool offers outstanding Old Town views.

Hotel Villa Maria, Tayrona Los Naranjos

Set within 45 acres of wild, tropical jungle, Villa Maria is an ideal base for exploring Tayrona National Park. The original colonial house is 200 years old, while local artisans created the surrounding bamboo thatched villas. Expect excellent sea views, a refreshing pool and forest trails leading down to the beach.

AC Mariott, Santa Marta

A slick city centre hotel, just 2 minutes from the beach, featuring light-filled modern rooms in calm neutral tones. Floor-to-ceiling windows come as standard offering impressive ocean views – particularly from the upper floors where you’ll also find the rooftop sundeck, complete with gorgeous outdoor pool.

Adventure FAQs

Which airport do I need to fly into? Plus airport code

Fly into Rafael Nuñez International Airport (CTG) in Cartagena and fly out of Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR) in Santa Marta.

What time should my flight arrive? (so arrive in time for the welcome meeting)

Before 5 pm ideally. The welcome meeting and dinner will be from 7 pm onwards starting at the hotel, which is located approximately 30 minutes away from the airport.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

There are no activities planned for the last day, so leave any time you wish.

Are airport transfers included?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.

Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.

We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. Your Pack Leader will offer you support with finding a local taxi.

Do I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.
Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.

3. Government travel advice

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.

Are tips included?

Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:

Pack Leader: 10 USD per day
Drivers: 3 USD per day
Local tips: your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip local guides, restaurants, etc. Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips.

However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.

How much should I budget per day for extras?

We already include most meals however we recommend around 150,000 COP, the equivalent of 30 GBP / 40 USD per day for extras.

Is Colombia safe for tourists?

Yes, and even more so on a guided group tour with Flash Pack. Colombia is one of the world’s friendliest countries, and whilst there are dangerous areas, your tour has been carefully planned with the help of expert Pack Leaders on the ground. We’re confident you’ll get nothing but enjoyment from your time in Colombia.

What fitness levels do I need for this trip?

Overall, the trip is relatively relaxed so only a moderate level of fitness is required for walking around cities and a 2.5-kilometre hike through the jungle.

We recommend having a read through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.

Can I take a day trip to the Rosario Islands?

If you want to visit the Rosario Islands, we recommend booking a pre-night at the start of your trip as the islands are best visited from Cartagena.

Will the itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.

This adventure is part of Flash Pack's 'Balanced' range. So how does it differ?

Think classic Flash Pack – but at a more relaxed pace and with a more affordable price tag. Here’s what to expect from each trip style, in a nutshell:

Classic: Active and fast-paced with internal flights, excursions and most meals included.

Balanced: More affordable, slower-paced itineraries with added free time, minimal physical challenge and no internal flights. There’ll be fewer excursions and meals out, but no compromise on quality.

No matter the style, our adventures are always friendship-focussed, full of immersive activities, led by the world’s best local guides and guarantee handpicked three-to-four-star accommodation.

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