Colombia Caribbean Coast: Historic Towns, Jungles & Beaches
Travel east from Cartagena to Minca, Tayrona, and Palomino, linking historic towns, mountain forests, and jungle bays.
Travel one-way east along the coast without backtracking, flying out of Santa Marta. Spend the first three days in Cartagena and the Rosario Islands, then head up to the cooler mountain town of Minca, hike through Tayrona's bays, and finally unwind where the Palomino River meets the sea. This route can be done entirely by public bus, but it involves multiple transfers, so travel light. Staying two nights in Tayrona is recommended for an early entry into the park.
Tayrona National Park closes for conservation during parts of February, June, and October–November each year. Check dates before booking.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Getsemaní
Take a taxi from the airport to Getsemaní (approx. 15 mins). Spend the evening exploring the neighborhood on foot.
Stay: Getsemaní
Day 2 · Walled City & San Felipe Castle
Cartagena（Walled City & Clock Tower、Plaza and Church of Santo Domingo、Castillo San Felipe de Barajas、Walls of Cartagena）
Explore the Walled City entirely on foot. The castle is about a 15-minute walk from Getsemaní.
Stay: Getsemaní
Day 3 · Rosario Islands Day Trip
Take a speedboat from the pier to the islands (approx. 1 hour) and return by the same route in the afternoon.
If sea conditions are poor, swap this for a half-day tour to the Totumo Mud Volcano.
Stay: Getsemaní
Day 4 · Head East Along the Coast to Minca
Take a bus from Cartagena to Santa Marta (approx. 4 to 5 hours), then transfer to a shared ride to Minca (approx. 1 hour).
Stay: Minca
Day 5 · Minca Waterfalls & Coffee Forests
Santa Marta & Tayrona（Pozo Azul、Marinka Waterfalls）
Take a moto-taxi or hike to the waterfalls (approx. 30 to 60 minutes one way).
Mountain nights can be chilly. Roads are narrow, so use caution with moto-taxis after rain.
Stay: Minca
Day 6 · To Tayrona via Santa Marta
Santa Marta & Tayrona（Santa Marta Historic Center）
Head down the mountain to Santa Marta (approx. 1 hour), then take a bus after lunch to the El Zaíno entrance (approx. 1 hour).
Stay: Tayrona Park Entrance Area
Day 7 · Tayrona Bay Hike
Santa Marta & Tayrona（Tayrona National Natural Park、Arrecifes Beach、La Piscina、Cabo San Juan del Guía）
Take the park shuttle from the entrance to Cañaveral, then hike about 2 hours to Cabo San Juan and return the same way.
Bring your passport and yellow fever vaccination card. The park often implements temporary capacity limits.
Stay: Tayrona Park Entrance Area
Day 8 · Transfer to Palomino Beach
Santa Marta & Tayrona（Palomino）
Catch an eastbound bus at the park entrance to Palomino (approx. 1 hour). Relax on the beach in the afternoon.
Stay: Palomino
Day 9 · River Tubing & Departure
Go tubing on the Palomino River in the morning, then take a bus (approx. 2 hours) to Santa Marta Airport for your flight out.