Discover magical landscapes and diverse Caribbean culture on this 11-day guided adventure
The Caribbean coast of Colombia is full of beauty and wonder. From remote, pristine beaches to rich indigenous culture and colonial history, to the highest coastal mountain range in the world, this area is an adventure traveler’s dream. The Exploring the Caribbean tour is the best way to experience it all.
You’ll explore the remote Guajira peninsula, crossing the open desert of the Colombian Outback in a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Trek through the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains to discover the ancient Lost City of the Tayronas.
Visit the Tayrona National Park, which is one of Colombia’s best and most popular parks. Bookend your adventures with some of Colombia’s most incredible beaches and the warm, refreshing waters of the Caribbean Sea. Book your Exploring the Caribbean tour today, then pack your swimsuit and your hiking boots because adventure awaits!
Highlights of The Caribbean Coast and Lost City Tour
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The Caribbean Coast and Lost City Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Riohacha
Arrive at the Riohacha Airport and meet your transfer to the Sanctuary of Flora and Fauna Los Flamencos. Here, you will tour the Navio Quebrado Lagoon and view different local species of birds, before sharing a traditional lunch with locals. Afterwards, you will transfer to your hotel to check in and spend the afternoon exploring Riohacha.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Riohacha
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Drive to Cabo la Vela
Today you will begin the tour by driving to "La Guajira," the exotic desert region in the northernmost part of Colombia. This expansive and captivating arid territory is inhabited by the Wayuu Indians and is characterized by open landscapes bordered by the Caribbean Ocean, where roads lack both names and numbers. The journey is quite challenging, and transportation for the day involves 4WD vehicles (3.5 hour transfer).
The first stop takes you to the village of Uribía, the indigenous hub of La Guajira, where you will explore this significant center of Wayuu culture. After, you will proceed to your accommodation for the night in Cabo de La Vela.
In the afternoon, a hike to the Pilón de Azúcar awaits, which is a sacred site for the Wayuu community. You'll also visit the rainbow beach and take a brief walk to the lighthouse for views of Guajira's sunset. Enjoy some free time at the Dorada and Ojo de Agua beaches before returning to the Ranchería.
Overnight Location: Rancheria in Cabo de la Vela
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Cabo la Vela to Santa Marta
Following breakfast, you will set out for Manaure to explore the Wayuu's salt ponds and witness the traditional technique of salt extraction, guided by a community leader. There will be time to engage with the community at the Wualapuinje ranch, where you can gain insights into rituals and traditions. After a delightful local lunch, you will begin the return journey toward Riohacha.
The route traverses the desert, possibly over a salt flat if it is dry enough, and then follows the railroad until reaching Cuatro Caminos. From there, it's a short 1.5-2 hours to Riohacha. The final destination is Santa Marta city, approximately 2 hours from the state border. The afternoon will be yours to savor the city at your leisure.
Overnight Location: Hotel Casa Carolina in Santa Marta
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Santa Marta City Tour
After breakfast, take a 3-hour tour of the city of Santa Marta. This was the first town established by Spanish settlers in Colombia in 1534. Walk through the crowded downtown streets of the colonial areas. Visit the Santa Marta Cathedral, the oldest church in Colombia, where Simon Bolivar was initially buried (His body was eventually moved to his birthplace in Caracas). You’ll also learn more about the native culture of the surrounding areas at the gold museum. End your tour with the Plaza Bolivar, the pier, and the seaside promenade. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore at your leisure or relax in the hotel.
Overnight Location: Hotel Casa Carolina in Santa Marta
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Begin Lost City Trek
You’ll be picked up at your hotel in the morning and travel in 4-wheel drive vehicles, following the coast to the northeast. After about an hour, the paved road ends and the off-road adventure begins. Another hour after you leave the paved road, you’ll come to El Mamey, or Machete Pelado, village (150 m/492‘). Stop here for lunch and then begin your hike to the Lost City (La Ciudad Perdida).
Today’s hike is exposed to the elements, so be sure to pack plenty of water and dress appropriately for the weather. You will be offered tropical fruit along your hike to help give you energy. Take the trail along the Quebrada del Alto Mamey River, which is a gentle one-hour walk before the path climbs steeply up to the El Mirador Pass (640 m/2,100’). Pause here to appreciate the fantastic view overlooking the Buritaca River and the town of Mamey. Descend from the pass for 1.5 hours to the Donde Adan Lodge, which awaits you in a beautiful location beside the Quebrada Honduras River. A dip in the natural pool by the lodge is very refreshing after a day of hiking. Spend the night in a hammock at the lodge.
Overnight Location: Donde Adan Lodge (480 m/1,574’)
Distance: 4 hours, 8.9 km, (490 m of ascent, 160 m of descent)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Trek to El Paraiso Lodge
Begin by hiking to the Mumake Pass (680 m/2,231’) via a gentle and well-marked trail. Along the way, you’ll cross into protected land that’s controlled by the Kogi indigenous tribe. There are also Wiwa Indians settled in these valleys that run some of the hikers’ lodges. Notice how the landscape changes from farmland to a more natural and well-preserved wilderness as you enter the protected areas.
After crossing the Mumake Pass, descend quickly to the Buritaca River (430 m/1,411’), where you’ll see the Kogi settlement called Montangi and get a glimpse of their way of life. Continue hiking for about an hour, then cross the river via a hanging bridge and begin the ascent to the Koskunguena Pass (824 m/2,703’). On the other side of the pass, you’ll descend once again to the Buritaca River (743 m/2,438’) and cross the river one last time. Follow the riverbank to El Paraiso lodge (870 m/2,854’), where you can swim in the river before spending the night sleeping in hammocks.
Overnight Location: El Paraiso Lodge (870 m/2,854’)
Distance: 7-8 hours, 13.6 km, 721 m of ascent, 327 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Trek to the Lost City
Another early start for an exciting day! Initially, the trail follows the right bank of the Buritaca River, then after a short distance, crosses to the other side. Here you’ll see the ancient stairs that climb steeply up to the Lost City of the Tayrona (1,175 m/3,855’). Climbing these steps is like traveling back in time as you draw closer to this astounding archaeological site. The original name of the city was Teyuna, and it is all that remains of the lost Tayrona civilization. Spend 4 hours touring the area and learning about the culture and architecture of the city. It is believed that the Kogi people descended from the Tayrona people, and you may also be able to visit the home of a Kogi Mamo, or shaman, during your tour.
After the tour, return to El Paraiso lodge for lunch, then follow the same trail back toward the Mumake Pass. At the foot of the pass, spend the night at the Mumake Lodge (389 m/1,276’).
Overnight Location: Mumake Lodge (389 m/1,276’)
Distance: 6 hours, 9.4 km, 382 m of ascent, 786 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Trek to El Mamey Town
Complete your Lost City trek today. Immediately after leaving the Mumake Lodge, hike up to the Mumake Pass (680 m/2,231’). After crossing the pass, descend again to the Quebrada Honduras River then climb once again up to El Mirador Pass (640 m/2,100’). Continue walking to reach the end of the trail in the town of El Mamey (150 m/492’). Eat lunch here in town, then drive for about 2-2.5 hours to reach your next hotel.
Overnight Location: Eco Hotel Yachay, Tayrona National Park
Distance: 4-5 hours, 14.2 km, 451 m of ascent, 690 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 Visit Tayrona Natural Park
Spend today touring Tayrona National Park, which is one of Colombia’s best-known natural parks. Here you’ll find some of the best beaches in Colombia nestled into the foothills of the world’s tallest coastal mountain range, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. This park ranks second in Colombia for annual visits and it is easy to see why. The park area (150 square kilometers of land and 30 square kilometers of sea) protects tremendous biodiversity as well as archaeological ruins such as Pueblito.
Take a light hike from the main parking area, following the coastline to see iconic locations such as Arrecife’s area, La Piscina beach, and El Cabo San Juan, all within 2 hours of hiking. Spend a peaceful day enjoying the beaches and natural areas. Enjoy traditionally prepared fish for lunch. Return to the lodge in the afternoon for the last night of your tour.
Overnight Location: Eco Hotel Yachay, Tayrona National Park
Distance: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Transfer to Santa Marta Airport
Sadly, your Exploring the Caribbean Tour has reached its end. Transfer to the Santa Marta Airport takes approximately 1.5-2 hours. Have a pleasant journey!
Overnight Location: N/A
Distance: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
The Caribbean Coast and Lost City Tour Price and Dates
Pricing for this guided Exploring the Caribbean Tour depends on whether you choose to join an existing group on a specific date or if you prefer a custom tour for your group only.
The prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room:
- Guided Groups of 2: from $2,375 USD per person*
- Guided Groups of 4: from $1,940 USD per person*
- Guided Groups of 6: from $2,330 USD per person*
* Pricing for this tour depends on the size of your group, as well as your travelling dates. Please click the Book Now button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.
Book NowAccommodation on the The Caribbean Coast and Lost City Tour
Accommodations on this tour are based in 3- and 4-star hotels in cities and towns where they are available. In rural areas and along treks, you will often be camping, sleeping in hammocks, or staying in rustic lodges.
In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel. Contact us and we can try and match single travelers up, where possible.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel Waya in Riohacha ★★★★
Excellent service and amenities await you at this stunning hotel that is 100% sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Rancheria Utta in Cabo de la Vela
Rural accommodation that offers spectacular landscapes with views of desert terrain and secluded beaches to enjoy the beautiful Caribbean Sea.
Hotel Casa Carolina in Santa Marta ★★★★
Enjoy relaxing luxury in Santa Marta’s quiet historic district. The beach is nearby, but the hotel has so many amenities you may not want to leave it.
Hammocks at lodges along the trail
Trek in the beautiful rainforest of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and sleep in hammocks in lodges along the trail of the Lost City.
Eco Hotel Yachay, Tayrona National Park (Lodge)
Stay in the heart of Tayrona National Park, surrounded by the jungle and wildlife. This lodge offers a comfortable stay in an amazing location.
What’s included in the Caribbean Coast and Lost City Tour?
Meals
9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners are included on your tour.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 9 nights along the tour are included as described. You will usually stay in 3- or 4-star hotels, except along hikes and in areas where only rustic lodges or camping are available.
Transportation during the Tour
- Airport transfers
- Private transportation throughout the tour
Also Included
- Local Spanish-speaking cultural guide for days 1-3
- Local Spanish-speaking trekking guide for days 5-8
- National Park entrance fee and park’s insurance
- Santa Marta City Tour and entrance fees
- Quality mountain tents for camping (2 people per tent)
- Common camping equipment for the group
- Pack animal for Lost City trek
Not included
- Transportation to Riohacha to begin the tour and from Santa Marta after the tour
- Separate airport transfers in case of multiple arrivals/departures
- Guide in Tayrona National Park
- English speaking trekking guide during Lost City tour
- English speaking guide during La Guajira tour
- Camping gear
- Tips
- Pack animal for Lost City trek
- Personal equipment and expenses
- Insurance
- Anything else not listed as included
Optional Extras
- Boat tour to Hondita Bay from Punta Aguja beach (day 3)
- Kite surfing course / gear rental in Cabo la Vela (day 3)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Caribbean Coast and Lost City
Andes World Travel is a boutique adventure tour operator, founded by mountaineers, grown out of a love for adventure and first-hand knowledge of the Andes region. They offer a wide range of tours throughout South America, including both adventure tours and cultural tours.
Andes World Travel offers climbing, trekking, and hiking tours with an emphasis on safety and professionalism. They also offer “light trekking” trips for less experienced adventurers.
The company runs tours in Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina, Bolivia, Venezuela, and Peru. They focus on sustainable practices and are more than willing to customize their tours to client’s wishes.
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