Cartagena de Indias and Santa Marta Escapade
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through two of Colombia’s most captivating coastal cities: Cartagena de Indias and Santa Marta. Begin your adventure in the enchanting city of Cartagena de Indias, where the past and present blend seamlessly. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of the walled city, with its colourful colonial architecture, vibrant plazas, and rich history that echoes tales of pirates and explorers.
This itinerary features More Moments activities included with your package.
Format
Locations
- Cartagena
- Santa Marta
- Bogotá
Inclusions
- Round-trip flight to Bogotá (if Flight and Hotel option is chosen)
- Private transfers to and from airports
- Private transfers for all excursions and sightseeing tours as per the itinerary, unless noted otherwise
- 7 nights of accommodation (4 nights in Cartagena de Indias, 1 nights in Santa Marta, 1 night in Tyrona and 1 night in Bogotá). Please note that your early check-in is included, therefore will count as a night at destination
- Daily breakfast
- Lunch and regional snacks as per itinerary
- Entrance fee to landmarks and monuments as mentioned in the itinerary
- Cartagena de Indias city tour
- Fruit and Paila ice cream workshop, with fruit tasting experience
- Isla Bela day trip, with lunch
- Minca day trip plus visit to coffee farm, with lunch
- Tyrona National Park trek to Cabo San Juan, with lunch
- Domestic round-trip flight in Economy Class as follows: Bogotá - Cartagena de Indias and Santa Marta - Bogotá
- Hotel taxes, fees and service charges (Included only for customers traveling with a non-Colombian passport)
- Service of English speaking local guide as per program
- Earn 4,000 extra Aeroplan® points per member on this tour for travel completed by December 31, 2025
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada
Depart on your overnight flight to Bogotá’s international airport.
Day 2
Welcome to Cartagena de Indias
Upon arrival at El Dorado International Airport, you will be required to clear customs and immigration. Once you've completed the formalities, proceed to check-in for your connecting flight to Cartagena de Indias.
Upon arrival at Rafael Núñez International Airport a local representative, will be waiting to greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign. You'll then be escorted to your private transfer, which will take you to your hotel for an early check-in (included). Spend the rest of the morning and early afternoon at leisure.
Your afternoon adventure begins with a city tour! Enjoy the best of Cartagena de Indias exploring the beautiful streets and attractions such as La Torre del Reloj, Iglesia San Pedro, Castillo San Felipe and the fortress wall. Afterward, you'll be comfortably transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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City Tour, with San Felipe Castle
Begin your journey with a visit to the iconic San Felipe Castle, where you’ll uncover the impressive architecture and rich history of this fortress. After exploring the castle, enjoy a leisurely walk-through Cartagena de Indias’s Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, starting with the Clock Tower at Plaza de la Aduana. From there, we’ll visit the stunning San Pedro Claver Church, a symbol of the city’s colonial past.
As our adventure continues, we’ll pass through the Clock Tower again to stroll by the lush Centenario Park. We’ll conclude our tour in the vibrant neighborhood of Getsemaní, known for its colorful streets and lively atmosphere.
Important Note: Please be aware that the vehicle will be available for the first 1.5 hours during our visit to Castillo de San Felipe. The tour will end on foot in the Historic Center, and transportation back to the hotel is not included.
Day 3
Cartagena de Indias
Enjoy the morning and early afternoon at your pace and interest!
In the afternoon, a Fruit and Paila Ice Cream Workshop awaits. Afterward, your private transfer will take you back to your hotel. Rest of the evening is at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Fruit and Paila Ice Cream Workshop
Welcome to a culinary journey like no other, where each bite immerses you in the richness of Colombia's tropical flavors. This unique tasting experience is designed to awaken your senses and elevate your taste buds to a new level.
Embark on a sensory tour through Colombia's fruit treasures, and enjoy paila ice cream, a centuries-old Colombian tradition, crafted using authentic methods that enhance the freshness and authenticity of the carefully selected fruits.
Throughout this experience, you'll have the opportunity to participate in the creation of products and taste unparalleled flavors.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 4
Cartagena de Indias – Islas del Rosario - Cartagena de Indias
After an early breakfast, your private transfer will take you to the Cartagena de Indias pier to embark on an exciting day trip to Isla Bela, a secluded island within the Rosario Islands archipelago. Following your visit, you'll be transferred back to your hotel, with the rest of the evening at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Isla Bela Day Trip
Today’s journey includes dock fee, reception and assistance at the dock, round-trip speedboat transportation (45-60 minutes*), hotel insurance, welcome cocktail, traditional lunch (fried fish, grilled chicken or vegetarian option), use of facilities (beds, sunbeds, tables, bathrooms, etc.), kayak, yoga classes (Saturdays, Sundays and holidays), insurance.
*Duration may vary depending on weather conditions. If you're prone to seasickness, please plan accordingly.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 5
Cartagena de Indias – Minca – Marinka – Santa Marta
After an early breakfast, and checking out, your private transfer will take you on a *3.5 hours’ scenic drive to “The Oldest City of Colombia", Santa Marta!
*Driving conditions may vary depending on the road and traffic conditions on the ground.
You will pass by Santa Marta on your way to La Victoria, a renowned coffee farm where you'll embark on an immersive coffee tour. After the tour, savour a delicious lunch while enjoying the breathtaking mountain scenery of Minca.
Continue your exploration with a visit to Marinka, a serene oasis nestled within the dense forests of Minca. Embark on a leisurely stroll through the town, soaking in the natural beauty that surrounds you. Arrive at the majestic Marinka waterfalls, where you'll have the opportunity to bathe in the refreshing waters and marvel at the cascading streams.
Afterwards, you will be taken to your hotel in Santa Marta to check in.
More Moments Activities Included
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La Victoria Coffee Farm Tour (2 Hours)
Indulge your senses as you savor the rich flavours of freshly brewed coffee and immerse yourself in the world of Colombian coffee culture. Gain insight into the unique characteristics of Sierra Nevada's coffee and learn about the intricate process of coffee production.
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Marinka Waterfalls
Serene oasis nestled within the dense forests of Minca, where you'll have the opportunity to bathe in the refreshing waters and marvel at the cascading streams. Unwind in the comfort of large hammock beds, allowing the soothing sounds of nature to lull you into a state of blissful tranquility.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 6
Santa Marta – Los Naranjos
After an early breakfast, your private transfer will take you on a full-day* trek through the breathtaking landscapes of Tayrona National Park, a true gem among Colombia's natural wonders. This renowned national park, famed for its turquoise waters, golden sands, and rugged rainforests, presents an unparalleled fusion of beauty and cultural significance.
*Tour duration may vary depending on the weather and operational constraints on the ground. The level of the trek is moderate, please plan accordingly.
Afterwards, your private transferred will drive you back to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Tayrona National Park, Trek to Cabo San Juan
Begin your journey at the Zaino entrance of the park, where you'll embark on a moderate hike through the lush rainforest. After approximately 2 hours (5.6 km), you'll arrive at Piscinita, a secluded cove with crystal-clear waters, ideal for a refreshing swim and a relaxing break.
Continue your trek towards Cabo San Juan, one of the park's most iconic destinations. The path winds along the coast, offering breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. As you approach Cabo San Juan, you'll be rewarded with stunning beaches, towering cliffs, and the opportunity to explore the secluded Playa La Piscina.
The return journey follows the same route, offering a chance to appreciate the park's beauty from a different perspective. Remember to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and comfortable hiking shoes for this adventure.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 7
Los Naranjos – Santa Marta
After an early breakfast, your private transfer will take you to Simon Bolivar International Airport in Santa Marta to catch your flight to Bogotá.
Upon arrival at El Dorado International airport, a local representative will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign and will escort you to your private transfer that will take you to your hotel to check-in.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8
Bogotá - Canada
After breakfast your private transfer service will take you to El Dorado International Airport to catch your flight back to Canada.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Accomodations
Where you'll stay
Location
Hotel
Room details
Type of bed(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 3 people (3 adults, or 2 adults and 1 child)
Unless otherwise specified, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Important Information
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Frequency: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
- January 01, 2024 – December 31, 2025
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Not included:
- Hotel Taxes are NOT included for customers travelling with a Colombian passport; proof of Nationality will be required upon check-in
- Gratuities
- Airport taxes (where applicable)
- Meals outside of the ones mentioned within the itinerary above
- Transfers for any optional activities, and any other transfer services required outside of the itinerary above
- Entrance to other landmarks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Additional activities and excursions
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The More Moments activities/excursions mentioned in the itinerary are all included in the package but may be rescheduled to take place on an earlier or later day, depending on availability and operational day, or cancelled due to weather related conditions.
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- Private transfer service from/to airports
- Private transfer service for all sightseeing
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Please be advised that upon arrival at Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena de Indias, our local representative will request a picture of your passport (main page and entry stamp). This procedure ensures that you are not charged the hotel taxes, fees and service charges upon check-in. Hotel taxes, fees and service charges are not included for customers travelling with a Colombian passport.
Due to your early flight arrival, and to enhance your experience in Colombia, your early check-in is included in your price and will count as a night at your destination.
The itinerary above is subject to change without prior notice. The order in which destinations are visited or day excursions occur may change due to operational restrictions, such as weather and accommodation availability.