Updated on 04/05/2024
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As you peruse this guide, look forward to uncovering a collection of supplementary and invaluable travel itineraries to enhance your exploration of Colombia.
Content
Santa Marta Colombia Trip Summary
Day 1 – Santa Marta
Day 2 – Santa Marta – Tayrona Park – Santa Marta
Day 3 – Santa Marta – Minca
Day 4 – Minca – Santa Marta
Planned Places/Cities
Santa Marta
Santa Marta is the capital of the department of Magdalena and is located on the Caribbean coast at just 5 meters (16 feet) above sea level. Therefore, temperatures here range between 21°C and 33 °C (70 – 91°F). The city spreads over a large area and is flanked by mountains from different sides. The immediate Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is mostly inhabited by indigenous communities and not only reaches the highest point in Colombia with the Pico Cristóbal Colón – at a height of 5,700 meters (18,700 feet)- but is also the highest coastal mountain in the world. Santa Marta is the perfect starting point for many leisure and holiday activities. Along the coast to the east, you will find Tayrona National Park, the most famous national park in Colombia. There are also wonderful beaches. Another highlight is the Lost City hidden in the Sierra, which can be visited in a 4-day trek.
Minca
Minca is a tranquil and enchanting mountain village located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range in Colombia. Nestled amidst lush forests and surrounded by natural beauty, Minca offers visitors a serene escape from the coastal heat and a chance to immerse themselves in the region’s rich biodiversity and relaxed atmosphere.
Minca is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and abundant biodiversity. The village is surrounded by dense rainforests, coffee plantations, and cascading waterfalls. The area is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 300 bird species, including toucans and hummingbirds, making it a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts.
The region around Minca is known for its coffee production, and visitors have the opportunity to learn about the coffee cultivation process. Several local farms offer coffee tours, where guests can experience the coffee-making process from bean to cup and enjoy freshly brewed Colombian coffee amid beautiful mountain scenery.
Minca is a paradise for eco-tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. The surrounding mountains offer numerous hiking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints and waterfalls. Popular hikes include visits to the Pozo Azul, a series of cascading blue pools, and the Los Pinos viewpoint, which offers panoramic vistas of the lush landscape below.
The Pozo Azul waterfalls are a favorite spot for visitors seeking a refreshing dip in crystal-clear waters. The cascading falls and the surrounding natural pools offer a rejuvenating escape from the heat, and the verdant surroundings make it a perfect spot for relaxation and picnicking.
Tayrona National Natural Park
Tayrona National Natural Park, often referred to as just “Tayrona Park,” is a protected area located along the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Situated in the northern part of the country, the park is renowned for its stunning coastal landscapes, biodiverse ecosystems, and cultural significance as the ancestral land of the indigenous Tayrona people.
Tayrona Park is celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty. It encompasses a diverse range of landscapes, including pristine beaches, lush rainforests, rugged mountains, and crystal-clear rivers. The park’s rich biodiversity is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
The park is famous for its stunning beaches with white sand and turquoise waters. Some of the most popular beaches include Cabo San Juan, La Piscina, Arrecifes, and Playa Cristal. Visitors can relax on the shores, swim in the Caribbean Sea, or snorkel to explore the vibrant underwater world.
The park holds significant cultural importance as the ancestral land of the indigenous Tayrona people, who have inhabited the region for centuries. Several indigenous communities still reside within the park, maintaining their traditions, language, and connection to the land.
Within the park’s boundaries, there are various archaeological sites that bear witness to the ancient Tayrona civilization. Some of these sites include ancient terraces, ceremonial areas, and burial grounds, offering insights into the history and culture of the indigenous people who once thrived in the area.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Santa Marta
Arrival to Santa Marta
You will be picked up at the airport in Santa Marta and driven to your hotel.
The bilingual guide will be waiting for you at the exit of the airport.
Accommodation
Here you will find the best hotel recommendations in Colombia.
Day 2: Santa Marta – Tayrona Park – Santa Marta
Full Day Tayrona Park
You will be picked up at the hotel and drive to the entrance of the Tayrona Park. From the entrance to Cabo San Juan you will walk approximately 3 hours. In Cabo San Juan you will find nice beaches and gastronomic offer. After some hours of relaxing, the public boat will leave around 15:00 to Taganga, where your transport already will await you.
Day 3: Santa Marta – Minca
Minca
You will be picked up after breakfast and drive up the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta to Minca. You will visit different waterfalls and also a coffee farm. During the day you will discover the beauty of this region, which is also know as the highest coastal mountain range in the world.
Day 4: Minca – Santa Marta
Departure Santa Marta
You will be picked up at the hotel and driven to the airport in Santa Marta.
Travel Map
Very Important Info to Know Visiting Colombia
Santa Marta Colombia Travel Guide
Tips & Tricks for travelers visiting Colombia
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