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Coastal Delights: Santa Marta and Cartagena Adventure

Karen Zamira Mena Araque

Karen Zamira Mena Araque

15 Jan 2024

Embark on a thrilling 6-day journey through the vibrant cities of Santa Marta and Cartagena. Immerse yourself in the rich history, stunning beaches, and captivating culture of Colombia's Caribbean coast. From ancient marvels to breathtaking landscapes, this itinerary is a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Trip to Santa Marta

Day 1Unveiling Santa Marta's Treasures
+

$19

·

$ 2

Monument to Victor Emmanuel II
Grand marble neoclassical temple honoring Italy's first king & First World War soldiers.
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
•
Free
Bolivariano Museum of Contemporary Art
Airy museum housed on a hacienda compound featuring contemporary pieces from Latin American artists.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$8
17 - 21 min

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Directions

Catedral Basílica de Santa Marta
Catholic church with a bell tower & an interior lined with religious paintings & statues.
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
•
Free
4 - 6 min

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Directions

Museo del Oro Tairona - Casa de la Aduana
Free, bilingual museum with 4 galleries & tours featuring the life & artifacts of indigenous people.
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
•
$11
Day 2Paradise Found at Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
+

$38

Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
Coastal stretch of palm-fringed beaches backed by lush mountains with ruins of a pre-Hispanic town.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$38
Day 3Sun, Sand, and Sights in Santa Marta
+

$34

·

$ 4

Playa Grande, Taganga
Energetic ocean cove offering calm waters for snorkeling, boats, eateries & cliffside trails.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$19
22 - 27 min

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Directions

Parque de los Novios
Urban retreat with stately monuments & park benches, surrounded by a lively restaurant/bar scene.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
Free
19 - 23 min

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Directions

Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
Built in 1608, revolutionary leader Simon Bolivar's final home features a museum & botanical garden.
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
•
$15

Budget breakdown: $160 In total

Activities & Food:$152
Transport:$8

Trip to Cartagena

Day 1Unveiling Santa Marta's Treasures
+

$24

Castle San Felipe de Barajas
Imposing hilltop fortress built in the 1600s with a complex tunnel system & offering audio tours.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
$24
10 - 15 min

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Directions

Plaza de la Trinidad
Small urban square known for food sellers, plus colorful buildings & murals in surrounding streets.
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
•
Free
Day 2Paradise Found at Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
+

$15

Monumento India Catalina
1974 statue honoring the legendary India Catalina, an indigenous woman who was a Spanish translator.
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
•
Free
10 - 15 min

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Directions

Plaza de Santo Domingo
Bustling plaza featuring outdoor restaurants & bars, buskers, vendors & a sculpture by Botero.
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
•
Free
4 - 6 min

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Directions

Santuario de San Pedro Claver
Grand 16th-century church with a museum dedicated to its namesake, a canonized early abolitionist.
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
•
$11
4 - 6 min

~

Directions

Muelle de la Bodeguita
11:45 AM - 12:15 PM
•
$4
Day 3Sun, Sand, and Sights in Santa Marta
+

$23

·

$ 2

Museo de Arte Moderno Cartagena
This modern art museum with two levels specializes in 1950s Latin American painters.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
$15
7 - 9 min

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Directions

Walls of Cartagena
Defensive stone walls snaking 11km around Cartagena, dating to the 1600s & known for sunset vistas.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
•
Free
5 - 8 min

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Directions

Casa Museo Rafael Núñez
Residence-turned-museum dedicated to former resident & multiple-time Colombian president.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$8

Budget breakdown: $160 In total

Activities & Food:$152
Transport:$8