Cartagena & The Caribbean

Day 1

Flight from Bogota to Cartagena. You will be met at Cartagena airport by a Travel The Unknown representative and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon you will be collected from your hotel and will start a 3 hour walking tour of the Old City - your guide will explain the history of the fortress walls and the many monuments, plazas, and buildings within them. Meal plan: N/A

Meander through Cartagena’s picture-perfect streets, and admire the city that is famous for both its beauty and its history. Founded in 1533, Cartagena became the main port on the Caribbean coast during Spanish rule. Treasure was stored in the city until it could be taken to Spain and for this reason, in the 16th century, Cartagena suffered five sieges including one led by Francis Drake in 1586. This is why the Spaniards then built the forts (Fuertes) and walls (Las Murallas) that still encompass the old town. The Puerta del Reloj (Clock Gate) signifies the entrance to the inner part of the walled city, also called Calamari. Just behind this is the Plaza de los Coches which used to serve as a slave market. The Plaza de la Aduana and Plaza de Bolivar also have fascinating historical context as well as the numerous churches, museums, convents and monuments.

Day 2

After breakfast take a boat out over the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean to the Rosario islands. Upon arrival to the island, you can choose to snorkel, take a nature walk (which makes a circuit returning by group canoe), or have a relaxing massage (these items are not included in tour price, see approx. Prices below). Several gourmet lunch options are available (included)! Take the boat back to Cartagena and the rest of the day is free. Overnight in Cartagena. Meal plan: B, L

Approx costs for optional activities (per person)

45 minute massage - £40, Nature walk returning by group canoe - £10, Snorkelling - £25, Kayaking (in a shared 2 person Kayak) - £15, Kayaking in a single person Kayak - £20

35km south west of Cartagena lie the Rosario Islands which are an archipelago of 27 islands (including those only large enough for one house) that sit amongst coral reefs and warm turquoise waters. The whole area is a national park – the Corales del Rosario. Caribe Indians once inhabited the islands but were driven away after the attacks of pirates going to Cartagena. There is a diverse aquatic life consisting of 113 plankton species, 215 fish species, 5 mangrove species, as well as plenty of migrating seabirds and wildlife. Isla Grande is the archipelago’s largest island (200ha) and has sandy beaches and trails. Other islands include Isla del Rosario, Isla de San Martin de Pajarales, Isla de Baru.

Day 3

After breakfast take a trip out for a dip in the mud volcano (you sort of float in the volcanic mud!), and discover its healing properties. After lunch, take a relaxing ride in a canoe as a buga (a canoe driver) paddles you through a mangal. Return to Cartagena. Rest of the day free. Overnight Cartagena. Meal plan: B, L

Volcán de Lodo el Totumo is 52km northeast of Cartagena and while it is a small 15 metre volcano, it is in fact the highest mud volcano in Colombia. There are many myths and legends attached why it spews mud rather than ash or lava. Locals believe that the mud was brought about by a priest to drown the devil that was responsible for the fire, ash and lava erupting from the volcano. A more likely cause however is the pressure of gases emitted underground by decaying organic matter.

Day 4

Morning free to relax, wander the old city, or get in some souvenir shopping (Cartagena is famous for its gold jewellery). Afternoon transfer to Santa Marta (4 hours). Evening free. Meal plan: B

Positioned between the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains and the Caribbean Sea, Santa Marta’s history, colonial architecture and beaches make it one of the most popular tourist towns for Colombians. Santa Marta is the oldest remaining city in Colombia, founded in 1525 by Rodrigo de Bastidas in order to exploit the gold treasures of the Tayronas. By 1600, the Tayronas tribe had been wiped out and the gold had all been taken. La Casa de la Aduana is the museum dedicated to the Tayrona’s history. Simon Bolivar, who played a key role in Latin America’s fight for independence, died in Santa Marta in December 1830. His house Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino is now a museum.

Day 5

Today consists of a beach & jungle walk in Arrecifes & Cabo San Juan. A day trip from Santa Marta, hike about an hour and a half through the jungle (look for monkeys!) until you arrive at a totally exotic, white sand beach. Walk along the beaches until you reach swim-able waters. In the evening return to Santa Marta. Meal plan: B

Parque Nacional Tayrona is one of Colombia’s most popular national parks. It is on the jungle-covered coast east of Santa Marta. Tayrona was once inhabited by the Tayrona indigenous people before they were forced out. The only remnants of their civilisation are the ruins of the town Chairama (Pueblito) which is pre-Hispanic and is thought to have been the central settlement for the Tayrona people. The coast in Arrecifes is spectacular and is dotted with massive boulders. A 40 minute walk on from here is the beautiful cape, Cabo San Juan de la Guia.

Day 6

Today is a relaxing day on the famous spacious, white sand beaches of Playa Crystal in Parque Tayrona. A day trip from Santa Marta, spend a day in the sun, relaxing on the beach with tranquil waters and working on your tan! Return to Santa Marta for overnight. Meal plan: B

Day 7

Breakfast followed by airport transfer to Santa Marta airport and return flight to Bogota. Meal plan: B

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