Home / South America, Colombia Tours / Culture & Historical

5-Day Santa Marta, Minca & Tayrona Tour (Backpacker)

Santa Marta,
Duration

5 day(s)

Tour type

Regular & Private

Group size

1-10 people

Physical Level

easy

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Tour Overview

This thoughtfully designed 5-day getaway invites you to uncover the true essence of Colombia’s Caribbean coast, blending the colonial allure of Santa Marta with the untamed beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains and Tayrona National Park. Created for travelers who appreciate comfort, authentic experiences, and meaningful connections, this journey offers a relaxed pace that allows you to fully absorb the spirit of the region.

Your experience begins in the historic center of Santa Marta, where heritage and coastal vibrancy come together. From there, you will journey into the verdant cloud forests of Minca, discovering the artisanal traditions behind organic coffee and chocolate production, and later unwinding at the serene Marinka waterfalls. The adventure continues as you explore the unspoiled beaches and rich ecosystems of Tayrona National Park, before ending with a cultural immersion into the history and architecture of Colombia’s oldest city.

Allow the warmth of the Caribbean sun and the stories of the Sierra Nevada to leave a lasting impression long after your journey ends.

Activities
Adventure Photography Wildlife Family Historical Beach Daily Sightseeing Bird watching

Tour Features

Duration
5 day(s)

Max Group Size
1-10 people

Tour Code
TSB-SBG48A

Departure Type
scheduled

Tour Category
Culture & Historical

Guiding Method
Fully guided

Operated In

Age Requirement
10 - 80

Santa Marta

Pickup Time:

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Santa Marta

Dropoff Time:

Highlights
Santa Marta

Itinerary

Day 1

Upon arrival in Santa Marta, a true gem of Colombia’s Caribbean and its oldest city, you will be greeted and transferred comfortably to your hotel. From the very beginning, the ocean breeze and the welcoming spirit of the locals set the tone for your stay. Santa Marta offers a perfect combination of historical charm and lively coastal culture. Take this first afternoon to settle in, unwind, and ease into the relaxed rhythm of the destination. Stroll through nearby streets, take in the atmosphere, and get ready for the enriching cultural and natural experiences ahead. Every detail is arranged to ensure a smooth and enjoyable start to your time in this tropical haven.

Meals: B/-/-

Hostel: In Santa Marta

Day 2

Your adventure continues toward Minca, a peaceful ecological haven located 600 meters above sea level in the Sierra Nevada mountains, where the fresh mountain air awakens your senses. Traveling by 4x4, you will visit a local coffee and cacao farm, where you will learn about the traditional production process from harvest to final product, gaining insight into the region’s agricultural heritage. After tasting these local delights, you will venture deeper into the lush surroundings to reach the Marinka waterfalls, a tranquil retreat where clear waters invite you to relax and refresh. This day combines cultural learning, opportunities for birdwatching, and moments of pure calm in a natural setting that feels timeless.

Meals: B/L/-

Hostel: In Santa Marta

Day 3

Next, prepare for a meaningful connection with nature at Tayrona National Park, a unique sanctuary where the Sierra Nevada meets the Caribbean Sea. This extraordinary ecosystem ranges from tropical forests to mangroves and coral reefs, creating remarkable biodiversity. You will walk along scenic trails leading to pristine beaches with white sand and turquoise waters, perfect for observing wildlife or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings. With expert guidance and all logistics taken care of, you can explore freely and at your own pace, finding tranquility and renewal in one of Colombia’s most breathtaking natural landscapes.

Meals: B/-/-

Hostel: In Santa Marta

Day 4

You will then experience the cultural heart of Santa Marta through a guided tour that reveals its rich heritage and colonial character. The journey begins at the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, the historic estate where Simón Bolívar spent his final days, surrounded by beautiful gardens filled with history. From there, you will visit the charming fishing village of Taganga, known for its stunning panoramic views, before continuing into the historic center. Explore landmarks such as the Cathedral, Parque de los Novios, and the Tayrona Gold Museum, where you will discover the ancestral legacy of the region. This experience beautifully connects past and present, allowing you to appreciate the art, architecture, and warmth that define this remarkable city.

Meals: B/-/-

Hostel: In Santa Marta

Day 5

Your journey concludes with a peaceful final morning, perfect for enjoying the last views of the Caribbean or picking up local handicrafts as souvenirs. After days filled with history, nature, and unforgettable landscapes, you will depart with a renewed sense of inspiration and lasting memories. A comfortable transfer will take you to the airport, marking the end of an experience designed with care and attention to every detail. You leave carrying the colors, flavors, and warmth of Santa Marta, along with the promise of returning one day to continue exploring the magic of Colombia.

Meals: B/-/-

Included

4 Nights Standard Accommodation

English / Spanish-speaking local certified guide

Meals mentioned in your itinerary

All transfers and transportation are described in the itinerary.

Entrance Fees: Access to all featured attractions, including the coffee and cacao farm in Minca, Marinka waterfalls, Tayrona National Park, Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, and the Tayrona Gold Museum.

Excluded

International or domestic flights

Travel insurance is not included, but could be suggested

International or domestic flights

Travel insurance (highly recommended)

Meals not mentioned (lunches/dinners except where specified)

Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, extra drinks, etc.)

Optional activities or additional stops not specified in the itinerary

Equipment Rentals: Optional activities such as snorkeling gear or other equipment rentals at Tayrona National Park.

Tour Booking

Travelers
Departure Month
Regular Tour Prices
Start End
Sep 5, 2026 Sep 9, 2026 €1013.030412
Double room
Sep 6, 2026 Sep 10, 2026 €1013.030412
Double room
Sep 7, 2026 Sep 11, 2026 €1013.030412
Double room
Sep 8, 2026 Sep 12, 2026 €1013.030412
Double room
Sep 9, 2026 Sep 13, 2026 €1013.030412
Double room
Sep 10, 2026 Sep 14, 2026 €1013.030412
Double room
Sep 11, 2026 Sep 15, 2026 €1013.030412
Double room
Sep 12, 2026 Sep 16, 2026 €1013.030412
Double room
Sep 13, 2026 Sep 17, 2026 €1013.030412
Double room
Sep 14, 2026 Sep 18, 2026 €1013.030412
Double room
Sep 15, 2026 Sep 19, 2026 €1013.030412
Double room
Sep 16, 2026 Sep 20, 2026 €1013.030412
Double room
Sep 17, 2026 Sep 21, 2026 €1013.030412
Double room
Sep 18, 2026 Sep 22, 2026 €1013.030412
Double room
Sep 19, 2026 Sep 23, 2026 €1013.030412
Double room
Sep 20, 2026 Sep 24, 2026 €1013.030412
Double room
Sep 21, 2026 Sep 25, 2026 €1013.030412
Double room
Sep 22, 2026 Sep 26, 2026 €1013.030412
Double room
Sep 23, 2026 Sep 27, 2026 €1013.030412
Double room
Sep 24, 2026 Sep 28, 2026 €1013.030412
Double room
Sep 25, 2026 Sep 29, 2026 €1013.030412
Double room
Sep 26, 2026 Sep 30, 2026 €1013.030412
Double room
Sep 27, 2026 Oct 1, 2026 €1013.030412
Double room
Sep 28, 2026 Oct 2, 2026 €1013.030412
Double room
Sep 29, 2026 Oct 3, 2026 €1013.030412
Double room
Sep 30, 2026 Oct 4, 2026 €1013.030412
Double room
Private Tour Prices
Start End
Sep 5, 2026 Sep 9, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 6, 2026 Sep 10, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 7, 2026 Sep 11, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 8, 2026 Sep 12, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 9, 2026 Sep 13, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 10, 2026 Sep 14, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 11, 2026 Sep 15, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 12, 2026 Sep 16, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 13, 2026 Sep 17, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 14, 2026 Sep 18, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 15, 2026 Sep 19, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 16, 2026 Sep 20, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 17, 2026 Sep 21, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 18, 2026 Sep 22, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 19, 2026 Sep 23, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 20, 2026 Sep 24, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 21, 2026 Sep 25, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 22, 2026 Sep 26, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 23, 2026 Sep 27, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 24, 2026 Sep 28, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 25, 2026 Sep 29, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 26, 2026 Sep 30, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 27, 2026 Oct 1, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 28, 2026 Oct 2, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 29, 2026 Oct 3, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 30, 2026 Oct 4, 2026 €0
Double room
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