7-Day Colombia Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Colombia tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffColombia travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Days in Colombia, incl. Santa Marta and Lost City Trek

  Ancient pathways lead through 44km from Santa Marta via El Mamey to Ciudad Perdida. Daily 4-6 hour treks pass Kogi villages to camps like Teyuna Paraiso, culminating at the Lost City's ruins beyond 1,200 historic steps.

  

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  • Day 1

    Santa Marta

    Arrive in Santa Marta and get your bearings. Take time to buy any supplies you still need. Insect repellent is essential - as one traveler points out: "Nothing dries in the jungle...you don't need more than two outfits. One to sleep in and another to hike in, wash, and wear again the next day." The area near Parque de Los Novios is ideal for finding gear shops.

    
  • Day 2

    Santa Marta to Ricardito Camp

    Start with a 2.5-hour 4x4 ride to El Mamey village where your trek begins. The first day includes a 4-hour hike through farmland and jungle. Pack light since you'll carry your own gear unless you opt for a mule ($40-50/day). The path takes you through Kogi indigenous communities before reaching the first basecamp.

    
  • Day 3

    Ricardito Camp to Teyuna Paraiso Camp

    This is one of the toughest days with steep climbs. The intense humidity (35-45°C) makes everything more difficult. A traveler's tip: "Bring a swimming outfit - the river stops at camp are a welcome relief from the heat." You'll reach camp in the afternoon with time to cool off by the river.

    
  • Day 4

    Lost City Exploration

    Start before sunrise to climb the 1,200 ancient steps to Ciudad Perdida. You get about 3 hours to explore the sacred sites at 1,200m elevation. "The experience of hiking in the Lost City fully delivers," one reviewer shared. Afterward walk 5 more hours through banana and cacao plantations to Mumake Camp.

    
  • Day 5

    Mumake Camp to Las Cascadas Camp

    Begin early for another full day of hiking. In rainy season (April-November) river crossings can be waist-deep. Bring dry bags for your daypack. The camp offers basic facilities with power only from 5-9pm. You can refill treated water at all camps.

    
  • Day 6

    Return to Santa Marta

    Your final morning of jungle trekking takes you back to Machete Pelao before a 4x4 returns you to Santa Marta. One experienced trekker advises: "Light long hiking pants are a must on the last day to avoid ticks!" The afternoon is free for rest.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure

    The tour ends after breakfast. If time allows visit the free Gold Museum or Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino (23,000 COP entry) to learn about local history.

    

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• 7 Days Colombia -The Best of Caribbean Coast - Backpacker

  

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  • Santa Marta Colombia

    106 mi

  • Cartagena Colombia

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• Caribbean Dreams: From the Walled City to Tayrona’s Paradise

  This 7-day trip follows Colombia's Caribbean coast from Cartagena to Santa Marta, with stops at major coastal cities and Tayrona National Park. Tour the UNESCO-listed Walled City including San Felipe Fortress and La Popa Convent, then check out Getsemaní's lively streets.

  

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  • Cartagena Colombia

    106 mi

  • Santa Marta Colombia

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