This is not your typical Colombia's city(s) trip. We are hitting the Caribbean coast from Cartagena all the way to the NorthernEast most point in South America to experience one of the continents hidden gems Las Dunes del Taroa 🏜. Then we will finish with a 4 days back to back at the 2nd largest carnival in the Americas at Shakira's birthplace! 🥳 "Oh baby when you dance like that!!"
Hey, if you still haven't read my profile, I am Bader a global travel who have recently finished visiting every country in the world (twice been to Colombia) and always will come back to Latin America every year! I traveled solo and in groups, budget and luxury, adventure based and slow based - all while meeting other travelers during events and at hostels and other group tours. While I am new here, I appreciate your support on my first JoinMyTrip itinerary. We will have fun and leave with memories to share back home!
The accommodations will vary from hostels to airbnb as well as two nights in hammocks at local lodges out in the desert (where no hotels are accessible). All options are subject to upgrade to a private room (subject to availability) at an extra cost. The hostels are carefully picked to ensure a good experience as we will have chill days with optional activities to do with the hostel team/residents at the hostel or nearby locations.
What's included?
All Accomodations
Day trip to Islas de Rosario
3D2N tour to Las Dunes del Taroa + meals
3 Days carnival access
Tayrona National Park access
1 week Car Rental + Fuel
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I spent the last years traveling to every country, which I successfully completed 03/04/25. Today I am leading trips to help others explore!
You can chat with Bader once you reserve your spot.
Trip Itinerary
1
Cartagena
Day 1-3
Day 1: Welcome to Cartagena! ✈️ Check in at the hostel and explore the city or join a FREE walking tour at your own pace. Dinner at night to get to know each other and kick off this trip with local salsa dancing 💃
2
Rosario Islands
Day 3
Day 2: Early morning day trip to five different locations around Islasl del Rosario 🏝 an archipelago that embodies the essence of the Colombian Caribbean . The tour combines nature, culture, and fun , taking you to the most iconic spots along the coast in a single day. 🏊♂️ During the trip, we will visit the San Fernando Fort in Bocachica , snorkel in Isla Grande, see Pablo Escobar's legendary plane and his old mansion, dance in Cholón, have lunch at Mambo Beach Club in Barú, and end the day at Anaho Beach Club in Tierra Bomba, with good music and spectacular views. 😍
3
Santa Marta
Day 3-4
Day 3: We will hop on a shuttle bus to travel to Santa Marta. Check in to our hostel on arrival Have the day to explore at your own pace: - Visit popular attractions - Walk on the seaside "Malecon" - Join a FREE walking tour if time permits 🚶♂️ - or just CHILL at the rooftop pool with spectacular city views at sunset 🌇
4
Buritaca
Day 4-7
Day 4: Today is a slow start, enjoy a breakfast at the rooftop or along the Malecon. Have a couple of more hours exploring the city. Enjoy lunch. and in the AFTERNOON we are off to our next stop at Buritaca River! Check in at the hostel and meet everyone. Day 5-6: Enjoy your time! Relax, join others in day activities, or see what the hostel have set up for events! Or just take a dip at the river!
5
Riohacha
Day 7-8
Day 7: OFF we go on the road again but this will be an early start from 6:00am to Riohacha! Our guide/driver will be waiting for us in a 4x4 car for a 3Days 2Nights adventure to Las Dunas del Toroa! - We will take the desert road leading to the Manaure Salt Flats, the largest salt complex in Colombia. - Then continue the Punta Gallinas tour toward Uribia, the Indigenous capital of Colombia. - After a traditional lunch stop in Cabo de la Vela, we continue with visits to Playa Arcoíris, the Pilón de Azúcar, Playa Dorada, and finally the Cabo de la Vela Lighthouse, where we witness one of the most breathtaking sunsets in La Guajira.
6
Las Dunas del Taroa
Day 8-9
Day 8: Today we will be heading deeper into the desert. During the journey, we will pass through the Jepirachi Wind Farm, where you’ll have the chance to take photos of the striking turbines set against the desert backdrop. Then continue along remote routes bordering Bahía Portete, Bahía Honda, and Bahía Hondita, an area known for its dramatic mix of sand, sea, and wind. Around 2:00 p.m., we arrive at Punta Gallinas, where we stop for lunch and have the rest of the day free to relax.
7
Guachaca
Day 9-11
Day 9: Today we will finally visit the spectacular Taroa Dunes. These towering sand dunes offer an unforgettable panoramic view of the desert merging with the Caribbean Sea. We will have time to descend the dunes and swim at the beach—one of the highlights of the Punta Gallinas tour. Afterwards, we continue to the Punta Gallinas Lighthouse, the northernmost point of South America—a meaningful and symbolic stop for travelers who reach this remote location. We then begin the return journey to Riohacha, stopping in Uribia for lunch before continuing the final stretch. By 2:30–3:00 p.m., we arrive back in Riohacha. We will get in our car and head back to Barranquilla but will stop for the night to enjoy and relax at a beautiful beach hostel on the way with fun activities! Day 10: Relax and free time to enjoy the beach and activities offered on location
8
Barranquilla
Day 11-16
Day 11: On our way to our final destination we will stop at the nearby Tayrona National Park to explore until the afternoon. Then we drive to our final stop in Barranquilla. Plan is to stay in an airbnb apartment. Relax and have free time OR head out to explore the streets and on going carnaval street parties and events. Day 12: Explore the city at your own pace or as a group. Head out for carnaval activities and street parties. Day 13-15: 3 days of back to back Barranquilla Carnaval seeing caravans of colorful show of Colombians in flashy costumes and the most amazing dancing in all of LATAM 🤩 Day 16: We check out and say goodbye with one last group photo before we head off to the airport with a bag full of Colombian memories! 😭
Trip Summary
Accommodation
Hostel & Apartments & Other
16 days trip
Cartagena, Rosario Islands & 6 more
Transportation
Boat, Car
What's excluded?
International, domestic ✈️ & insurrance
Meals not mentioned & personal expenses
Room upgrades
Tips for local drivers/guides
Transportations in cities (when car N/A)
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Colombia
Access to 2nd largest carnival in LATAM 
All Accomodations 
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International, domestic ✈️ & insurrance 
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