Medellin, Colombia

Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta - RY Marketplace

Santa Marta: The Pearl of Colombian Caribbean

Santa Marta: The Pearl of Colombian Caribbean

$430

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Highlights

Weekend trip to Santa Marta for nature lovers.
Visit Tayrona Park, Buritica River and Santa Marta Sea.
Kayaking, snorkeling and autonomous diving experiences.
Guided hike in Tayrona Park.

Description

Escape to Santa Marta for a full weekend immersed in nature. Begin by exploring Tayrona Park, famous for its lush jungle and beautiful beaches, with the option to hike to Cabo San Juan for a rewarding view. Alternatively, kayak down the Buritaca River and hike for 25 minutes to meet the beach where you can walk, swim, and relax. On the second day, embark on a sailboat experience for a full day of beach, sea, and paddle board. End the day with a chill sunset session at a local beach hostel. Throughout the experience, enjoy local accommodations in the central area, and a welcome lunch.

Who This Experience Is Good For

Ideal for nature lovers who enjoy outdoor activities and want to spend their weekend surrounded by green mountains, rivers, and the sea.

Meet Our Local Host

Mario is a local host who has lived in Santa Marta for years after returning from working in cruises. He fell in love with Santa Marta during the pandemic and decided to stay and live there. Mario is a yogi and enjoys outdoor activities. He loves the nature and food of Santa Marta, and is excited to meet you and explore the city together.

Itinerary

Day 1 (Friday)
Morning: Arrivals at Santa Marta. (as the check ins won't be available until 3 pm, you can safe your luggage in the hotel storage and use the amenities in the meantime)
3:00 pm: Check-in at accommodations in the central area with a local feel.
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Sunset and chill at a beach hostel (Chair and $15.000 COP consumption - Transportation not included).
8:00 pm: Welcome dinner

Day 2 (Saturday)

Option 1: Tayrona Park (guided hike to the beach) - Min 4 people to operate
6:00 am: Breakfast.
7:00 am: Private transport to Tayrona Park.
9:00-9:30 am: Estimated time of arrival at Tayrona Park.
9:30 am - 3:30 pm: Guided hike through the valley (3-hour walk/hike) with lunch included at a beachfront restaurant.
3:30 pm - 5:30 pm: Free time to explore the beach.
5:30 pm: Return to the accommodation.

Option 2: Buritica River (kayaking to the beach) - Min 4 people to operate

7:00 am: Breakfast.
7:30 am: Private transport to Buritica River.
9:30-10:00 am: Estimated time of arrival at Buritica River.
10:00 am - 3:00 pm: Kayaking down the river, hiking up river for 25 minutes, kayaking down river for 1 hour and 30 minutes, and free time to enjoy the beach.
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Return to accommodation.

Day 3 (Sunday)
8:00 am: Breakfast.
9:00 am - 3:00 pm: Sailboat experience in Santa Marta Sea, including paddleboarding and snorkeling. *This is not private for RY members; there might be other participants and staff on board.*
3:30 pm: Check out from accommodation and return to Santa Marta airport.

What’s Included

Accommodations for 2 nights.
Welcome dinner on the first day.
Option 1 - Guided hike in Tayrona Park.
Option 2 - Kayaking experience in Buritica River.
Sailboat experience in Santa Marta Sea (not private to RY Members) with paddleboarding and snorkeling.
Breakfast for 2 days.
Lunch for 2 days

What’s Not Included

Flight to Santa Marta.
Transportation for sunset chill at a beach hostel.

Know Before You Go

Minimum Needed: 6 people
Maximum Capacity: 18 people
Booking Deadline: 14 days before start date
Weather Dependent: Yes, the weather is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 28C to 34C (approx. 84F to 90F).
Difficulty Level: Hiking to Cabo San Juan is rated 3.8 out of 5, and some parts are steep and muddy or have tough rocks.
Special Clothing Required: Bring clothes for warm weather and swim wear
Special Dietary Restrictions: Vegan and vegetarian options are available.
Extra Cash: Needed for tipping (Not mandatory: you liked the service Tip! You did not? Is ok not to Tip. 10% is good), additional services & souvenirs. ATMs are available in town.
Ground Transportation: All ground transportation is included
Additional Information: N/A
Liabilities: The liability for any injury, loss, or damage incurred by participants is not assumed by Remote Year or its affiliates.

fREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

NATION REVIEWS

Don't miss this trip

If you are a lover of water and are energized by adventure this is a must-do during your month in Medellin. Mario is the best local guide and the kayaking day is wonderful and is capped off with a relaxing afternoon at a beautiful oasis of a hostel in the jungle. We stayed at a Marriott hotel which was unexpected but really nice to have comfy beds and air conditioning! The second day the boat ride is so fun - we swam, danced, relaxed and ate an amazing meal cooked right on the boat - get the grilled fish - one of the best meals I had in Colombia! (note: I was there with a smaller group of only 6 people, so a larger group experience may be different).

Mostly a weekend hangout

Mario was a 10/10 guide and host for this trip. The trip itself wasn’t my favorite, but that’s mostly a matter of personal taste.

I wish I’d selected the hike over kayaking, bc that ended up feeling not much different or more interesting than kayaking back home. Much of Saturday was hanging at a hostel…again just not my personal fave but exactly as advertised and lots of folks loved it.

I would have liked some more time to poke around the shops and walk around town in the daytime, but it didn’t feel like there was ever any free time to do that.

I do hiiiiighly recommend the nearby restaurant Guasimo for an upscale delicious dinner. A reservation is suggested. The grilled octopus and ceviche were 😍.

Fantastic Weekend!

I almost did not buy this trip and am so glad I did! Santa Marta exceeded my expectations. I absolutely loved this trip! Mario is an excellent, fun guide. He took us to El Rio hostel to do our hike, kayaking trip and hang out (and have lunch). El Rio is well known among travelers from the U.K. because it is fantastic. I loved chilling in the hammocks with my book after our adventurous kayaking trip that included linking arms to cross a river with a strong current, hiking beautiful terrain, kayaking to a rock to jump off of, jumping from a rope swing, and going down a giant water slide into the river. We had a blast! Dinner in Santa Marta at El Mexican we fabulous, too. The second day, we boarded a beautiful sailboat to hang out and have lunch on a pretty beach. The choppy water bothered one in our group, but she still enjoyed the ride. I got the Cartagena add-on as well, which was enjoyable, but not the blast that Santa Marta was! Do this trip! You will not be sorry. It was the highlight of my Medellin month.

Take me baccccckkk!!!

We had a wonderful time in Santa Marta. Sailing in the ocean and kayaking in the river was SOOO fun! The hostel that we spent the day on Saturday was beautiful and very vibey. Also, I wasn't expecting that we were staying at the Marriot hotel, and that was a very nice surprise to everyone! This trip was perfect to connect with the community, in comparison with other side trips this is not a GO GO trip therefore we had the chance to go on our own pace and not to feel tired afterwards. Also the experiences that RY curated for us where so well done and our host (MARIO) was very kind and he brought a very cool energy to our group. It was definitely one of the highlights of our month in Medellín!

A jam packed weekend of adventure

A jam packed weekend of adventure

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