• HOME
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • WORK WITH ME
  • COURSE
  • Nav Social Icons

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • WORK WITH ME
  • COURSE
  • Mobile Menu Widgets

    Connect

    Search

Bucketlist Bri

Bucketlist Bri

Adventurous Slomad Travel

  • Start Here
  • Destinations
  • Bucket List
  • Digital Nomad
  • Slow Travel
  • Van Life

2 Week Itinerary Backpacking Colombia’s Caribbean Coast

Last Updated: October 20, 2021 · Colombia, South America

Share
Pin
Tweet
Share
Share
74 Shares

Taking a trip to Colombia? The hardest part is not the planning itself, but choosing which part of Colombia you want to see! Since Colombia is so diverse, a short plane trip can take you anywhere from whale watching on the Pacific Ocean, to exploring sand dunes in the desert, to trekking in snowy mountains, to ziplining in coffee country, and so much more!

Of course, it’s not possible to see all those amazing regions in 2 weeks. But you can still have an unforgettable time on your first, second, or third trip to Colombia! The Colombian Caribbean coast invites backpackers and adventurers from all over.

Whether you want to lounge on the beach with turquoise waters or speed in a truck across the sandy desert, Colombia’s Caribbean coast is the place to be.

Here’s the recap of my 2 week travel itinerary traveling Colombia’s Caribbean coast!

How to Spend 2 Weeks on Colombia’s Caribbean Coast

2 Week Itinerary Colombia's Carribean Coast | Bucketlist Bri

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!

Preparing for the trip

Flight from Bogotá

You’ll probably arrive from a different airport, but we flew from Bogotá to Cartagena at night.  We flew with Avianca, and so we only had carry-on luggage for the approx. 14-day trip.

What to pack for colombia’s coast

I brought my camera, journal, toiletries, bug repellent, bathing suit, 1 dress, hiking pants and shoes, a couple tanks/t-shirts, a rain jacket, a microfibre towel, a light sweater, sandals, and a handful of undies.

I ended up wearing the same thing almost every day, but I was pretty happy to not have a gigantic backpack to lug around (especially on the buses or when hiking in Tayrona).

Days 1-3: Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

We debuted our backpacking trip in the picturesque Tayrona National Park.

It is a majorly popular destination nowadays, but it’s worth going if you want to discover the lush greenery of the Sierra Nevada Mountains as they meet with the bright blue and green hues of the Caribbean sea.

2 Week Itinerary Colombia's Carribean Coast | Bucketlist Bri

We took an overnight van from Cartagena to arrive in Tayrona. It took about 5-6 hours and we were pretty tired when we arrived. Luckily, we were more excited than we were sleepy. But since we arrived two hours early before the park opened, we had time to relax and enjoy the fresh air as the sun rose behind the hills.

Stay at least 2-3 days in Tayrona to take advantage of the cut-off-from-the-world vibe and explore its wild rainforest and beaches.

Click here for my guide on what to do and where to stay in Tayrona National Park!

Traveler’s Tip: If you have extra time, you can explore Santa Marta and Minca at this point, or wait until you head back down the coast.

Days 3-5: Cabo de la Vela

Just when I thought Tayrona’s beach was gorgeous, nothing could prepare me for the Caribbean-desert landscape at Cabo de la Vela. It’s not at all crowded like you’ll see at Tayrona, and the scenery is just mindblowing.

If you want to go anywhere on the Caribbean coast, it should be to Cabo de la Vela. Getting here can be tricky though, but if you leave early on the 3rd morning from Tayrona, you can get to Cabo by the mid-late afternoon.

2 Week Itinerary Colombia's Carribean Coast | Bucketlist Bri

Many travelers come to Cabo to take courses at the renown kite surfing center, but some just come for the adventure. Before arriving you’ll have to speed across the desert in the bed of an old truck. It’ll be a whirlwind of adventure and pretty uncomfortable. I mean, have you ever felt sand at 100 mph?

This old fishing village is truly a hidden gem. It’s no doubt that it’ll continue to popularize in the coming years though. I hope it can retain its small, indigenous authenticity while bringing sustainable economic growth to the community and Wayuu families.

Read my guide on what to do and where to stay in incredible Cabo de la Vela

Days 5-7: Punta Gallinas

As part of our Cabo de la Vela tour package with our local guide, we traveled to the northernmost point of South America at Punta Gallinas. This trip is not for those who get bored after 1 hour of traveling in a 4×4. We left at 6 am from Cabo de la Vela and drove nearly 3-4 hours across the barren desert.

It was both humbling and heartbreaking to travel across this barren land and see families bearing the brunt of the desert’s unforgiving living conditions. Children were guarding makeshift checkpoints, and to have passageway, you needed to give something in exchange (candy, water, fruit, etc.)

2 Week Itinerary Colombia's Carribean Coast | Bucketlist Bri

Our trip to Punta Gallinas included a visit to the northernmost geographical point in SA, a visit to a beautiful lookout and the surreal Taroa sand dunes where you can slide down a towering hill of golden sand right into the Caribbean sea.

Traveler’s Tip: I’d recommend adding a day or two for Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas (just because they take quite the effort to get to!)

Read more about getting to Punta Gallinas and what it’s like to stay here!

Days 7-9: Palomino

After our painstakingly long drive back to Riohacha from Punta Gallinas, we took another bus to Palomino.

This little hipster town is a popular backpacker’s destination and it’s no wonder why. It offers the sunny, tropical vibe that most people look for when traveling along the coast. The beach, however, was my least favorite aspect of Palomino.

2 Week Itinerary Colombia's Carribean Coast | Bucketlist Bri

The local craft shops, delicious cafes and restaurants, and colorful hostels are what make this place come to life.

While you can just hang out, eat, drink, and be merry (like we did), you can also go hiking around Palomino or partake in some fun river tubing!

Read more about what to do and where to stay in this laid-back Caribbean coastal town!

Days 9-11: Minca

Minca is an adorable mountainous town located in the hills behind Santa Marta on the coast. It’s a perfect little retreat and is a popular destination for backpackers wanting to relax in the fresh mountain air and take a break from the sunny coast.

2 Week Itinerary Colombia's Carribean Coast | Bucketlist Bri

Unfortunately, my time in Minca wasn’t as pleasant as I expected, thanks to a nasty virus that our traveling group caught.

Nonetheless, travelers head to Minca in search of the “world’s largest hammock” and for its local coffee plantation and hikes. Most travelers who I spoke to here though were just coming to rest, read a book, and eat some good food.

Read more about Minca and my unlucky misadventure

Days 11-14: Cartagena

We spent our last days in Cartagena, which was the cherry on top of the cake. Cartagena is a colorful, colonial port city that’s hard to miss if you’re traveling along the Colombian Caribbean coast.

2 Week Itinerary Colombia's Carribean Coast | Bucketlist Bri

While it can get heavily crowded during peak season, there’s so much to discover here.

If you love fresh seafood, pristine beaches, bright colors, and awesome architecture, then you’ll fall in love with Cartagena! Its people and its history make it a popular travel destination for both Colombian nationals and internationals.

Check out my 3-day travel guide and discover the best of Cartagena!

And that’s it! What do you think about this 2-week travel itinerary for discovering all the must-sees of Colombia’s Caribbean coast?

We managed to pack A LOT within just less than two weeks. But if I ever have the chance do to it twice, I would definitely give more time to Cabo de la Vela, perhaps revisit Minca and Palomino, and spend extra time beaching it up off the coast of Cartagena. 

  • Share on Twitter Share on Twitter
  • Share on Facebook Share on Facebook
  • Share on Pinterest Share on Pinterest
  • Share via Email Share via Email

By: Bri · In: Colombia, South America

you’ll also love

3 Days in Salento, Colombia | Bits of BriExploring Coffee Country: 3 Days in Salento, Colombia
Tayrona National Natural Park, Colombia | Bits of Bri48 Hours in Tayrona National Park, Colombia
Misadventure in Minca, Colombia | Casa Loma Review | Bits of BriA Misadventure in Minca, Colombia

Join the List

Stay up to date with the latest adventures and travel guides.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Georgie says

    January 21, 2018 at 7:25 pm

    As always, your adventures are so interesting to read! Makes me want to visit there with you one day!

    Reply
    • Bri says

      January 21, 2018 at 7:34 pm

      Thanks momma!!! We’ll get to do awesome stuff in Mexico! <3

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

3 Days in Cartagena, Colombia: Discovering The Colorful & Colonial

Primary Sidebar

hello!

I’m Bri, an adventurous digital nomad living abroad full-time since 2015. It is my hope to inspire you to live a life of adventure, seek out meaningful experiences, and travel slowly and mindfully!

About Me

Connect

join the list

Featured Posts

French Potato Pancake — “Crique” Recipe

Nova Scotia Bucket List - Bucketlist Bri

20 Bucket List-Worthy Things to Do in Nova Scotia

2 Week West Coast Newfoundland Itinerary - , Gros Morne National park, Tablelands, Western Brook Pond Fjord, Vikings.. | Bucketlist Bri #travel #adventure #newfoundland #roadtrip

West Coast Newfoundland Itinerary (2 Weeks)

QUICK LINKS

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • WORK WITH ME
  • COURSE

Search

Follow Our Adventures

@bucketlistbri

National Park Week has got me feelin’ a serious National Park Week has got me feelin’ a serious case of nostalgia for our 2-week Southwest USA road trip! 🏜

The NP’s we visited on this trip:

📍Arches National Park
📍Canyonlands National Park
📍Zion National Park
📍Bryce Canyon National Park
📍Grand Canyon National Park (North & South Rims)
📍Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

+ Valley of Fire State Park, Red Rock State Park, & Monument Valley Navajo Park!

Head to my blog bucketlistbri.com for the full 2-week itinerary plus detailed guides & itineraries to each NP!*

*except for BCotG

.
.
.

#nationalparkweek #utahrocks #zion #bryce #southwestusa #roadtripusa #desertvibes #archesnationalpark #moab #canyonlands #roadtripamerica #grandcanyonnationalpark
"From Santa Catarina Palopó" 💜 I saw her gigg "From Santa Catarina Palopó" 💜

I saw her giggling and chatting with a friend from across the street and, despite my shyness, waltzed over to ask if I could take her photo. 

She was simply radiating sitting there; an amateur portrait photographer's dream. Except I don't even own a portrait lens and this was only the second time ever in my life that I whisked up the courage to ask for something that feels so... intimate. 

But without hesitation, she gazed into my lens and pierced my heart. It was like being drawn to a joyous light that I just couldn't resist. So I dared to ask. 

As soon as she said yes, I hurriedly clicked a few shots; rushing so as to not waste her time. After showing her portraits to her, she gave me a big nod and said softly, "de Santa Catarina Palopó" with immense pride.

I think her sweet smile & kind eyes speak for themselves... ✨ 

You can read more about the indigenous Kaqchikel Maya and the colorfully painted town of Santa Catarina Palopó, Guatemala on my blog @bucketlistbri 💜
10 years together 💛😱 It’s not our annive 10 years together 💛😱 

It’s not our anniversary (it was technically last month, depending on who you ask) and we're not even celebrating Valentine's Day today, but...

I just wanted to remind the internet that I have a pretty badass partner (& not to mention the best cat dad) who puts up with both my silly madness and my need to live around the world in pursuit of adventure. 

If I have any advice for love and long-term relationships, it's this:

Keep choosing each other;
again, and again, and again,
over everything else, no matter what you go through. 

❤️❤️❤️

Can you guess which one of us first "friend-requested" the other all those years ago? 😉

#internationalcouple #ourlove #travelcouplegoals #10yearstogether #digitalnomadcouple #adventuretogether
On every adventure, I’ve thought of you. I am On every adventure, I’ve thought of you. 

I am the granddaughter of a guiding light, a woman so lovely and gentle and spiritual and strong that she attracted to her all walks of life. 

I was the butterfly enamored by her glow. The ship lost at sea that found safety at her shores. 

On every adventure, I’ll think of you. On every adventure, you’ll be with me. 

🦋 ✨
Add this hike to your Caribbean bucket list! ☀️ 

Guadeloupe is rich in breathtaking, diverse landscapes — La Pointe des Châteaux is no exception! Magnificent rocky pillars jut out of the ocean & create a magnificent view that’s best experienced at sunrise from atop Morne Pavillon, the hill marked by the large cross on its summit.

TIPS FOR VISITING:

🚗 Like everywhere in Gwada, you'll need a rental! Parking is free.
☀️ Sunrise and sunset are around 6am and 6pm
🥾 The hike itself only takes 15-20 minutes and is easy!
🦀 Watch for wildlife and other critters (this is a protected heritage site!)
🌊 Plenty of beaches are nearby, including a nude beach and a private beach with cool wave splashing action called "La Douche" (meaning shower 🚿) 

Read more about this epic spot + other must-see places in Guadeloupe on the blog @bucketlistbri 🌴

.
.
.
#guadeloupeislands #caribbeanisland #pointedeschateaux #wanderlusttravel #caribbeanlife #caribbeanvibes #gwada #hikingtheworld #islandphotography #travelaesthetic
I'M READY FOR YA, 2022 ✌️ HERE'S WHY: ✍️ I'M READY FOR YA, 2022 ✌️ HERE'S WHY:

✍️ 2022 is going to be the year I become a published author. 

💛  It's the year I celebrate 10 years of love & adventure with my best friend. 

💻  It's the year I register my LLC and level up my business. 

🌎  It's the year I hit my bucket list of "slow living in 10 countries" as a nomad and the year I travel and discover even more destinations. 

And some folks will think (do think), "overnight success." But the reality is (as my sweet friend @redwhiteadventures reminded me), it's been about putting one foot in front of the other -- just like on a hike up a mountain (or in this case, to the cliffsides overlooking the Caribbean and Atlantic!). 

2022 is going to be the view from the top!! (Sure, I may get there, and see another summit I want to climb. But I'm so ready for the challenge(s), the journey, & the adventure!) ⛰ 

What are you excited about in 2022?! 

📍Hell's Gate / Porte d'Enfer, Guadeloupe (click the link in my bio to read about this hike!)
Follow My Adventures

Footer

On the Blog

  • Start Here
  • Destinations
  • Bucket List
  • Digital Nomad
  • Slow Travel
  • Van Life

Info

  • Work With Me
  • My Course
  • Shop
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

adventures await x

Copyright © 2022 · Bucketlist Bri | All Rights Reserved