Cartagena de Indias, Santa Marta and Baru Island Combo
Overview
Experience the vibrant soul of Colombia on this unforgettable 8-day, 7-night journey through Cartagena de Indias, Santa Marta and Barú Island. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be immersed in a world of colour, culture and coastal charm. Each destination offers its own unique rhythm, blending rich history, warm hospitality and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether wandering through historic streets, relaxing by the sea or simply soaking in the atmosphere, this journey invites you to slow down, take it all in and enjoy the magic of Colombia at your own pace.
This itinerary features More Moments activities included with your package.
If your itinerary includes domestic and/or regional flight tickets, as well as entry tickets to landmarks that require passport details, you must call Air Canada Vacations immediately upon receiving your booking confirmation. Failure to provide Air Canada Vacations with your passport details may result in the unavailability of domestic and/or regional flight tickets and entry passes for certain landmarks included in your tour package. It is mandatory to call Air Canada Vacations at the number provided in your electronic confirmation as soon as your booking is confirmed to submit your passport details.
Format
Locations
- Cartagena
- Santa Marta
- Baru
Inclusions
- Round-trip flight to Cartagena de Indias
- Shared airport and sightseeing transfers
- Inter-city shared transfers as per itinerary
- 7 nights Comfort Accommodation (2 nights in Cartagena de Indias, 2 nights in Santa Marta and 3 nights in Barú Island)
- All-inclusive accommodation in Cartagena de Indias, Santa Marta and Barú Island
More Moments activities included:
- Cartagena de Indias half-day city tour
- Barranquilla City tour
- Excursion to Neguanje and Playa Cristal in Tayrona Park
- Option to select one of the following options: Snorkelling Tour or Sunset Tour in Barú Island
- Luminous Swimming with Plankton Tour in Barú Island
- Hotel taxes (except for those customers travelling with a Colombian passport), fees and service charges Service of English-speaking local guide
- Entrance fees for the monuments, as mentioned in the itinerary
- Earn extra Aeroplan® points per member on this tour
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Cartagena de Indias
Daytime flight to Rafael Núñez International Airport.
Upon arrival, you will need to clear customs and immigration. Afterward, proceed to collect your luggage and proceed to the exit, where a local representative will be waiting for you, holding a sign with your name. They will assist you with your transfer to your hotel to check in.
The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Meal(s): Dinner
Day 2
Cartagena de Indias
After an early breakfast, meet a local tour guide in the hotel lobby for an immersive half-day city tour. Stroll through the colourful streets of Cartagena de Indias, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, rich history and stunning architecture of its most iconic and picturesque landmarks.
Afterwards, you will be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Cartagena de Indias: Half-day city tour
Embark on a fascinating journey through Cartagena de Indias’s ancient and modern charms, beginning with a visit to one of its most iconic landmarks: The Castle of San Felipe de Barajas. Continue with a panoramic tour of the city. Then, enjoy a leisurely walk through the historic centre where you’ll encounter a vibrant mix of churches, museums, plazas, restaurants, shops and jewelry stores. Continue with a visit to Getsemaní, a once-forgotten, now-thriving bohemian neighbourhood.
Notes:
Difficulty level: 1
Recommendations: Sunscreen, hat, light clothing and comfortable walking shoes
Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3
Cartagena de Indias – Santa Marta
After an early breakfast, set off on a scenic coastal drive to Santa Marta, often referred to as “The Pearl of the Americas.”
Along the way, you’ll stop in Barranquilla for a guided city tour before continuing your journey toward the beautiful shores of Santa Marta.
Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Barranquilla: City tour
Enjoy a fascinating journey as we travel along the coastal road toward Barranquilla, famously known as the “Golden Gate of Colombia,” nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Magdalena River.
Our first stop is the Malecón Turístico del Río, an impressive new urban space on the western bank of the Magdalena River and one of Barranquilla’s top attractions. We'll also pass by the iconic Window of the World, the tallest monument in Colombia, featuring a striking visual gallery that showcases the spirit of the city.
Next, we’ll cross the majestic Pumarejo Bridge, a remarkable feat of engineering and the widest bridge in Latin America, known for its modern design and panoramic views.
The tour continues to Santa Marta, the oldest city in South America. There, we’ll visit the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, the final resting place of the Liberator Simón Bolívar, as well as the monument to football legend Pibe Valderrama. We’ll also enjoy a panoramic tour of Santa Marta’s Bay—featuring its exotic seaside boardwalk, and a stroll through the city's charming historic centre.
Activity Details:
Includes: Ground transportation, English/French-speaking guide, entrance fee to the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, lunch and one bottle of water per person
Recommendations: Comfortable clothes and shoes, hat or cap, sunscreen and cash for shopping
Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4
Santa Marta
Your day begins bright and early with a boxed breakfast provided to take along on today’s exciting adventure to Neguanje and Playa Cristal in Tayrona National Park. Enjoy a scenic hike through lush landscapes leading to a pristine white-sand beach.
After your visit, you will be transferred back to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Tyrona Park: Excursion to Neguanje and Playa Cristal in Tayrona Park
After a scenic 1-hour land transfer, we’ll stop at a natural viewpoint to admire the stunning “Sea of the Seven Waves.”From there, we’ll continue down to Neguanje, where a typical local motorboat will take us to Playa Cristal, an area of exceptional natural beauty. Here, you’ll have the chance to relax on the beach, swim in the clear waters and snorkel among vibrant coral reefs teeming with colourful tropical fish. Playa Cristal is one of the most ideal spots in the park for snorkelling.
Please note: As Tayrona National Park is a protected natural area, services in the region are rustic and artisanal, in keeping with conservation guidelines.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to Playa Blanca, a certified Blue Flag beach known for its calm waters and picturesque setting. Enjoy a typical local lunch, followed by free time to swim or take part in optional water sports (not included).
Activity Details:
Includes: Land and sea transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance to Tayrona National Park, lunch, coffee and one bottle of water per person
Recommendations: Bring insect repellent, light clothing, a bathing suit, sunscreen, sunglasses, a beach towel and a hat
Departure: 5:00 a.m. (departure time may vary depending on the season and park capacity limits)
Return: 5:00 p.m.
Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5
Santa Marta - Barú
After an early breakfast, your transfer will take you on a scenic *4.5-hour journey to the beautiful Barú Island.
*Driving times may vary depending on the road and traffic conditions
Upon arrival at your hotel, check-in and get ready for an exciting and magical evening: the Luminous Swimming with Plankton tour. This unforgettable experience takes you into calm, dark waters where every movement reveals the mesmerizing glow of bioluminescent plankton, a rare natural phenomenon that lights up the night.
After the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Barú Island: Luminous Swimming with Plankton Tour
The Portonaito Marsh boasts one of the highest concentrations of plankton in the region, transforming a night swim into a captivating display of bioluminescence. This enchanting phenomenon makes every moment, from the boat ride and observing marine life in their natural habitat to taking a refreshing, luminous swim, truly unforgettable.
Bioluminescence is produced by a microscopic planktonic alga from the Dinoflagellate group called Noctiluca. When disturbed, it emits a glowing light, the intensity of which depends on the plankton concentration in the water.
Activity Details:
Duration: 1 hour
Includes: Speedboat transportation, captain, Spanish-speaking guide and life vest
Recommendations: Swimwear, wet shoes, towel and comfortable clothing
Please note: This activity is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with spinal problems or participants under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6
Barú Island
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before embarking on today’s tour. You will have the opportunity to choose between a *snorkelling adventure or a **sunset tour. Just be sure to inform your local representative of your preferred tour and time of departure.
*This tour offers two departures: 7:30 a.m. Return: 9:00 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. Return: 11:30 a.m.
** This tour departs at 5:00 p.m. and returns at 6:00 p.m. Refreshing drinks, including wine, are included during the tour. If you are prone to seasickness, please plan accordingly.
Following your chosen excursion, you'll return to your hotel on the beautiful Barú Island for a relaxing evening at your own pace.
More Moments Activities Included
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Barú Island: Choose one of the following two tours: Snorkelling Tour
Designed for those who love to explore crystal-clear waters and exotic marine life from the surface, this activity takes place between the stunning beaches of Barú and the Islas del Rosario.
Activity Details:
Duration: 1 hour
Includes: Land and sea transportation, snorkelling equipment and a professional guide
Recommendations: Wear comfortable clothing and pack a swimsuit, beach towel and sunblock
Please note: This activity is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with spinal problems or anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
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Sunset Tour
Admire the sunset as you skirt the Portonaito swamp and sail along the coast of Barú Island towards Punta Gigante (weather and navigation conditions permitting). All the while, enjoy the ambiance created by soothing instrumental music. On board, you'll be served a refreshing drink, including wine.
Activity Details:
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty Level: 1 – 3
Includes: Transportation by speedboat, captain and a glass of wine
Recommendations: Packa a swimsuit, towel and water shoes
Please note: This activity is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with spinal problems or participants under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 7
Barú Island
Enjoy a full day at your leisure on the stunning shores of Barú Island, soaking in the sun and the relaxed Caribbean atmosphere. Take advantage of your all-inclusive hotel, where delicious meals, refreshing drinks and endless relaxation await. Whether you prefer lounging by the pool, strolling along the beach or unwinding in a hammock, the day is yours to enjoy as you please. For those seeking a bit more adventure, a variety of optional activities are available at an additional cost.
Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 8
Barú Island – Canada
After breakfast and check-out, your transfer will take you to Rafael Núñez International Airport for your return flight back to Canada.
Meal(s): Breakfast
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Accommodations
Where you'll stay
Comfort Accommodation
Location
Hotel
Room details
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Bed size(s): 1 double and a sofa bed or 2 twin beds and a sofa bed. No rollaway beds available.
Room occupancy:
ALL: Minimum: 1 guests / Maximum 3 guests
Important Information
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Weekly departures from December 20, 2025, to April 11, 2026
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Tours Exclusions
- Hotel Taxes are NOT included for customers travelling with a Colombian passport; proof of nationality will be required upon check-in.
- Gratuities
- Airport taxes (where applicable)
- Meals outside of the ones mentioned within the itinerary below.
- Transfers for any optional activities and any other transfer services required outside of the itinerary above.
- Entrance to other landmarks not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Additional activities and excursions
- Visa fees (where applicable)
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Your stays in Cartagena de Indias de Indias and Barú Island are at all-inclusive hotels, where all meals, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, are included.
The More Moments activities/excursions mentioned in the itinerary are all included in the package but may be rescheduled to take place on an earlier or later day, depending on availability and operational day.
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- Car - Shared transfer service from/to airports.
- Car – inter-city transfer service
- Car - Shared transfer service for all sightseeing.
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Please be advised that upon arrival at Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena de Indias, our local representative will request a picture of your passport (main page and entry stamp). This procedure ensures that you are not charged the hotel taxes, fees and service charges upon check-in.
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Hotel taxes, fees and service charges are not included for customers travelling with a Colombian passport.