Cartagena de Indias Private Day Trips

A breathtaking volcano, stunning beaches in a natural park, and a village steeped in colonial history await you. Explore one of the Private Day Trips from Cartagena de Indias and uncover the area's natural treasures.

Description

For those planning a getaway in Cartagena de Indias who wish to explore the surrounding areas with the assistance of an English-speaking guide, our private excursions are available for booking. Each option includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off and varies in duration from 5 to 15 hours.

Details of the various day trips are outlined below:

Trip to Tayrona Park (15 hours)

Your adventure begins with a 4:30 am pickup, leading us to the exquisite Tayrona Park, a natural gem in Colombia. After arrival, the journey will take us to the Arrecife sector, renowned as a sanctuary for algae and marine life. Ready for a swim?

Next, we’ll proceed to Cape San Juan, surrounded by palm trees and lush greenery. Here, you'll have free time for lunch, with a focus on the local specialty of fresh fish. Enjoy the chance to wander, snorkel, and appreciate the stunning Caribbean waters until around 4:30 pm.

This itinerary closely resembles that of the Tayrona National Park Trip.

Trip to San Basilio del Palenque (5 hours)

Your pickup will be at 8:30 am for a trip to the African village of San Basilio del Palenque, recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

As we walk through the village's narrow streets, you'll discover its unique Creole language, local cuisine, and vibrant Afro-Colombian dances like the mapalé. This exceptional diversity stems from its status as the first colonial town in the Americas to achieve freedom from slavery.

We'll share the story of the Maroon slaves' rebellion by the sculpture of Benkos Biohó, the leader of the liberated community.

The route shares similarities with the San Basilio del Palenque day trip.

Trip to Totumo Volcano (6 hours)

Leaving Cartagena de Indias at 8:30 am, we’ll head towards the captivating Totumo Volcano, a true treasure in northern Colombia! Upon arrival, we’ll ascend wooden stairs leading to the crater. Are you ready to enjoy a therapeutic mud bath? Immerse yourself in the rich mud known for its body benefits.

After the mud bath, we’ll descend to the base of the volcano where locals will assist in washing away the dried mud using pressurized water. Our trip continues to the coastal village of Manzanillo for a lunch break at your discretion.

This journey parallels that of the Totumo Volcano Day Trip.

Trip to Rosario Islands + Cholón & Playa Tranquila (9 hours)

Immerse yourself in crystal-clear waters, idyllic beaches, and vibrant marine life on this excursion to the Rosario Islands, offering a thorough exploration of this archipelago in the Colombian Caribbean. Our tour will take us to several beautiful spots within this region.

We will first travel by minibus to the Baru Peninsula, part of the Corales del Rosario National Natural Park. Afterward, we’ll switch to a boat and head to Isla Grande, the foremost island of the Rosario group, where we will marvel at the mangroves and pause for snorkeling.

A visit to Isla Cholón follows, where you can savor a shrimp cocktail while taking in the stunning views. After this, we’ll stop at Playa Tranquila, providing free time for sunbathing and swimming. Before heading back to your hotel, enjoy a delicious lunch (included) featuring a main dish with a side.

This tour offers the highlights of the Rosario Islands Excursion, the Playa Tranquila Day Trip, the Bioluminescent Bay Tour, and the Isla Cholón Day Trip.

Trip to Rosario Islands + Bioluminescent Plankton (11.5 hours)

Choosing this option means you'll enjoy an experience akin to the previous one, but instead of Cholón and Playa Tranquila, we will concentrate on the Rosario Islands and witness the mesmerizing phenomenon of bioluminescent plankton. Prepare to be captivated! This exploration also provides snorkeling equipment and lunch.

This adventure encompasses the best of the Rosario Islands Excursion and the Bioluminescent Bay Tour.

Pickup times

The anticipated pickup times for each trip option are:

• Tayrona Park: 4:30 am
• San Basilio del Palenque: 8:30 am 
• Totumo Volcano: 8:30 am
• Rosario Islands + Cholón & Playa Tranquila: 8 am
• Rosario Islands + Bioluminescent Plankton: 8 am

Hotel Pickup

This service includes pickup exclusively from hotels within the Bocagrande and Laguito districts. If your accommodation is located outside these areas, please arrange your own transportation to Muelle de Los Pegasos, situated in the historic center of Cartagena de Indias.

Benefits of a Private Tour

Opting for a private tour offers a highly personalized experience. Moreover, it allows you to enjoy the tour any day of the week while adjusting the itinerary to suit your preferences.