Hike, Kayak and Sail in Caribbean Colombia

Welcome to Colombia's stunning Caribbean Coast! Your host will arrange an arrival transfer from Santa Marta Airport to your hotel in central Santa Marta. Get together this evening to meet your guide and fellow travellers.

Set sail on a thrilling adventure from Santa Marta, traversing the rugged and wild coast of Tayrona National Park by boat. The coastline is a protected area, and home to the world's highest coastal mountain, Pico Cristóbal Colón (5730m). Dive into the inviting Caribbean waters at several snorkelling sites along the way, encountering marine life on the coral reef below. Bask in the sun on a secluded beach and savour a delicious seafood lunch at a secluded bay, before returning to Santa Marta in the afternoon.

Enjoy a two-wheel exploration today, pedalling along the rugged rainforest tracks that surround the town of Minca. The distances covered are short but the undulating natural terrain of this environment can be a bit tricky in sections - there is the option to hop off your bike and walk if preferred! First stop is Finca San Rafael to visit a cacao farm, then back to Minca to refuel with a traditional lunch before a short uphill ride for a well-earned bathe at a beautiful waterfall. Learn all about the rainforest habitat from your guide today. Tonight, you'll sleep in an eco-lodge on the outskirts of the town that boasts a wonderful sunset view.

Leave Minca in 4x4s and drive up to a coffee farm, where you'll stop for a tour and a caffeine boost. You'll drop your main luggage off here, and continue on carrying only what you'll need to hike tonight and tomorrow on the mountain. The hike into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range is uphill, and typically takes around two hours, ending at Santa Elena Farm where you'll spend the night (2200 metres above sea level). Enjoy the spectacular sunset views from the nearby lookout point.

Grab an early start to watch the sunrise – it's worth it! After breakfast at the farm, your ascent to the summit of Cerro Kennedy (2970m) begins. The first part of the hike takes around three to four hours, following mostly uphill trails, topping out at the summit of Cerro Kennedy where you can kick back and take in the wonderful views. A two-hour downhill hike brings you back to the farm for lunch, after which you'll walk onwards, descending for several kilometres to the end point where a transfer vehicle will be waiting. Drive southwest to the low-lying coastal town of Cienaga, arriving in the early evening with some time to explore the centre on foot.

(It is possible to opt out of the summit portion of the trek today and join the hike from the farm after lunch if preferred. In this case, you'd be hiking around 3km over 1.5 hours, with no elevation gain and a descent of approximately 550m.)

Sun hats at the ready – today, you'll take to the water for a SUP adventure among the mangroves. This biodiverse wetlands habitat is a designated sanctuary for flora and fauna. Afterwards, take a boat ride to visit a mangrove conservation project and stop for lunch in the floating village of Buenavista. In the afternoon, you'll drive for about 1.5 hours to your jungle eco-lodge close to the Caribbean coast.

A short walk along a trail heading inland from the eco-lodge will take you to an embarkation point on the banks of the Don Diego River, from where your kayaking adventure begins. Paddle downstream, flanked by jungle on either side, winding your way the short distance down to the Caribbean Sea. End with a drink at the beach to toast an exhilarating and eye-opening week spent exploring the very best natural wonders of Colombia's Caribbean region.

Time to say your goodbyes to this tropical paradise and transfer back to Santa Marta Airport for onward travel. Those choosing to stay for longer can be dropped off in Santa Marta city.