Cartagena, the vibrant coastal city in Colombia, serves as the starting point for an immersive day tour that takes travelers on a captivating journey to the nearby cities of Barranquilla and Santa Marta. This full-day experience, priced at just $106 per person, promises to unveil the rich cultural heritage, stunning beaches, and captivating attractions that make these destinations truly remarkable. With transportation, meals, and an experienced guide included, adventurers are set to embark on an unforgettable exploration of Colombia’s captivating east coast.
Key Points
- A day tour from Cartagena to the cities of Barranquilla and Santa Marta, showcasing their cultural heritage, historic landmarks, and natural attractions.
- The tour is priced from $106 per person and lasts approximately 16 hours, with transportation, breakfast, and lunch included.
- Highlights in Barranquilla include visiting the Cuartel de Soldados, Museo del Carnaval, and Puerta de Oro, while Santa Marta offers the seaside promenade and Tayrona National Park.
- The tour is operated by GLOBAL TOP EXPERIENCE and has received mixed reviews, with some criticism regarding the duration and comfort.
- Logistical details include pickup from a specified location in Cartagena, air-conditioned transportation, and the availability of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
Tour Overview
This day tour offers travelers the opportunity to visit the vibrant cities of Barranquilla and Santa Marta from Cartagena, Colombia. Priced from $106 per person, the 16-hour tour includes transportation, breakfast, and lunch.
It’s available for up to 38 travelers and provided by GLOBAL TOP EXPERIENCE. Reviews are generally positive, though one traveler criticized the duration, comfort, and limited sightseeing.
The tour starts at 4:00 AM, and pickup options include directly at the meeting point or a nearby location. The tour ends back at the starting point in Cartagena’s city center.
Looking for more options in Cartagena? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Highlights of Barranquilla
As the tour departs Cartagena at the early hour of 4:00 AM, travelers are whisked away to the vibrant city of Barranquilla.
Known for its lively Carnival celebrations, the city offers a glimpse into Colombia’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors will explore the historic Cuartel de Soldados, a well-preserved Spanish colonial building, and the Museo del Carnaval, which showcases the vibrant costumes and traditions of the renowned festival.
Plus, the tour includes a stop at the Puerta de Oro, a modern architectural landmark overlooking the Magdalena River.
The combination of historic charm and contemporary sights provides a multifaceted experience in Barranquilla.
Exploring Santa Marta
After exploring the vibrant Barranquilla, the tour heads north to the coastal city of Santa Marta. Known for its stunning beaches and rich history, Santa Marta offers a glimpse into Colombia’s Caribbean charm. Visitors can stroll along the seaside promenade, visit the picturesque old town, or venture into the nearby Tayrona National Park to discover pristine nature. The following table highlights some of the top attractions in Santa Marta:
| Attraction | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Tayrona National Park | Lush jungle and beaches | 2-3 hours |
| Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino | Historic estate and museum | 1 hour |
| Catedral de Santa Marta | 16th-century cathedral | 30 minutes |
| Playa Blanca | Stunning white sand beach | 1-2 hours |
| Minca | Charming mountain town | 2 hours |
Logistical Details
To embark on this day tour, travelers must meet at the specified location in Cartagena’s city center.
Pickup times vary by hotel, with details provided in the confirmation email. The tour departs at 4:00 AM and returns to the same meeting point.
Transportation is by air-conditioned vehicle, and the tour includes breakfast and lunch. However, additional fees may apply for bathroom use along the route.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, infants can attend but must sit on laps.
Travelers can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
Meeting and Pickup Arrangements
The tour pickup options allow travelers to meet at the designated meeting point or request pickup service.
The meeting point is located at Camellón de los Mártires, Cl. 31 #71-48, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias. For Airbnb guests, a nearby meeting point will be assigned.
The pickup time varies by hotel, so the confirmation email will provide the specific details.
At the end of the tour, travelers will return to the original meeting point.
Accessibility and Cancellation Policy
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps during the experience. Customers should be aware of this accessibility limitation.
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the experience. This flexible cancellation policy allows travelers to adjust their plans if needed.
It’s important to carefully review the tour details and plan accordingly. Guests should confirm the pickup time with the provided details in the confirmation email.
Customer Feedback and Host Response
Some travelers found the experience enjoyable, while others reported dissatisfaction. Raul_H criticized the tour as a "money grab", citing issues with the duration, comfort, language barrier, and limited sightseeing. In response, the host acknowledged the feedback and emphasized transparency in tour details, recommending private tours for more flexibility.
| Positive Aspects | Negative Feedback |
|---|---|
| Some travelers enjoyed the experience | Raul_H reported dissatisfaction, citing tour as a "money grab" |
| – | Criticized duration, comfort, language barrier, and limited sightseeing |
| – | Suggested renting a car for a better experience |
| Host Response: Acknowledged feedback, emphasized transparency, recommended private tours |
Additional Considerations
Beyond the customer feedback, there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind when booking this day tour.
First, it’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.
Plus, while breakfast and lunch are included, there may be additional fees for bathroom usage along the route.
It’s also worth noting that the pickup time can vary depending on the hotel, so be sure to check the confirmation email for the exact details.
Sum Up
The day tour from Cartagena to Barranquilla and Santa Marta offers a unique opportunity to explore Colombia’s vibrant coastal cities. Visitors can enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Barranquilla, experience the stunning beaches of Santa Marta, and enjoy the convenience of included transportation, breakfast, and lunch. With a full 16 hours of exploration, this tour provides a comprehensive and memorable journey through the captivating regions of Colombia’s northern coast.
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