If you’re seeking sensational experiences, adventure travel in Colombia will exceed your expectations. Did you know that Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world? Along with its incredible landscapes, Colombia boasts a rich cultural heritage, influenced by various indigenous civilizations.
To make the most of your adventure travel in Colombia, explore the breathtaking Greater Colombian Caribbean region. Here are three unique experiences—at sea, in the mountains, and in the desert—all accessible as day trips from Cartagena, the stunning colonial city.
Dive in Islas del Rosario
Made up of around 30 small islands surrounded by clear waters, some of which are inhabited only by a few palm trees swaying in the wind, the Islas del Rosario National Marine Park attracts divers from all over the world. And thanks to the temperate tropical climate, it is possible to dive here all year round.
The islands are easily accessible by boat and make it one of the most popular day trips from Cartagena. There are more than 28 dive sites where you can observe different underwater landscapes, from splendid coral reefs to dense mangrove forests. In fact, the west coast of Cartagena Bay is home to large reef formations ranging in depth from 3 to 58 metres, as well as two mythical wrecks. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, diving in Colombia is pretty much a garantee of swimming with turtles, moray eels, clown fish, manta rays and large groupers!
Hike in the Sierra Nevada
The Sierra Nevada is the highest coastal range in the world, with snow-covered peaks in the Caribbean region. On sunny days, you can see these peaks from the warm, white beaches of Tayrona National Park. Quite splendid!
The true beauty of the Sierra Nevada is best appreciated up close. Thanks to its microclimate, this paradise is home to over 35 species of endemic birds. You might spot them near waterfalls or while walking the trails. The Sierra Nevada is also the birthplace of the Tayrona, an indigenous nation living here for over 14,000 years. UNESCO has declared it a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site.
It’s no surprise that it’s one of Colombia’s top hiking destinations, especially for day trips from Cartagena.
We suggest two itineraries:
- One of the most popular hikes in Colombia is the one leading to the top of Mount Cerro Kennedy, located a whopping 3,100 metres above sea level.
- Another, for experienced hikers, involves a 4-6 day climb to the Lost City, an ancient Tayrona city. This iconic Colombia hike requires using a licensed local agency. Since indigenous residents manage the reserve, unauthorized access is not permitted.
Discover the dunes of the La Guajira desert
The vast coastal desert of La Guajira is the only desert in the Caribbean and is located in the extreme north of South America. To explore La Guajira’s giant sand dunes, salt flats and beautiful beaches, you’ll need to hop in an all-terrain vehicule. Something that’s good to know: there are no roads in the desert and every driver navigates by sight!
As a wild and remote place, the desert can seem quite inhospitable, but it is home to the largest indigenous population in Colombia, called Wayuu. This is a community that was never conquered by the Spanish and which has a unique and fascinating culture that you can discover, among other ways, by staying at a Rancheria, an authentic Wayuu hotel, in Cabo de La Vela.
The beaches of Cabo de La Vela are renowned for offering some of the best kitesurfing conditions on the planet. Regardless of your level, you can still enjoy the activity, as there are a few schools nearby. The area is windswept all year round, which is ideal for water sports.
Finally, if you’re heading to the La Guajira desert, make sure to stop by the small town of Camarones, home to the Santuario de Fauna y Flora Los Flamencos, a 700-hectare nature reserve housing around 10,000 flamingos. We bet you’ll be snapping some beautiful pictures there! Don’t forget to use our hashtag #ExperienceTransat when sharing!
