Cartagena: Barranquilla and Santa Marta All-Inclusive Tour

Experience Colombia’s vibrant coastlines and historic cities in one full day with the Cartagena: Barranquilla and Santa Marta All-Inclusive Tour. For around $83 per person, you’ll spend about 15 hours discovering iconic locations like Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, the Bay of Santa Marta, and the lively Rodadero beach area. The tour includes transportation, breakfast, lunch, and guided visits, making it a comprehensive way to see some of the most notable sights in this region.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines a bit of everything: historic landmarks with fascinating stories, breathtaking coastal views, and local flavors in the form of traditional food. The inclusion of guides speaking both Spanish and English helps make the experience accessible for a range of travelers. Another highlight is the opportunity to see the Magdalena River, one of Colombia’s most important waterways, and snap photos of Barranquilla’s famous shark fin monument.

However, a key consideration is that the schedule is very packed, and some travelers have found the pace tiring — especially with early mornings and long travel stretches. Plus, the itinerary can be quite full, which might mean you miss out on deep exploration of some sites, like the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino which, if not for the extra fee, might not be enough time for a thorough visit.

This tour suits travelers who want a broad overview of Colombia’s coast in one day and don’t mind a fast-paced schedule. It’s especially appealing if you’re keen on seeing iconic sights and enjoying a variety of experiences — from historic sites and scenic drives to relaxing on beaches and tasting local food.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering Barranquilla and Santa Marta’s main attractions
• Includes transportation, meals, and guided tours for ease and convenience
• Early start and long day—perfect for adventurous travelers who don’t mind a packed schedule
• Authentic experiences like visiting Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino and tasting coastal cuisine
• Some reviews mention the pace being too quick or logistical issues like delays
• Great for travelers looking for an overview rather than in-depth exploration

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Cartagena: Barranquilla and Santa Marta Tour

If you’re trying to decide whether this all-day tour fits your travel plans, it’s worth understanding what’s involved and what you can realistically expect. We’ll walk through each part of the itinerary, highlight what makes it special, and point out some potential drawbacks based on traveler feedback.

Starting Early and Transportation

The tour begins with pick-up at your hotel, starting as early as 4:30 am depending on your location. This early start is necessary because it’s quite a long day, and the goal is to maximize sightseeing time. The transportation is in an air-conditioned bus or van, which is a relief considering the heat and humidity often experienced in Colombia’s coast.

We noted that the group size varies, with capacity for 13, 23, or 40 people, which can impact the experience. Smaller groups tend to be more agile and personalized, but larger ones might feel more rushed.

Scenic Drive and First Stops

The journey begins with a scenic drive toward Barranquilla, passing through some iconic landmarks like the Parador Turistico Sombrero Vueltiao, which is well-known for its architecture alluding to Colombia’s traditional hats. The highlight here is the road over the Alberto Pumarejo Bridge, inaugurated in 1974 and modernized in 2019. It offers sweeping views of the Magdalena River as it nears the Caribbean Sea — a picture-worthy moment that travelers love.

Barranquilla Highlights

The first stop in Barranquilla involves admiring the city’s famous Shark Fin monument and the Venta del Mundo, along with the broad Tourist Boardwalk along the Magdalena River. Here, you get about an hour for photos, browsing, or grabbing a snack. Some travelers expressed dissatisfaction with Barranquilla, mainly because the tour focuses on photo ops rather than exploring the city deeply. One review noted, “In Barranquilla, you don’t see anything, they only take you to the letters,” highlighting that the visit is quite superficial.

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Cienaga and Breakfast

Before reaching Santa Marta, the tour makes a stop in Cienaga, a charming fishing town known for its gastro-cultural scene. Here, you’ll enjoy a typical coastal breakfast, which is appreciated by many for its authenticity and flavor. This stop offers a chance to experience local cuisine and scenery away from the busy tourist spots.

Santa Marta: Historic and Relaxing

Arriving in Santa Marta around midday, you’ll visit La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, a historic hacienda where Simón Bolívar spent his last days. The guided tour here is about an hour, and many travelers find it adds a meaningful historical touch to the day, though some mention that a fee applies if you want to enter the house itself. The grounds are spacious and picturesque, perfect for photos.

Next, we pass by the Pibe Valderrama statue, honoring the famous Colombian footballer. Visitors often appreciate this local tribute and find it fun to take photos with such a recognizable figure.

In the early afternoon, the tour takes you to the Rodadero sector, Santa Marta’s popular beach area. You’re given about three hours here, which includes a typical lunch (fish, chicken, or vegetarian options, with sides like coconut rice and patacón). Many appreciate the chance to swim and relax on the beach, although some reviews mention that the beach doesn’t quite match the idyllic expectations set by travel ads. One traveler admitted, “I was very disappointed with the beach,” highlighting that the reality may be different from the perceived paradise.

Return to Barranquilla and Final Sightseeing

The journey back to Barranquilla takes around two hours, allowing some time to admire the coast and reflect on the day. Once in Barranquilla, the tour stops near La Aleta del Tiburón and Venta del Mundo again, with a bit of time for photography and buying souvenirs. The Magdalena River promenade offers a scenic closing view, perfect for a last photo.

The tour concludes around 9:00 pm, with drop-offs at six different locations, including Castillogrande, Bocagrande, and the Clock Tower in Cartagena.

What We Like

One of the most praised aspects of this tour is the knowledgeable guides—they help make sense of the many sights and keep the group moving efficiently. Travelers also enjoy the delicious regional food, notably the breakfast in Cienaga and the seafood lunch in Santa Marta, which add value beyond just sightseeing.

The scenic drives and viewpoints provide great opportunities for photography, and the inclusion of key landmarks like Simón Bolívar’s last residence makes this more than just a beach day.

Considerations and Caveats

Some reviews point out that the pace can be very rapid, with many travelers feeling rushed through sites. For example, one comment noted, “It was too fast,” which might be an issue for those wanting more time at each stop. Others mention logistical issues like delays (a bus arriving over an hour late) and noise or discomfort on the bus.

Plus, the itinerary can be somewhat superficial—some travelers felt that Barranquilla was only a quick photo stop rather than a chance to truly explore the city. The beaches in Santa Marta, while beautiful in photos, may not meet everyone’s expectations, especially if you’re looking for a pristine, relaxing coastal experience.

Is it Worth It?

In terms of value, the tour offers a lot of sights for the price, with transportation, guided commentary, meals, and entrance fees included. But it’s important to keep expectations realistic: this is a fast-paced overview designed for those who want a broad taste of the region rather than deep dives into each location.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This adventure is best suited for active travelers eager to see many highlights in one day without worrying about the logistics. If you enjoy learning quick snippets of history, taking photos of iconic landmarks, and sampling local food, you’ll likely find this tour rewarding. However, if you prefer more time at each site, or are looking for a relaxing beach or culture, you might find this tour too rushed or superficial.

Final Thoughts

The Cartagena: Barranquilla and Santa Marta All-Inclusive Tour provides a solid overview of Colombia’s Atlantic coast in just one day. It’s a good match for those wanting a snapshot of historic sites, vibrant cityscapes, and coastal scenery without the hassle of planning multiple trips on their own. The experience combines guided insight with the freedom to explore a little, especially during free time in Santa Marta and Barranquilla.

While some travelers report issues like delays or feeling rushed, many appreciate the value of the included meals, transportation, and sightseeing. It’s an efficient way to cover a lot of ground, especially if you’re limited on time but eager to see Colombia’s highlights.

If you’re comfortable with a brisk pace and want to tick off key sights in one go, this tour offers a worthwhile, engaging day out from Cartagena.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup is included depending on your hotel’s location, starting early from around 4:30 am to 5:00 am, with the exact time specified in your confirmation.

How long is the trip to Barranquilla?
The journey from Cartagena to Barranquilla takes about 1 hour by sea route, with subsequent drives to Santa Marta and back totaling around 4 hours of travel.

Are meals included?
Yes, breakfast in Cienaga and a typical lunch in Santa Marta are included, featuring local dishes like fish, chicken, or vegetarian options with sides.

What attractions are covered in Barranquilla?
You’ll see iconic monuments such as La Aleta del Tiburón, Venta del Mundo, and enjoy a scenic walk along the Magdalena River promenade.

Can I expect a deep exploration of each site?
Not necessarily. Many reviews mention that the tour is fast-paced and more focused on sightseeing highlights than in-depth exploration.

Is there a chance to enjoy the beaches?
Yes, you’ll have about three hours in the Rodadero area to relax, swim, or have a drink, but some travelers have found the beaches less idyllic than expected.

To sum it up, this tour offers an efficient way to experience some of Colombia’s most renowned coastal sights in a single day. It’s best for energetic travelers who want a whirlwind taste of history, scenery, and local culture without worrying about the logistics. If you’re up for a busy schedule and appreciate guided insights, it could be a memorable part of your Colombian adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: