Review: Cartagena Tour to Barranquilla & Santa Marta

Okay, so you’re thinking about escaping to the stunning Caribbean coast of Colombia? That sounds awesome. In fact, I wanted to write about a tour that hits up Cartagena, Barranquilla, plus Santa Marta. It’s almost the “From Cartagena Discover Barranquilla and Santa Marta on a Charming Tour”. This trip has that intriguing combo of history, culture, and seaside beauty that I think could intrigue lots of people. What’s great is that this tour, very, very specifically, lets you sample three different cities, each offering a rather unique peek into what makes this part of Colombia so special.

First Impressions: Setting off from Cartagena

So, it begins in Cartagena, which, you know, is famous for those old city walls and colorful buildings. Getting picked up was just a little easier than I expected, and it was clearly quite exciting leaving behind that Cartagena vibe knowing what awaited. Right away, I will say the guide very much set a great tone; pretty friendly and it seemed knowledgeable, just sharing little stories and facts as we drove. That first leg of the trip is that feeling when the real adventure starts!

Barranquilla: Beyond the Carnival

That next stop was Barranquilla, which maybe isn’t as postcard-perfect as Cartagena, that you know, it has this energy about it. What’s really cool is that this city’s that hometown of Shakira, that too it’s known for its huge Carnival celebration. The tour kinda makes a point of showing you those cool spots, that a bit like the Rio Grande. You visit places that show off Barranquilla’s history and what it is culturally. I actually thought, frankly, that it wasn’t just about the party scene; it’s also that genuine, working city with a heart.

Santa Marta: History Meets the Beach

From Barranquilla, the tour almost heads to Santa Marta, which has this different, almost more laid-back feel. The city’s like, steeped in history too; arguably, it’s one of that oldest cities in South America. Plus, what I really wanted to visit, was that it’s right by that sea and near those mountains, that it provides for cool scenery. You can spend some amount of time checking out historical spots and maybe, a bit, just relaxing on those beaches. What is great is that mix of activity plus relaxation.

What I Liked: Tour Highlights

That it gives you a look at three different cities, right? That it offers a fuller picture of that Colombian Caribbean coast than just visiting one place.
That it’s pretty well-organized, that a lot of the transport and planning’s already handled. That might be pretty beneficial if you don’t prefer to plan every little thing.
It’s really, a cool peek into local culture. Getting away from those major tourist spots often tends to be that best way to, you know, really see a place.

Things to Know: Potential Downsides

A quick pace. That trip crams a bunch in, which, as a matter of fact, is probably great if you’re short on vacation days, yet I did kind of wished I might have gotten more time in some spots.
Travel time can almost be pretty lengthy in between cities, right? Just remember to actually bring entertainment or just plan to relax and basically view that scenery.
Because, alright, it’s a group tour, which, naturally, isn’t for everyone. Should you prefer traveling solo, you will want to just weigh if you value that convenience a group tour brings, instead.

Overall Thoughts: Is That Tour Right for You?

This tour really gives a, well, good introduction to that northern coast of Colombia. If, anyway, you want that little sampler of culture, history, and scenery, this will clearly work for you. Just remember, you, like your pace may feel a bit brisk, that so it’s ideal if you will want to basically see a bit of everything without a little in-depth visit. Also, like your tour guides can do very much a difference, thus be ready to generally engage and make the most of that. Okay, I would consider doing very something similar, yet, as a matter of fact, possibly extending for two or three extra days for my destination to completely explore.

What to know about tours to this area:

Best time to visit: December to March for the driest weather.
What to pack: Light clothing, swimwear, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent.
Currency: Colombian Peso (COP). Credit cards are accepted in many places but cash is useful for smaller establishments and markets.
Language: Spanish. While some people in tourist areas may speak English, learning a few basic Spanish phrases will enhance your experience.

Okay, this kind of vacation in northern Colombia sounds great!