Panama to Columbia

This epic journey traverses the Caribbean from Central to South America through the San Blas archipelago. Your four-day sailing adventure lands in Cartagena, Columbia, then journey onward to tackle the mystical trek to ‘Cuidad Perdida,’ deep in the Sierra Madre National Park and believed to be 650 years older than Machu Picchu.

The indigenous Kuna Indians of San Blas and surrounding islands provide picture-perfect, idyllic white-sand beaches and crystal clear blue waters for island hopping and culture immersion on our way to the colonial gem and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cartagena, Columbia. After a day spent strolling around the beautiful squares and architecture enjoying the traditional food, beautiful beaches, and nightlife this incredible city has to offer, we head to the jungle for a four-day trekking trip to the lost city of the Tayrona Indians, or you can choose to spend days diving in Taganga and Tayrona National Park.

From here, we head to the adventure capital of San Gil, Colombia, for some whitewater rafting and a jungle waterfall hike. Finally, we finish in Bogota, Colombia, to conclude this epic journey. This adventure has it all, combining Caribbean sailing and island hopping, camping, hiking, whitewater rafting, diving, snorkeling, and plenty of cultural highlights packed into 18 incredible days.

Day 1: Arrive in Panama City, transfer to Hotel, city tour.

Day 2: Today is a visit to the world-famous Panama Canal and Miraflores locks. The 48 mile-long (77 km) international waterway known as the Panama Canal allows ships to pass between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, saving about 8000 miles (12,875 km) from a journey around the southern tip of South America, Cape Horn. Visitors may watch the lock gates open and close as vessels begin or end their transit from the observation decks. Four exhibition halls, organized by theme, are the heart of the Miraflores Visitor Center. Through these exhibitions, you can learn about the Panama Canal’s history, its impact on international trade, how it works, its close relationship with nature, and the Canal Expansion. In addition, a 3D movie portrays the story of the waterway.

Day 3: Early morning hotel pickup for transfer from Panama City to Puerto Lindo to board a sailboat and begin a Caribbean adventure through San Blas to Cartagena. Puerto Lindo is a small port town on the Caribbean coast where we board our boat.

Days 3 – 7: Island hopping, camping, fishing, and sailing through the Caribbean towards South America. Night in Cartagena.

Day 8: Free day to explore colonial architecture and cobblestone streets of old town Cartagena.

Day 9: Transfer to Santa Marta, explore the city, a night at a hotel.

Days 10 – 14: Choose between 5 day Cuidad Perdida trek (below) or three days diving and a trip to Tayrona National Park in Taganga.

Lost City Trek: Early morning pickup from the hotel for transfer to the trailhead to hike to Cuidad Perdida. This trek is considered medium to difficult. You need some experience of trekking and a reliable pair of hiking shoes. You should also be prepared to rough it. The route follows a simple there-and-back itinerary: days one to three take you to the Lost City, and days four to five bring you back along the same path.

Days one, two, five, and five are shorter (expect three to five hours, depending on your fitness and how much time you spend absorbing the jungle’s sights and sounds), but the climbs are steep. During the wet season, the path can get very slippery. The longest, most challenging, and, for many, the most enjoyable day is day three. It takes five to seven hours and involves a brief scramble along a cliff, clambering over giant boulders next to a river, 1,800 steep steps up to the city, and eight river crossings. In the dry season, these crossings are knee-deep; in the wet season wading through chest-deep, fast-flowing water is not uncommon. Day four is day three in reverse but begins with a tour of the Lost City. Last night’s hotel in Santa Marta.

If you choose to stay in Taganga and visit Tayrona National Park and go diving:

Day 15: Transfer from Santa Marta to San Gil.

San Gil is the eco-friendly adventure capital of Columbia, boasting the best class 4+ white water rapids in all of South America. Other adventures in the mountainous region include hiking, climbing, rappelling, horseback riding, bungee jumping, canyoneering, paragliding, caving, mountain biking, beautiful springs, waterfalls, etc. rivers, and swimming holes.

Days 16 – 17: San Gil Adventures

Our first day in San Gil is devoted to white water rafting down the beautiful and fun Rio Fonce (Class I – III) or the perilous and exhilarating Rio Suarez, a world-renown run of class IV – V rapids.

Day two is free to indulge in the various adventure activities offered or stroll to one of the nearby waterfalls and swimming pools to frolic and relax.

Day 18 – 19: Bogota

Tour around Bogota to explore this vibrant city.

Day 20: Fly out.

What’s Included:

• Round trip airfare from the U.S. (the U.S. to Panama City and Bogota to the U.S).
• Two nights accommodation in Panama City and a day tour of the Panama Canal.
• Transfer from Panama City to Puerto Lindo and charter out to sailboat for San Blas trip.
• 5-day Caribbean sailing cruise from Panama to Colombia, including all food and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Two nights in Cartagena hotel.
• Transfer to Santa Marta/Taganga.
• Two nights at Casa San Philipe in Taganga.
• Taganga Tour: Either 5-day Cuidada Perdida trek (with all food and accommodation included during the trek) or stay in Taganga for three days of diving and visit Tayrona National Park.
• Two nights accommodation in San Gil.
• Full-day rafting trip in San Gil.
• Transfer to Bogota.
• Two nights in Bogota.