Luxury Island Hopping in Colombia's Caribbean - 10 Days

Highlights

• Go island hopping in Colombia, from Isla Barú to Isla Múcura
• Stay at secluded ecolodges and tucked-away beachfront resorts
• Snorkel, kayak, and enjoy watersports in the waters off Isla San Andrés
• Embark on city tours of Cartagena's most famous colonial landmarks

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Cartagena, Transfer to Isla Barú, Bioluminescence Tour

Welcome to Colombia! This South American gem features a wide array of ecosystems, offering adventures to suit every type of traveler. This 10-day luxury journey focuses exclusively on Colombia's northern Caribbean coast and the island archipelagoes that dot its crystalline waters like pearls. 

You'll arrive in Cartagena, the first major Spanish fortress city in the Americas. A global tourism destination in its own right, its colorful colonial architecture is remarkably well preserved. Table the city tours for now, because upon arrival, you'll transfer to the pier and board a water taxi for the 45-minute ride out to Isla Barú. One of 27 islands in Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park, Barú is famous for its unspoiled mangrove ecosystems and coral reefs—perfect for diving and snorkeling.

You'll stay in luxury at Hotel Las Islas. This sophisticated, environmentally-conscious retreat (which occupies its own islet) boasts luxurious bungalows with ocean views, seaside restaurants (try the ceviche), and exceptional amenities like private plunge pools. If ever there was a place to relax and rejuvenate in paradise, this is it. The "wow" factor begins with your arrival and continues on an evening boat trip across the water to the beaches at nearby Cholón. Here, you'll witness bioluminescent plankton shine electric blue in the shallow waters running up to the powdery white sands.

Day 2: Visit the National Aviary of Colombia

Colombia is a birder's dream, as there are almost 2,000 avian species throughout the country, many on the Caribbean coast. Today, you'll see a few of these feathered specimens on a trip to Aviario Nacional. Located on Isla Barú, this organization serves as a center for avian conservation, education, and research, focusing on protecting Colombia's diverse bird species. Some exotic birds you'll see during your visit here include toucans, macaws, flamingoes, hummingbirds, and more. After the tour, you'll have the rest of the day free to enjoy the beach and the Hotel Las Islas amenities.

Day 3: Transfer to Isla Múcura, Beaches & Pampering

Let the island hopping begin! Hop in a water taxi this morning for the transfer south to Isla Múcura. Part of the San Bernardo Archipelago near the Gulf of Morrosquillo, Múcura is known for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush vegetation, including coconut palms and mangroves. 

You'll stay on the island's more remote north side at the Hotel Punta Faro. Occupying its own secluded corner of paradise, Punta Faro is the model of Caribbean tranquility, complete with well-appointed bungalows and a range of amenities, including a day spa. Speaking of which, upon arrival, you'll enjoy relaxation therapy and a holistic body treatment in a studio right over the water. Then, feel free to spend the rest of the day lazing on the hotel's private, powdery white-sand beach.

Day 4: Free Day on Isla Múcura: Island Excursions & Beach Time

The day is yours to enjoy Múcura however you wish. Naturally, the island is famous for its watersports and activities. Tours you can embark on include kayak trips to hidden coves and snorkeling at the many offshore coral gardens.

One interesting adventure is a trip to a nearby lagoon where you can swim with harmless jellyfish. Or, if you like, spend the day sunbathing with a tropical drink in hand, accompanied by a good book, a gentle sea breeze, and the sound of waves gently lapping at the shore.

Day 5: Transfer to Islas del Rosario, Snorkeling Excursion

Leave Múcura in the morning and transfer by boat back to the Islas del Rosario. This time, you'll land at Isla Marina and Hotel Islabela. Nestled in a secluded cove and hemmed in by mangroves, Islabela offers a romantic castaway experience in beach bungalows with some modern conveniences. These come in the form of airy rooms, private gardens, stunning sea views, and a great on-site restaurant.

Upon arrival, you'll hop in a different boat and set off to enjoy the region's most popular aquatic activity: snorkeling. You'll arrive at a dive site in Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park, where you'll strap on your mask and fins and hop in the water. As you explore the colorful corals, keep an eye out for tropical fish (parrotfish and angelfish are common sights), as well as manta rays and sea turtles. At the end of the tour, you'll return to the hotel. 

Day 6: Free Day on Islas del Rosario: Mangroves & Bioluminescence 

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You're on island time, so act accordingly! Today is another free day to do (or not do) whatever you like. Perhaps rise early for a sunrise walk on the sand before breakfast. Then, book another snorkel/dive trip, go for a swim, or hop in a kayak for some scenic exercise. Other popular activities include a mangrove tour led by local fishermen.

Whatever you do, try to make it back to the hotel in time to witness one of the Caribbean's famous pink cotton candy sunsets. Needless to say, the experience is heightened with a tropical cocktail or two. After a gourmet dinner (don't miss the fresh seafood) prepared by the hotel's expert chefs, you can opt for another bioluminescence tour before bed. 

Day 7: Fly to Isla San Andrés, Optional Activities

It's time to venture to the furthest reaches of the Colombian Caribbean. After breakfast, you'll transfer back to Cartagena and board a plane for the 1.5-hour flight north to Isla San Andrés. Located in the country's far north (San Andrés is actually closer to Nicaragua than Colombia), this is one of the great, lesser-visited gems of the Caribbean. It should be on any beachcomber's bucket list. 

From the airport, a quick private transfer takes you to the luxurious Hotel Casablanca. Located on the north side, the Casablanca is a dream of elegant Caribbean white decor with a gleaming outdoor pool. Many of the expansive rooms feature sea views, and the four restaurants on-site serve gourmet dishes ranging from pan-Asian cuisine to elevated Italian fare to Spanish-inspired paellas—there's even a tropical buffet.

After checking in, you'll have the rest of the day to enjoy the island. The Casablanca's position on the San Andrés' north end means you're never more than a few minutes walk from incredible beaches and raucous beach bars. If you like, embark on a brisk coastal tour by mini catamaran, or opt for a "white night" boat party where you can rumba the night away accompanied by live music and with access to an open bar.

Day 8: Free Day on Isla San Andrés: Afro-Caribbean Cuisine & Boat Tours

It's another day to toss the itinerary and enjoy the island on your schedule. If you like, you can enjoy a sunrise island boat tour to witness the" Sea of the Seven Colors" (as San Andrés is known) come alive with the first light of the day. Then, sip coconut juice or tropical cocktails at a beach bar accompanied by Afro-Caribbean reggae music. If you like the vibe and want to immerse yourself in the local Afro-Caribbean cuisine, there are also private cooking classes on offer. And, of course, you can always opt for kayaking and snorkeling excursions or a boat tour to offshore islets and mangroves. 

Day 9: Fly to Cartagena, Historic City Tour

Time to leave island life behind. In the morning, you'll transfer to the airport for the flight back to Cartagena. At the terminal, a driver will take you to your 5-star hotel in the Walled City (historic center). Casa San Agustín is a colorful boutique in a colonial-era mansion that doesn't skimp on luxury. Its many amenities include a shimmering courtyard pool, a swank bar and restaurant, and personalized concierge services. After checking in, you can visit the hotel's Arum Spa for a body scrub, Moroccan hammam treatment, or a "luxury love" experience with Jacuzzi, Champagne, and chocolate strawberries.

Shortly after checking in, you'll meet a private guide and transfer just outside the city center to Convento de la Popa. This convent dates to 1606 and offers panoramic views of the city. From there, you'll proceed to nearby San Felipe de Barajas, a hilltop castle built by the Spanish in 1536 to defend the coast. To this day, it remains the largest colonial fortress in the Americas. A tour of San Felipe includes walking along its ramparts and exploring its tunnels.

Afterward, you'll return to Cartagena's historic center and continue touring the city's colonial landmarks. These include the entrance to the Walled City—the Plaza de Reloj—where the iconic clock tower stands. Explore colonial neighborhoods like San Diego and Santo Domingo, then visit the Palace of the Inquisition in Plaza de Bolívar. This was once the seat of the Holy Office of the Inquisition and is now a macabre museum. During the tour, your guide will share fascinating stories about Cartagena's founding and tales of pirate attacks.

Day 10: Breakfast at Café de la Mañana, Depart Cartagena

Head toward the waterfront in the morning and pull up a seat at Café de la Mañana. This charming eatery occupies an old colonial building and is a great place to enjoy one last decadent Colombian breakfast of fresh fruit, juice, coffee, eggs, and whatever else you want to load up on your plate. Savor the meal and the views because afterward, it's time to say adiós to Colombia and the Caribbean. At the appropriate time, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!

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