Colombia + Costa Rica Itinerary

You’ll kick-start your adventure with a day up in the mountains, the perfect way to shake off the jet lag and dive straight into Colombia’s wild side. First stop: Minca - a peaceful village tucked in the Sierra Nevada, surrounded by waterfalls, jungle, and mountain air.

You’ll head out to cool off in natural swimming holes at either Pozo Azul or Marinka Falls - both stunning and seriously refreshing. Afterwards, you’ll visit a local coffee and cacao finca to sample some of Colombia’s most iconic flavours, freshly brewed, rich, and straight from the source. Feeling energetic?

There’s an optional short hike to the Los Pinos viewpoint for those panoramic shots. Then it’s back to Santa Marta for a relaxed evening to do your thing - beach, wander, or feet up - before Tayrona kicks in tomorrow.

After your time immersed in Tayrona’s wild jungle and remote beaches, you’ll emerge into the laid-back, bohemian beach town of Palomino, where the Caribbean Sea meets the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. This stunning stretch of coast will be your base for the next few days, and it’s the perfect place to catch your breath and settle into Colombia’s coastal rhythm.

You’ll kick off with some well-earned downtime - think golden beaches, surfy cafés, and a chance to properly relax. For those wanting to explore, you can trek out to the Quebrada Valencia Waterfall or hike up to the Mundo Nuevo viewpoint for panoramic views over jungle and sea.  But Palomino isn’t just about the beach.  Soon, you’ll head into the mountains for a rare opportunity: a guided visit to the Kogi tribe, one of Colombia’s most spiritually rich indigenous communities. You’ll learn about their traditions, their deep-rooted connection to the land, and their powerful vision for sustainable living - it’s a meaningful encounter that stays with you.

From there, the adventure continues with a tubing expedition to get back to base, floating gently down the Palomino River, framed by towering mountains and dense forest. It’s peaceful, otherworldly, and the perfect way to take in the region’s natural beauty.

You’ll also spend time at one of the local schools, getting stuck into a light renovation project - think painting, gardening, or sprucing up the classroom - and of course, there’ll be plenty of time to connect with the students through games, and shared stories. It’s a simple but powerful way to give back and experience daily life in this remote community.

After the islands, it’s back to the mainland for your final two nights in the magical city of Cartagena.

Here, you’ll soak up the city’s infectious energy, wandering through cobblestone streets, past balconies dripping with flowers, and diving into the vibrant culture that blends colonial charm with modern Latin flair.

Visit local markets, catch street performers, dance in a plaza, or simply sit with a drink and watch the world go by. Cartagena is bold, colourful, and unforgettable, the perfect place to celebrate the end of your Colombian adventure.

This final chapter is all about connection, celebration, and soaking up the soul of Colombia before the next leg of your journey takes you to Costa Rica.

Welcome to Costa Rica - a new country, a new energy, and a totally different landscape.

You’ve swapped Colombia’s Caribbean coast for misty cloud forests, where the air is cooler, the pace slows down, and nature takes centre stage.

Your first stop will be Santa Elena, a vibrant little town perched on the edge of Monteverde’s iconic cloud forest. Think artisan cafés, mountain views, and a traveller vibe that’s relaxed but buzzing with possibility.

Each morning, you’ll head into the forest - walking hanging bridges above the canopy, climbing through hollow ficus trees, and hiking to viewpoints where, on a clear day, you can see both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.

Afternoons are free to turn up the adventure: zip-lining, horseback riding, or even bungee jumping for the bold (optional extras, bookable locally). Monteverde is like nowhere else on this trip - cooler, greener, more immersive. A chance to reset, re-wild, and experience Costa Rica’s legendary biodiversity up close.

From your base at Santa Teresa, you'll spend two days/nights at Cirenas, a leading Costa Rican wildlife NGO, helping protect endangered sea turtles.

Based on 2km of wild untouched beaches in Manzanillo, you’ll safeguard nests and hatchlings of Olive Ridley, Black, Hawksbill, and Leatherback turtles.

Your work includes 4-6 hours daily, occasional night patrols, beach clean-ups, maintenance, data collection, and the unforgettable release of baby turtles (seasonal) into the ocean.

You'll then head back to Santa Teresa for the last part of your incredible journey.

On your final day, you’ll return to San Jose and settle back into the Rosa of America hostel for a relaxing night, getting ready for your flight home the next day.