Day 1: Medellín → Yarumal→ Caucasia, Antioquia | Total kilometers: 290 km
We’ll depart Medellín heading north, ideally on a weekend or holiday to avoid the city’s Pico y Placa traffic restrictions. Leaving the valley behind, the route takes us through Santa Rosa de Osos and up into the Central Andes with sweeping mountain vistas. After an optional lunch stop in the hillside town of Yarumal, our last taste of the Andes, we descend toward the Caribbean plains, where the temperature rises as altitude drops. The day ends in Caucasia, a Cauca River town and one of Antioquia’s historic gold-mining zones.
Highlight: Twisty roads north of Medellín, mountain highway with vistas of the valley below, Santa Rosa de Osos, lunch in Yarumal a mountain village and a drop into the warm coastal plains to reach Caucasia for the night.
Overnight Stay: Caucasia
Day 2: Caucasia → Sincelejo → Mompox, Bolivar | Total kilometers: 333 km
From Caucasia, we ride north into the heat of the department of Córdoba, passing through cattle country on our way to Planeta Rica before turning toward the department of Sucre. Though we’ve left the Andes behind, the ride remains full of life as we pass through bustling intercoastal towns where palm-thatched roofs and vibrant street scenes reflect the warmth and color of the Caribbean lowlands. We’ll pause outside Sincelejo for a hearty parrilla lunch before continuing our long day’s journey to the historic Magdalena River town of Mompox, a colonial gem where we’ll spend the night.
Highlight: Colombia’s Caribbean lowlands, from cattle towns like Planeta Rica and Sahagún, to artisan hubs like Chinú and Sampués, then on through Sincelejo, Corozal, and riverside Magangué, before ending in the colonial jewel of Mompox, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight Stay: Santa Cruz de Mompox
Day 3: Santa Cruz de Mompox → Valledupar, Cesar | Total kilometers: 250 km
After a nice breakfast in Mompox, where colonial streets and riverside history recall its days as a major Magdalena River port and trading hub, we continue northeast into the intercoastal lowlands and along the watershed of the Magdalena. The ride takes us toward Valledupar, Cesar, known as the vallenato capital of Colombia and birthplace of the country’s most iconic folk music. Nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Valledupar is a peaceful river city where many coastal Colombians choose to retire. Rich in culture and history, it is home to vibrant festivals, shady plazas, and the legendary Río Guatapurí, a local gathering spot that has inspired countless songs. We’ll spend the night here, soaking in the unique blend of mountain and Caribbean culture.
Highlight: Ride from historic Mompox through the Magdalena lowlands to Valledupar, the vibrant vallenato capital at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, known for its music, culture, and the refreshing Río Guatapurí.
Overnight Stay: Valledupar
Day 4: Valledupar → San Juan del Cesar → Riohacha→ Palomino, La Guajira | Total kilometers: 285 km
From Valledupar, we head north into La Guajira, passing through San Juan del Cesar, a town rich in vallenato tradition, before tackling one of the region’s more dangerous roads (due to its closeness to the Venezuelan border), to reach Riohacha, the indigenous capital on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Here, we’ll enjoy our first taste of fresh coastal seafood over lunch. Afterward, the ride follows the ocean with stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains meeting the sea, ending the day in Palomino, a laid-back backpacker town where we can relax with a swim in the Caribbean.
Highlight: Vibrant Riohacha, coastal ride with ocean and mountain views, and a refreshing Caribbean swim in Palomino.
Overnight Stay: Palomino
Day 5: Palomino - Rest Day | Total kilometers: 0 km
Take the day off to relax in Palomino, a laid-back Caribbean village where the jungle meets the sea. Rest on the beach, enjoy fresh local food and drinks, and soak in the town’s barefoot, backpacker vibe. With eco-hostels, cozy cafés, and travelers from around the world, it’s the perfect place to unwind, recharge, and prepare for the next stage of the journey.
Things to do: Swim and relax on the beach, go river tubing on the Palomino River, surf or take a surf lesson, explore eco-hostels and cafés, eat fresh seafood and local Caribbean dishes, hike to waterfalls or viewpoints, watch the sunset on the beach, visit indigenous communities.
Overnight Stay: Palomino
Day 6: Palomino → Parque Tayrona→ Santa Marta → Minca, Magdalena | Total kilometers: 121 km
Get a great night’s rest and sleep in before riding toward Santa Marta for a late lunch. Along the way, you’ll pass the famous Parque Tayrona, banana farms, eco-stays, and tropical villages as you ride one of Colombia’s most magical coastal roads. Watch for iguanas and enjoy ocean views before climbing into the cooler mountain air of Minca, known for its lush jungle setting and winding mountain twisties.
Highlight: Ride the scenic coastal road to Santa Marta, explore Santa Marta’s historic center with a visit to Parque de los Novios or the Gold Museum, then enjoy a taste of local flavors at a café for lunch, before heading into the mountains for the cooler air of Minca for the night.
Overnight Stay: Minca
Day 7: Minca → Barranquilla → Cartagena, Bolivar | Total kilometers: 248 km
From Minca, we ride southwest to the bustling port city of Barranquilla, Colombia’s fourth largest city with over 2.5 million residents, famously home to Shakira, Sofía Vergara, and Joe Arroyo. Along the way, we’ll pass through the historic town of Ciénaga before crossing the impressive Pumarejo Bridge into Barranquilla. We’ll ride along the Malecón and stop for a traditional coastal lunch in the historic neighborhood of Las Flores. Afterward, the journey continues along the Caribbean coast to Cartagena, Colombia’s most iconic and historic seaside city, where we’ll stay the night.
Highlight: Ride from the cool mountain air of Minca through historic Ciénaga and into bustling Barranquilla for a taste of coastal culture, then continue along the Caribbean highway to Cartagena, Colombia’s most iconic seaside city. Along the way, enjoy ocean views, the Pumarejo Bridge, and a traditional lunch in Las Flores.
Overnight Stay: Cartagena
Day 8: Cartagena: Rest Day | Total kilometers: 0 km
For your rest day, spend time exploring Cartagena, Colombia’s most famous coastal city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a boat to the Rosario Islands for white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, or stay in town to wander the cobblestone streets of the walled city, filled with plazas, cathedrals, and boutique shops. Relax at rooftop bars with ocean views, enjoy fresh seafood and Caribbean cocktails, and visit landmarks like Castillo San Felipe or the vibrant Getsemaní district with its street art and music. Whether you seek history, beach time, or nightlife, Cartagena offers the perfect mix.
Things to do: Cartagena offers the perfect mix of history, culture, and coastal charm. Spend your day wandering the walled city with its colorful plazas, cathedrals, and colonial architecture, or head to the Rosario Islands for white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. In the evening, enjoy rooftop bars, fresh seafood, and the vibrant nightlife of Getsemaní.
Overnight Stay: Cartagena
Day 9: Cartagena → Coveñas, Cordoba | Total kilometers: 180 km
Enjoy a late breakfast in Cartagena before riding west along the coast to the quieter seaside town of Coveñas. Unlike the busy, tourist-filled beaches of Cartagena, Coveñas is a favorite getaway for Colombians from Montería and nearby cities, especially during holiday seasons. Here you’ll find long stretches of calm beaches, mangroves, and a laid-back atmosphere with authentic Caribbean culture. Founded as a colonial port in the 16th century and later developed as an oil terminal, today it’s known more for its beaches, fresh seafood, and relaxed local vibe.
Highlights: Ride from Cartagena to the relaxed coastal town of Coveñas, enjoying quiet beaches, local Caribbean culture, and authentic seafood along the way.
Overnight Stay: Coveñas
Day 10: Covenas → Santa Cruz de Lorica → Montería → Volcan de lodo → Arboletes → Necoclí, Antioquia | Total kilometers: 245 km
On Day 10, we’ll stop in the historic town of Santa Cruz de Lorica, known for its colonial architecture, colorful streets, and rich cultural heritage, before continuing to Montería for lunch at one of the region’s most famous restaurants, La Bonga del Sinú. Montería is renowned for its top-quality beef, warm coastal hospitality, and vibrant local culture. From there, we’ll ride west toward Necoclí, with an optional stop at a mud volcano, before arriving in the Gulf town of Necoclí for the night. Necoclí is known for its laid-back coastal vibe and as a gateway for boat trips to Capurganá near the Darién Gap. In the evening, enjoy the nightlife, experience Afro-Colombian culture, and perhaps listen to traditional Bullerengue music at the local house of culture.
Highlights: Historic Santa Cruz de Lorica, beef-filled Montería, and the laid-back coastal vibes and Afro-Colombian culture of Necoclí.
Overnight Stay: Necoclí
Day 11: Necoclí → Mutata → Rio Bedo → Santa Fe de Antioquia | Total kilometers: 315 km
On the 11th day of our journey, prepare for high-speed highway twisties along a newly upgraded route featuring tunnels, small coastal towns, and a mix of indigenous and Afro-Colombian culture. What used to be a 12–15 hour drive now takes just 4–5 hours to reach Santa Fe de Antioquia. Along the way, we’ll pass impressive rock formations with waterfalls on either side. If we depart early, there will be time to stop in Mutatá for lunch and a refreshing swim in a pristine river before climbing back into the Andes. The day ends with a descent into the Cauca River Valley and a night in the historic colonial town of Santa Fe de Antioquia, a former capital of Antioquia.
Highlight: High-speed twisty highways, tunnels, waterfalls, Mutatá river swim, and a night in historic Santa Fe de Antioquia.
Overnight Stay: Santa Fe de Antioquia
Day 12: Santa Fe de Antioquia → Puente Colgante de Occidente → Sopetran → Medellín | Total kilometers: 77 km
On the final day, enjoy a leisurely morning before riding across the historic Puente Colgante de Occidente near Santa Fe de Antioquia, a 19th-century iron-and-wood suspension bridge built in 1895 and considered a National Monument of Colombia. From there, continue through the scenic mountains on twisty roads, passing through the charming town of Sopetrán, before descending back into the valley and returning to the city of Eternal Spring, Medellín. This will complete your 12-day adventure through Colombia’s charming Caribbean coast.
Highlight: Ride across the historic Puente Colgante de Occidente and enjoy scenic mountain twisties on the final stretch back to Medellín.
Return to Medellin
