Colombia · Hiking

8-Hour Cartagena Hiking Tour in the Tropical Dry Forest

8 Hours Round trip from Bolivar Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Hike through Cartagena's unique and little-known Tropical Dry Forest ecosystem
02 Spot playful Cotton-Top Tamarins and hear the calls of Howler Monkeys
03 Learn about native flora and fauna from expert guides
04 Enjoy an off-the-beaten-path nature experience north of Cartagena

Prepare for an extraordinary journey into the Tropical Dry Forest on an immersive, off-the-beaten-path adventure from Cartagena. During your expedition, you'll have the opportunity to encounter two fascinating monkeys: the Cotton-Top Tamarin, a lively primate known for its mischievous behavior, and the Howler Monkey, whose resonant calls echo through the foliage. Along the way, revel in the enchanting plant and animal life of this unique ecosystem while enjoying the pleasure of learning and an invigorating nature experience.

During your expedition, you'll have the opportunity to encounter two fascinating monkeys: the Cotton-Top Tamarin, a lively primate known for its mischievous behavior, and the Howler Monkey, whose resonant calls echo through the foliage.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Tropical Dry Forest Hike and Wildlife Encounter

Departure

Depart at 5:30 a.m. and drive north of the Bolívar Department.
Travel approximately one hour from the walled city to a natural area.

Tropical Dry Forest Hike

Enter a trail located within the Tropical Dry Forest.
Hike through this unique and little-known ecosystem.
Discover the native flora and fauna of the Tropical Dry Forest.
Observe wildlife, including the Cotton-Top Tamarin and the Howler Monkey, when present.
Learn about plant and animal life while enjoying an immersive nature experience.

Approximate hiking time: 3.5 hours.
Trail distance: approximately 4 miles.

Lunch

Enjoy a typical lunch from the local area at approximately 12:00 p.m.

Return

Depart the region at approximately 1:00 p.m.

Additional Information

Approximate driving time: 2 hours in total.
Total duration: approximately 8 hours.

Where this trip takes you

Cartagena, Tropical Dry Forest, Cotton-Top Tamarin, Howler Monkey

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Bolivar 1 city · 8 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Breakfast
Typical lunch
Trip leader
Local guide
Permit and entrance fees
Hiking poles

What's Not Included

Services and items not specified in the plan
Tips (optional but always appreciated)

What to bring

Your personal medication
Extra water (we provide one-liter bottled water)
Sunscreen (unscented) and a cap (recommended)
Insect repellent
A daypack for carrying your personal items
Long pants, closed-toe shoes, and long socks are mandatory. Keep in mind that these clothing items are important elements of protection (e.g., thorns, spikes, and bugs).
If needed, bring an extra change of clothes and shoes for after the hike (comfortable clothes and sandals or flip-flops), as your clothes and shoes may get wet and/or muddy.
A light rain jacket (April-December)
Cash for personal expenses and gratuities/tips (optional but always appreciated)

Know before you go

Minimum age: 8 years old.
Wearing long pants, closed-toe shoes, and tall socks is mandatory. Keep in mind that these clothing items are important elements of protection (e.g., thorns, spikes, and bugs).
This tropical forest adventure involves hiking approximately 4 miles in about 3.5 hours on uneven terrain, with a rocky section (not for climbing). The path requires steep leg work (approximately 5 minutes), excellent balance, focus on the trail, and some hiking experience.
Humidity can be an important issue to consider. The itinerary takes place in remote areas with basic facilities. Be prepared for potentially variable weather conditions (rain: April-December). To undertake this hike, reasonable fitness and health, a moderately active lifestyle, and a positive attitude are required.
We may cancel a tour at any time before departure due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, natural disasters, political instability, or other external events that prevent us from safely operating the planned itinerary for all parties. If the tour is canceled, we'll offer you a different date, an alternative trip at no additional cost, or a full refund.
Pickups are available in the Walled City, Getsemaní, Manga, Bocagrande, Torices, Marbella, Cabrero Crespo, or Los Morros.

Logistics