Distance 185 km (115.6 miles) | |
Price range US$224-US$455 | |
Ride Duration Range 4h 45m-5h | |
Earliest Departure 14:00 | |
Latest Departure 23:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Fastest minivan: 4h 45m
Cheapest minivan: US$296
For the 250km (155 mile) journey to Cartagena from Tayrona National Park (or, in Spanish, Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona), you have only one option - a Tourist Minivan which runs twice a day. A convenient and comfortable journey over well-built roads, it’s the only way to reach Cartagena from Tayrona National Park.
Taking the minivan to Cartagena from Tayrona National Park allows you to experience two very different sides of being a tourist in Colombia. While the shores, hikes, coral and outdoor exploration of Tayrona National Park are one of Colombia’s biggest draws, the colonial city of Cartagena is equally exciting, though in a very different way.
If all of Tayrona National Park’s swimming, snorkeling and hiking has you exhausted, Cartagena is the perfect place for a pitstop. By far the most aesthetic city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, it is colorful, vibrant and culturally captivating.
With cobbled lanes full of pastel-colored humble homes, over 10km of ancient colonial walls and its perpetually-charming UNESCO-listed old town, it’s one of Colombia’s most popular tourist destinations.
With some of Colombia’s best churches, plazas, museums and cultural attractions, there’s lots to do. But in spite of all that, Cartagena’s real charm lies in wandering around its streets, lanes and cozy cafés . One of South America’s best places for a wander, it’s a great city to soak up some authentic Hispanic atmosphere.
Getting to Cartagena from Tayrona National Park is simple and affordable, and because there’s only one way to take the trip, you don’t have to spend time mulling over your options. You simply hop in your minivan and leave the lush rainforest behind in pursuit of one of South America’s most endearing cities.
The journey from Tayrona National Park to Cartagena takes you along Colombia’s western coast. A scenic but unspectacular journey along well-maintained roads, it isn’t the stomach-flipping pothole bonanza offered on many of the more rudimentary journeys through South America.
Instead, it’s simple and pleasant, and carries you from exciting shores to quaint cobbled lanes.
On the first stretch of your minivan journey from Tayrona National Park to Cartagena, you’ll be making your way out of the verdant vistas of the park. The palm trees will diminish, the foothills will vanish from view and the greenery will become more sparse.
After leaving Tayrona National Park, you’ll soon hit the small strip of land which runs through Colombia’s Caribbean sea. This stretch of land offers scenic views to both sides of your ride, as your minivan glides towards Barranquilla, one of Colombia’s largest cities.
After skirting around Barranquilla, you’ll begin making your way towards Cartagena, for the speediest but least interesting part of the journey. On this stretch, you’ll occasionally see glimpses of the shore to your right, in addition to little homes, cute cafés and small towns and villages.
When you reach Cartagena, you’ll be greeted by the city’s abundant charm. A hive of activity, it provides the archetypal energy and atmosphere that only South American cities can offer. It’s colorful, it’s quirky and it’s endlessly friendly. Like so many travelers, you’ll likely fall in love with the city’s effervescent energy.
Taking a minivan
For the journey to Cartagena from Tayrona National Park, riding a minivan is your only option. Luckily for you, it’s an affordable, convenient and comfortable journey, so you don’t need any other option!
The Tourist Minivan from Tayrona National Park to Cartagena offers comfortable seats, great roads and AC. And if your Cartagena hotel is in the El Cabrero neighborhood, your minivan will drop you right at your door.
There are no toilets on board the minivan to Cartagena from Tayrona National Park, but the van will stop for toilet breaks along the way. It’ll also stop for food breaks, so you’ll arrive in Cartagena full, refreshed and ready to explore.
Since most people who travel in South America are adventurous, sociable and friendly, the minivan from Tayrona National Park to Cartagena is a great place to make friends. If you’re keen to find travel buddies for your Cartagena adventures, this minivan trip is a great time to do it.
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