
Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Cartagena, Colombia
1. Tierra Adentro Trail
A challenging and rewarding hike through diverse landscapes, from dense jungle to open savannah. It's a perfect choice for experienced hikers.
- Length: The trail spans over 35 kilometers, making it one of the longest hikes in the region.
- Elevation: Tierra Adentro reaches heights of up to 1200 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the countryside.
- Wildlife: Hikers may encounter a variety of unique and interesting wildlife, such as monkeys, toucans, and even jaguars.
2. Puente de Occidente Trail
A scenic hike along the Western mountain range of Colombia, offering stunning views of both the Caribbean Sea and the city of Cartagena.
- Length: The Puente de Occidente trail is a relatively short hike, only about 7 kilometers round trip.
- Viewpoints: Along the way, hikers will find several stunning viewpoints overlooking Cartagena and the Caribbean Sea.
- Culture: The trail passes through traditional indigenous communities, providing a glimpse into Colombia's rich cultural heritage.
3. Las Mercedes Trail
A moderately difficult hike through the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range, featuring breathtaking views of Colombia's highest peaks.
- Elevation: The trail reaches heights of up to 2500 meters above sea level.
- Scenery: Hikers will be treated to stunning views of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the highest coastal mountain range in the world.
- Wildlife Sanctuary: The trail passes through a protected wildlife sanctuary, home to over 500 different bird species and numerous endemic plant species.
4. El Totumo Volcano Trail
An easy hike to a unique mud volcano, where visitors can swim in the healing mud and enjoy a relaxing spa-like experience.
- Accessibility: The trail is relatively short and accessible for hikers of all fitness levels.
- Unique Experience: Swimming in the healing mud of El Totumo Volcano is a unique experience not found at other hiking destinations.
- Day Trip: El Totumo Volcano can be easily visited as a day trip from Cartagena, making it convenient for travelers with limited time.
5. Los Flamencos Trail
A challenging hike through the rugged terrain of the Los Flamencos National Natural Park, featuring stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.
- Length: The trail spans over 15 kilometers, making it a challenging hike for experienced hikers.
- Wildlife: Hikers may encounter a variety of unique and interesting wildlife, such as flamingos, lizards, and iguanas.
- Scenery: The trail offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea, mangrove forests, and rocky cliffs.
6. La Manga del Rio Sinu Trail
A moderate hike through the dense jungle of La Manga del Rio Sinu, offering a glimpse into Colombia's rich biodiversity.
- Length: The trail spans over 10 kilometers and can be completed in a day.
- Biodiversity: La Manga del Rio Sinu is home to over 500 different bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
- Culture: The trail passes through traditional indigenous communities, providing a glimpse into Colombia's rich cultural heritage.
7. El Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona Trail
A challenging hike through the lush jungle and stunning beaches of Tayrona National Park, featuring breathtaking views and diverse wildlife.
- Length: The trail spans over 15 kilometers and can take several hours to complete.
- Scenery: Hikers will be treated to stunning views of the Caribbean Sea, lush jungle, and sandy beaches.
- Wildlife: Tayrona National Park is home to a variety of unique and interesting wildlife, such as monkeys, sloths, and iguanas.
8. La Sierra de San Lucas Trail
A challenging hike through the rugged terrain of La Sierra de San Lucas, featuring stunning views and diverse wildlife.
- Elevation: The trail reaches heights of up to 2000 meters above sea level.
- Scenery: Hikers will be treated to stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and the surrounding countryside.
- Wildlife: La Sierra de San Lucas is home to a variety of unique and interesting wildlife, such as jaguars, pumas, and tapirs.
9. El Parque Nacional Natural El Cocuy Trail
A challenging hike through the snow-capped peaks of El Cocuy National Park, offering breathtaking views and diverse wildlife.
- Elevation: The trail reaches heights of up to 5000 meters above sea level.
- Scenery: Hikers will be treated to stunning views of the snow-capped peaks and surrounding landscapes.
- Wildlife: El Cocuy National Park is home to a variety of unique and interesting wildlife, such as condors, eagles, and foxes.
10. La Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Trail
A challenging hike through the highest coastal mountain range in the world, featuring breathtaking views and diverse wildlife.
- Elevation: The trail reaches heights of up to 5775 meters above sea level.
- Scenery: Hikers will be treated to stunning views of the snow-capped peaks and surrounding landscapes.
- Wildlife: La Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is home to a variety of unique and interesting wildlife, such as jaguars, pumas, and tapirs.
11. El Parque Nacional Natural Los Katios Trail
A challenging hike through the dense jungle of Los Katios National Park, offering a glimpse into Colombia's rich biodiversity.
- Length: The trail spans over 10 kilometers and can take several days to complete.
- Biodiversity: Los Katios National Park is home to over 500 different bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
- Culture: The trail passes through traditional indigenous communities, providing a glimpse into Colombia's rich cultural heritage.
12. El Parque Nacional Natural El Amacayacu Trail
A challenging hike through the dense jungle of El Amacayacu National Park, offering a glimpse into Colombia's rich biodiversity.
- Length: The trail spans over 10 kilometers and can take several days to complete.
- Biodiversity: El Amacayacu National Park is home to over 500 different bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
- Culture: The trail passes through traditional indigenous communities, providing a glimpse into Colombia's rich cultural heritage.
13. El Parque Nacional Natural El Gigante Trail
A challenging hike through the dense jungle of El Gigante National Park, offering a glimpse into Colombia's rich biodiversity.
- Length: The trail spans over 10 kilometers and can take several days to complete.
- Biodiversity: El Gigante National Park is home to over 500 different bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
- Culture: The trail passes through traditional indigenous communities, providing a glimpse into Colombia's rich cultural heritage.
14. El Parque Nacional Natural El Paujil Trail
A challenging hike through the dense jungle of El Paujil National Park, offering a glimpse into Colombia's rich biodiversity.
- Length: The trail spans over 10 kilometers and can take several days to complete.
- Biodiversity: El Paujil National Park is home to over 500 different bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
- Culture: The trail passes through traditional indigenous communities, providing a glimpse into Colombia's rich cultural heritage.
15. El Parque Nacional Natural El Tuparro Trail
A challenging hike through the dense jungle of El Tuparro National Park, offering a glimpse into Colombia's rich biodiversity.
- Length: The trail spans over 10 kilometers and can take several days to complete.
- Biodiversity: El Tuparro National Park is home to over 500 different bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
- Culture: The trail passes through traditional indigenous communities, providing a glimpse into Colombia's rich cultural heritage.