Cartagena: Tropical Dry Forest Hike & Cotton Top Tamarin

Summary

Wild monkeys, dry forest trails and a taste of Colombia near Cartagena

You’ll wake up early in Cartagena for this day trip into Colombia’s tropical dry forest—walk shaded trails with local guides, spot wild cotton top tamarins if you’re lucky, and share a traditional lunch outdoors. Expect earthy smells, laughter over breakfast arepas, and maybe a moment where time slows down among the trees.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so awake at 6am, but there’s something about leaving Cartagena behind in the dark that makes you curious — like you’re sneaking out before the city even notices. We drove just an hour, but it felt like another world when we stepped into the tropical dry forest. The air was thick and earthy, not humid like the coast. Our guide, Marta, handed me a chunk of arepa and coffee before we started walking — she said it’d help with the hills (she was right).

The trail isn’t hard but it’s not flat either. You hear things before you see them — birds calling out names I’ll never remember, leaves crunching under sneakers, Marta laughing when someone asked if snakes were common (they are, apparently). But honestly, everyone was hoping for one thing: the cotton top tamarin. When we finally spotted them — these tiny monkeys with wild white hair — they moved so fast I almost missed it. One stopped on a branch and looked at us like he knew we’d been waiting all morning just for him. I still think about that face sometimes.

Lunch was simple: fish or chicken with rice and plantains, eaten outside while the sun got heavier overhead. Someone passed around juice made from lulo fruit — tart and cold. There wasn’t much talking then; maybe everyone was tired or just happy to sit in the shade. The drive back to Cartagena felt quieter somehow, like we’d left part of ourselves out there in the forest. I’m not sure if it was the monkeys or just being away from everything for a few hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hike Tropical Dry Forest near Cartagena

• Drive from Cartagena at 6:00 a.m.
• Hike to explore flora and fauna
• Have typical local lunch at 12:00 p.m.
• Leave the region at 1:00 p.m.

Top questions

How far is the hike from Cartagena?

The trail is about one hour’s drive from Cartagena by private transport.

How long is the hike in total?

The guided hike lasts approximately 3.5 hours through the tropical dry forest.

Are cotton top tamarins guaranteed to be seen?

No wildlife sighting is guaranteed, but this area is known for wild cotton top tamarins.

What kind of food is included?

You get breakfast (scrambled eggs, arepas, coffee or chocolate) and a traditional lunch (fish, chicken or beef with sides).

Is hotel pickup included in Cartagena?

Yes, private transportation with pickup is included from Cartagena.

Is this tour suitable for kids?

The minimum age is 10 years old due to moderate hiking requirements.

Are there any health restrictions?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.

How big are the groups?

The group size is limited to 8 people for a more personal experience.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from Cartagena with early pickup, breakfast of scrambled eggs and arepas plus coffee or hot chocolate to start your hike right, all guided by locals who know every corner of this forest. After walking among rare wildlife like cotton top tamarins, you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch—fish, chicken or beef—with fresh fruit juice before heading back in the afternoon.