TRANS-CARIBBEAN

DAY 1: Departure from major Italian cities with an international flight to Caracas, the vibrant capital of Venezuela. Arrival at Caracas International Airport, completion of immigration procedures, and transfer to the city. After check-in, the journey begins with a first immersion into Venezuelan culture through a traditional local dinner. Overnight stay in Caracas, surrounded by the energy and contrasts of one of South America’s most fascinating capitals.

Morning: Breakfast and guided exploration of Caracas, the dynamic capital of Venezuela. Visit the historic centre, including Plaza Bolívar, the Cathedral, the birthplace of Simón Bolívar, and the city’s most important institutional buildings. Throughout the tour, an introduction to Venezuela’s recent political and social history offers deeper insight into the role Caracas has played in shaping the country.

Afternoon: Ascent by cable car to El Ávila National Park, the vast mountain range overlooking the city and often referred to as its green lung. From the panoramic viewpoints, breathtaking views open over Caracas and, on clear days, all the way to the Caribbean coastline on the horizon.

Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Caracas.

Morning: Breakfast followed by a guided motorbike tour through Petare, one of the largest urban settlements in Latin America and historically considered among the most complex and dangerous districts of Caracas. The experience offers direct contact with the local reality, providing insight into the social dynamics and transformation processes currently reshaping the community. A journey through everyday life, resilience, and the human side of the Venezuelan capital.

Afternoon: Departure from Caracas heading west along the Caribbean coastal highway. Along the route, the landscape gradually transforms from mountains and dense urban areas to mangroves, lagoons, and tropical coastal scenery. Arrival in the Morrocoy National Park region, known for its crystal-clear waters and Caribbean atmosphere.

Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Morrocoy or surrounding area.

Morning/Afternoon: Breakfast followed by a boat excursion through Morrocoy National Park, one of Venezuela’s most spectacular coastal reserves. Navigation through mangroves, turquoise lagoons, and natural channels reveals the extraordinary biodiversity of the Caribbean coastline. Stops at some of the park’s most iconic cays, such as Cayo Sombrero, Cayo Playuela, or similar islands depending on sea conditions, offer time to swim, snorkel, walk along pristine beaches, and relax in crystal-clear tropical waters surrounded by white sand and palm trees.

Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Morrocoy or surrounding area.

Morning: Breakfast and departure towards northwestern Venezuela, heading to Coro, the first city founded in the country and one of its most important historical landmarks. Guided visit of the UNESCO World Heritage historic centre, renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, colorful houses, and characteristic unpaved streets that preserve the atmosphere of another era.

Afternoon: Entrance into Médanos de Coro National Park, a surreal desert landscape of immense wind-shaped sand dunes rising unexpectedly between the Caribbean coast and the tropical surroundings. Time to walk among the dunes and experience one of the most unique natural environments in Venezuela. Afterwards, continuation of the journey toward the state of Zulia and the city of Maracaibo.

Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Maracaibo.

Morning/Afternoon: Breakfast and guided city tour of Maracaibo, one of Venezuela’s most vibrant and culturally distinctive cities. Visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Chiquinquirá, an important religious and symbolic landmark for the region, followed by exploration of the historic centre and the lively commercial districts that reflect the city’s dynamic atmosphere. Introduction to the history of Lake Maracaibo, the indigenous communities living along its shores, and the profound impact of the oil industry on the development and identity of the region.

Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Maracaibo.

Morning/Afternoon: Breakfast and early departure towards the Paraguachón border crossing. Border formalities and entry procedures into Colombia. Change of vehicle and operational briefing before beginning the expedition across the desert landscapes of the La Guajira Peninsula, a remote region shaped by dramatic scenery, indigenous culture, and Caribbean horizons.

Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in La Guajira.

Morning: Breakfast and early departure along the sandy tracks of the Guajira Peninsula. Journey across semi-desert landscapes inhabited by Wayuu communities, with stops near natural salt flats and traditional rancherías that offer insight into the culture and daily life of the region.

Afternoon:. Arrival in the Cabo de la Vela area, one of the most iconic and remote corners of the Colombian Caribbean. Hike to Pilón de Azúcar, a rocky hill overlooking the ocean with sweeping panoramic views of the coastline. Free time at Ojo de Agua, a natural seaside pool traditionally used by local communities, before continuing along the wind-swept coastal tracks and desert shores.

Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in La Guajira.

Morning: Breakfast and final exploration of the La Guajira Peninsula, with visits to additional local communities and remote desert landscapes shaped by the traditions of the Wayuu people. Gradual return towards Riohacha, marking the end of the off-road expedition across one of Colombia’s most isolated and fascinating regions.

Afternoon: Continuation along the Colombian Caribbean coast, where the scenery dramatically transforms from arid desert landscapes to lush tropical vegetation. Arrival in Palomino, a laid-back Caribbean village nestled between the sea and the majestic Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the highest coastal mountain range in the world.

Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Palomino, between ocean and jungle.

Morning: Breakfast and free time dedicated to relaxation or exploration in Palomino, a laid-back Caribbean village known for its bohemian atmosphere, tropical beaches, and waves that attract surfers from around the world. Opportunity to enjoy the unique setting where the Sierra Nevada mountains meet the Caribbean Sea.

Afternoon: Departure by bus westward along the Caribbean coastline, crossing landscapes of beaches, tropical vegetation, and vibrant coastal towns. Arrival in Cartagena de Indias in the late afternoon, one of the most iconic colonial cities in Latin America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Cartagena.

Morning/Afternoon: Breakfast and guided exploration of Cartagena de Indias, one of the most historically significant and visually striking cities in the Caribbean. Visit to the walled colonial centre, the iconic Clock Tower, ancient defensive bastions, and the vibrant Getsemaní district, known for its street art, local atmosphere, and cultural identity. Introduction to Cartagena’s strategic importance during the colonial era and its central role in the Caribbean trade routes.

Evening: Dinner and overnight bus departure towards Necoclí.

Morning/Afternoon: Arrival in Necoclí, breakfast, and boarding of a speedboat bound for Capurganá, a hidden Caribbean gem accessible only by sea. Check-in and first exploration of the village before continuing towards Sapzurro, a secluded coastal settlement surrounded by lush tropical forest and crystal-clear waters. From there, short trek to the Panamanian border and crossing on foot to reach La Miel beach, where the Caribbean reveals some of its most untouched and spectacular scenery. Return to Capurganá by speedboat before sunset.

Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Capurganá.

Morning/Afternoon: Breakfast and transfer to the immigration office to complete exit procedures from Colombia. Boarding of a local boat bound for Puerto Obaldía, the southernmost town in Panama and gateway to the remote Darién region. Arrival and completion of entry formalities into Panama before continuing the journey by sea towards the San Blas archipelago. Navigation through isolated Caribbean waters with intermediate stops at indigenous Kuna communities, offering a first encounter with one of the most culturally preserved regions in Central America.

Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in San Blas.

Morning: Breakfast and final navigation through the islands of the San Blas archipelago, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and untouched Caribbean scenery. Opportunity to observe the daily life and traditions of the Guna communities, one of the most culturally preserved indigenous peoples in the region.

Afternoon: Boat transfer to the port of Cartí, followed by an overland 4×4 journey through the mountainous landscapes of the Panamanian interior on the way to Panama City.

Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Panama City.

Morning: Breakfast and guided visit to the Panama Canal, one of the greatest engineering achievements in modern history. Observation of massive ocean-going vessels crossing the Miraflores or Agua Clara Locks, with insight into the canal’s functioning, historical significance, and strategic role in global trade.

Afternoon: Free time in Panama City for final exploration, shopping, or relaxation before departure.

Evening: Dinner and transfer to the airport for the intercontinental flight to Italy.