African Ancestry Family Reunion Colombia (AAFR Diaspora)
May 17 - 25, 2025
African Ancestry Family Reunion trips are curated cultural immersion journeys centered on reclaiming identity, exploring cultural heritage, and celebrating the resilience of people across the African Diaspora. Our inaugural trip to Colombia will explore the African influences in two cities, Cartageña and Medellín.
This trip is exclusively for African Ancestry Family Members and their guests. Still don't know your African ethnic group? Take advantage of the opportunity to find your tribe while visiting Colombia. Add a test kit to your booking and have your ancestry revealed during the trip!
1. Choose your package
Please note all packages are based on double occupancy lodging and priced per person. If you plan on lodging by yourself, you will need to add the single occupancy supplement. We do not pair roommates.
2. Create an account to manage your package and add-ons
When checking out, you should check the box next to "Create an account to manage your booking online." This will allow you to edit, adjust your trip, and select add-ons at a later date.
3. Take note of the processing fees
When proceeding to payment, please expect to see a service fee if you pay by ACH or a 2.9% service fee if you pay by credit or debit card.
4. Manage payments over time
You can choose to set up automatic payments or go in monthly and make payments manually.
5. Complete the questionnaire
6. Look out for a confirmation email
Once we receive payment, you will receive a confirmation email with your receipt, payment plan information, and the option to purchase travel insurance for this trip.
7. Store your account info and password
You can go back to your account any time to check your balance, pay it off, ask a question or choose an add on if you don't immediately
You are responsible for purchasing an airline ticket. Note the difference in arrival and departure cities.
Arrive in Cartagena, Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) on May 17, 2025 and depart Medellin International Airport (MDE) on May 25, 2025.
Do your research to find airlines and ticket prices that work for you. You'll able to come back anytime and upload all your flight information in your account after you register and book your trip.
This trip is 100% non-refundable.
If cancelled 61 days or more before departure (for any reason), the full trip credit (dollar value) can be used for any African Ancestry Family Reunion trip that takes place before May 16, 2026.
If cancelled within 60 days of departure (for any reason), there is a 30% penalty and only 70% of the trip credit (dollar value), can be used for any African Ancestry Family Reunion trip that takes place before May 16, 2026.
If cancelled within 30 days before departure (for any reason), there is a 75% penalty and only 25% of the trip credit (dollar value), can be used for any African Ancestry Family Reunion trip that takes place before May 16, 2026.
4-Star Accommodations
Air-conditioned vehicle on ground for entire tour including in country airport transfers
As indicated on itinerary
Flight from Cartageña to Medilliín
All entrance fees to various sites and attractions
Professional & knowledgeable hosts, guides and drivers
Bottles of water daily for entire journey
You purchase your own airline ticket
Alcoholic beverages are not included unless specified for a specific event or day
It's better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it. Remember cash is king!
We encourage tipping
Day 1
Check in - We will relax after traveling and get comfortable with our new surroundings.
Day 2
Highlights: Rum Tasting & Welcome Dinner
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3
Highlights: San Basilio De Palenque Cultural and Historic Tour + Drumming Dancing & Afro-Colombian Cuisine
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4
Highlights: Beach Club and Island Day Party
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5
Highlights: Old City Walking Tour + Shopping
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 6
Departure to Medellin - Check in - Rooftop Dinner
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7
Highlights: Communidad 13 Cultural Tour
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 8
Highlights: Negro Fest
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 9
Relax - Check out - Depart to Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast
Itinerary Subject to Change
Clothing suggestions
We suggest lightweight, breathable fabrics, comfortable shoes, and sunscreen. A sunhat and sunglasses are also helpful.
Tour Activity Level: Moderate
Expect a moderate amount of walking. There will be time to rest between attractions. To enjoy this trip, you should be prepared to walk slightly longer distances, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing.
We will get comfortable with our surroundings after traveling to Cartageña. The infinity pool is a must!
Today we will explore Cartageña with our English-speaking guide and enjoy a private Rum tasting. Our Welcome Dinner will be our first taste of Afro-Colombian food.
We will visit the first free African community in the Americas, established by escaped enslaved Africans in the 17th century. We'll learn about the local history including founder Benkos Biohó and connect with activists who are the custodians of the history. Palenque has been designated as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO for its preservation of many African customs, including music, dance, spirituality, and language.
Vacation vibes are on the itinerary at the Bora Bora Beach Club.
We will participate in an event that honors the abolition of slavery in Colombia and highlights the rich cultural contributions of Afro-Colombian communities.
Old City is where we will experience the connection of Afro-Colombian history and African and Caribbean cultural influences. The architecture! The music! The food!
We will get a different perspective on Afro-Colombian life in the city of Medellín, witnessing how the culture is transforming this city that has been historically dominated by European influences.
Communidad 13 is a a neighborhood that has transformed into a hub of Afro-Colombian art, music, and resistance.
A significant event on Colombia's cultural calendar, Negro Fest serves as a gateway of artistic expression of an Afro Future. The festival aims to foster equality, diversity, and inclusion by highlighting the contributions of the Afro-descendant community in areas such as music, fashion, gastronomy, and business.
This year, we will be revealing the ancestry of the festival co-founder and participating in a panel moderated by Edna Liliana Valencia Murillo.
