Experience the Crown Jewel of the Caribbean, the vibrant and tropical city of Cartagena. Your guide, Taylar, lived in Cartagena and has been back to visit many times. Out of the 32 countries she's been to, she believes Cartagena is the most fun city on earth! She helps you take the stress out of planning by taking you to the best spots on this 6-day, 5-night adventure.
We will relax on the white-sand Caribbean beaches, visit a historic fort on an island, snorkel by an abandoned ship, learn local dances, eat delicious typical food, catch crabs with native fishermen, and listen to local storytellers as they share the stories about their community. This trip purposely aligns with Dia de Las Velitas ( Day of the Little Candles), a national holiday that symbolizes the beginning of the Christmas season.
Cost of transportation between the airport and hotel will be covered. Taylar will make every effort to greet you in person, depending on your arrival time.
All activities listed on the itinerary and transportation to the events
Selina Cartagena is located in Gestemani, voted by Forbes as one of the top 12 neighborhoods in the world! It features a rooftop restaurant/pool with the best sunset views in the neighborhood
A few meals are on your own for your flexibility (Cartagena is a foodie paradise!)
Tips for servers and guides included in the itinerary
Taylar will help you with a packing list, any questions you have pre-trip, as well as support throughout the trip. She speaks Spanish and can translate for you.
Fly into Rafael Núñez International Airport (airport code CTG)
I recommend purchasing through Safety Wing, World Nomads or Allianz. This can offer peace of mind if you need medical services, need to cancel your trip, or lose your baggage.
Cartagena is a food-lover's paradise-- this allows you the flexibiity to eat where you'd like. :)
Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the rich history of the Walled City with a local storyteller. As the sun sets, let loose and learn some salsa moves at a local bar. Cap off the evening with a delicious dinner at an authentic restaurant, where you'll get to know your fellow adventure travelers.
Rise and shine with a rooftop breakfast. Then, we'll set sail to the Caribbean island community of Bocachica, where a local guide will show us around the 17th-century Fuerte de San Fernando. From there, we'll boat to Punta Arena to experience island life at a local beach club firsthand. After a traditional Cartagena lunch at a beach club, we'll visit a local island family. As night falls, we'll explore Getsemani, voted one of the top 12 neighborhoods in the world!
After breakfast, we will head to a small fishing village. Here, you'll learn the art of mangrove fishing from a native Afro-Colombian fisherman. After catching crabs and fish, we will prepare a meal in the fisherman's home. When we get back to the city, we will enjoy the sunset at Taylar's favorite local spot. As night falls, we'll venture to the Walled City for Noche de Las Velitas, a symbolic candle-lighting holiday. We should also be able to witness the historic Horse Parade.
After a hearty breakfast, we'll embark on an exciting island-hopping adventure on a private speed boat. We'll visit Orika, see the ruins of Pablo Escobar's abandoned secret island mansion, snorkel by a shipwrecked boat, and relax at the luxurious Pa'Ue Beach Lounge. Here, you can indulge in a delectable Caribbean lunch, lounge on the white sand beaches, or paddleboard in the turquoise water.
Taylar will help you plan the day of your dreams! Options are limitless, but here are some ideas:
- Travel to Palenque, the first free African community in the Americas
- Plunge into the infamous mud volcano
- Plan a spa day
- Take a cooking class
- Visit Bazurto, the chaotic open-air market
- Shop till you drop at chic boutique stores by local designers (Cartagena is a shopper's paradise!)
We will gather this evening for one final group dinner.
After eating breakfast, we will head back to the airport to travel back home. If you have a flight later in the day, the hotel can safely guard your luggage after check out. That way, you're free to explore the city as you please and perhaps pick up any last-minute souvenirs.
If you'd like to connect to another city (like Santa Marta/Tayrona Beach or Medellin), just let Taylar know and she's happy to help you plan next steps!
