7-day Land Trip to Cartagena and Medellin for Pride 2025!
The historic charm of Cartagena and celebrate love and diversity at Medellín Pride
Come join the SmokyMtnBears on a truly amazing land tour that promises adventure, culture, and celebration! Our journey begins with a flight to the enchanting city of Cartagena, Colombia. Known for its stunning colonial architecture, vibrant streets, and rich history, Cartagena offers an endless array of experiences. Wander through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, marvel at the centuries-old fortresses, and soak up the lively atmosphere of bustling markets and colorful plazas. Whether you're savoring the local cuisine, relaxing on the pristine beaches, or exploring the vibrant nightlife, Cartagena will captivate your senses and leave you with unforgettable memories.
After immersing ourselves in the wonders of Cartagena, we will take to the skies once more and fly to Medellín for an unparalleled experience at Medellín Pride. This city, renowned for its progressive spirit and breathtaking scenery, comes alive during Pride with colorful parades, dynamic performances, and an atmosphere of love and inclusion. Join thousands of revelers as we celebrate diversity and unity, taking in the sights and sounds of one of the world's most vibrant Pride events. From the stunning views of the surrounding mountains to the electrifying energy of the festivities, Medellín Pride is an experience not to be missed. Pack your bags and get ready for an extraordinary journey with the SmokyMtnBears!
24 June 2025, 3:00 pm check-in 27 June 2025, 12:00 pm check-out
The Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena is a historic luxury hotel where tradition and modernity meet. Its walls, which once served as a shield, harmonize with colonial balconies and republican buildings, evoking the splendor of bygone eras. After a massive renovation in 1995, the hotel opened its doors to reveal a magical space filled with history and luxury.
With 125 finely decorated rooms, including 25 suites with private balconies or terraces, the hotel's spaces are reinvented and innovative, creating a tropical palace where walls and ceilings retain the historic charm of this 17th-century Colombian building. Combining colonial and republican architecture with modern comfort, the hotel pays attention to every luxurious detail, making every stay an unforgettable experience. Guests can also enjoy exquisite international gastronomic proposals fused with local flavors in the hotel's colonial-style restaurants, surrounded by a magical tropical atmosphere.
Discover the elegance of the Colonial Suite, located on the 3rd and 5th floors of the colonial area, with views of the historic center. With a charming colonial style, this 40 to 72m² suite offers you a unique experience. Enjoy wooden floors, white linens, and a relaxing shower. Equipped with amenities such as an LCD TV, Bose® SoundDock®, and Loto del Sur® bathroom amenities. Our signature "MyBed®" by Sofitel with a pillow menu ensures your rest. Additionally, you'll find a Nespresso® coffee machine, complimentary Wi-Fi, and Butler service to cater to your needs during your stay. Experience colonial romance at its finest.
3 nights • Suite (XL)
27 June 2025, 3:00 pm check-in 30 June 2025, 12:00 pm check-out
This is a hip, design adult playground in the trendy Provenza/El Poblado area of Medellín, the most walkable part of the city, with an array restaurants, bars, nightlife, and green spaces to tempt you. It’s just right: the hotel’s not too small, not too large, yet it offers everything you need, like a fun outdoor green lobby area where you’ll find an art gallery, shops, cafés, and restaurants including the hotel’s own “kitchen” with a menu of satisfying comfort food. Higher up, you’ll enjoy two rooftop bars, a pool, and stunning city views to add to your fun. Room rates here include free – and legendary --breakfast, housekeeping daily, and free WiFi. In each room category you’ll find en suite bath with rainfall shower and amenities, a clothing rack, in room safe, dual-voltage outlet, hairdryer, flatscreen with DirecTV, minibar, desk with data port, chair, plus a smartphone for local calls (free)/hotel services.
This XL Suite is uber sweet at 32 m² (344 sq. ft.),will have you congratulating yourself on this wise choice. King bed, full wardrobe, lounge area, bathtub, and shower in your perfect bath, not to mention the views from those windows.
Embark on an extraordinary week filled with adventure, culture, and celebration, starting in the captivating city of Cartagena. Our journey kicks off with group dinners amid the charming streets, where we'll savor delectable cuisine and share laughter under the stars. Dive deep into the city's rich history with guided tours, exploring its iconic landmarks and hidden gems. But the excitement doesn't end there – we'll escape to a private beach, basking in the sun and indulging in the tranquility of our secluded paradise.
Next stop: the vibrant metropolis of Medellin, where the energy of the city pulses through every street. Immerse yourself in the culture and rhythm of Medellin as we explore its bustling markets, lush parks, and dynamic neighborhoods. From the innovative metro system to the breathtaking views from the metro-cable, every moment in Medellin is an adventure waiting to unfold.
Finally, we'll culminate our journey with the exhilarating Pride celebrations in Medellin. Join the vibrant LGBTQ+ community and allies from around the world as we come together to celebrate love, diversity, and acceptance. From the dazzling parade to the electrifying parties, Pride in Medellin promises to be a celebration like no other – a perfect finale to an unforgettable week of exploration, connection, and joy.
Your driver will be holding a sign with your name outside of the Baggage Claim area to take you in private transportation direct to your accommodations or destination.
Enjoy dinner and drinks aboard a sunset cruise on a catamaran through the Bay of Cartagena.
One of the best ways to understand the city and people of Cartagena is through how they spend their past-time - in this case what they drink and the music they listen and dance to.
This tour takes you on a voyage through 4 different musical styles: Folkloric (such as mápele and cumbia), Vallenato, Salsa and Champeta. We will learn about the origins of the different styles and their associated dances and share fun anecdotes that help understand their importance to Cartagena.
You will have the opportunity to learn basic steps in each dance. To accompany each genre, we will also have a different drink typical to Cartagena; colombian coffee (tinto), Colombian Aguardiente, Colombian rum and a local beer. Each drink has its own story and has earned its place in Colombian daily life and legend.
This evening, you'll enjoy a 10-course tasting experience inside an award-winning gay-owned restaurant. Both chef/owners are actually members of the LGBT+ community. Throughout the evening, you will go on a gastronomic tour of the Colombian Caribbean, including a round of of appetizers, three cold dishes, three hot dishes, two desserts, and petit fours with coffee or tea.
The restaurant was born out of an experimental lab, a 4-year research initiative focused on giving visibility to the gastronomic culture and biodiversity of the Colombian Caribbean through exploration trips. The Chefs set out to teach people that the food of this region is much more than fried fish, coconut rice and fried plantain. The cuisine of the Colombian Caribbean is the product of a crossbreeding of cultures that arrived in the Caribbean hundreds of years ago: Spanish and European, African, Syrian, Lebanese, but also indigenous people who inhabited the territory long before, and that together made their contributions to what today is known as the Colombian Caribbean cuisine.
9:00 am start 3:00 pm end
Lunch & Cocktails • Mahalo Pool
Embark on a journey to Isleta, an exclusive private island nestled within the luxurious grounds of Hotel Las Islas on Isla Baru. Accessible by ground transportation, Hotel Las Islas serves as your gateway to this secluded paradise. Step aboard a boat for a short five-minute ride to Isleta, where a day of indulgence and tranquility awaits amidst untouched natural beauty.
Savor a delectable lunch with panoramic views of pristine waters and lush landscapes, complemented by an open bar offering premium libations. With private access to the island's facilities, including a serene pool and semi-private beach, immerse yourself in relaxation. Embrace the freedom of clothing-optional experiences amidst this idyllic setting, where privacy and luxury converge to create an unforgettable escape.
Please note, occasional sightings by passing boats may occur along the beach, It's important to be aware that local regulations regarding nudity may apply, and intervention by authorities cannot be entirely ruled out. While our dedicated team endeavors to prioritize your comfort and privacy throughout your stay, we must advise guests to exercise discretion and respect local laws and customs.
Your driver will pick you in a private vehicle and take you to the airport with plenty of time to board your flight.
Enjoy your short flight to your next destination.
Your driver will be holding a sign with your name outside of the Baggage Claim area to take you in private transportation direct to your accommodations or destination.
3 nights Suite (XL)
Medical Assist Card/Insurance • Round-Trip Transportation • Welcome Cocktail • Formal Dining Experience with LGBT Community Members • Bilingual Guide/Host
Kick off your Medellin adventure with a bang at a DiningOUT Pop Up Party – where the welcome is as vibrant as the city itself! Immerse yourself in the rhythm from the get-go, as a local LGBTQ+ chef crafts a culinary masterpiece of heavy hors d'oeuvres, setting the stage for an unforgettable night.
Mix, mingle, and salsa under the stars as the beats guide your steps. Our same-sex salsa dancing and open bar create the perfect atmosphere to break the ice and make friends with the spirited locals. Let the DiningOUT Pop Up Party be your introduction to Medellin's warmth, flavor, and the promise of countless unforgettable moments!
Medellín Graffiti Tour
Round-Trip Transportation • Bilingual Guide • Medical Assist Card/Insurance • Transit Entry & Fares • Bottled Water • Community Tour and Interaction
Your guide will meet you at your hotel and transport you to the infamous Comuna 13 for this tour. When Medellín was the most dangerous city in the world, this barrio was its most dangerous neighborhood. Now enjoy this guided discovery of the street art that gave the area a bright & colorful new glow to the city’s new and positive transformation.
As part of your journey to and from the Comuna, you’ll take a ride on Medellín’s modern metro system, the first of its kind in South America. Also take a ride on the metro-cable, an innovative addition to public transportation that granted segregated communities atop Medellin’s mountain easier access to the city and its opportunities.
Local guides from urban collective Casa Kolacho have an amazing story of transformation to tell. After visiting their neighborhood, they hope you'll be inspired to create a better world, full of art and music. This Graffiti Tour is conducted in Spanish by its members. A bilingual tour guide will provide the English translation as well as the historical and cultural context. Your visit helps support the many community programs of Casa Kolacho.
Estimated time: 4 Hours
Group Dinner
NightOUT in Medellin
Round-Trip Transportation • Entrance/Covers to All Sites on the Route • Welcome Drinks • Bottled Water • Bilingual Hosts • Medical Assist Card/Insurance
Get ready for a wild nightOUT on the town with local gay guides who have the inside scoop on all the hot spots.
You’ll have VIP access to the best parties and events without having to wait in line.
Throughout the night our hosts will shower you with free drinks to keep the party going. You’ll visit 3 to 5 of the best spots for both foreigners and locals.
Join us for a day celebrating love, diversity, and acceptance at Medellin's Pride March. As one of the city's most vibrant and colorful events, the Pride March features a dynamic parade that winds through the city's streets, showcasing an array of lively floats and eye-catching costumes. As our guest, you'll have the unique opportunity to hop on board one of the floats and enjoy a one-of-a-kind view of the festivities.
As the parade progresses, you'll feel the energy and enthusiasm of the community as they come together to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride. You'll witness a kaleidoscope of colors, music, and dance that will make this day unforgettable. Following the parade, your concierge host will help you connect with a range of events and activities happening throughout the city. You can choose to dance the night away at a lively party or simply enjoy delicious food and drink in the company of like-minded individuals.
This is a day to come together, embrace diversity, and celebrate love in all its forms. We welcome you to join us for an unforgettable Pride March in Medellin.
Your driver will pick you in a private vehicle and take you to the airport with plenty of time to board your flight.
