Colombia 2027

Introduction

Cartagena, Bolivar, Colombia / Jan 15 - 22, 2027

About this trip

Join a vibrant, small group of open-hearted women on a journey through Colombia’s colorful Caribbean coast, from the lively streets of Cartagena to the laid-back beaches of Palomino and the remote waterways of the Ciénaga Grande. Try incredible local food on a street food tour, dance in the birthplace of Shakira, and connect with indigenous communities through intimate cultural experiences most travelers never get to have.

Trip Highlights

At a glance

About this trip

Map

Day 1 - Welcome to Colombia

15-Jan-2027

Arrive in Cartagena and Welcome Dinner

Arrival and Transfer to Hotel

A private transfer will be waiting at the airport to bring you to your beautiful boutique hotel, perfectly located in the heart of this historic city and colorful city surrounded by restaurants and life.

Welcome Dinner

After getting settled, enjoy a special welcome dinner with our new friends as we take in the flavors, music, and energy of this unforgettable destination. ¡Salud!

Day 2 - Cartagena's Roots & Food Tour

16-Jan-2027

Explore Cartagena's Culture and Street Food

Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, we head out for a deeper look into Cartagena’s roots with a visit to the lively 20 de Julio neighborhood, where the spirit and resilience of the Zenú people is felt in every corner.

Visit to 20 de Julio Neighborhood & Ninha Workshop

Visit the lively 20 de Julio neighborhood, meet inspiring indigenous women at the Ninha workshop, learn about their weaving project, work with caña flecha, and discover the meaning behind the iconic sombrero vueltiao. Enjoy a traditional maize and coconut drink.

Guided Street Food Tour

In the afternoon, embark on a guided street food tour, wandering through Cartagena’s colorful streets and trying local favorites like patacones with cheese, tropical fruits, arepas, empanadas, buñuelos, carimañolas, and salpicón, with a cold Costeñita in hand.

Snacks

Try local snacks such as patacones with cheese, tropical fruits, arepas, empanadas, buñuelos, carimañolas, and salpicón during the street food tour.

Return to the hotel to relax by the pool or enjoy free time wandering the colorful streets of Cartagena.

Day 3 - The Colombia Coast & Dance Class

17-Jan-2027

Journey Along Coast, Dance in Barranquilla

Breakfast

After an early breakfast to go, we begin our journey along Colombia’s stunning Caribbean coast, making our way from Cartagena to the laid-back beach town of Palomino.

Dance Class in Barranquilla

Along the way, we’ll stop in vibrant Barranquilla, known for its music and energy, where we’ll jump into a fun dance class and learn the rhythms of the Colombian Caribbean. Barranquilla is the birthplace of Shakira and our dance class will definitely be a Hips Don’t Lie situation!

Travel to Palomino and Check-in

From there, we continue along the coast to Palomino, where the jungle meets the sea. Check into our beautiful boutique accommodations at a stunning beachfront ecohotel set between the Caribbean and the Sierra Nevada mountains, surrounded by lush nature and designed for total relaxation and connection to the environment. It’s a really special place, and the perfect setting to settle in and unwind.

Day 4 - Community Connections

18-Jan-2027

Connect with Arhuaco Community and Coast

Breakfast

After breakfast and coffee at our beautiful eco hotel, we journey to the Katanzama Arhuaco community, where the mountains meet the Caribbean Sea.

Visit to Katanzama Arhuaco Community

We’ll have an incredibly unique and intimate experience connecting with the Arhuaco community as we tour their charming homes and community spaces, gaining insight into their customs, way of life, culinary traditions, and ancestral wisdom deeply rooted in the land. As we explore the lush plantations, we’ll also learn about their agricultural practices and the materials used in their daily work.

Tree Planting Ceremony

Together, we’ll take part in a symbolic tree-planting ceremony before walking to a nearby beach for a relaxed picnic lunch surrounded by the natural beauty of the coast.

Lunch

Enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch surrounded by the natural beauty of the coast.

Come back to the eco hotel for a dip in the pool or to relax in your bungalow.

Day 5 - Wonders of the Sea & Jungle

19-Jan-2027

Explore Taironaka Reserve and Don Diego River

Breakfast

After breakfast, we will embark on a day rich with unique experiences.

Visit to Taironaka Reserve

We begin at Taironaka, a natural reserve at the base of the Sierra Nevada, where remnants of the ancient Tairona civilization are woven into the jungle. Walking these trails with toucans in the canopy and the river humming nearby, you begin to understand why this place has held its power for centuries. If we are lucky we will have an opportunity to meet some of the community members.

Boat Ride on Río Don Diego

From there, we board a small boat and drift down the Río Don Diego to where the jungle meets the Caribbean Sea.

Lunch at Doña Carmen’s

The afternoon ends at Doña Carmen’s table for an unpretentious, home-cooked meal that’s exactly the way lunch on the coast should be, all fresh, no menus, and a truly local experience.

Day 6 - Lagoons & Fishing Village

20-Jan-2027

Explore Cienaga Grande and Stilt Villages

Breakfast

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Palomino and journey toward the Ciénaga Grande Fauna and Flora Sanctuary, Colombia’s largest lagoon and swamp complex.

Motorized Canoe through Ciénaga Grande

We’ll travel by motorized canoe through winding waterways and mangroves, keeping an eye out for wildlife including monkeys, manatees, caimans, and tropical birds.

Visit to Stilt Villages of Buenavista and Nueva Venecia

The most unique part of this day will be visiting the traditional fishing villages and the impoverished 'palafitos' or stilt houses of Buenavista and Nueva Venecia, each boasting about 300 houses amidst the vast swamp. This area was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2000. The unique charm of these communities lies in their simple, ancestral way of life, which has remained largely unchanged for over a century.

Return to Cartagena

After a fascinating and enriching day, we will return to colorful Cartagena for the evening.

Check in to our new hotel in an amazing location steps from the hustle and bustle of this vibrant city.

Day 7 - Boat & Beach Day

21-Jan-2027

Private Speedboat to Rosario Islands and Farewell

Breakfast

After an early breakfast at the hotel, we will depart on a private speedboat to the stunning Rosario Islands.

Private Speedboat to Rosario Islands

Depart on a private speedboat to the stunning Rosario Islands. Cruise through turquoise waters visiting Isla Grande, Playa Azul, Playa Blanca, Playa Linda, Playa Libre, and Barú. Opportunity to snorkel, swim, or relax on pristine beaches.

Beach Time and Optional Lunch

You’ll have the option to purchase lunch at one of the lively beachfront restaurants where you can enjoy freshly caught seafood and traditional Caribbean dishes.

Return to Cartagena and Free Time

As the day draws to a close, board your private speedboat for the return journey to Cartagena, arriving back in the city at 3:00 pm. Enjoy some free time and shopping.