Colombia January 15th-22nd

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.

Travel by canoe through mangroves searching for monkeys, caimans, and tropical birds, drift down a jungle river where the Sierra Nevada mountains meet the Caribbean Sea, and spend time in beautiful boutique accommodations, including a stunning beachfront ecohotel where the jungle meets the sea. From private speedboat rides through the Rosario Islands to tree planting with the Arhuaco community, this is more than a trip. It’s a chance to experience a side of Colombia that feels vibrant, layered, and full of life alongside new friends.

This multi-inclusive trip includes all lodging and transportation throughout the trip.

• Dance class in the birthplace of Shakira

• Private speedboat ride to the stunning Rosario Islands

• Unique visit to a UNESCO protected community of traditional stilted fishing houses

• Try amazing food on a local street food tour

• Stay at a beautiful beachfront ecohotel where the jungle meets the sea

• Travel by canoe through mangroves to spot wildlife like monkeys and caimans

• Have an intimate experience in the Arhuaco community, touring traditional homes and participating in a ceremonial tree planting,

• Wander the colorful and vibrant streets of one of the best cities in the Americas, Cartagena

Our trips are affordable because of group rates we are able to guarantee through contracts and commitments, as well as pre-paying trip fees and lodging. Therefore, our trips are non-refundable. You may transfer your trip with approval. As noted, travel insurance is mandatory for this trip. Please note allotted reasons for cancellation as well as the force majeure of the policy you choose with your travel insurance company.

We proudly offer custom, interest-free payment plans. We ask that you please keep your credit card up to date and ensure that your payments are not missed. If more than 30 days go by and we are unable to process your scheduled payment, your spot will be released and your deposit forfeited.

Bree Schumacher 414-350-4612 

Bree@besomewheresunny.com

Our trips are busy and high energy. This trip requires a lot of walking. You should be able to walk 10,000 plus steps a day on uneven terrain and be able to easily get in and out of boats. There is an hour-long hike on this trip as well as a canoe ride.

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

Meals: Dinner

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. At the Ninha workshop, we’ll meet inspiring indigenous women leading a weaving project dedicated to preserving their ancestral traditions. We’ll learn about the story behind their craftsmanship, work with caña flecha, and see the meaning behind the iconic sombrero vueltiao. This is a hands-on, personal experience that offers a real connection to a culture that is still very much alive today, with a traditional maize and coconut drink along the way.

One of the best ways to get to know a city is by its food! In the afternoon, we will embark on a guided street food tour, wandering through Cartagena’s colorful streets for a perfect introduction to the diversity of street food that awaits you. We’ll stop along the way to try local favorites like patacones with cheese, fresh tropical fruits, arepas, and empanadas, with a cold Costeñita in hand. From buñuelos and carimañolas to refreshing salpicón, it’s a fun, flavorful way to experience the energy, culture, and everyday life of Cartagena.

Meals: Breakfast; Drink; Snacks

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. 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!

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.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we journey to the Katanzama Arhuaco community, where the mountains meet the Caribbean Sea. 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.

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.

Meals: Breakfast; Lunch

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

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

Meals: Breakfast; Lunch

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Palomino and journey toward the Ciénaga Grande Fauna and Flora Sanctuary, Colombia’s largest lagoon and swamp complex. We’ll travel by motorized canoe through winding waterways and mangroves, keeping an eye out for wildlife including monkeys, manatees, caimans, and tropical birds. 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.

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

Meals: Breakfast; Snack; Lunch

Our last day in Colombia is the perfect mix of luxury and relaxation. After an early breakfast, we will depart on a private speedboat to the stunning Rosario Islands. The islands are surrounded by crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and fascinating shipwrecks. With amazing views as a backdrop, we will cruise through turquoise waters visiting Isla Grande, Playa Azul, Playa Blanca, Playa Linda, Playa Libre, and Barú. You will have an opportunity to snorkel, swim, or take time to relax on one of the pristine beaches.  You’ll also have the option to purchase lunch at one of the lively beachfront restaurants where you can enjoy freshly caught seafood and traditional Caribbean dishes.

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 before we gather for a beautiful farewell dinner with our new friends.  

Meals: Breakfast; Dinner

Rise and shine as we say goodbye! Transfers to the Cartagena airport.  

Passports: Please be sure your passport is valid for 6 months after the trip is over.

Travel Insurance:

Travel insurance including emergency medical evacuation coverage is required for all Somewhere Sunny travelers. You may provide your own coverage or purchase coverage here.

Airports/Transfers:
-Flights should be arranged to Cartagena code: CTG. Please book your flight to arrive as early as possible

-Please note that there will be one coordinated transfer for both arrival and departure to/from our hotel in Cartegena. Alternate arrival/departures are a separate cost

***We can assist you with any questions on flights: Coordinator@besomewheresunny.com