This trip is back by popular demand!!
Get to know the captivating cultures of Cartagena, Colombia during this immersive trip to the city. Cartagena is a place that I knew I would love before I even visited and once I finally did, it still managed to exceed my expectations. Having now visited three times on my own, I am excited to explore this city that I love with you! Cartagena has such a vibrant culture that I think is truly so special to experience; it is a place where you can see and feel the ways that the European, Indigenous, and especially African cultures have shaped the city. On this tour, I want us to experience a little bit of everything while focusing particularly on the history and culture of the Afro-Colombians in and around Cartagena. We’ll dance, we’ll learn how to cook Colombian dishes, we’ll relax on the beautiful Rosario Islands, and we’ll visit the first freed town in the Americas: San Basilio de Palenque. If you’re someone who is looking to come to Cartagena to have a true cultural experience, this trip is definitely for you.
Unfortunately, all bookings and deposits are non-refundable. I personally set up everything for the trip and if you decide to cancel, I cannot get my time and expenses back, so refunds aren't possible. You will be responsible for the cost of the trip. For this reason, I highly recommend obtaining travel insurance that covers emergency cancellations or even CFAR (Cancel for any reason coverage). I recommend Tin Leg, World Nomads, or Safety Wing.
Since people will be flying in from all over the world, flights are NOT included but I am more than happy to advise you on a flight, just contact me! When booking your flights, I would recommend booking your flights to arrive at CTG (Rafael Núñez International Airport) before 5pm on the start date of the trip (January 15th) so that you can attend the welcome dinner. On the last day of the trip (January 20th), check out from the hotel is at 11am but you are welcome to leave anytime. Should you have an evening flight, it will be possible to store your luggage.
You will be staying in your own room at a boutique hotel OR a shared dorm depending on the option you choose.
Daily breakfast at the hotel is included plus 3 lunches and 2 dinners.
All activities are included! The activities are a walking tour, a cooking class, a full-day tour to San Basilio de Palenque, a Champeta dance class, a sunset boat cruise, & an island hopping excursion
Transportation to and from the activities is included!
Since people will be flying in from all over, flights are not included but I am more than happy to help you find a flight, just message me!
Travel insurance is required! I recommend booking your flights with a travel credit card that includes insurance or booking a plan through Tin Leg, World Nomads, or your preferred provider.
Aside from the included meals, meals are not included so you will need to buy a few of your own lunches and dinners.
Transportation during free time and to and from the airport is not included
Welcome to Cartagena! Today, all of the different travelers will be arriving at different times of the day and once everyone has arrived, we will enjoy a nice dinner in the city while we get to know one another. Early arrivals will have the opportunity to participate in a cooking class that the rest of the group will have the opportunity to participate in on another day.
After enjoying a lovely breakfast at the hostel, we will go out and explore on a walking tour through the beautiful city. During the afternoon, part of the group will participate in a cooking class, while the rest of the group will be free to do as they please. We will all meet up again in the early evening to dance the night away on a sunset boat cruise.
Since some people may have had a late night, most of the group will have a free day and those who are up for it will participate in a cooking class. We will meet again in the early evening to learn how to dance champeta, a type of dance that was created by Afro-Colombians in Cartagena and the coast of Colombia.
Today is a very special day as we will be visiting what is known as the Africa hidden in Colombia. Only 45 minutes away from Cartagena, we will be transported to the first freed town in the Americas: San Basilio de Palenque. Here we will experience the unique culture of the people of San Basilio de Palenque and we will spend the entire day learning about such an important part of Afro-Colombian history.
Today will be a day all about relaxation as we head to the Rosario Islands. The crystal blue waters here are simply breathtaking and it will be a great escape from the heat of Cartagena. After our day on the water, we will all meet up to have one last farewell dinner with the group.
Today after enjoying one last breakfast at the hostel, it will be time to say our goodbyes. Thank you so much for joining me on this trip of a lifetime.
