Duration: | 4 Day(s) - 3 Night(s) |
Tour Category: | Culture Tours |
Discover Cartagena, a vibrant city on Colombia's northern coast blending rich history, captivating architecture, and Caribbean warmth. Its well-preserved colonial charm, UNESCO-listed Old Town, and lively streets tell tales of pirates and conquerors. Immerse yourself in salsa rhythms, savor Caribbean flavors, and explore cobblestone streets adorned with bougainvillea-draped balconies—a coastal gem that breathes life into history.
DAY 1: Welcome to Cartagena, the Jewel of Colombia
Step into the enchanting embrace of Cartagena, where the charm of cobblestone streets and the warmth of Caribbean breezes welcome you to a city steeped in history and vibrancy.
Bienvenidos a Cartagena!
You'll be collected from the airport and taken to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, we can arrange an extra tour or offer recommendations on places for you to visit.
Check-In - Cartagena Walled City Hotel
Discover the perfect haven within the captivating walled city of Cartagena by choosing a hotel that suits your preferences and budget.
Immerse yourself in luxury at Centro, the most exclusive neighborhood, where opulent accommodations await, promising an indulgent experience amid the historic charm.
For those seeking slightly more affordability and charm, San Diego offers a delightful array of mid to high-range options, allowing you to relish the city's ambiance without compromising on comfort.
Alternatively, experience the vibrant and friendly atmosphere of Getsemani, where charming boutique hotels provide a more wallet-friendly yet authentic stay, making it an ideal choice for the more economically-conscious traveler eager to explore the heart of Cartagena.
DAY 2: Cartagena City Tour
8:00 - 4 hr
Your bilingual guide will explain the history behind every important site you visit. You'll discover panoramic views of the city from Cerro de La Popa; a convent built in 1606, and the highest peak overlooking Cartagena. Explore inside the historic Castle San Felipe, learning the paths and methods of defending this heritage-listed structure from pirates and invaders around the world.
Enjoy an in-depth private tour of the Jewel of Colombia, the magical UNESCO heritage-listed city of Cartagena de Indias Colombia. Including the must-see stops, plazas, restaurants, cafes, and bars within the walled city.
You’ll step back in time on a journey through the layers of history uncovering some surprising, surreal, and sometimes scary stories as you explore every aspect of the city's charming colonial streets and take in all the main landmarks of Cartagena's famous walled city. All the time learning the true history of this city's historic struggle between the Spanish colonialists and pirates from many different nations.
Your tour will include the Clock Tower monument, the original entrance of the fortified city, and your starting point for the tour through the historic center of Cartagena de Indias. Your tour will also include unmissable locations such as Bolivar Park, the Plaza Saint Pedro Claver, the Plaza de Los Jagüeyes, and San Diego.
12:00 - 2 hr
8 Course Colombian Food Degustation
Indulge in a magnificent culinary escapade that tantalizes your taste buds and transports you on a flavorful journey through the vibrant and diverse gastronomic heritage of Colombia. Embark on a delectable adventure and relish the opportunity to savor an array of new and exquisite dishes. Your palate will be delighted as you discover 8 distinct delicacies, each one expertly crafted and accompanied by an explanation of its distinct ingredients and preparation techniques.
20:00 - 3 hr
Noche Blanca
Enjoy a White Night cruising Cartagena Bay with an unbeatable musical evening on the water. Relax with a magical and wonderful experience dining and partying under the stars of the Cartagena sky while you crisscross Cartagena Bay.
Including dinner, drinks, and professional performers displaying their skills and sharing with you the steps and moves, so you will truly get into the groove and rhythm of the Caribbean music.
DAY 3: Rosario Islands Upscale Tour
8 hr 30 min
Your tour will begin with check-in at the Muelle de la Bodeguita, Bodgetuita Wharf on Avenida Blas de Lezo. Check-in at "Puerta No.3" at 7:30 a.m. for your 8-8:15 a.m. departure on a speedboat, embarking on a captivating ocean cruise to the Rosario Islands. Your final destination is a pristine and picturesque beach where you will savor a typical Caribbean lunch amidst crystal-clear waters, water sports, powdery white sands, swaying palm trees, and a return journey to Cartagena with an estimated arrival time of around 4 p.m.
There are two beach areas to choose from, each equipped with a bar and restroom facilities, ensuring you and your fellow travelers find the ideal spot to unwind. During your visit, you'll be treated to a delightful typical lunch, access to comfortable deckchairs, a welcoming cocktail upon arrival, and the assistance of bilingual English-speaking hosts (please inform a host if you don't speak Spanish).
You will have the entire day at your disposal to relax and relish your surroundings, with the option to partake in one or more of the following activities: embark on ecological walks, rent a bicycle, hire snorkeling gear, paddleboarding, kayaking, or go rafting in a scenic lagoon.
Kindly be aware that the speedboat can move swiftly, potentially resulting in getting wet from ocean splashes and encountering bumps as you navigate over the waves.
While snorkeling in the Rosario Islands can be an awe-inspiring experience for many, it may be somewhat less thrilling for others. This variance can be attributed to weather conditions, tides, and water visibility, which significantly impact the underwater environment. Some days may offer remarkable clarity and a profusion of marine life, while on other days, visibility may be limited, with fewer species to observe.
Please Note:
There is a small amount of coral surrounding the beach just under the water's edge. Although you can gently walk a short distance over this to where there is only sand and no corral, it is advised to take some water shoes to make your day more enjoyable.
Please advise a host if you do not speak Spanish, so they can ensure you are provided with a bilingual assistant.
Travelers need to be at the wharf at 7:30 am for the 8:15 am departure from Cartagena.
Includes wharf tax!
Includes resort towels!
Includes arrival cocktail!
Includes Caribbean lunch!
18:00 - 2 hr
Rum & Chocolate Tasting:
Taste your way through the various regions of the country on a trip through Colombia with one of Cartagena's most colorful local characters. Savor the rich, golden fruits of Colombia's best liquor with an extra special masterclass that fits perfectly into your early evening vacation schedule.
This comprehensive workshop transports you from your bar table to the coast and mountains of Colombia with a selection of national rums, savory snacks, and chocolate that will make your tongue tingle.
A deep dive into the rum culture of the Caribbean that is full of historical and contemporary insights into the idiosyncrasies and culinary traditions of Cartagena and the Caribbean.
20:30 - 1 hr
Private Salsa Class
Learn the Best Salsa!
Enjoy a dance class learning from the very best instructors in Cartagena, Colombia. Learning the basics of Salsa, such as the steps and flowing and moving with the beat. Then fine-tuning these basics and moving to the beat of the world-famous Cali Salsa.
DAY 4: Bazurto Markets and Getsemani
8:30 - 5 hr
Collected from your hotel you'll be taken directly to the typical Colombian markets of Bazurto full of amazing tropical fruits, and everything you could want to buy.
You’ll begin your guided tour with an introduction to the daily life of these hard-working Colombians. Many of them have been up hours before the break of dawn to ensure their stalls are ready for the influx of locals and tourists alike.
Following this, you’ll be learning about the different fruits, along with sampling this wonderfully colorful and exotic-flavored produce. You’ll learn the different seasons, names, and sweet and sour flavors of each.
Next, you’ll carry on maneuvering your way through the stalls into the meat section of the market, where you’ll find all manner of freshly cut meat from a wide variety of animals, as well as a huge variety of fish.
A tour of a real Colombian market would not be complete without a stroll into the artisan and community area. Here you’ll enjoy people playing dominos and other games all day long and encountering a fantastic business where posters are painted and created for people and events all by hand.
To finish up your fantastic tour of these genuine Colombian markets you’ll enjoy a freshly made juice with your choice of whichever fruit you so desire.
After this introduction to the wide diversity of Colombian, fruits, vegetables, meats, and fish, you’ll take the trip to the hip neighborhood of Getsemaní. Enjoy a walking tour of this colorful neighborhood, with your bilingual guide. You'll get to explore the streets filled with graffiti, Centenario Park, and The Holy Trinity Square.
Located just outside the Walled City, Getsemaní is also historic and was the home of many of the artisans who helped to build Cartagena during the colonial area. It is also considered to be the birthplace of Cartagena’s culture. You will find charming architecture here as well as many of the city’s newest and trendiest cafés and restaurants. Along with a nice typical restaurant for today's lunch.
Today it is Farewell to Cartagena & Colombia - or extend your stay!
Today it is Farewell to Cartagena and Colombia!
We'll have transportation ready to conveniently take you to the airport with your bags packed with souvenirs and your camera will be filled with cherished memories.
Hablamos pronto, safe travels home, and visit again soon!
What's Included:
Accommodations
Breakfasts
English-speaking guide during all excursions.
All entrance fees
All airport transfers
24-hour support group
What's Excluded:
International & Domestic flights
Travel Insurance
Meals and Services not mentioned