Caribbean Breezes in Cartagena

Welcome! Please be prepared to meet in the lobby at 5:30 P.M. to the welcome meeting. At 6:30 pm be ready to depart for your welcome dinner. The dinner reservation time will be finalized closer to your trip date. If you plan on arriving today, we recommend flying into CTG.

Today, you will experience the magic of Cartagena de Indias. In the morning, you'll take a brief transfer to San Felipe Fortress, where you'll discover how the Spaniards defended against the pirate attacks 350 years ago. Following that, you will explore the walled city on foot, with its picturesque cobblestone streets filled with history and art. You'll have some free time for lunch on your own. In the afternoon, you´ll take a short transfer and get ready to explore the hidden alleys of the old city and sample fresh cocos, cheese arepas, ice cream, and other delightful local snacks. At sunset, get your groove on with a Champeta dancing class at a local studio! As the weather may be hot, we recommend bringing a bottle of water, and wearing comfortable shoes, lightweight clothing, and a hat.

• Walled City Tour & San Felipe Fortress

  Following a brief 15-minute transfer, you'll step into the imposing San Felipe Fortress, known locally as the "guardian of Cartagena." Perched atop San Lorenzo Hill, this historical site offers strategic views of the city and the bay. Visiting the fortress is a journey through time, showcasing how the Spaniards defended against pirate attacks by the British and French in 1657. Next, you'll continue with a 15-minute transfer to the summit of Mount La Popa to explore a historical convent with incredible views and a fascinating past. Learn about how this religious complex endured constant pirate attacks. Finally, a 15-minute transfer will take you to the renowned walled city, globally acclaimed for its protective walls against pirate assaults. This part of the city is incredibly attractive, and your guide will regale you with memorable histories. Here, you'll explore the cobblestone streets on foot, covering approximately 0.5 to 1 mile during the tour. After the tour, you'll be transferred back to the hotel, with some free time for lunch on your own. Entrance fees to San Felipe Fortress and La Popa convent are included.

  09:00· 180 min· Cartagena de Indias
• Cartagena Walking Food Tour

  In the afternoon, you will have a street food tour activity. Accompanied by your guide, you'll explore the historical area on foot, making several stops to savor Colombia's most traditional street food. Immerse yourself in the colorful street markets of Cartagena, where energetic vendors create a lively atmosphere. Witness the impressive sight of women carrying trays of fruits on their heads. This tour includes a fresh coco, a cheese arepa, and an ice cream per person. Additional snacks and drinks can be purchased on-site, so we recommend bringing cash. The tour covers flat terrain and spans between 0.5 and 1 mile. There will be restroom facilities available during the tour with a fee. After concluding the tasting tour, you will proceed directly to the Champeta Dancing class.

  15:30· 180 min· Cartagena de Indias
• Champeta Dancing Class & Cocktail

  The tasting tour will leave you at Salsa Crazy, a lively dancing studio situated in the heart of Cartagena. In Colombia, dance is an integral part of daily life, it runs through their veins. As you arrive at the studio, you'll be greeted with a cocktail and a warm welcome from the staff. It's then time to groove with a Champeta dancing class. Embrace the opportunity to learn the basic steps of this vibrant and joyful dance. This class is designed for beginners, so feel free to let loose, move to the music, and enjoy the experience. The studio room is private for the group, adorned with mirrors, and equipped with special lighting and a sound system. The class lasts for one hour, and afterward, a quick 15-minute walking will take you back to your hotel.

  18:00· 60 min· Cartagena de Indias

An unforgettable day awaits to explore the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea alongside your fellow travelers. A short transfer separates your hotel from the port, where the adventure commences. Board a shared boat for a scenic 1-hour sail to reach the Rosario Islands. Upon arrival, spend the day at a beachfront hotel with beach amenities, optional activities, and a provided lunch. The return journey is in the afternoon, so it's advisable to pack a backpack with essentials such as a swimsuit, flip-flops, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and an extra change of clothing.

• Caribbean Islands Exploration

  Visiting the Rosario Islands is a must when in Cartagena, and today, you'll experience it to the fullest. Prepare for an early morning pick-up at your hotel and a short 10-15 -minute transfer to the port to begin your adventure. Please note that the boat is shared, with a maximum capacity of 50 people. As you set sail, the initial part of the journey offers breathtaking views of Cartagena and remnants of Spanish buildings. Gradually, the stunning collection of 27 islands, known as the Rosario Islands, will come into view—each surrounded by corals, teeming marine life, and pristine white sand beaches. The boat cruise lasts approximately one hour until you arrive at "Isla Grande". Here, you'll spend the day at a beachfront hotel with amenities such as beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels. For additional costs, you can enjoy activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling tours, a visit to the Oceanario, or explore mangroves with locals. Relax on the beach with fellow travelers and relish a complete three-course lunch featuring delightful Colombian flavors. Please note that extra activities, as well as additional food and drinks, can be paid for on-site using credit cards or cash. The plan is to spend approximately five hours at the hotel, returning to Cartagena in the afternoon.

  08:30· 360 min· Cartagena de Indias

Today's adventure begins with a brief transfer to Bazurto, a local market, where, accompanied by an expert chef, you'll gather all the necessary ingredients for traditional Colombian dishes. Then, you'll head to the chef's atelier, for a hands-on cooking class, learning to prepare these authentic dishes. Afterward, you'll have the chance to relish your own culinary creations. Later in the afternoon, you'll take another short transfer to visit the vibrant Getsemani neighborhood. This area is famed for its bohemian atmosphere and vivid street art, with colorful graffiti embellishing houses and walls. Guided by your expert, you'll explore and delve into the history behind each painting. As the weather may be hot, we recommend bringing a bottle of water, and wearing comfortable shoes, lightweight clothing, and a hat.

• Colombian Cooking Class

  Begin the day with a short 15-minute transfer to Bazurto market, an authentic local market where locals do their daily shopping. Accompanied by a professional chef, you'll explore the market, engaging with local vendors about their products. The chef will help select the freshest fish and various local vegetables for today's cooking. Spending approximately 45 minutes at the market, once all necessary ingredients for the recipe are acquired, you'll head to the chef's atelier. The kitchen is part of a hotel restaurant, where, under the chef's guidance, you'll cook the traditional coconut rice with seafood. After the cooking, you will relax on the terrace, tasting your own creations and sharing a delightful lunch with your fellow travelers. Vegetarian/vegan options can also be accommodated.

  09:00· 240 min· Cartagena de Indias
• Getsemani Graffiti Tour

  You will have a graffiti tour in the vibrant Getsemani neighborhood, a preferred area for local artists and artisans. Guided by an expert, you'll stroll through the colorful streets adorned with graffiti on houses, walls, and buildings. Each piece of street art portrays different cultural and historical events, and your guide will share the meaning and history behind each one. Don't forget your camera, as these paintings make for fantastic photos. During this tour, you'll be walking approximately 1 to 1.5 miles on flat streets. Restrooms are available during the tour for a fee. You'll be transferred back to the hotel by sunset, allowing for free time to enjoy dinner on your own, with numerous good restaurants options within walking distance of your hotel.

  15:00· 180 min· Cartagena de Indias

It's never too much beach when you're in the Caribbean. Today, you'll explore the paradisiacal beaches of Baru, an exotic peninsula located 18 miles south of Cartagena. Following an early pick-up and a 1.5-hour transfer, you'll arrive at an exclusive resort, offering beach amenities, delightful swimming pools, a complete lunch, and enjoyable activities. You'll return to Cartagena in the late afternoon to freshen up before indulging in a memorable farewell dinner. The return journey is in the afternoon, so it's advisable to pack a backpack with essentials such as a swimsuit, flip-flops, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and an extra change of clothing.

• Beach Day at Baru Island

  Following an early pick-up at the hotel, enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour transfer with breathtaking ocean views until you reach the exclusive Sofitel Baru resort. Nestled on the shores of Calablanca beach, this stunning beachfront hotel offers a vast expanse of white sand. Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed with a refreshing cocktail and have the freedom to indulge in the hotel's amenities, from swimming pools and beach chairs to kayaking, paddleboarding, and beach volleyball. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach to explore the surrounding areas. At midday, a delicious lunch with stunning sea views will be served at the hotel restaurant. Additional food and drinks can be purchased on-site, with payment via credit card or cash. Some activities, such as paddleboarding and kayaking, are subject to availability. You willl return to your Cartagena hotel in the afternoon, providing time for freshening up before the farewell dinner.

  09:00· 420 min· Baru
• Transfer · Cartagena Hotel → Baru Beach

  After breakfast, take a private transfer to the breathtaking beaches of Barú.

  private · 90 min
• Transfer · Baru → Cartagena

  After a relaxed day at the beach, take a private transfer to return to your hotel in Cartagena.

  private · 90 min

All good things must come to an end, but only until your next adventure! Enjoy a final breakfast and then make your own way onward. If departing directly from the hotel, we recommend flying out of CTG.