Colombia: Vibrant Cartagena Getaway

Cartagena de Indias

Photography, Exploration

Activity Level: 1

Embark on a captivating 4-day escapade to Cartagena de Indias, where the vibrant pulse of the old city awaits. Immerse yourself in its historic allure by wandering cobblestone streets and savoring typical street food while discovering the rhythms of Champeta dance in the company of locals. Experience the Caribbean Sea with a private boat journey to the breathtaking Rosario Island archipelago, unveiling hidden white sand beaches and endless coral reefs. This trip will gift you with cherished memories of Colombia to treasure for a lifetime.

  • 4 days

  • 8 - 24 spots

  • Double occupancy in 4-star hotels (limited single rooms available)

  • 3 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch and 2 Dinners

Activities Included

  • Walled City Tour & San Felipe Fortress
  • Cartagena Walking Food Tour
  • Champeta Dancing Class & Cocktail
  • Caribbean Islands Exploration

Other Inclusions

  • Double occupancy in 4-star hotels (limited single rooms available)
  • Local guide throughout trip
  • All city transfers

Exclusions

  • Flights (except as noted)
  • Food & Alcohol (except as noted)
  • Visas & Travel Insurance
  • Airport Transfers
  • Tips & Gratuity

Itinerary

Day 1

info

Day 1

Welcome to Colombia! Please be prepared to meet in the lobby at 5:30pm 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 Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG).

meal

dinner

Let's toast to the exciting journey ahead at your welcome dinner! A 15-minute private transfer will take you to a cozy local restaurant featuring a three-course set menu, including one soft drink. Seize this opportunity to savor traditional Colombian seafood and fresh fish dishes. Additional food and beverages at your own expense. Please be aware that the menu may change based on the confirmed restaurant.

accommodation

La Ermita Hotel, or similar

Overnight in Cartagena de Indias.

Day 2

info

Day 2

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 have a street food tour. You will have a sample fresh cocos, cheese arepas, fruits, 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.

meal

breakfast

Breakfast is included at the hotel. The Ermita Hotel offers a buffet breakfast which includes a variety of options such as scrambled eggs, a variety of breads, a selection of cold cuts, exquisite patries and fresh fruit, subject to change. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

activity

APPROX. 3 HOURS

Walled City Tour & San Felipe Fortress

After breakfast, and following a brief 15-minute private 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.

activity

APPROX. 3 HOURS

Cartagena Walking Food Tour

In the afternoon, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred 25 minutes to the vibrant San Diego neighborhood, where a delightful street-tasting tour awaits. 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.

activity

APPROX. 1 HOUR

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 private transfer will take you back to your hotel.

accommodation

La Ermita Hotel, or similar

Overnight in Cartagena de Indias.

Day 3

info

Day 3

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. Embark on a private boat for a picturesque journey to the Rosario Islands. Spend the day exploring these islands, uncovering secluded white sand beaches, and admiring the vibrant coral reefs. A midday stop is scheduled at a beach for a delectable Caribbean 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.

meal

breakfast

Breakfast is included at the hotel. The Ermita Hotel offers a buffet breakfast which includes a variety of options such as scrambled eggs, a variety of breads, a selection of cold cuts, exquisite patries and fresh fruit, subject to change. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

activity

APPROX. 6 HOURS

Caribbean Islands Exploration

After breakfast, your adventure begins with a brief 10-minute private transfer to the Cartagena de Indias pier, where an exclusive boat awaits, reserved solely for your group's comfort. As you set sail, the initial stretch gifts you breathtaking panoramas of Cartagena, adorned with remnants of historic Spanish architecture. Traverse the waters and soon behold the picturesque Tierra Bomba island, a preety isle in close proximity to Cartagena. The highlight of the voyage unfolds as you traverse the enchanting Rosario Islands—a cluster of 27 paradisiacal isles. Each island boasts its own allure, framed by vibrant corals, thriving marine ecosystems, and pristine stretches of white sand beaches. A midsea pause grants you the chance to plunge into the crystalline waters, indulging in the marvels of the ocean's vibrant life. At noon, the journey leads to a halt at Playa Blanca, an immaculate white sand beach nestled in Baru island. Here, a delectable Caribbean lunch awaits, enriching your experience with local flavors. Post-lunch, the return journey navigates back to Cartagena, leaving the remainder of the afternoon free for you to revel in the comforts of your hotel's facilities.

meal

lunch

Midday brings a stop at Playa Blanca, nestled in Baru, where a delightful lunch awaits at a beachside restaurant. Indulge in the rich flavors of the Caribbean with a meal that includes one main dish and a soft drink or a national beer. Additional food and beverages at your own expense. Please note that the menu may vary based on the confirmed restaurant.

meal

dinner

The farewell dinner will be held at an intimate restaurant, located approximately 10 minutes away from the hotel by transfer. Throughout the dinner, you'll relish a feast of traditional Colombian cuisine. The dinner includes a 3-course set menu with a soft drink. Additional food and beverages at your own expense. Please be aware that the menu may change based on the confirmed restaurant.

accommodation

La Ermita Hotel, or similar

Overnight in Cartagena de Indias.

Day 4

info

Day 4

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 Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG).

meal

breakfast

Breakfast is included at the hotel. The Ermita Hotel offers a buffet breakfast which includes a variety of options such as scrambled eggs, a variety of breads, a selection of cold cuts, exquisite patries and fresh fruit, subject to change. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Itinerary Details

Itineraries may change throughout the year due to several factors including logistical issues, Traveler feedback, or operational changes. The provided itinerary, including estimated times, serve as guidelines only. As your date of travel approaches, our Operators will amend the itinerary to include more details, adjust activities and provide updated information.

TrovaTrip and our Operators reserve the right to alter itineraries as we deem necessary before and during your experience in-destination.

Our 1% Promise

In partnership with The Cool Effect, 1% of your booking will be donated to reduce carbon emissions through community-based initiatives around the globe. Learn more at cooleffect.org.

$1612+ USD

per traveler
Request trip

$1612+ USD

per traveler