Cartagena Colombia: Private 8-Day Immersive Cultural Tour Private Group of 11-15 Travelers
ID: GYG508824-O-895279
Category:
Country: Colombia
Duration:
8 days
Description
Explore the local culture with locals to go beyond the touristic path of Cartagena and enjoy celebrations of Palenque Drum Festival (October) and the carnival-like Independence Day Festival (November)
Day 1
Arrive in Cartagena by 15:00 local time hotel check-in.
20:00-22:00 Welcome Dinner Experience
You will dine in the walled-city at a restaurant uniquely Cartagena with a blend of Caribbean cuisine and roots in Mediterranean gastronomy.
Day 2
Walled City Tour
Discover the stories, beauty, and culture of the iconic city of Cartagena starting with a walking tour through the historic center and its most popular streets, passing through the monumental stone walls and fortifications.
Getsemaní Tour
You will walk to the colorful neighborhood of Getsemaní where you’ll enjoy street art, the vibe, local fruit and drink tastings. You will learn about the colonial period, the Afro-Colombian community, and their resilience to remain rooted in their communities.
Afternoon free time for the remainder of the day to explore until we meet for dinner
Caribbean Dinner
Dine in one of the trendiest bars in Cartagena with Caribbean music, a three-course menu.
Day 3
Caribbean Beach Day
Sail to a beautiful coralline beach in Rosario Islands to swim, snorkel, relax in the quiet waters near the mangroves, enjoy an exclusive beach club with an open bar and traditional Caribbean lunch.
Day 4
An 1.5 hour ride from Cartagena, you will discover San Basilio de Palenque, the first free town of formerly enslaved Africans in all of the Americas and a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The roots of Cartagena are intertwined with Afro-Colombian people, history and culture through music, dance, food, and art. You will interact with locals of Palenque Village in this full-day excursion of Afro-Colombian life and heritage.
Day 5
October we'll enjoy the Annual Palenque Drum Festival, a celebration of Afro-Colombian culture, music, and dance
November we'll enjoy the Annual Independence Day Festivities and Free Day, a carnival-like atmosphere and spirit full of pride, cultural music, dance, a parade and the full essence of all things Cartagena!
All other months we'll enjoy a free day and local cultural dance performances from Cartagena's top non-profit dance schools
Day 6
Cartagena has something for everyone! This is your free day to rest, relax at the beach, hop off to another island, walk the historic districts, shop or choose your adventure! We will help you coordinate your free day and find curated local activities to enjoy!
Day 7
Visit a long-standing Afro-Colombian community near Cartagena that has resisted gentrification and maintained their cultural lifestyle. Sail with local fishermen through the mangroves to fish in this extraordinary ecosystem, learn about their lifestyle and artisanal fishing techniques. Return with your catch of the day to share a traditional lunch with the community.
Day 8
Time to say see you again World Traveler or connect your trip to our next 8-day tour to Medellin or our 4-day tour to Indigenous Communities in Tayrona Park, Palomino and Santa Marta! You may either tour before or after your Cartagena tour!
Highlights
- Customize your private group tour up to the package value and available options
- Meet and engage with local, native hosts in this immersive cultural tour
- Enjoy seasonal festivals and celebrations (October, November)
- Make an impact local communities, natives (Pack for a Purpose/Cultural Dances)
- Slow tourism to explore the deeper, inclusive story and gain cultural awareness
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
We reserve the right to cancel a customer's booking for a full refund in case of extreme weather or local governmental situations or not enough travelers.
Package pricing based on double occupancy.
Climate: In Cartagena, is tropical with very high temperatures year round ranging between 31°C (88°F) and 33°C (91°F). Rainy season is from May to November, with October being the wettest month, and a dry period from December to April.
San Basilio de Palenque Climate: Palenque is hotter and muggier than Cartagena as the sun is more direct and there is no ocean breeze.
Hot Water: With the tropical climate, you don’t need it! While the Cartagena hotel has lukewarm-to-hot water, our overnight Palenque stay will not. We will be traveling like a local with locals!
Air Conditioning: Our accommodations in Cartagena and Palenque are equipped with air conditioning. However, please respect local customs and energy costs by not running the A/C all day and when you are not in your room.
We coordinate meeting times, CTG airport pick up points, and will contact you prior to the tour start date.
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
Cancellation is not possible. If you cancel it anyway or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity and the money you paid will not be refunded.
