Champeta & Chill: Cartagena’s Coolest Culture Quest with Sahily Quintana

duration
5 days · 4 nights
travel date
Sep 24 - 28, 2026
activity level
Moderate
group size
6 - 10
transportation
Group vehicle, boat
Your TourHero
tourhero
Sahily Quintana
bio

Hello! I’m Sahily aka Travel Nurse Wanderer and your new travel bestie. Join me for a group trip as we wander through the most beautiful & magical destinations, while making new friends and fond memories.

Colombia > Champeta & Chill: Cartagena’s Coolest Culture Quest with Sahily Quintana

When the sun dips behind Cartagena’s centuries-old walls, the city’s heartbeat pulses through cobblestone streets and vibrant plazas with sultry rhythms that invite you to join the dance. This five-day Colombian adventure is crafted for those who crave more than just sightseeing – it's for culture seekers, food lovers, and night owls ready to taste, groove, and connect with the soul of the Caribbean. From savoring street eats in the shadow of Spanish forts to plunging into volcanic mud baths and learning to cook with local chefs, every moment is a celebration. Whether you’re traveling with friends or looking to make new ones, this journey promises unforgettable flavors, stories, and nights that stretch long into morning.

Itinerary timeline
Day 1 · September 24, 2026 · Cartagena
Arrive in Cartagena
Private group transfer from airport to hotel with bilingual guide
Check-in at Estelar Cartagena de Indias Hotel (or similar according to availability)
Free time
Welcome dinner at Alyzia (includes starter, main dish, dessert & 1 non-alcoholic beverage)
Day 2 · September 25, 2026 · Cartagena
Breakfast at hotel
Colonial Cartagena and Caribbean street food tour (includes local street food)
Free time
Champeta night out (includes guide, entrance fees, 2 drinks each)
Day 3 · September 26, 2026 · Cartagena
Breakfast at hotel
Private Rosario Islands tour (includes fresh fruits, lunch, 3 local beers each, snacks)
Return to hotel
Free night
Day 4 · September 27, 2026 · Cartagena
Breakfast at hotel
Visit the Totumo mud volcano
Private Caribbean cooking class (includes lunch)
Free time
Farewell dinner at Casa Cruxada (includes starter, main dish, dessert, 1 non-alcoholic beverage)
Day 5 · September 28, 2026 · Departure
Breakfast at hotel and checkout
Private group transfer from hotel to airport with bilingual guide
Journey ends
Details
Day 1 · September 24, 2026
A warm and delicious welcome to Cartagena

-Touch down in Cartagena, where colonial charm meets Caribbean flair. After a warm welcome and seamless transfer into the heart of the city, settle in and soak up your first glimpses of vibrant streets and shimmering sea.

-As evening falls, gather with your travel crew for a welcome dinner at Alyzia. Here, the flavors of Cartagena come alive with a curated menu – a perfect introduction to the city’s culinary scene and the adventures ahead. Dig in!

Day 2 · September 25, 2026
Colonial past, Caribbean cuisine, and Champeta beats

-Begin your day atop La Popa Convent, perched on Cartagena’s highest hill, offering sweeping views of the city and coastline.

-Descend into history with a visit to the formidable San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, the largest Spanish fort in South America, before diving into the bustling streets for a Caribbean street food tour. Taste your way through local delicacies, from savory snacks to sweet treats, while wandering the colorful colonial heart of Cartagena.

-As night falls, the city’s energy shifts. Immerse yourself in the electrifying world of champeta music. Guided by locals, dance to Afro-Caribbean rhythms and experience Cartagena’s nightlife at its most authentic.

Day 3 · September 26, 2026
Rosario Islands escape

-Set sail for the Rosario Islands, a tropical paradise just off Cartagena’s coast. Cruise turquoise waters by private speedboat, exploring hidden beaches and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Enjoy fresh local fruits, a laid-back lunch, and refreshing beers as you unwind on white sands or snorkel among the colorful underwater world.

-Return to Cartagena with salt in your hair and the evening free to explore the city’s nightlife or relax at your own pace.

Day 4 · September 27, 2026
One last hurrah: Mud masks, cooking class, and a farewell to remember

-Venture out to the legendary Totumo mud volcano, where a soak in warm, mineral-rich mud promises both relaxation and a dose of local folklore.

-Rinse off in the freshwater lagoon before heading back to Cartagena for a private Caribbean cooking class. Under the guidance of a local chef, learn the secrets behind Cartagena’s most beloved dishes – think coconut rice, fresh seafood, and more – in a charming colonial setting.

-Cap off your adventure with a farewell dinner at Casa Cruxada, savoring the city’s flavors one last time. Head back to the hotel or venture upstairs and dance the night away!

Day 5 · September 28, 2026
All good things must come to an end...

-Rise and shine with a final breakfast in Cartagena’s embrace before your private transfer to the airport. With new friends, unforgettable nights, and a taste for Colombian culture, your journey comes to a close. Until next time – safe travels!

Tour Price
USD 2,288
per person
Flexible payment plans available
12 people are interested
Looks like this trip is getting views. Secure your spot now!
Your fellow explorers
Age range
18+
Travel interest
Food & local eats, sightseeing, beaches & boating, nightlife
Your local guide
In 2011, Markus Jobi began Palenque Tours in an effort to combine ecological and cultural tourism in the City of Medellin and the Antioquia and Chocó regions. The company runs local experiences and tours, along with multi-day trips to showcase the beauty and culture of the country. In 2017, the company successfully completed the process of an international certification in tourist sustainability. The same year it was approved by TOURCERT, an international German certifier recognized for its social, environmental, and cultural high standards. Today, all activities offered are private, customized, and have a positive social and cultural impact clearly defined and articulated.
Accommodation
Estelar Cartagena de Indias Hotel (or similar according to availability)

With oceanfront views and a stunning rooftop pool, Estelar Cartagena de Indias is the ideal destination for resting and relaxing in Colombia and enjoying nearby sights in Cartagena. This upscale, luxury hotel features chic rooms with all the modern amenities you need for your getaway, including free Wi-Fi access and flat-screen TVs. There are two restaurants on-site, plus a lobby bar and a scenic Sky Bar — the best place to unwind after a day of exploration. Room type / configuration: Double occupancy.

Included
  • 4 nights accommodation in Cartagena

  • Double occupancy in accommodation

  • All breakfasts

  • Lunch on days 3, 4

  • Dinner on days 1, 4

  • Group airport & activity transfers

  • 1 group arrival airport transfer

  • 1 group departure airport transfer

  • All activities & tours listed in itinerary

  • Bilingual guidance (during activities)

Not included
  • Flights

  • All food & drink not mentioned in inclusions

  • Personal expenses not stipulated

  • Optional add-ons

  • Gratuities

  • Travel insurance

FAQ
Cancellation policy

Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.

Refunds for balance payment
If you cancel your trip on or before Jun 23, 2026 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT -5), you will get a refund of the remaining balance. This may or may not include the deposit amount. See deposit refund section above.

If you cancel your trip from Jun 24, 2026 at 12:00 AM local time (GMT -5) onwards, no refunds will be issued.

You can change or cancel your trip in your TourHero account by clicking on Your Trips.

Trip disclaimer
To offer the best group rates, we need a minimum number of travelers. If that number isn't met—or if unexpected events occur (such as force majeure)—TourHero, the trip host, and the tour operator may need to cancel or reschedule.


If changes happen: You'll be notified by Jun 23, 2026 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT -5), and if the trip is canceled or rescheduled beyond your control, you'll get a full refund. We'll always update you at least 7 days in advance if this date changes.


Book smart: We recommend refundable flights and accommodations to protect your plans from any last-minute changes.

Available add-ons
Single room upgrade

Upgrade to a private room for the duration of your trip.

USD 563
2 spots left