Culture in Colombia: 7-day Wellness Getaway with Lindsey Shumway
Your TourHero
Duration
7 days · 6 nights
Travel Date
May 20 - 26, 2023
Activity Level
Light to moderate
Group Size
8
Transportation
Van, plane, boat
Tour Price
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
35 - 60
Travel interest
Wellness, sightseeing, food & culture, beaches
Your Local Guide
Founded in 2013, VAOVA Travel is an experience tour creator specializing in university treks, meetings and events, and luxury small group tours. Their mission is to share an authentic and unique perspective of the destinations they travel to by creating memorable experiences, bringing people together through perfectly curated 'happenings'.
Experts at organizing events and parties in magical locations from remote islands to vibing cities, VAOVA aims to blend traveler's experiences with high-end interactive and unique events and vibrant local cultures. They also specialize in personalized tours, local insider knowledge, highly-trained bilingual guides, exciting accommodation, and tours of all of the best activities — from must-see tourist hotspots to off-the-beaten-track excursions.
VAOVA also have COVID-19 policies in place, ensuring that your safety is the top priority. With symptom monitoring, event protocols, and on-hand medical assistance, they're sure to make you feel safe, secure, and give you that extra peace of mind.
Join us in Colombia for an epic experience that will offer you elevated fare, cultural activities, and a whole lot of history, all while working on your inner landscape with Lindsey Shumway.
The journey will start in vibrant Bogotá, where you’ll embark on cultural excursions to explore the Sanctuary of Monserrate and marvel at panoramic city views, explore the La Candelaria neighborhood, visit the LDS Temple, and wander the Paloquemao Market to enjoy food tastings! Then, you’ll fly to the port city of Cartagena to experience the region's Afro-Colombian roots through food and music and tour the idyllic Rosario Islands on a private day cruise.
From food and fun, to culture and relaxation, you’ll find everything you need on this Colombian expedition. Book now, and start prepping for a summer escape that will help you tend to your emotional garden and see the world with like-minded souls.
Cancellation policy
TourHero, the retreat host, and the tour operator reserve the right to cancel or reschedule this trip up until March 21, 2023. If the departure is cancelled out of your control, you will be alerted by March 21, 2023 and will receive a full refund.
In this case, TourHero is not responsible for your preparation expenses, such as airline tickets, extra accommodations, loss of work, or any other cost associated with preparing for your trip. We recommend booking travel insurance, along with refundable flights/accommodations in case of cancellation.
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit but before your card on file is charged for the full payment, you can request a full refund of your deposit up until April 20, 2023.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
You may change or cancel your trip up until April 20, 2023 for a refund.
Trip cancellation due to COVID-19
A full credit will be issued if the tour is canceled when there is full border closure due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. This credit can go towards booking a future TourHero tour (see our COVID-19 guarantee on the tour itinerary page). We suggest buying your own travel insurance for coverage of cancellations within 30 days of the tour commencing for reasons other than a full tour cancellation.
Your TourHero
Duration
7 days · 6 nights
Travel Date
May 20 - 26, 2023
Activity Level
Light to moderate
Group Size
8
Transportation
Van, plane, boat
Join us in Colombia for an epic experience that will offer you elevated fare, cultural activities, and a whole lot of history, all while working on your inner landscape with Lindsey Shumway.
The journey will start in vibrant Bogotá, where you’ll embark on cultural excursions to explore the Sanctuary of Monserrate and marvel at panoramic city views, explore the La Candelaria neighborhood, visit the LDS Temple, and wander the Paloquemao Market to enjoy food tastings! Then, you’ll fly to the port city of Cartagena to experience the region's Afro-Colombian roots through food and music and tour the idyllic Rosario Islands on a private day cruise.
From food and fun, to culture and relaxation, you’ll find everything you need on this Colombian expedition. Book now, and start prepping for a summer escape that will help you tend to your emotional garden and see the world with like-minded souls.
Timeline
- Day 1 · Bogotá
- Arrive in Bogotá
- Transfer from airport to accommodation
- Check-in at Estelar Parque de la 93 Hotel (or similar according to availability)
- Free evening
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 2 · Bogotá
- Workshop with Lindsey (Creating your Blissful Life)
- Breakfast
- (08:00 - 13:00) Monserrate and walking tour of La Candelaria
- (12:00 - 14:00) Lunch
- (14:00 - 18:00) Visit to LDS temple (transportation and guide only)
- (20:00 – 22:00) Dinner
- Day 3 · Bogotá
- Workshop with Lindsey (Overcoming fears/doubts)
- Breakfast
- (08:00 - 12:00) Paloquemao Market tour
- (12:00 - 14:00) Lunch
- (14:00 – 18:00) Visit to Orphanage (transportation and guide only)
- (20:00 - 22:00) Dinner
- Day 4 · Bogotá & Cartagena
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Transfer to airport
- Fly to Cartagena
- Arrive in Cartagena
- Transfer from airport to accommodation
- Check-in at Bantú Casa la Factoria (or similar according to availability)
- (13:00 – 15:00) Lunch
- Free time
- (19:00 – 22:00) Caribbean cooking class (dinner included)
- Day 5 · Cartagena
- Workshop with Lindsey for such a time as this - What are you meant for?
- Breakfast
- Free time
- (12:00 – 14:00) Lunch
- (14:00 - 17:00) Caribbean drums workshop (drinks included)
- Return to hotel
- (20:00 - 22:00) Dinner
- Day 6 · Cartagena
- Breakfast
- (10:00 - 17:00) Rosario Islands full-day excursion (lunch included)
- Return to hotel
- Free time
- (20:00 - 22:00) Farewell dinner
- Day 7 · Departure
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Transfer to airport
- Journey ends
Details
Day 1
Welcome to Bogotá, Colombia's vibrant high-altitude capital city with almost 500 years of history
Welcome to Colombia! We’re thrilled you’ve made the journey to Bogotá for the start of an epic wellness adventure. As the cultural capital in the region, Bogotá beats to the rhythm of multiculturalism and offers a fantastic variety of art, theatre, and gastronomy fueled by its diverse and passionate people. Upon arrival, take your transfer to your hotel and get checked in. Once you've dropped your bags in your room, you have the remainder of the day free to get your bearings and explore the city. Between verdant hills to the east and a sequence of burgundy sunsets to the west, Bogotá hides plenty of gems to be discovered. Enjoy the evening with your fellow travel companions and grab dinner together! Toast to a once-in-a-lifetime wellness retreat in Colombia!
Day 2
Kick off the retreat with a group workshop, then visit the Sanctuary of Monserrate, explore La Candelaria on a walking tour, and head to the LDS Temple
It’s time to get this retreat started! Lindsey will kick off the day with an early morning workshop geared towards emotional well-being where you can begin connecting with your group and doing that inner work. From here, we’ll grab breakfast at the hotel then head out at 8:00 am for our visit to Monserrate for epic panoramic views of the city and an insightful walking tour of the fascinating La Candelaria neighborhood. This tour includes transfers from/to the hotel, a bilingual guide, a cup of drinks and snacks, a cup of Colombian coffee, and entry fee into Monserrate. After the tour, fuel up with a hearty lunch. At 2:00 pm, you'll be transferred to the LDS Temple (transportation and guide only). After your visit, enjoy dinner with the group to close out this fantastic day!
Day 3
Visit the bustling Paloquemao Market before heading to the orphanage
After our morning workshop with Lindsey and an energy-boosting breakfast, we'll visit the Paloquemao Market for a tour. As we explore this influential public market and its many stalls, you'll enjoy tastings of traditional market foods and delicacies, such as pandebono (cheese bread), oat milk, empanadas, coffee, fruits, and juices! This is the perfect location to enjoy the customs of the city in one single place. Transfers, a bilingual guide, drinks, and snacks are included on this guided tour. After the tour, your group will have lunch before being transferred to the orphanage at 2:00 pm (transportation and guide only). Your day ends with a delectable dinner, and tomorrow we will fly to Cartagena!
Day 4
Travel to Cartagena and dig into Caribbean culture during a hands-on cooking class
We’ve had a blast in Bogotá, but it’s time to head to our next Colombian destination of Cartagena. This port city on the Caribbean coast is enclosed by a historic wall that juxtaposes its white-sand beaches. In the city, you can walk the palm tree-lined streets, observe the colonial architecture, and eat an authentic meal at every turn. Upon arrival, take your transfer from the airport to your hotel and drop your bags. We’ll grab lunch as a group, then enjoy some free time in the city before a Caribbean cooking class that will serve as our dinner. Discover secrets of the traditional Caribbean cuisine with an expert chef who will guide you through the process of creating a four-course meal you can replicate at home. Enjoy a traditional drink, explore the fresh ingredients of the country that sing a song of culture and love, and dig into your creation as a final reward.
Day 5
Discover the sounds of the Caribbean during an Afro-Colombian drum workshop
Rise and shine in Cartagena! Your first full day in this historic city will begin with a group workshop and delicious breakfast spread. From here, you’ll have ample free time to explore on your own before participating in a Caribbean drums workshop. After lunch, we’ll journey to La Boquilla, a district north of Cartagena that has kept true to its ancestral roots, resisting the gentrification of the territory. Here, we’ll dig deep into Afro-Colombian culture through a drum workshop led by a non-profit organization. Learn about the most important rhythms of the Caribbean region and try a few simple techniques. Hear local stories, enjoy a dance show, and let your heart beat to the rhythm of the drums. This is truly an unforgettable experience, and we’ll ensure that’s true with a professional photographer who will stay with you and capture all the glorious moments you share.
Day 6
Soak in the sun and beauty of Colombia on a full-day Rosario Islands cruise
After our morning workshop and breakfast, grab your swimsuit and get ready for an amazing day of beachy fun! We’ll head to the docks and jump on a speedboat with the group and cruise around the Rosario Islands – a pristine archipelago filled with white-sand beaches and tranquil vibes only. You can laze on the beaches, snorkel in the crystal clear waters, and chill on the boat. Enjoy delicious apps, a traditional Caribbean lunch, and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day. You can also opt for a 45-minute massage on the beach to make this day truly special! (See add-ons below.) Eventually, we’ll have to return to the mainland, but our night will end with a stellar farewell meal to reflect on all that we’ve learned and shared. It’s your last day in Colombia, so make it count!
Day 7
Bid farewell to epic adventures in Colombia
What a stellar six days it’s been! We learned about the history of Bogotá, dove deep into Colombia’s Afro-Caribbean roots, and we got to laze on the gorgeous beaches off Cartagena, all while working on our emotional well-being with like-minded souls. However, all good things must come to an end, and today, that means packing up and heading home. Enjoy one final breakfast at the hotel, then take your transfer to the airport to catch your flight. We hope you had a life-changing experience that will send you home feeling ready to face your fears, dreams, and goals. Be well and safe travels!
Accommodation
Estelar Parque de la 93 Hotel (or similar according to availability)
An upscale hotel close to shops, restaurants, museums, and only 17 km from El Dorado International Airport. This is the perfect accommodation for travelers wanting to explore the city. Warmly decorated rooms with wooden floors feature modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and safes. On-site, you'll also find a restaurant, a lobby lounge, a rooftop terrace with an outdoor pool and bar, and a business center. Room type: Standard double room.
Bantú Casa la Factoria (or similar according to availability)
Bantú Casa la Factoria by Radisson is a restored 16th-century landmark located a few blocks from Santo Domingo Square. Nestled within Old Town among historic churches and delicious gastronomy, this boutique accommodation offers an array of amenities to ensure you have a stellar time in Colombia. Book a spa treatment, enjoy the inner courtyard with pool and gardens, indulge at the on-site Caribbean restaurant, or relax on the rooftop terrace and have a drink at the bar while overlooking the vibrant city below. In your room, you’ll find the same luxury with AC/heat, Wi-Fi, flat-screen LCD TV, minibar, workspace, and much more to make you feel right at home. Room type: Standard double room.
Included
- 3 nights at Estelar Parque de la 93 Hotel (or similar)
- 3 nights at Bantú Casa la Factoria (or similar)
- Double occupancy in accommodations
- Domestic flight between Bogotá and Cartagena (with one carry on and one checked bag included)
- Airport & activity transfers
- All breakfasts
- Lunch days 2 - 6
- Dinner days 2 - 6
- All activities & tours listed in itinerary
- Local VAOVA host for duration of trip
- Expert, bilingual guides
- Medical insurance
Not included
- International flights
- All food not mentioned in inclusions
- Optional add-ons
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
Available add-on
Single room upgrade
Looking for a little privacy? Upgrade to a single room for the duration of your time in Colombia.
Price: USD 665
8 spots left
Day 6: 45-minute beach massage
During your time cruising around the Rosario Islands, enjoy a 45-minute massage on the beach to help you relax and unwind in paradise.
Price: USD 30
8 spots left
Cancellation policy
TourHero, the retreat host, and the tour operator reserve the right to cancel or reschedule this trip up until March 21, 2023. If the departure is cancelled out of your control, you will be alerted by March 21, 2023 and will receive a full refund.
In this case, TourHero is not responsible for your preparation expenses, such as airline tickets, extra accommodations, loss of work, or any other cost associated with preparing for your trip. We recommend booking travel insurance, along with refundable flights/accommodations in case of cancellation.
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit but before your card on file is charged for the full payment, you can request a full refund of your deposit up until April 20, 2023.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
You may change or cancel your trip up until April 20, 2023 for a refund.
Trip cancellation due to COVID-19
A full credit will be issued if the tour is canceled when there is full border closure due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. This credit can go towards booking a future TourHero tour (see our COVID-19 guarantee on the tour itinerary page). We suggest buying your own travel insurance for coverage of cancellations within 30 days of the tour commencing for reasons other than a full tour cancellation.
- Explore the streets of La Candelaria with your guide and see the mixing of architecture and the major historic landmarks. - Unsplash: Michael Barón
- Walk the vibrant streets and journey through time with diverse architecture and traditional cuisine. - Pixabay: gustavo9917
- This special city is surrounded by the Andes, giving it a unique feel and picturesque views from every angle. - Unsplash: Jorge Gardner
- Welcome to Cartagena, Colombia's bustling port town known for its gastronomy and art. - Unsplash: Ricardo Gomez Angel
- Welcome to Bogotá, Colombia's capital and largest city in the country. - Unsplash: Random Institute
- Your guide will take you through all of the important areas and landmarks and teach you the rich history of Bogotá and the country. - Pixabay: robinjavier
- This walled port city is known for its diverse architecture and beautiful beaches. - Unsplash: Omar Ob
- Embark on a full-day adventure to the Rosario Islands — via private boat! - Alina Kacharho
- Estelar Parque de la 93 Hotel - Estelar Parque de la 93 Hotel
- Learn about Colombia's Caribbean roots during a hands-on cooking class. - Unsplash: Raul Baz
- Bantú Casa la Factoria - Radisson Hotels America
- Bantú Casa la Factoria - Radisson Hotels America
- Bantú Casa la Factoria - Radisson Hotels America
- Learn about the Afro-Caribbean history of Colombia during a drum workshop. - Unsplash: Sam te Kiefte
- Chill on the white-sand beaches and soak up the sun. - Unsplash: Tatiana Zanon
- Add-on: 45-minute massage on the beach - Pixabay: heyerlein
- Add-on: Single room upgrade - Estelar Square
- Estelar Parque de la 93 Hotel - Estelar Parque de la 93 Hotel
- Be transported to the Bogotá Colombia Temple, the 57th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). - Wikimedia Commons
- Paloquemao is one of the biggest and most important public markets in Bogotá. - Miikka Luotio