Experience Cartagena with Jowan
Your TourHero
Duration
6 days · 5 nights
Travel Date
Jan 12 - 17, 2023
Activity Level
Low to Moderate
Group Size
8 - 12
Transportation
Van, boat
Tour Price
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
21+
Travel interest
Wellness, food & culture, water sports
Fellow Travelers
Monique
ReginaJowanYour 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.
Are you someone who enjoys working hard and playing just as hard? If so, come along on a 6-day getaway to Cartagena, Colombia that will hone your health and wellness practice, along with showing you the city’s famous sites and gastronomic delights. Jowan will help you strengthen your fitness journey, all while partaking in the local culture. Enjoy a Caribbean cooking class, guided city tour, Rosario Islands cruise, and sunset kayaking adventure. With free time to explore and group dinners at some of the hottest spots in town, you’ll leave Cartagena motivated to continue your movement routine, longing for your next adventure. Book now, and start planning an epic journey to Colombia’s beating heart.
Cancellation policy
Refunds after booking your trip
Cancellations up to 60 days prior to the start of the trip will receive a refund minus the nonrefundable deposit. No refunds will be issued after 60 days prior to the start of the trip.
Trip cancellation due to COVID-19
If you test positive for COVID-19 (only PCR tests accepted) with less than 7 days from the start of your trip, you are eligible for a full refund (excluding service fee).
No refunds will be issued if the COVID-19 diagnosis is positive during or after the trip.
Trip cancellation due to force majeure.
In case the trip is canceled due to force majeure (natural disaster, pandemic, strikes, or curfew), a mandatory lockdown, or a border closure in Colombia or the United States due to COVID-19, you will receive a full refund (no service fee kept). In case of an event considered as force majeure after the trip has begun, which compromises the execution of the activities proposed in the itinerary, we will issue a full refund for the room nights and the activities that could not take place.
Your TourHero
Duration
6 days · 5 nights
Travel Date
Jan 12 - 17, 2023
Activity Level
Low to Moderate
Group Size
8 - 12
Transportation
Van, boat
Are you someone who enjoys working hard and playing just as hard? If so, come along on a 6-day getaway to Cartagena, Colombia that will hone your health and wellness practice, along with showing you the city’s famous sites and gastronomic delights. Jowan will help you strengthen your fitness journey, all while partaking in the local culture. Enjoy a Caribbean cooking class, guided city tour, Rosario Islands cruise, and sunset kayaking adventure. With free time to explore and group dinners at some of the hottest spots in town, you’ll leave Cartagena motivated to continue your movement routine, longing for your next adventure. Book now, and start planning an epic journey to Colombia’s beating heart.
Timeline
- Day 1 · Jan 12 - Cartagena
- Arrive in Cartagena
- Transfer from airport to accommodation
- Check-in at Hotel Bantu by Faranda Boutique
- Free time
- Transfer to restaurant
- (20:00 - 22:00) Dinner at Juan del Mar
- Return to hotel
- Day 2 · Jan 13- Cartagena
- Optional 1:1 Session w/ Jowan or personal time
- Breakfast
- Optional 1:1 session w/ Jowan or personal time
- (13:00 - 14:00) Lunch
- Free time
- (16:00 - 18:00) Walled city, Gestemaní, and San Felipe tour
- (18:00 - 21:00) Caribbean cooking experience (dinner included)
- Return to hotel
- Day 3 · Jan 14 - Cartagena
- Group fitness session
- Breakfast
- Transfer to port
- (10:00 - 17:00) Rosario Island hopping excursion (lunch included)
- Return to hotel
- Free time
- Transfer to restaurant
- (20:00 - 22:00) Dinner at Casa Cruxada
- Return to hotel
- Day 4 · Jan 15 - Cartagena
- Optional 1:1 Session w/ Jowan or personal time
- Breakfast
- Optional 1:1 session w/ Jowan or personal time
- (13:00 - 14:00) Lunch
- Free time
- Transfer to beach
- (16:00 - 18:30) Kayak at sunset
- Return to hotel
- Free time
- Transfer to restaurant
- (20:00 - 22:00) Dinner
- Return to hotel
- Day 5 · Jan 16 - Cartagena
- Breakfast
- (10:00 - 17:00) A Day in San Basilio de Palenque (lunch included)
- Return to hotel
- Free time
- Transfer to restaurant
- (20:00 - 22:00) Dinner
- Return to hotel
- Day 6 · Jan 17 - Departure
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Transfer from accommodation to airport
- Journey ends
Details
Day 1
Welcome to Cartagena, Colombia – your fitness getaway starts now!
Cartagena welcomes you with open arms! This city has been crowned as the indisputable queen of the Caribbean, and considering it’s where architectural and urban heritage mingle like no other place in the world, with the vibes of African legacy and indigenous remnants, it’s a well-deserved title! The Old Town, one of the best-preserved in the region, showcases a series of remarkable works of colonial architecture that accommodate, among other things, bars and restaurants which offer exquisite gastronomic experiences. Therefore, it's not surprising that the city has been named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Upon arrival, we’ll take our transfer from the airport to the hotel and have ample time to get settled. Explore the city, rest from your travels, and breathe in the new start that’s coming your way.
At 8:00 pm, you’ll meet up with the group at Juan del Mar. Located in the San Diego Plaza, the heart of the walled-city, Juan del Mar is a local favorite. Enjoy a menu that blends together the taste of Caribbean cuisine with the roots of Mediterranean gastronomy. From starters to dessert and unlimited wine, you’ll have everything you need for the perfect evening to get to know your group and kick this trip off right!
Day 2
Start the day with your choice of personalized 1:1 session or some free time before a guided city tour and hands-on cooking class
Rise and shine! It’s our first full day in Cartagena and you have a choice of how you want to start your day. You can get your blood pumping with a personalized 1:1 session with Jowan or have a leisurely start to your day before indulging in a delicious breakfast spread at the hotel. From here, you’ll have ample free time explore the city at your own pace with more time for a 1:1 with Jowan.
At 4:00 pm, we’ll meet back up with the group and see all the major sites on a guided city tour! Discover the stories, beauty, and culture of the iconic city of Cartagena with a tour through the historic center and its most popular streets, passing through the monumental stone walls and fortifications. Visit the colorful neighborhood of Getsemaní, where you’ll enjoy local fruits and beverages, and walk the tunnels and bastions of the renowned San Felipe Castle. Enjoy an inspiring tour where you'll learn about the colonial period, the influence of the city on the Afro-Colombian community, and why Cartagena is known as the 'jewel of the Caribbean'.
Discover the flavors of Caribbean cuisine during a hands-on cooking class
After our tour, we’ll come together with a local chef and uncover the secrets of authentic Caribbean cuisine. Enjoy a traditional drink, explore the fresh ingredients that you’ll use, and learn how to prepare a four-course menu that’ll delight your palate and surprise your guests when you cook for them at home. This is an experience for foodies and lovers of Colombian traditional cuisine. The best part? We’ll get to indulge in all the food we prepare!
Day 3
Island hop in style on a full-day Rosario Islands cruise before dinner at Casa Cruxada
Start the day in the gym with your group and refuel with a delicious breakfast spread to prepare you for an incredible adventure ahead. You’ll spend the entire day on the water while you cruise around the pristine Rosario Islands! Feel the thrill of the sea and don't be afraid to jump from the boat! Enjoy the best gastronomic flavors of the Colombian coast during a traditional lunch, and loosen up to the Caribbean vibes. Get ready for an afternoon on the beach, sailing, and swimming in one of Colombia's most idyllic archipelagos.
Once you return to the hotel, you’ll have some free time to freshen up before a dinner in town. Spend a great night at Casa Cruxada, a complex and rich nightclub with different environments to choose from. Start with a three-course dinner at Ocasus, a restaurant with a wood-fired oven, grill, and tiki bar. After dining on an exclusive patio and enjoying Caribbean music, go up to the second floor to find Osteria Alta, an electronic music nightclub where you can have an unforgettable party with one of the best electronic DJs in the city. Dance until the sun comes up!
Day 4
Spend the morning getting in a 1:1 session or exploring before we kayak into the sunset and enjoy a great meal
We have a stellar schedule for you to enjoy today! Start the day focused on fitness with an opportunity to get in a 1:1 session with Jowan. With ample free time to explore, you can grab a bite to eat at a local cafe for lunch and pick up souvenirs for your loved ones back home.
At 4:00 pm, we’ll reconnect with the group and enjoy a unique kayaking adventure by paddling in the idyllic waters of Cartagena. As the refreshing sea splashes from all directions, admire the incredible landscape embellished by the island of Tierra Bomba, which you'll see from the beaches of Castillo Grande. After basking in the Caribbean warmth, return just in time to experience an unforgettable sunset aboard your kayak.
We’ll return to the hotel to freshen up then head back out for a delicious dinner.
Day 5
Take a day trip to San Basilio de Palenque to learn about history and culture
It's our last full day of the trip, so we're going to live it up one more time in celebration of our adventures. For today, we've got a day trip planned to San Basilio de Palenque, the first free town in South America. As you may have guessed, there's an immense amount of history to explore here. Stroll through the city streets and simply enjoy learning about the music, traditions, and culture that makes San Basilio de Palenque so unique. We'll also grab lunch while there, giving us a chance to sample the amazing local cuisine. Afterwards, we'll head back to the hotel and head to a farewell dinner. Here, we can reflect on a great trip together and align our health and wellness goals for the return trip home. Grab a drink and toast to a successful fitness retreat with new friends and new experiences!
Day 6
It’s time to head home – say goodbye to Colombia and new friends
It’s been a stellar five days in Cartagena, but unfortunately, it’s time to say goodbye. After breakfast, pack up and take your transfer to the airport to catch your flight. We hope you had an unforgettable experience and wish you luck on your health and wellness journey.
Accommodation
Hotel Bantu by Faranda Boutique
Nestled in the historic city center of Cartagena, Hotel Bantu by Faranda Boutique pairs gorgeous 18th-century architecture with charming Latin design and decor. The upscale, Colonial-style hotel is located just 2 kilometers from the maze of tunnels of the San Felipe de Barajas Fortress. Chic guest rooms are warmly decorated and include Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minifridges. You'll find a vibrant restaurant offering Caribbean and Colombian cuisine, as well as a spa area with a sauna and a hot tub, an outdoor pool, and a bar. Room type: Single occupancy.
Included
- 5 nights at Hotel Bantu by Faranda Boutique
- Single occupancy in accommodation
- Airport & activity transfers
- Daily fitness classes & fitness coaching with Jowan
- All breakfasts
- Dinner at Juan del Mar
- Walled city, Gestemaní, and San Felipe tour (guide, entrance fee & fruit tasting included)
- Day trip to San Basilio de Palenque (lunch included)
- Rosario Islands day cruise (lunch included)
- Lunch on day 2 and day 4
- Dinner at Casa Cruxada (starters, main course, dessert, and unlimited wine included)
- Day 5 dinner
- Sunset kayaking excursion
- Farewell dinner
- Bilingual guide
- Medical insurance
- VAOVA welcome & departure kits
Not included
- Flights
- All food not mentioned in inclusions
- Personal expenses not stipulated
- Optional add-ons
- Gratuities
Available add-on
An extra day of fun in Colombia!
This add-on covers the price difference for an extra day of fun in Colombia including lunch, dinner, and a day trip to San Basilio de Palenque. Jowan is the best.
Price: USD 1,225
Sold out
Cancellation policy
Refunds after booking your trip
Cancellations up to 60 days prior to the start of the trip will receive a refund minus the nonrefundable deposit. No refunds will be issued after 60 days prior to the start of the trip.
Trip cancellation due to COVID-19
If you test positive for COVID-19 (only PCR tests accepted) with less than 7 days from the start of your trip, you are eligible for a full refund (excluding service fee).
No refunds will be issued if the COVID-19 diagnosis is positive during or after the trip.
Trip cancellation due to force majeure.
In case the trip is canceled due to force majeure (natural disaster, pandemic, strikes, or curfew), a mandatory lockdown, or a border closure in Colombia or the United States due to COVID-19, you will receive a full refund (no service fee kept). In case of an event considered as force majeure after the trip has begun, which compromises the execution of the activities proposed in the itinerary, we will issue a full refund for the room nights and the activities that could not take place.
- We'll rise with the sun and start the day in the gym, growing stronger with each and every movement. - Unsplash: Sam Moghadam Khamseh
- Travel to the village of San Basilio de Palenque and learn about the local culture. - Flickr: Fundación Gabo
- Hotel Bantu by Faranda Boutique - Hotel Bantu by Faranda Boutique
- Hotel Bantu by Faranda Boutique - Hotel Bantu by Faranda Boutique
- Come together tonight for another incredible meal. - Unsplash: Annie Spratt
- Get your blood pumping with an early morning fitness session. - Scott Webb
- Hotel Bantu by Faranda Boutique - Hotel Bantu by Faranda Boutique
- Learn about Colombia's Caribbean roots during a hands-on cooking class. - Unsplash: Raul Baz
- Hotel Bantu by Faranda Boutique - Radisson Hotels Americas
- Hotel Bantu by Faranda Boutique - Radisson Hotels Americas
- Add-on: An extra day of fun in Colombia! - Wikimedia Commons
- At our farewell dinner, reminisce on the trip and toast to the memories you've made! - Pexels: Helena Lopes
- Enjoy a welcome dinner at Juan del Mar where you can get to know the group and indulge in delicious Caribbean fare. - Juan del Mar
- Tonight, dine at the chic Casa Cruxada and enjoy elevated Colombian dishes in a posh environment. - Casa Cruxada
- After dinner, head upstairs to the property's club and dance the night away! - Casa Cruxada
- Watch the sunset from a kayak as you paddle along the coastline. - Pexels: Oleksandr Pidvalnyi