The Arts, Sounds, & Tastes of Cartagena with Sarah

duration
6 days · 5 nights
travel date
Aug 19 - 24, 2025
activity level
Light/Moderate
group size
10
transportation
Group transfers
Your TourHero
tourhero
Sarah J.
Colombia > The Arts, Sounds, & Tastes of Cartagena with Sarah

Cartagena is calling, and this trip is your golden ticket to dive into its vibrant energy and creativity. From strolling the colorful colonial streets and tasting mouthwatering street food to drumming along with Afro-Colombian beats and crafting souvenirs from coconuts, every moment here feels like a story you’ll want to tell over and over again. Add island-hopping through turquoise waters, yoga at a serene beach, and sipping the best Colombian coffee, and you’ve got a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and culture. If you have a passion for artistry with exploration, this getaway is the perfect way to get to know this beautiful city. Creative souls, foodies, or anyone who needs an inspiring reset, take note – this journey will leave you reignited, recharged, and craving more.

Itinerary timeline
Day 1 · August 19, 2025 · Cartagena
Arrive in Colombia at Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG)
Group transfer from airport to accommodation
Check in at Estelar Cartagena de Indias Hotel (or similar)
Welcome dinner at Alyzia
Free time
Day 2 · August 20, 2025 · Cartagena
Breakfast
Colonial Cartagena & Caribbean Street Food tour with private transportation, bilingual guide, and local street food tastings
Coconut craft workshop
Return to hotel
Dinner (not included in price) and free time
Day 3 · August 21, 2025 · Cartagena
Breakfast
Full-day Islas de Rosario island hopping excursion with private transportation, bilingual guide, lunch & snacks, and local beers
Return to hotel
Dinner (not included in price) and free time
Day 4 · August 22, 2025 · Cartagena
Breakfast
Kayaking Tierra Bomba excursion
Lunch (not included in price)
Yoga and meditation at Namaste Beach
Return to hotel
Dinner (not included in price) and free time
Day 5 · August 23, 2025 · Cartagena
Breakfast
Afro-Colombia percussion workshop
Lunch (not included in price)
Colombian coffee tasting
Farewell dinner at El Mirador
Day 6 · August 24, 2025 · Departure
Breakfast and check out of hotel
Transfer to Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG)
Journey ends
Details
Day 1 · August 19, 2025
Cartagena calling

-As you step off the plane at Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG), start soaking up the sunshine and breezy Caribbean vibes.

-We’ll take a group transfer to our hotel to check in and get ready for a welcome night to remember.

-We’re kicking things off right with a welcome dinner at Alyzia – think coastal flavors, local flair, and a toast to the adventures ahead. After dinner, enjoy some free time to explore the buzzing nightlife, indulge in local libations, or unwind back at our digs. In Cartagena, every corner tells a story – and we’re about to write a few of our own!

Day 2 · August 20, 2025
Colonial culture, culinary charms, & Caribbean arts

-On today’s Colonial Cartagena & Caribbean Street Food tour, you’ll stroll through cobblestone streets filled with pastel storefronts and flower-draped balconies. With a bilingual guide leading the way, we’ll uncover the city’s rich history and savor local street eats along the way. Foodies, eat your heart out!

-The DAMARTES project is a microenterprise formed by seven women who, since 2008, have turned coconuts into jewelry, vases, containers, belts, and accessories, thanks to a craft workshop sponsored by the Proboquilla Foundation. These pioneers from La Boquilla have set a milestone by being the first to generate their own income, emancipating themselves from machismo through art. Listen as they share their stories, then make your bracelet, keychain, necklace, or another souvenir alongside some of the mothers and grandmothers of the organization.

-After the art and eats, head back to the hotel to freshen up. Dinner is up to you tonight, so hit the town for more local flavors or chill at the hotel. Your Cartagena adventure is just getting started!

Day 3 · August 21, 2025
Island hopping in paradise

-After breakfast, a full-day island-hopping adventure through the stunning Islas de Rosario awaits. With a private boat, a bilingual guide, and plenty of stops along the way, you’ll explore hidden beaches and vibrant coral reefs. Dive into the refreshing turquoise waters or just soak up the golden rays as you feast on a snack spread through the day, plus a tasty lunch and a trio of local beers.

-Return to Cartagena sun-kissed and rejuvenated, with the rest of the day free for the taking. The city is yours to explore, and if you’re craving a cozy local spot or rooftop cocktails with a view, it’s all right here.

Day 4 · August 22, 2025
Paddle and pose

-It’s on to Tierra Bomba Island for a day of adventure and zen alike. First up is kayaking along the island’s Paddle through crystal-clear waters and soak in the Caribbean views worthy of a museum.

-After a break for lunch (we’ll find a beachside spot or grab something local), the afternoon slows down with a yoga and meditation session at Namaste Beach. Stretch it out, breathe it in, and let the peaceful vibes of the island reset your mind and body.

-Back in Cartagena, the evening is yours to explore. Find a cool dinner spot or wander the city’s lively streets – because Cartagena never really sleeps.

Day 5 · August 23, 2025
Percussion, coffee, and Colombian farewells

-Kickstart the day with breakfast before diving into some hands-on music making.

-Move to the rhythm of Afro-Colombian beats with a percussion workshop, learning the rich artistic history and the meaning of music to these local communities.

-After, it’s time for a Colombian coffee tasting. Sip, savor, and learn what makes this country’s coffee world-famous from professional roasters.

-Wrap up this unforgettable trip with a farewell dinner at Mirador Gastropub, where the views of Cartagena’s skyline and your final Colombia sunset seem to wave goodbye. It’s the perfect way to say adiós to this vibrant adventure!

Day 6 · August 24, 2025
Until next time!

It's time to pack up and say goodbye to this bold city. Check out of the hotel and hop on the group transfer to Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG). While the journey ends here, the memories of island adventures, colorful streets, and soulful rhythms will stick with you long after. Safe travels, and don’t forget to share those incredible photos and stories – Cartagena’s magic deserves a spotlight!

Tour Price
From USD 2,250
per person
13 people are interested
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Your fellow explorers
Age range
18+
Travel interest
Cultural experiences, beaches, food exploration, arts
Fellow Travelers
1 total travelers
brittany
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 and configuration: Multiple - see package details.

Included
  • 5 nights accommodation in Cartagena

  • All breakfasts

  • Lunch on days 2 & 3

  • Dinner on days 1 & 6

  • One group airport arrival transfer

  • One group airport departure transfer

  • All activities described in the itinerary

  • Local, bilingual guides and private transportation during activities

  • Entrance fees where applicable with included activities

Not included
  • Flights

  • International airport departure tax

  • Visas

  • All food and drinks not mentioned in inclusions

  • Personal expenses

  • Optional add-ons

  • Travel insurance

  • Gratuities

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 15, 2025 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT -6), 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 16, 2025 at 12:00 AM local time (GMT -6) 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 you the best deals and group rates, we need a minimum number of travelers to book this trip. If this number is not met, or an act of force majeure occurs, TourHero, the trip host, and the tour operator may make the call to cancel or reschedule. If the departure is canceled or rescheduled out of your control, you will be alerted by June 15, 2025 and will receive a full refund.

We recommend booking refundable flights/accommodations just in case. This protects you from losing your preparation expenses, such as airline tickets, extra accommodations, or any other cost associated with planning your trip.