Colombia: Cartagena to Santa Marta

Transfer in from Cartagena airport. Only driver. Duration 00:30hrs.

At night, enjoy of a delicious welcome dinner along with all the group, where you will get to know all the people with whom you are going to spend the next days.

Night at Hotel Kartaxa Cartagena

Included: transport, dinner, bedroom and breakfast

Cartagena highlights tour:

Visit Cartagena, Colombia’s walled city. Within its fortifications you will find a unique culture and history that seem to blend reality and fantasy. Stroll the cobblestone streets and admire the colonial buildings. Visit the city’s plazas, galleries, churches and vaulted walkways where crafts and antiquities are sold.

Later you will visit the San Felipe Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the greatest fortification ever built by the Spanish in any of their colonies. The original, smaller structure was built in 1657, and was greatly extended in 1762 into the sprawling behemoth you see today, almost entirely covering the 40 metre high San Lazaro hill it is situated on. Numerous attempts to take the fort have been made over the centuries, but it has remained entirely impregnable. One of the Royal Navy's most humiliating defeats occurred here when Admiral Edward Vernon failed to take the castle from its 3000 strong garrison with his force of 23,000 men and 186 ships. Climb along its defences and explore its many batteries, parapets and cannons. Once you reach the top, enjoy the vast views across the city and coastline, and imagine the importance of this strategic position in times of siege. Finally, there is a dense system of tunnels below the fort, connecting key parts for distributing provisions during siege. They are designed to allow sound to reverberate all along its length, meaning the slightest footfall of an approaching enemy could be heard, as well as allowing for easy internal communication. Some of these tunnels are lit and open to visitors, and make for an eerie, atmospheric walk. Make sure to venture through these before you leave.

Later ascend the Cerro de la Popa to have a look around the lovely stone convent at its peak, as well as the stunning views of the city from this 150 metre-high vantage point. Literally meaning 'hill of the stern', according to its apparent similarity to the rear of a ship, the convent at the top was first founded by the Augustine fathers in 1607. The convent was originally wooden, and was replaced by the current stone edifice two centuries later when the surrounding hill was fortified. Look around the convent's chapel and flower-filled cloister, and study the ornate image of La Virgen de la Candelaria inside. Look out too for the eerie statue of a speared Padre Alonso Garcia de Paredas, a priest who was murdered along with five soldiers for preaching the word of God.

Duration 04:00hrs.

Taller de Coco - Coconut Workshop (Women's empowerment project in La Boquilla)

In Cartagena, coconuts aren't just for drinks and food - they're also a source of beautiful handicrafts. The DAMARTES project (Dramas y Madres del Arte), which began as "Mothers and their Coconuts," is a micro-enterprise formed by seven women who, in 2008, participated in a handicraft class sponsored by the Proboquilla foundation. Today, they produce jewelry, vases, containers, belts, and other accessories using coconuts.

These women are pioneers in La Boquilla, generating their own income and breaking free from traditional gender roles through their artistry. Ten years ago, with support from Alternative, the coconut workshop was established, and this project has blossomed into a resounding success.

The DAMARTES' stories are inspiring: they are mothers and grandmothers who share their life experiences with pride. Their bond with one another has empowered them.

When you arrive in La Boquilla, they'll invite you to a special, authentic workshop held in a charming rustic beachside restaurant; after an introduction, it's time to get hands-on! Create your own unique souvenir and support a worthy cause. Craft a bracelet, keychain, necklace, or other keepsake alongside the Damartes, a tangible reminder of this heartwarming project.

Duration 03:00hrs.

Hotel Kartaxa Cartagena

Transfer from hotel to harbour. You will be assisted by a english-speaking guide. Duration 00:30hrs.

Isla Grande in Rosario Islands tour:

After breakfast, pick-up at 08h00 for a private transfer to the harbour from where you will take a shared transfer to Rosario Island, a charming coral archipelago located only 60 minutes by speedboat. Upon your arrival, free time for you to explore this beautiful place and enjoy the beaches of the National Natural Park of Corales.

Optional nautical activities (kayaking, snorkelling, etc.) available upon arrival. Return to Cartagena around 16h00. Free afternoon and evening.

Note on taxes: Tourism tax, entrance fee to the National Park and passenger insurance on boat are due to be paid upon arrival at the harbour (approx USD $8 per person / COP $30.000 per person and subject to change without prior notice).
Duration 08:00hrs.

Hotel Kartaxa Cartagena

Transfer from Cartagena to Palomino. Duration 06:00hrs.

Night at Hotel Chiniu in Standard room. Included: transport, bedroom and breakfast

Today, we will have an amazing Taironaka tour. Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, following the Don Diego River. Immerse yourself in the vibrant indigenous cultures and biodiversity of the lush jungle, while relaxing  on pristine beaches.Navigate crystal-clear waters, and marvel at diverse wildlife. Discover the cultural heritage of the ancient Tairona civilization through their ruins and stone carvings. Venture deeper into the jungle, encountering exotic flora and fauna. Engage with indigenous communities, learning about their traditions and knowledge of the land. This adventure offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature, celebrate life's rich tapestry, and gain a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

Duration 04:00hrs.

Night at Hotel Chiniu in Standard room.

Included: entrance fees, excursion, transport, english-speaking guide, bedroom and breakfast

Transfer from Palomino to Cartagena. Only driver. Duration 06:00hrs.
Boquillero Sunset

Discover the magic of La Boquilla, a picturesque fishing village, rooted in more than 200 years of history, awaits to share its heroic cultural resistance struggle. Here, drums are not just instruments, but the guardians of ancient traditions that beat to the rhythm of the community's heart. But that's not all: you will dance and sing in ancestral dances that will make you vibrate to the rhythm of tradition! A ceremony under the stars. The bullerengue circle is more than a dance: it is a deep connection with the land, an opportunity to appreciate the moon, value the sea, enjoy the breeze and, above all, celebrate life by dancing and singing. The grand finale is a ritual of gratitude to the drums, which unite us with tradition and fill us with energy and joy. Guided by an expert in art and culture. Luis Eduardo Gómez Leal, a master in Performing Arts and passionate about traditional culture, will guide you on this journey. With vast experience in Afro-Caribbean dance and cultural leadership, Luis Eduardo will take you on a path of discovery and passion for art and tradition.

Duration 02:00hrs.
Night at Hotel Kartaxa Cartagena.
Included: transport, excursion, guide expenses, english-speaking guide, bedroom and breakfast

Transfer out to Cartagena airport. Only driver. Duration 00:30hrs.

Included: transport, contribution to reforestation, travel assistance