City Sights and Beachfront Paradise in Cartagena
Your TourHero
Hello, I’m Brenda! I’m an avid traveler with a huge appetite for wandering off the beaten track and discovering hidden gems. I love hiking and adventure, but I also love exploring big cities and absorbing the history and culture of a place. I’ve always wanted to see Colombia and discover the secrets of Cartagena, so I've created this itinerary to travel with like-minded individuals who are just as keen to make the journey and get exploring!
Duration
5 days · 4 nights
Travel Date
Mar 5 - 9, 2022
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6 – 15
Transportation
Van, Uber, boat
Tour Price
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
18 – 30
Travel interest
Culture & history, sightseeing, nature, beach, exploring the wild, eco-activities, meeting new people
Fellow Travelers
Penny
Bram
Ambrose
Charissa
Rita
Anissa
Stanley
Annmarie
Henri
Tina
Abby
Jeannine
Devin
Conor
Shawnda
Georgia
Meg
Bryan
Suzanna
DiegoYour Local Guide
Awake Travel stands as Colombia's pioneering B Corp Travel agency (certified for its social and environmental impact), boasting over a decade of experience collaborating with 300+ hosts across 70 diverse destinations.They pride themselves on working closely with local communities and inviting travelers to discover Colombia with them in a safe, ecological, and socially conscious way. The team is equipped with all the training and expertise needed to ensure your trip runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Let them take care of all the details for you — just let your unforgettable adventure unfold.
Explore all aspects of Cartagena on this five-day trip that will take you from the city to the beach. The journey starts with sightseeing in the city with loads of free time to eat your way through the colorful streets. We’ll then head to Isla Grande to an eco-friendly resort to explore the ocean and the local culture. From the city streets to the pristine shores of Cartagena’s islands, we’ll experience it all on this fun-filled getaway!
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
Your place is guaranteed at the time of full payment. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to offer any refunds for the amount paid.
Your TourHero
Hello, I’m Brenda! I’m an avid traveler with a huge appetite for wandering off the beaten track and discovering hidden gems. I love hiking and adventure, but I also love exploring big cities and absorbing the history and culture of a place. I’ve always wanted to see Colombia and discover the secrets of Cartagena, so I've created this itinerary to travel with like-minded individuals who are just as keen to make the journey and get exploring!
Duration
5 days · 4 nights
Travel Date
Mar 5 - 9, 2022
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6 – 15
Transportation
Van, Uber, boat
Explore all aspects of Cartagena on this five-day trip that will take you from the city to the beach. The journey starts with sightseeing in the city with loads of free time to eat your way through the colorful streets. We’ll then head to Isla Grande to an eco-friendly resort to explore the ocean and the local culture. From the city streets to the pristine shores of Cartagena’s islands, we’ll experience it all on this fun-filled getaway!
Timeline
- Day 1 · Cartagena
- Arrive in Cartagena
- Transfer from airport to accommodation
- Check-in at Hotel Marina Suites (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 2 · Cartagena
- Breakfast
- Transfer from accommodation to Clock Tower
- ~ 15 mins van
- Street art & graffiti tour
- Lunch (not included in price)
- City walking tour
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 3 · Isla Grande
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Transfer from accommodation to Isla Grande
- ~ 15 mins van
- ~ 1 hr 30 mins boat
- Check-in at El Hamaquero (or similar according to availability)
- Lunch
- Bioluminescence canoe tour
- Dinner
- Day 4 · Isla Grande
- Breakfast
- Snorkeling excursion
- Lunch
- Orika Village tour
- Dinner
- Day 5 · Departure
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Transfer from accommodation to airport
- ~ 1 hr 30 mins boat
- ~ 15 mins van
- Journey ends
Details
Day 1
Welcome to Cartagena, Colombia – a port city with gastronomy, art, and picturesque beaches
Welcome to Cartagena, a Colombian city that features the best of urban living and beautiful beaches. Known for its nightlife and diverse art, this city begs to be explored, and on this trip, you’ll have the time to see it all! Get checked in at the hotel and wander around the Bocagrande area, known for its gorgeous beaches, stellar food options, and boutique shopping for souvenirs. Grab an authentic Colombian meal and let the fun begin!
Day 2
Discover the beauty of the city on a street art and graffiti tour
Good morning and welcome to your first full day in this vibrant city! Today, we’ll start our exploration with a street art and graffiti tour through the Getsemaní barrio. This area boasts individuality and free-spirited energy, as you’ll see within the paintings that tell the story of the area and its people. We’ll start at the Cartagena Clock Tower and make our way through the streets of the neighborhood. Along the way, we will learn about the history of Cartagena and Colombian antiquity. We’ll end the tour in Puerto Duro where we can grab food with the group and reflect on all we’ve learned.
Explore Cartagena by walking the city with a local guide
After lunch, we’ll meet back up with the group and walk the streets of Cartagena with a local guide who will tell us the history of the city, as we cover all the important landmarks in the area. We’ll visit locations such as the Clock Tower, Plaza de Bolivar, the Gold Museum, the Palace of Inquisition, and finish up at Las Bóvedas, the old dungeons attached to the city wall which now contain a bustling market. After a day filled with learning about Colombian culture, grab a bite to eat with the group and enjoy a night on the town before heading away from the city in the morning.
Day 3
Travel to Isla Grande and enjoy a bioluminescence night tour
Rise and shine! After breakfast, we’ll make our way to Isla Grande by boat, one of Colombia’s beautiful islands that was made for rest and relaxation. We’ll check into the eco-friendly hostel and enjoy the beach front access to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. When the sun sets, we’ll take a boat ride through the mangroves and experience the beauty of bioluminescence, made possible by the plankton in the water. Discover a new aspect of nature, learn about the science behind this magical wonder, and enjoy a swim in the glowing water. When we return, we’ll have a traditional Colombian meal and toast to a great day.
Day 4
Discover the beauty of the sea on a snorkeling excursion
We hope you slept well, as today features a day filled with adventure! We’ll start with a snorkeling tour led by local guides who will help us explore the coral reefs, the natural wildlife, and the colorful fish in the crystal-clear waters off the Colombian shore. Spend a few hours floating around this tropical paradise and learn about the local flora and fauna in the process.
Travel to Orika Village and chat with the native people
After lunch, we’ll head to Orika Village to meet with the native community to learn about their culture. We’ll chat with some of the fishermen and learn how they catch their fish, we’ll meet the women of the village, and we’ll have the pleasure of trying homemade Caballito de Papayuela, a sweet papaya treat made from a generational recipe.
Day 5
Return to reality after five days in paradise
We’ve traveled from the city to a remote island and back, exploring everything we could along the way. Now, it’s time to pack up and head back home, taking a boat back to the city and a car to the airport. We hope you had a blast and will travel with us again soon!
Accommodation
Hotel Marina Suites (or similar according to availability)
Marina Suites is located in the Bocagrande neighborhood just steps from the beach and all the local hotspots of downtown Cartagena. The hotel features comfy rooms with modern amenities, along with a delicious breakfast and a 24/7 support staff to take care of all your needs. Check out the historic city-center, the local shopping malls, and the pristine coastline from this beachside accommodation. Room type: Twin-sharing room.
El Hamaquero (or similar according to availability)
El Hamaquero is a beachfront eco retreat that features everything you want in a vacation getaway while taking care of Mother Nature in the process. They feature an authentic Colombian restaurant, bar, lush garden, hammock area, various activities, and so much more. You’ll never get bored in this little slice of heaven. Drop your bags in the dorms and jump in the turquoise sea just steps from your room! Room type: Twin-sharing room.
Included
2 nights in Hotel Marina Suites (or similar)
2 nights in El Hamaquero (or similar)
Shared occupancy in accommodation
Airport/hotel transfers
Excursion transfers
All breakfasts
All food on Isla Grande
Street art and graffiti tour
Walking city tour
Bioluminescence tour
Snorkeling excursion
Orika Village trip (snack included)
Travel insurance
English-speaking guide
24/7 guest support
Not included
Flights
All food not mentioned in inclusions
Entrance tax to island
Personal expenses not stipulated
Optional add-ons
Gratuities
FAQ
What happens if I need to cancel my trip?
Please check the on this itinerary page for specific details.
Will TourHero or the operator take care of my visa (if applicable)?
Travelers are responsible for researching visa requirements and obtaining a visa if needed. Please check government websites to ensure you have the necessary documents, along with passport requirements, before your departure date. This includes necessary transit visas, permits, and vaccinations required prior to travel and any required reciprocity fees for the destination. TourHero will provide a booking confirmation document after purchase, which may be needed to obtain a visa.
If your visa is denied for any reason, TourHero will issue a refund based on the cancellation policy. However, we are unable to provide a refund after the cancellation due date has passed.
Do I need a passport for this trip?
A full and valid passport is required for all persons traveling to any destination outside of one’s home country. Most international tours require a passport that's valid for at least six (6) months beyond the scheduled end of your itinerary. TourHero will not issue refunds based on passport issues such as renewals or lost passports.
What's included in the price?
Please check the inclusion and exclusion sections above. You'll find information about included meals, transfers, flights, and activities. If you have any questions or need support, please contact hello@tourhero.com.
Available add-on
Sunset stand-up paddleboarding experience
Did you know stand-up paddleboarding was created in Polynesia as a means of transportation? Thanks to the Hawaiians, this mode of transportation has become an enjoyable activity! Cruise around Castillo Grande Beach at dusk on a stand-up paddleboard decked out with LED lights and see the city from a new perspective. Whether you’re a paddle pro or this is your first time on a board, your guide will make sure you’re ready to go, as you float around the shoreline while the sun goes down in paradise.
Price: USD 59
20 spots left
Sunset yacht ride around the bay
Who doesn’t wanna live the good life when they travel? Add some luxury to this trip and take a yacht ride around the harbor to see all the Cartagena landmarks from a new perspective. Take pictures of the coastline as the sun sets while you enjoy free drinks and great music. There’s no better way to end a day in Colombia than this!
Price: USD 62
20 spots left
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
Your place is guaranteed at the time of full payment. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to offer any refunds for the amount paid.
- You'll find comfy rooms with all the extra you need for a great night's sleep. - Booking.com
- Welcome to Hotel Marina Suites, your first home away from home in Colombia. - Booking.com
- Leave your stuff in the dorms and enjoy the resort's beach front access! - El Hamaquero website
- Your next home away from home is at the El Hamaquero Hostal, an eco-friendly resort right on the shoreline. - Facebook
- Name a better view. We'll wait. - Facebook
- Everywhere you turn, you'll find another mural reflecting the rich history of the country. - Unsplash: simon sun
- Get up close and personal with the graffiti — pay attention to the various types of paints, textures, and styles used to tell the stories of the barrio. - Unsplash: Azzedine Rouichi
- Get your cameras ready for a day of photo ops and Colombian history! - Unsplash: Jorge Gardner
- Every mural has a story. Ask your guide all the questions you can! - Pixabay: USA-Reiseblogger
- The Cartagena Clock Tower is the city's original entrance. - Unsplash: Reiseuhu
- The dungeons of Las Bóvedas have a rich history and have been transformed into a bustling marketplace. - Unsplash: Ricardo Gomez Angel
- Walk through the underground tunnels of the San Felipe Castle, one of Cartagena's most iconic landmarks. - Unsplash: Luis Vidal
- We'll arrive at our beachfront accommodation where you can enjoy an afternoon in the sun! - Facebook
- Today, we'll take a boat ride to Isla Grande, a tropical island off the coast of Cartagena. - Facebook
- After the sun sets, we'll head to the boats and explore the phenomenon known as bioluminescence. - Facebook
- Spend the morning snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Isla Grande with a local guide. - Facebook
- You'll discover fish and other sea life you've never seen before! - Facebook
- Go at your own place and check out the coral reefs teeming with life. - Facebook
- If the weather permits, we'll get to see the local plankton at work, as they create a bioluminescent glow in the water. - Unsplash: Kevin Wolf
- In the village, you'll try homemade Caballito de Papayuela, a sweet treat made by the natives. - Unsplash: Bon Vivant
- Welcome to Cartagena, Colombia's bustling port town known for its gastronomy and art. - Unsplash: Ricardo Gomez Angel
- Today we'll explore Getsemani, one of Cartagena's coolest barrios filled with art of all kinds. - Unsplash: Leandro Loureiro
- There is no place like Cartagena, so get your cameras ready! - Unsplash: Ricardo Gomez Angel
- Colonial architecture meets old-world charm in the city square. - Pixabay: USA-Makalu
- Get lost down the colorful streets and eat your way through the city. - Pixabay: USA-Makalu
- Enjoy a sunset paddleboarding experience off the coast of this picturesque location. - Unsplash: Krzysztof Kowalik
- Live the good life on a yacht cruise through the harbor. - Unsplash: SKYLAKE STUDIO