City Sights and Beachfront Paradise in Cartagena

Your TourHero

Brenda

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

USD 498
/ person

Your Fellow Explorers

Age range

18 – 30

Travel interest

Culture & history, sightseeing, nature, beach, exploring the wild, eco-activities, meeting new people

Fellow Travelers

20
 total travelers
PennyBramAmbroseCharissaRitaAnissaStanleyAnnmarieHenriTinaAbbyJeannineDevinConorShawndaGeorgiaMegBryanSuzannaDiego
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Your Local Guide

Guide - Awake

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.

We booked a 3 day tour with Awake ti Caño Cristales. It was an excellent trip, all turned out great! Scenery beautiful, tour was great, hotel was just fine. Met great people on our tour! It was a great experience we recommend!

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Cidenyer

It is an incredible company, they fulfill the purpose of responsible tourism by generating incentives for locals to protect nature. Their destinations and trips are unforgettable!

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Carola Delgado

Travel to Caño Cristales as a couple. Excellent travel agency. Although all the attention was by phone and WhatsApp they were always very attentive with all the concerns and details of the trip. All the advisors did a great job of accompaniment. The entire itinerary offered is complied with, taking into account compliance with the guides' instructions and the group's commitment. A special thanks to Leidy Aguilar our guide who was always very attentive to us and giving the most accurate recommendations to make this trip an excellent experience. We fully recommend this agency and we hope that more people will be encouraged to get to know these beautiful tourist destinations in our country, with environmental responsibility and support for self-sustaining communities that is promoted by this company.

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Diego Martin
Colombia>City Sights and Beachfront Paradise in Cartagena

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

Brenda

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

Colombia>City Sights and Beachfront Paradise in Cartagena

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

Details

Day 1 · November 25, 2021

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!

CartagenaCartagenaCartagenaCartagena

Day 2 · November 26, 2021

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.

Getsemani, CartagenaCartagena-Street ArtCartagena-Street ArtCartagena-Street Art

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.

Cartagena-Clock TowerCartagena-San Felipe CastleCartagena-Dungeons

Day 3 · November 27, 2021

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.

Isla GrandeEl HamaqueroEl HamaqueroBioluminescence

Day 4 · November 28, 2021

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.

Isla Grande-SnorkelIsla Grande-SnorkelIsla Grande-Snorkel

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.

Orika VillageCaballito de Papayuela

Day 5 · November 29, 2021

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.

Hotel Marina SuitesHotel Marina SuitesEl HamaqueroEl HamaqueroEl Hamaquero

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

Paddle Board

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

Boat Cruise

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.

USD 498
Per person