Colombian Cool: History, Beaches, and Bold Flavors with Mechellé

duration
6 days · 5 nights
travel date
Oct 9 - 14, 2025
activity level
Light
group size
6 – 10
transportation
Group vehicle, boat
Your TourHero
tourhero
Mechellé Grayson
bio

Hey there, I’m Mechellé—aka Just A Girl From Brooklyn! I curated this Colombia trip because I believe travel is all about immersing yourself in new cultures, making unforgettable memories, and connecting with incredible people along the way. From vibrant city streets to breathtaking landscapes, we’re going to experience the best of Colombia together. If you're ready for an adventure filled with culture, good vibes, and unforgettable moments, come join me! Let’s explore, laugh, and live our best lives.

Colombia > Colombian Cool: History, Beaches, and Bold Flavors with Mechellé

Dive into the heart and soul of Cartagena, a port city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast steeped in history. Colorful streets meet historic forts, dreamy islands are a short boat ride away, and tropical vibes are in the air 24/7. You’ll get the perfect mix of thrill and chill, with speedy boat rides to tranquil coral reef snorkeling, leisurely tours before a night of Champeta beats, and a full-day of wellness experiences before a night to take on the town. It’s the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery. If you’re all about soaking in new experiences, meeting awesome people, and making memories in one of Colombia’s most vibrant spots, this trip is calling your name – answer it!

Itinerary timeline
Day 1 · October 9, 2025 · Cartagena
Arrive in Cartagena
Private group transfer from Cartagena airport to hotel with bilingual guide
Check-in at InterContinental Cartagena de Indias (or similar according to availability)
Free time
Welcome dinner at Alyzia (includes starter, main dish, dessert & 1 alcoholic drink/cocktail)
Day 2 · October 10, 2025 · Cartagena
Breakfast at hotel
Visit the Totumo mud volcano
Private Caribbean cooking class with lunch
Free time
Day 3 · October 11, 2025 · Cartagena
Breakfast and check out of hotel
Private island hopping adventure in the Rosario Islands (includes fresh fruits, lunch, 3 local beers each, snacks)
Transfer to hotel
Check in at Estelar Cartagena de Indias Hotel (or similar)
Champeta night out (includes entrance fees & 2 drinks each)
Day 4 · October 12, 2025 · Cartagena
Breakfast and check out of hotel
San Basilio de Palenque tour
Transfer to hotel
Check in at InterContinental Cartagena de Indias (or similar)
Free time
Day 5 · October 13, 2025 · Cartagena
Breakfast
Spa, yoga, and meditation at Tierra Bomba with lunch
Farewell dinner at Casa Cruxada (includes starter, main dish, dessert & 1 alcoholic drink/cocktail)
Day 6 · October 14, 2025 · Departure
Breakfast and check out of hotel
Group transfer from accommodation to airport
Journey ends
Details
Day 1 · October 9, 2025
Welcome to paradise

-You’ve landed in Cartagena, the jewel of the Caribbean coast, ready to kick off your Colombian adventure! Connect with the group for the first time as we head to our hotel for check in.

-Once you’re all settled, you’ll have some free time to explore this stunning city on your own. Wander the colorful streets, check out the local shops, or kick back by the pool and shake off that post-flight drag.

-In the evening, we’ll come together for a welcome dinner at Alyzia, an unforgettable culinary experience and a delightful introduction to the deep culinary heritage of the city. Cheers to great times to come!

Day 2 · October 10, 2025
Muddy dips and cooking tricks

-The morning brings a wholly-unique experience at the Totumo Mud Volcano. Take a therapeutic dip in the warm, mineral-rich mud. Yes, it looks hilarious, but the skin benefits are out of this world (and don’t worry, we’ll have plenty of time to clean up).

-Next, we’re diving into the flavors of the Caribbean with a private cooking class. You’ll learn to prepare traditional dishes that reflect the vibrant, coastal culture of Colombia, and then enjoy the fruits of your labor with a freshly made (by you!) lunch.

-Spend the rest of the day exploring Cartagena on your own. What hidden gem will you discover?

Day 3 · October 11, 2025
On island time

-Sun, sea, and adventure await, so let’s go! We’re setting sail for the Rosario Islands, a tropical paradise just off the coast of Cartagena. Turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and a whole lot of chill await you.

-Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy fresh fruits, snacks, and a tasty lunch, plus local beers to keep the island vibes flowing. Explore the vibrant coral reefs, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters, or just relax on the beach and soak in the views.

-Tonight, experience Cartagena’s nightlife in full swing with a Champeta night out, a lively Afro-Colombian music and dance scene. Dance, sip, and vibe with the local crowd! This night will definitely have you feeling the rhythm.

Day 4 · October 12, 2025
The soul of the city

-Today, we'll dive into the profound history of San Bailio de Palenque. What started out as a refuge for escaped slaves in 1603 grew to become Colonial America's first free town. It is the birthplace of Afro-Colombian music and the epicenter of African heritage in the country.

-After this walk through history, you’ll have some free time to, reflect, relax, and go revisit the best spots of Cartagena.

Day 5 · October 13, 2025
Find your zen

-Good morning! It’s a rejuvenating day today at Tierra Bomba, a peaceful retreat with all things wellness.

-Enjoy a personalized massage tailored to your needs and preferences, a chilled-out yoga session, and meditation to center ourselves.

-After your wellness session, enjoy a delicious, freshly prepared lunch surrounded by the tranquility of this beautiful spot.

-We’ll head back to Cartagena to explore on our own a bit before our grand finale at Casa Cruxada. Indulge in a carefully curated menu featuring a starter, main dish, dessert, and a cocktail to toast the end of an incredible trip. It’s the perfect way to reflect on all the memories made, surrounded by great food and even better company.

-After dinner, you’ll have some free time to enjoy the city one last time. Make the most of your final night here!

Day 6 · October 14, 2025
Hasta luego, Colombia

-It's time to check out and say goodbye to this incredible city. A group transfer will take you from your accommodation to the airport, wrapping up an unforgettable adventure filled with culture, exploration, and discovery.

-Though the journey ends here, the memories you’ve made are coming home with you and beyond – trust us, you won’t forget the incredible way Cartagena made you feel. Safe travels!

Tour Price
USD 2,000
per person
Flexible payment plans available
12 people are interested
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Your fellow explorers
Age range
21+
Travel interest
Cultural connections, exploration, discovery, foodie fun, tropical
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
InterContinental Cartagena de Indias (or similar according to availability)

The InterContinental Cartagena is located in a privileged waterfront location in Bocagrande, an exclusive neighborhood in the city of Cartagena. Overlooking the beautiful bay of Castillogrande, this upscale hotel sits across the street from the beach, five minutes from the old city and four kilometers from the San Felipe de Barajas Fortress. Hotel amenities include a chic restaurant/bar with sea views, and indoor pool, a gym, and a lobby lounge. Modern guest rooms offer complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, safes, and sea or bay views. Room type / configuration: Double occupancy.

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 / configuration: Double occupancy.

Included
  • 5 nights accommodation in Cartagena

  • Shared double occupancy in accommodation

  • All breakfasts

  • Lunch on day 2, 3, and 5

  • Dinner on day 1 and 5

  • All activities described in the itinerary

  • One group airport arrival transfer

  • One group airport departure transfer

  • All activities described in the itinerary

  • Local guides 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 Aug 4, 2025 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT -5), 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 Aug 5, 2025 at 12:00 AM local time (GMT -5) 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 the best group rates, we need a minimum number of travelers. If that number isn't met—or if unexpected events occur (such as force majeure)—TourHero, the trip host, and the tour operator may need to cancel or reschedule.


If changes happen: You'll be notified by Aug 4, 2025 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT -5), and if the trip is canceled or rescheduled beyond your control, you'll get a full refund. We'll always update you at least 7 days in advance if this date changes.


Book smart: We recommend refundable flights and accommodations to protect your plans from any last-minute changes.

Available add-ons
Single supplement

Upgrade to total privacy with a room of your own for the duration of our trip.

USD 613
2 spots left