Rhythms & Flavors: A Cultural Fiesta in Cartagena with Chanelle

duration
5 days · 4 nights
travel date
Aug 21 - 25, 2026
activity level
Moderate
group size
7 - 11
transportation
Group transportation, boat
Your TourHero
tourhero
Chanelle Glover
bio

Hey there! I'm Chanelle, an experience curator, foodie, and travel enthusiast. I truly enjoy experiences that blend culture, adventure and relaxation, which is why I've curated this amazing trip experience with TourHero. Whether it's exploring hidden gems or popular destinations, I always strive to provide good vibes! This is a great way to connect with new people, communities, and places. Cheers to enjoying experiences and creating moments that leave lasting memories!

Colombia > Rhythms & Flavors: A Cultural Fiesta in Cartagena with Chanelle

Hey y'all! Are you ready to live it up? This short but sweet trip to Cartagena packs a punch! We start with a welcome dinner at a fantastic restaurant with incredible views and even better food. Then, we'll go on a city tour, digging through Cartagena's colonial past and immersing ourselves in the local street food fare. Afterward, we'll celebrate champeta, a musical and dance genre originating from Colombia's Afro-Colombian communities. We'll take it easy on an island hopping tour to the beautiful Rosario Islands, resting and relaxing as we glide across the Caribbean. If that isn't enough relaxation for you, we'll visit Totumo, a 20-meter volcano, for a therapeutic mud bath. To bring it together, we'll end the trip with a fun night out on our final evening in Cartagena. This trip will be hard to beat, so don't miss it!

Itinerary timeline
Day 1 · August 21, 2026 · Cartagena
Arrive in Cartagena
Private group transfer from Cartagena airport to hotel with bilingual guide
Check-in at Estelar Cartagena de Indias Hotel (or similar according to availability)
Free time
Welcome dinner at Alyzia (includes starter, main dish, dessert & 1 alcoholic drink/cocktail)
Day 2 · August 22, 2026 · Cartagena
Breakfast at hotel
Colonial Cartagena & Caribbean street food tour: La Popa Convent, San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, historic center
Lunch (during or after street food tour, at own expense)
Free time
Champeta night out (includes entrance fees & 2 drinks each)
Day 3 · August 23, 2026 · Cartagena
Breakfast at hotel
Private island hopping adventure in the Rosario Islands (includes fresh fruits, lunch, 3 local beers each, snacks)
Return to hotel
Free time
Day 4 · August 24, 2026 · Cartagena
Breakfast at hotel
Visit the Totumo mud volcano
Private Caribbean cooking class (includes lunch)
Free time
Farewell dinner at Casa Cruxada (includes starter, main dish, dessert & 1 alcoholic drink/cocktail)
Day 5 · August 25, 2026 · Departure
Breakfast at hotel and checkout
Private group transfer from hotel to airport with bilingual guide
Journey ends
Details
Day 1 · August 21, 2026
Welcome to Cartagena — kick things off with a welcome dinner

-Welcome to Cartagena, Colombia's jewel on the Caribbean coast. With a mix of historic architecture, modern urbanity, and Caribbean island life, Cartagena is sure to be enthralling.

-On arrival, a swift group transfer will take us to our accommodation for check-in. Settle down and take some time to freshen up.

-We'll kick off our Colombian getaway with a welcome dinner at Alyzia, a tranquil restaurant serving a unique fusion of Mediterranean and Caribbean flavors and fantastic views. Enjoy the food, sip on drinks, and break the ice!

Day 2 · August 22, 2026
Explore Cartagena's colonial past, then tap your feet to Afro-Colombian beats in the evening

-We'll dive into Cartagena's cultural heritage on a walking tour.

-Visit La Popa Convent, a religious icon perched on a mountain top.

-Then, see San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, the largest fortress ever built by the Spaniards and a complex instrumental in the defence of Cartagena during the colonial era.

-At the historic center, we'll continue exploring Cartagena's colonial past while diving into the local street food fare.

-After the sun sets, bring out your wild side and experience a night out celebrating Champeta — a vibrant musical and dance genre originating from Cartagena's Afro-Colombian communities. Dance to energetic beats, feel the lively atmosphere, and connect with the locals!

Day 3 · August 23, 2026
Take it easy on an island hopping adventure across the Rosario Islands

-After the night out, we'll take it slow today by jetting across the Caribbean on an island hopping adventure across the Rosario Islands.

-Enjoy the sea breeze, crystal-clear waters, and pristine beaches. Continue grooving to music while sipping on beers, or relax and bask under the sun.

Day 4 · August 24, 2026
Mud bath, cooking class, and one last hurrah

-We'll further indulge in relaxation during a visit to the Totumo Mud Volcano. Located on the shore of a freshwater lagoon, Totumo is a 20-meter-high natural wonder flowing with warm and dense mud.

-Climb to the top and immerse yourself in the mud, which is believed to have therapeutic properties.

-After the rejuvenating excursion, participate in a hands-on cooking class, taking home with you recipes to remind you of the good times in Cartagena.

-Head out for one final dinner together at Casa Cruxada, a vibrant location dishing out great music and flavors. Let your hair down, and have fun!

Day 5 · August 25, 2026
Where do I even begin?

-Savor one final breakfast together before catching our group transfer to the airport.

-Thank you for joining me on this electric adventure in Cartagena. I'll be buzzing from this trip for a while. Take care, and have a safe journey home!

Tour Price
USD 2,074
per person
Flexible payment plans available
12 people are interested
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Your fellow explorers
Age range
18+
Travel interest
Food, culture, sightseeing, beaches, relaxation
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 / configuration: Double occupancy.

Included
  • 4 nights accommodation in Cartagena

  • Double occupancy in accommodation

  • All breakfasts

  • Lunch on days 3, 4

  • Dinner on days 1, 4

  • Group airport & activity transfers

  • 1 group arrival airport transfer

  • 1 group departure airport transfer

  • All activities & tours listed in itinerary

  • Bilingual guidance (during activities)

Not included
  • Flights

  • All food & drink not mentioned in inclusions

  • Personal expenses not stipulated

  • Optional add-ons

  • 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 May 18, 2026 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 May 19, 2026 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 May 18, 2026 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 room upgrade for the entire trip

Want a little more privacy during your trip? Select this single supplement add-on and have a room all to yourself.

USD 580
2 spots left