TrovaTripPrivate Groups
City & Culture7 days
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Colombia

Vibrant Cartagena Getaway

Operated by Intrepid DMC Colombia3,819 travelers have done this trip

About this trip

Embark on a captivating 4-day escapade to Cartagena de Indias, where the vibrant pulse of the old city awaits. Immerse yourself in its historic allure by wandering cobblestone streets and savoring typical street food while discovering the rhythms of Champeta dance in the company of locals. Experience the Caribbean Sea with a private boat journey to the breathtaking Rosario Island archipelago, unveiling hidden white sand beaches and endless coral reefs. This trip will gift you with cherished memories of Colombia to treasure for a lifetime.

What's included

  • Accommodations: 4-star hotel (3 nights). Twin occupancy.
  • Meals: 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
  • 4 guided experiences included
  • Local guide throughout trip

What's not included

  • Flights (except as noted)
  • Food & Alcohol (except as noted)
  • Visas & Travel Insurance
  • Airport Transfers
  • Tips & Gratuity

Included Experiences

  • Walled City Tour & San Felipe Fortress
  • Cartagena Walking Food Tour
  • Champeta Dancing Class & Cocktail
  • Caribbean Islands Exploration

Day by day7 days · 1 cities

  1. Day 1

    Welcome to Colombia!

    Welcome to Colombia! Please be prepared to meet in the lobby at 5:30 P.M for the welcome meeting. Then at 6:30 pm depart for your welcome dinner. The dinner reservation time will be finalized closer to your trip date. If you plan on arriving today, we recommend flying into Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG).

    Stay (one of these)3 nights
    • Nacar HotelStandard Hotel package option
    • Hotel NacarOvernight in Cartagena.

    You’ll stay in one of the above (or another property of equivalent tier). twin occupancy.

    MealsDinner
  2. Day 2

    San Felipe Fortress & Walled City Walk

    Today, you will experience the magic of Cartagena de Indias. In the morning, you'll take a brief transfer to San Felipe Fortress, where you'll discover how the Spaniards defended against the pirate attacks 350 years ago. Following that, you will explore the walled city on foot, with its picturesque cobblestone streets filled with history and art. You'll have some free time for lunch on your own. In the afternoon, you´ll have a street food tour. You will have a sample fresh cocos, cheese arepas, fruits, and other delightful local snacks. At sunset, get your groove on with a Champeta dancing class at a local studio! As the weather may be hot, we recommend bringing a bottle of water, and wearing comfortable shoes, lightweight clothing, and a hat.

    • Walled City Tour & San Felipe Fortress
      After breakfast, and following a brief 15-minute private transfer, you'll step into the imposing San Felipe Fortress, known locally as the "guardian of Cartagena." Perched atop San Lorenzo Hill, this historical site offers strategic views of the city and the bay. Visiting the fortress is a journey through time, showcasing how the Spaniards defended against pirate attacks by the British and French in 1657. Next, you'll continue with a 15-minute transfer to the summit of Mount La Popa to explore a historical convent with incredible views and a fascinating past. Learn about how this religious complex endured constant pirate attacks. Finally, a 15-minute transfer will take you to the renowned walled city, globally acclaimed for its protective walls against pirate assaults. This part of the city is incredibly attractive, and your guide will regale you with memorable histories. Here, you'll explore the cobblestone streets on foot, covering approximately 0.5 to 1 mile during the tour. After the tour, you'll be transferred back to the hotel, with some free time for lunch on your own. Entrance fees to San Felipe Fortress and La Popa convent are included.
      09:00· 180 min· Cartagena
    • Cartagena Walking Food Tour
      In the afternoon, you will have a street food tour activity. You need to be at 4:00 pm at the Tower clock in Cartagena to meet with the English-speaking guide. Accompanied by your guide, you'll explore the historical area on foot, making several stops to savor Colombia's most traditional street food. Immerse yourself in the colorful street markets of Cartagena, where energetic vendors create a lively atmosphere. Witness the impressive sight of women carrying trays of fruits on their heads. This tour includes a fresh coco, a cheese arepa, and an ice cream per person. Additional snacks and drinks can be purchased on-site, so we recommend bringing cash. The tour covers flat terrain and spans between 0.5 and 1 mile. There will be restroom facilities available during the tour with a fee. After concluding the tasting tour, you will proceed directly to the Champeta Dancing class.
      15:30· 180 min· Cartagena
    • Champeta Dancing Class & Cocktail
      The tasting tour will leave you at Salsa Crazy, a lively dancing studio situated in the heart of Cartagena. In Colombia, dance is an integral part of daily life, it runs through their veins. As you arrive at the studio, you'll be greeted with a cocktail and a warm welcome from the staff. It's then time to groove with a Champeta dancing class. Embrace the opportunity to learn the basic steps of this vibrant and joyful dance. This class is designed for beginners, so feel free to let loose, move to the music, and enjoy the experience. The studio room is private for the group, adorned with mirrors, and equipped with special lighting and a sound system. The class lasts for one hour, and afterward, a quick 15-minute private transfer will take you back to your hotel for those who want to return to the hotel.
      18:00· 60 min· Cartagena
    MealsBreakfast
  3. Day 3

    Private Boat to the Rosario Islands

    An unforgettable day awaits to explore the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea alongside your fellow travelers. A short transfer separates your hotel from the port, where the adventure commences. Embark on a private boat for a picturesque journey to the Rosario Islands. Spend the day exploring these islands, uncovering secluded white sand beaches, and admiring the vibrant coral reefs. A midday stop is scheduled at a beach for a delectable Caribbean lunch. The return journey is in the afternoon, so it's advisable to pack a backpack with essentials such as a swimsuit, flip-flops, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and an extra change of clothing.

    • Caribbean Islands Exploration
      After breakfast, your adventure begins with a brief 10–15-minute private transfer to the Cartagena pier, where an exclusive boat awaits, reserved solely for your group's comfort. As you set sail, the initial stretch gifts you breathtaking panoramas of Cartagena, adorned with remnants of historic Spanish architecture. Traverse the waters and soon behold the picturesque Tierra Bomba island, a preety isle in close proximity to Cartagena. The highlight of the voyage unfolds as you traverse the enchanting Rosario Islands—a cluster of 27 paradisiacal isles. Each island boasts its own allure, framed by vibrant corals, thriving marine ecosystems, and pristine stretches of white sand beaches. A midsea pause grants you the chance to plunge into the crystalline waters, indulging in the marvels of the ocean's vibrant life. At noon, the journey leads to a halt at Playa Blanca, an immaculate white sand beach nestled in Baru island. Here, a delectable Caribbean lunch awaits, enriching your experience with local flavors. Post-lunch, the return journey navigates back to Cartagena, leaving the remainder of the afternoon free for you to revel in the comforts of your hotel's facilities.
      08:30· 360 min· Cartagena
    MealsBreakfastLunchDinner
  4. Day 4

    Adiós Cartagena & Safe Travels

    All good things must come to an end, but only until your next adventure! Enjoy a final breakfast and then make your own way onward. If departing directly from the hotel, we recommend flying out of Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG).

    MealsBreakfast

Large Groups

Traveling with 15 or more?

Groups of 15+ get a dedicated account manager to help customize your trip.

Common questions

How does this work?

You start the trip and pick a date. Share the private trip link with friends and they commit by saving a card on file. No one is charged anything today. Once at least 8 friends commit and TrovaTrip confirms the booking, the trip locks in and everyone's card is charged a 25% deposit. If at least 8 people don't commit before the window closes, all holds are released and no one is charged.

When am I actually charged?

Only if the trip confirms, meaning at least 8 people commit and TrovaTrip approves the booking. Until then, your card is saved but nothing is charged. Once the trip confirms, we capture a 25% deposit. The remaining balance is due 90 days before your departure date.

What if we don't get enough friends to commit?

If at least 8 people don't commit before the window closes, all card holds are released automatically. Nothing is charged and the trip simply does not happen.

Can I cancel after I commit?

Yes, anytime before the trip is confirmed you can cancel and your card hold is released immediately, no questions asked. After the trip is confirmed and your 25% deposit has been captured, our standard cancellation and refund policy applies based on how far out your departure is. See our refund policy for details.

Does the price change as more friends join?

No. The per-traveler price is set when the trip is created and stays the same for everyone. More friends joining doesn't lower (or raise) what anyone pays.

What if I want different dates than the group?

When you commit you pick which of the proposed dates work for you. If the group lands on a date you can't do, your hold is released and you're under no obligation.

Who's actually running the trip?

TrovaTrip handles the on-the-ground logistics — hotels, ground transport, guides, activities, and the vetted local operator (Intrepid DMC Colombia for this one). Travelers book their own flights. We've run thousands of group trips across 80+ countries. Once your group locks in, we take over and you get a real human point of contact.

Can I customize the trip?

Custom trips are available for groups of 15 or more. Because customization involves coordinating with local operators, hotels, and guides, it requires close collaboration with our team. If your group is 15+, and a dedicated account manager will work with you on the details.

7 days · From $1,571 / person

8 minimum travelers to lock it in

No charge until at least 8 friends sign up.