Discover the African Heartbeat in Colombia
Dates
March 7-12, 2024
Pricing
$2499 USD per person
Length
5 nights/6 days
Group Size
10 Travelers Maximum
Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Colombian culture, where African roots run deep, shaping music, dance, cuisine, and faith. Afro-Colombians form nearly a quarter of the total population, their ancestral legacy an integral strand in the nation's rich cultural weave. Join us, Fisheye Journeys, and Dr. Ervin Dyer, Africana studies professor and journalist, as we embark on a captivating exploration around Cartagena. Together, we'll unveil the enduring African elements that define Colombia's distinct identity today.
Step into the rhythm of Colombia as you master Champeta, a dance pulsating with Afro-Colombian beats.
Explore San Basilio de Palenque, a village steeped in history and echoing with the voices of African ancestors.
Journey through a bustling market with a local chef. We'll scoop up fresh produce before a hands-on cooking session in her studio.
Bring your swimsuit! We’ll unwind on the pristine sands of a crystal-clear beach.
And so much more!
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Hola, Cartagena!
We’re settling into our stylish digs in the vibrant neighborhood of Getsemani. Once you've had a moment to refresh and unwind, we’ll dive into our evening itinerary.
First, we're off to a rooftop champeta class. This Afro Colombian dance is a vibrant way to feel the pulse of Cartagena. With a welcome drink in hand and the Walled City as our backdrop, we’ll start moving to the beat.
Post-dance, we'll head back to our home base for a scrumptious dinner at the hotel's in-house restaurant, a cozy spot that's a blend of charm and culinary delight. If you're up for more, the city's nightlife is just a stroll away.
So, here's to day one of our Cartagena adventure - filled with dance, delectable food, and a glimpse of the city's lively night scene. Let's get this journey started!
Meals included: dinner + cocktail
Day 2
Day two kicks off with breakfast at our hotel. Then, we're off to La Boquilla, a fishing village nestled in northern Cartagena. This place carries a strong Afro-Caribbean influence that resonates with history and culture. Here, we get a chance to meet local fishermen, whose tales lend us a unique perspective on the everyday life and spirit of this community. We’ll have a traditional lunch of coconut rice, patacones (fried plantains), fried fish, and garlic crabs.
Before arriving back to our hotel, we’ll make a stop at a local non-profit in the San Francisco neighborhood, a hub that empowers underprivileged kids with essential skills, like English and computer literacy.
Afterward, enjoy some free time. Explore shops or unwind with a hotel massage before we regroup for dinner.
Meals included: breakfast + lunch
Day 3
Rise and shine! We're journeying to San Basilio de Palenque, a testament to the resilience and spirit of formerly enslaved people who founded this town. We'll be led by a local guide who'll help us explore the rich history encapsulated in the monuments of Benkos Biohó, the town's founder, and Kid Pambelé, a World Boxing Champion.
Next, we'll visit a local dance school, where we’ll listen to the soul-stirring rhythm of the drums. Here, you'll witness first-hand how this community has fiercely preserved its African spirit for over 400 years.
After we've soaked up the culture and history, we'll gather for a communal lunch in the town, a chance to taste local cuisine and share stories.
Welcome to day three of our group tour in Cartagena - a day of history, rhythm, and community.
Meals included: breakfast + lunch
Day 4
We’ll start our day by diving into the lively chaos of Mercado Bazurto, with a local chef leading the way. As we navigate through the market's bustling lanes, we'll taste an array of fruits native to the area, each bursting with unique flavors.
We'll also sample some of the local delicacies right in the market, following in the footsteps of the late great Anthony Bourdain. It's a chance to savor the very essence of Cartagena, through food that's steeped in tradition and memory.
With our taste buds tingling and bags filled with fresh farm-to-market veggies, we'll then head back to the chef’s cozy restaurant. There, we'll don aprons for a hands-on cooking class where we'll create, and later devour, a three-course feast. No cooking experience? No worries. The only requirement is a love for food, and you'll leave armed with recipes to recreate the day's dishes back home.
Meals included: breakfast + lunch
Day 5
Once we've fueled up with breakfast, we're boarding our private boat bound for the Rosario Islands. It's a day designed for pure seaside indulgence.
We'll enjoy a leisurely lunch on the sun-kissed beach, with plenty of time for you to explore or simply soak in the island vibes before we reconvene.
In the evening, we'll gather for our final group dinner at a trendy restaurant. It's a simple, perfect day to wind down our journey in Cartagena.
Meals included: breakfast + dinner
Day 6
We'll kick off our day breaking bread together one last time over breakfast. After that, we've arranged private transportation to get you to the airport smoothly.
As you head home, we hope you'll be buzzing with the energy and spirit of Colombia, and already daydreaming about your next journey back to this vibrant land.
Meals included: breakfast
Additional info
Included:
Accommodation for 5 nights (all rooms are double occupancy with a private bathroom in each room)
Transportation to and from the airport
In-country transportation
Meals as noted
Activities as noted
Translator for activities as noted
Not included:
Airfare in and out of the country
Mandatory travel insurance
Visa
Health insurance
Alcohol, except where noted
Accommodations: We will be staying in a 4-star boutique hotel in the Getsemani neighborhood.
This trip will include 5 shared rooms. If you sign up with someone else, you will be paired up with that person. Otherwise, you will be assigned a roomie. We will put you and your roomie in contact before the trip! More details regarding accommodation will be shared upon purchase of the trip.
Single room supplements are available and are first come, first served. A single room supplement is $900.
Airport: Look for flights that arrive no later than 2PM on the day the trip starts to make sure you don’t miss any of the activities. The airport is Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG).
Travel Insurance: Just a heads up - flight insurance offered by airlines isn't the same as travel insurance. We need all our travelers to secure travel insurance, and it's crucial to get this sorted within three days of making your initial trip deposit. We don't mean to be sticklers, but we'll need proof of this insurance within the same three-day window of booking your trip. It's just one of those necessary steps to ensure we all embark on our journey with peace of mind.
What to expect in Colombia: This trip is ideal for those who enjoy discovering local culture, trying new foods, and embarking on adventures. Our centrally located hotel puts us in close proximity to many attractions, and we'll be walking to several activities. While taxis are always an option, sometimes walking can be quicker due to the city's traffic. It's a great chance to experience the local lifestyle in the heart of Cartagena.
Pricing: The trip cost is $2,499 per person. A $500 initial non-refundable deposit per person is required to reserve your spot and is included in this total price. A single room supplement is $900 and is due at sign up. Final payment is due no later than 45 days prior to departure. All payments must be made by card.
Please read our FAQs page and Booking Terms and Conditions for more information.