Cartagena, colombia

for the culture curious

Cartagena is a vibrant, coastal city full of life and undeniable beauty. Its historic center still has its original architecture, pebbled alleys, green plazas and colorfully painted facades. Its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters beg you to gaze out at the Caribbean Sea for hours at a time. But, there is so much more to Cartagena than its perfect blend of island weather and architecture. This former Spanish colony was the kingdom’s largest slave port and it is also home of the first freed black community in the Americas. Making Cartagena a perfect destination for the cultural curious.

#theworldisourclassroom

What’s Included

• Transfers to/from CTG airport

• 7 nights at a beach-front resort and spa

• Meals as noted (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

• All activities on itinerary and transportation to/from activities

• A group photographer to capture the moments and memories you will tresure

• A few surprises!

Schedule of classes

• DAY 1: APRIL 13 | ¡BIENVENIDO A CARTAGENA! (D)
  Private transfer from CTG Airport to Hotel Las Americas Resort, Spa and Centro de Convenciones.
  Once you settle-into your room, join the group for a welcome dinner.
  

• DAY 2: APRIL 14 | TIME TRAVEL (B)
  Our lesson begins with a walking tour of history and immersion in the beauty of current day. We will visit: the Cerro de La Popa, an old Augustinian convent, the Bazurto market, the neighborhoods of Bocagrande and Castillogrande and the most beautiful squares, churches and streets of the Historical Center.
  

• DAY 3: APRIL 15 | NATURE 101 (B)
  Today is about soaking-in the ecological wonders of the Volcano of Totumo (literally). We will have a once in a lifetime opportunity, to bath in the warm mud pool that is 1600+ feet deep. Do not worry! The mud is so thick that it is impossible to sink. Afterwards, we will be rinsed by local women in the lagoon nearby (for a little tip). They also offer massages in the mud pool (not included). Duration: approximately 4 hours.
  

• DAY 4: APRIL 16 | ROOTS & CULTURE (B)
  San Basilio de Palenque is a small village nestled in the foothills of the Montes de Maria. It was founded in the 16th century—the exact date remains unknown—by Benkos Biohó, a former African king from either the Democratic Republic of Congo or Angola, who was sold into slavery and escaped the slave port of Cartagena in 1599. He fled his captors into the swamps to the south of Cartagena and went on to form an army of escaped slaves who conquered the area around the Montes de Maria. Their music and a tremendous strategy of defense enabled Palenque de San Basilio to officially become the first free town of the Spanish colonies in 1613. Duration: approximately 6 hours.
  

• DAY 5: APRIL 17 | RECESS (B)
  Isla San Pedro de Majagua is a part of the Rosario Islands (Islas del Rosario). The islands are an archipelago formed by coral reefs with small white sand beaches, and clear Caribbean waters that invite snorkelers and divers to appreciate the diverse marine life. This is a day of chillaxin’ - swim or relax, eat and repeat.
  

• DAY 6: APRIL 18 | ART APPRECIATION (B)
  Today’s lesson takes us on a culinary and art tour. We’ll start the day accompanied by our chef, learning about, tasting and buying the ingredients from the Mercado de Bazurto. Once we have what we need we will go to a fully equipped restaurant kitchen to prepare the menu. For desert we will feast on the neighborhood’s art. Getsemaní has undergone a massive cultural renaissance over the course of the last decade and is now the artistic heart and soul of Cartagena. One of the most striking (and obvious) attributes of this rebirth is the street art. The streets are talking, and a local guide will translate the lessons. Duration: 2 1/2 hours.
  

• DAY 7: APRIL 19 | CARTAGENA & CHILL (B, D)
  Today is our last day in Cartagena and it’s totally yours to design. So, shop, enjoy the spa, explore the city at your own pace, or consider a half-day excursions to nearby attractions. Before we head home, we’ll gather one last time to make more, laugh, drink, eat and exchange information. We’re tribe now!
  

• DAY 8: APRIL 20 | ¡ADIOS CARTAGENA! (B)