Cartagena & The Carnival

Day 1

Arrive into Bogota. Drive to hotel, evening to relax, Overnight in Bogota. Meal plan: N/A

Day 2

Half day tour of Bogota incl. Gold museum, historic Candelaria area and Monserrate. Afternoon free to explore/relax. Overnight in Bogota. Meal plan: B

Nestled high in the Andes at 2620 m. (8646 ft), Santafé de Bogotá, to give it its full title, is a city of contrasts. It's a city of highrise buildings standing next to colonial churches, museums and artisan cafés. Its influences range from Spanish and English to the Indian. It is a city of wild traffic and calm oases reflecting a bygone era. La Candelaria is Bogota's old town, a historic neighbourhood in downtown Bogotá. The architecture of the old houses, churches and buildings has Spanish Colonial and Baroque styles and it houses several universities, libraries and museums. This vibrant district hosts the Botero museum, which showcases not only the works of Colombia's most famous painter but also paintings by Monet and Picasso from Botero's private collection, the largest and most impressive Gold museum in the world with an enormous assortment of pre-Hispanic gold work, the church of Monserrate with its stunning views over the city as well as many government buildings and an array of cafés and restaurants to suit every taste.

Day 3

After breakfast transfer to Bogota airport for a flight to Cartagena. Transfer from the airport in Cartagena to the hotel. Rest of day to relax. Overnight in Cartagena. Meal plan: B

Day 4

Early breakfast followed by city walking tour of the old town including the main historical sights of the old town including the principal plazas, churches, cathedral and historical buildings (2-3 hours). Lunch followed by a city driving tour taking in Boca Grande beach area, the Moorish-influenced district of La Manga, a hill top monastery and the castle. Overnight in Cartagena. Meal plan: B, L

Meander through Cartagena’s picture-perfect streets, and admire the city that is famous for both its beauty and its history. Founded in 1533, Cartagena became the main port on the Caribbean coast during Spanish rule. Treasure was stored in the city until it could be taken to Spain and for this reason, in the 16th century, Cartagena suffered five sieges including one led by Francis Drake in 1586. This is why the Spaniards then built the forts (Fuertes) and walls (Las Murallas) that still encompass the old town. The Puerta del Reloj (Clock Gate) signifies the entrance to the inner part of the walled city, also called Calamari. Just behind this is the Plaza de los Coches which used to serve as a slave market. The Plaza de la Aduana and Plaza de Bolivar also have fascinating historical context as well as the numerous churches, museums, convents and monuments.

Day 5

CARNAVAL DE BARRANQUILLA – early breakfast, drive to Barranquilla to attend Colombia’s largest and most colourful carnival. Watch the amazing processions of puppets, enjoy the rhythms of Colombia’s multi-cultural music and the colours of the vibrant costumes and flowers. Return late and overnight in Cartagena. Meal plan: B

Carnaval de Barranquilla is widely known as one of the biggest and best parties in Latin America. The streets are packed with dancers, musicians performing many styles of music but predominantly Cumbia originating from costal Colombia, and marching bands, processions and masquerades. The incredible mix and fusion of the Spanish, African and indigenous cultures in the festivities meant that it was declared one of UNESCO’s World Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2003.

Day 6

Unwind and relax after the carnival by taking a therapeutic dip in the mud volcano, returning back to Cartagena for late lunch. Afternoon free for additional sightseeing or souvenir shopping. Overnight in Cartagena. Meal plan: B, L

Volcan de Lodo el Totumo is 52km northeast of Cartagena and while it is a small 15 metre volcano, it is in fact the highest mud volcano in Colombia. There are many myths and legends attached why it spews mud rather than ash or lava. Locals believe that the mud was brought about by a priest to drown the devil that was responsible for the fire, ash and lava erupting from the volcano. A more likely cause however is the pressure of gases emitted underground by decaying organic matter.

Day 7

Breakfast, relax. Flight to Bogota and onward transfer. Meal plan: B