Cartagena is an eclectic, vibrant city just a 3-hour plane ride from Miami, perfect for a mini-moon, an anniversary, a romantic getaway or even a girls’ getaway weekend. Start with VIP, fast track immigration at the airport on arrival, privately whisked away in a luxury sedan to one of South America’s finest Relais & Chateaux properties for luxurious comfort and pampering. Enjoy a number of VIP private experiences such as rum and chocolate tasting, where alongside an expert, you’ll spend 2 hours learning about the intricacies of rum, the various production methods, and how to identify the flavors and characteristics of different types and ages of rums. Pair some of Colombia’s most exclusive rums with different premium Colombian chocolates and hear the history of cacao and chocolate in different regions, followed by dinner at Celele, rated among Latin America's Best 100 Restaurants pioneering contemporary Caribbean cuisine.
Wake up early the next morning to escape to Cartagena’s countryside to visit a private nature reserve with a very special conservation program that aims to protect the highly endangered cotton-top tamarin monkey. Alongside a conservation expert, trek through a tropical dry forest in search of these rare primates and learn about the ecosystems and wildlife in Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Along the way, guests can also spot howler and capuchin monkeys and beautiful exotic birds. Continue visiting the tree nursery where guests can partake in the reforestation activities of the conservation program.
Upon return to the city, get insider access to Cartagena’s fashion and design scene. Visit the boutiques of top designers and ateliers of trendy emerging designers. From colorful bathing suits and handcrafts to trendy Panama hats, linen outfits, mochila artisanal handbags, exquisite jewelry, and much more! Prior to departing, discuss with the fashion expert your style, budget, and interests, to ensure you visit the right spots.
After shopping you deserve a drink!. Visit one of the top bartenders in Cartagena to learn some unique creative mixology. Spend a couple hours perfecting your skills with different types of bartending tools, mixology techniques, local ingredients, and cool decorations to prepare amazing cocktails.
Day 3 drive to the beaches of El Laguito and join a local surfing pro to master the pop-up technique and enjoy some fun in the ocean. More advanced surfers can learn new tricks and perfect their style with some Colombian flare.
Now that you have worked up an appetite, head out to a cooking class, led by local top chef to immerse in Colombia’s Caribbean cuisine and learn to prepare some of Cartagena’s most typical dishes, including ceviche, seafood soup, coconut rice, plantain chips, and a few other Colombian secrets. The menu can be designed based on guests’ preferences, dietary restrictions, and families with kids. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with a 3-course meal and lots of beer and wine.
No trip to Colombia would be complete without some dancing. Often dubbed as the “land of a thousand rhythms,” Colombia is home to a vibrant, diverse, and ever-evolving musical environment. Join professional dancers and learn how to dance some Colombia’s iconic rhythms such as Cumbia, Salsa, and Champeta
Day 4 will be a full day island hopping aboard a 46-foot private yacht, departing towards the Islas del Rosario archipelago, located 1.5 hours from Cartagena. Spend the day cruising between islands, swimming, and snorkeling in the azure waters of these coralline islands. An English-speaking host will be available to help navigate to the most calm and secluded spots, and translate between guests and the Spanish-speaking crew. Enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants or beach clubs located in the islands.
Other options include Kayaking approximately 3km across the calm waters of Cartagena’s bays, to reach the southern side of Tierra Bomba Island, take a lunch break and kayak back, or take a private boat and spend the day at one of Tierra Bomba’s beach clubs. Prices depend on whether the private boat option is included. Without the boat expect to spend $600-700 per person per day. The trip can be tailored to lower budgets as well. Latitude Expeditions works with our on-the-ground partner in Columbia, Galavanta Columbia (See https://galavanta.com/)
Comments