Cartagena Escape: Afro-Colombian Culture & Island Indulgence

Welcome to Cartagena! After arriving at Rafael Núñez International Airport, private transfers will bring you to the InterContinental Hotels Cartagena de Indias by IHG where the Roam & Wander team will be ready to greet you at our group check-in desk. Settle into your room, receive your welcome bag and trip materials, and take a moment to relax after your journey.

Your welcome bag includes snacks and bottled water for your room, a Roam & Wander mini travel guide with the full itinerary and helpful Cartagena tips, emergency contacts, and a special Roam & Wander gift.

If you arrive earlier in the day, you’ll have free time to unwind or join us on a Private Tuk-tuk Tour of Cartagena. Our local guides will point out those places you need to get familiar with upon your arrival (restaurants, shops, museums, money exchange and supermarkets), as well as the highlights of the city while you relax on the ride and enjoy the Cartagena atmosphere.

In the evening, we’ll gather for our Welcome Reception on the hotel’s sunset terrace. Enjoy drinks, light music, and delicious hors d’oeuvres while meeting your fellow travelers and Roam & Wander hosts. It’s the perfect way to kick off an unforgettable weekend in Cartagena.

Start the morning at your own pace with breakfast at the hotel before we head out for one of the most meaningful experiences of the trip.

Today we travel to San Basilio de Palenque, the first free Afro-Colombian town in the Americas and a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage site. Founded by formerly enslaved Africans who fought for their freedom, Palenque is a living symbol of resilience, identity, and cultural preservation.

During our guided visit, you’ll learn about the town’s history and traditions while meeting members of the local community. We’ll visit a family home, explore local artisan shops, and stop by the community’s school of music and arts to experience the rhythms and cultural expressions that have been passed down for generations.

While visiting the school, we’ll have an opportunity to see first-hand how donations and contributions from groups like ours benefit the students.

The experience includes lunch at a local restaurant where you’ll enjoy authentic regional cuisine before returning to Cartagena in the afternoon.

The evening is yours to enjoy — relax at the hotel, explore Cartagena’s vibrant neighborhoods, discover local restaurants, or take in the city’s nightlife at your own pace.

After breakfast, we head out for a full day on the Caribbean Sea.

Today’s experience is all about sun, water, and relaxation as we sail by private boat to the breathtaking Rosario Islands, an archipelago known for its crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches. Along the way, enjoy the sea breeze, beautiful coastal views, and time to unwind with fellow travelers.

Once we arrive, you’ll have time to relax in beachfront cabanas, swim in the turquoise water, or simply soak up the Caribbean sunshine. Lunch and drinks are included, making this the perfect chance to fully settle into vacation mode.

We’ll return to Cartagena in the afternoon, leaving the rest of the evening free for you to explore the city, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, or relax at the hotel.

Today’s experience offers a deeper look into the culture, resilience, and daily life of Afro-Colombian communities along Cartagena’s Caribbean coast.

We’ll visit the villages of Lomita Arena and Tierra Baja, where local guides will share the history, traditions, and realities of life within these close-knit communities. In Lomita Arena, you’ll learn about the community’s connection to the surrounding freshwater lake and Caribbean Sea, including traditional fishing practices and the ways residents use the natural environment to support everyday life.

As we continue to Tierra Baja, we’ll explore the role of Afro-Colombian art, handmade crafts, and cultural expression within the community. Through local artwork and storytelling, you’ll gain insight into the history, identity, and worldview that continue to shape the region today.

The experience concludes with lunch in the coastal village of La Boquilla, where guests will enjoy freshly prepared local cuisine, including Cartagena’s famous fried fish, before returning to the hotel.

Enjoy a relaxed morning with free time to experience Cartagena at your own pace. Wander the colorful streets of the historic city, shop for local crafts and artwork, visit museums, or simply unwind and soak up the Caribbean atmosphere one more time.

Later in the day, guests will take part in an energetic Champeta Dance Experience, where local instructors will introduce the rhythms, movement, and cultural history behind one of Cartagena’s most iconic Afro-Colombian music and dance styles. Whether you’re a beginner or simply looking to have fun, this experience offers a lively and memorable way to connect with the spirit of the Colombian Caribbean.

In the evening, we’ll gather for a special Farewell Dinner in the heart of Getsemaní, Cartagena’s most vibrant and artistic neighborhood. Set among colorful colonial architecture and lively streets, this private dining experience will feature a curated local menu, specialty cocktails, and live music.

This final evening together is a chance to relax, celebrate the memories we’ve made, and toast to an unforgettable Cartagena experience with your fellow travelers and Roam & Wander hosts.

Enjoy one final morning in Cartagena before heading home. Guests may have breakfast at the hotel before checking out by noon.

Private airport transfers will be arranged according to each traveler’s departure time to ensure a smooth and stress-free trip back to Rafael Núñez International Airport.

If you have a later flight, the hotel can store your luggage after check-out so you can enjoy a final stroll through the city, pick up souvenirs, grab lunch at a local café, or simply take in the atmosphere of Cartagena one last time.

While departures mark the end of this journey, we hope the memories, connections, and experiences from this trip stay with you long after you return home.