sol deep travel
cartagena, colombia
- Status: OPEN
experience the crown jewel of the caribbean
Experience the Crown Jewel of the Caribbean, the vibrant and tropical city of Cartagena.
Your guide, Taylar, lived in Cartagena and has been back to visit multiple times. Out of the 32 countries she’s been to, she believes Cartagena is the most fun city on the planet!
You could NEVER find another trip like this, because Taylar curated this 6-day, 5-night adventure using her local contacts and personal experiences, so you can spend authentic time with locals.
We will:
- Relax on the white-sand Caribbean beaches
- Visit a historic fort on Tierra Bomba Island
- Snorkel in the turquoise waters by an abandoned ship
- Explore the ruins of Escobar’s secret mansion
- Take a salsa lesson (so we can use our new skills on the Colombian dance floors!)
- Eat delicious typical food
- Catch crabs in the mangroves of a quiet fishing village and cook lunch in the family’s home
- Experience the best sunset views
- Listen to local storytellers share stories about their community
- ...and much more!
This trip purposely aligns with Dia de Las Velitas (Day of the Little Candles), a national holiday that symbolizes the beginning of the Christmas season. We should also see the infamous Horse Parade, where cowboys and cowgirls from all over the state ride their horses to the city and let them dance!
Early December is a beautiful time to travel to Cartagena– you can get out of the cold, escape the huge tourist crowds, and get a little R&R before the holiday rush begins.
With sun, sea, the best dance music, and Caribbean food… what more are you waiting for? Come join this one-of-a-kind Colombia trip with Sol Deep Travel.
SAY YES to the experience of a lifetime!
- Trip dates: December 5-10, 2024
- 6 days
- 5 nights
daily itinerary
Note: Sol Deep Travelers hold 3 values: Wonder, Whimsy, and a People-First attitude. That means we remain curious, playful and compassionate when exploring the world– realizing the magic happens in those unexpected moments where we go with the flow. Though Sol Deep Travel intends to adhere to the itinerary, please know we may need to make adjustments based on unforeseen circumstances.
Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the rich history of the Walled City with a local storyteller. As the sun sets, let loose and learn salsa at a local bar. Cap off the evening with a delicious dinner at an authentic restaurant, where you’ll meet fellow Sol Deep Travelers.
Day 2: Travel like a local to a Caribbean island and explore Getsemani
Rise and shine with a rooftop breakfast. Then, we’ll travel like locals to the Caribbean island community of Bocachica, where a local storyteller will show us around the 17th-century Fuerte de San Fernando. From there, we’ll boat to Punta Arena. After a traditional Cartagena lunch at a local beach club, we’ll visit an island family. As night falls, we’ll explore Getsemani, voted by Forbes as one of the top 12 neighborhoods in the world.
Day 3: Go fishing in the mangroves of a local village and witness Night of the Little candles
After breakfast, we will head to a small fishing village. Here, you’ll learn the art of mangrove fishing from an Afro-Colombian fisherman. After catching crabs and fish, we will prepare a meal in the fisherman’s home. When we get back to the city, we will enjoy the sunset at Taylar’s favorite local spot. As night falls, we will venture to the Walled City for Noche de Las Velitas, a symbolic candle-lighting holiday. If the new mayor permits, we should also witness the historic Horse Parade, where hundreds of cowboys and cowgirls show their horses in the city.
Day 4: See the ruins of Escobar’s mansion and relax at a luxurious Caribbean beach club
After a hearty breakfast, we’ll embark on an exciting island-hopping adventure on a private speed boat. We’ll visit Orika, see the ruins of Pablo Escobar’s abandoned secret island mansion, snorkel by a shipwrecked boat, and relax at the luxurious Pa’Ue Beach Lounge. Here, you can indulge in a delectable Caribbean lunch, lounge on the white sand beaches, or paddleboard in the turquoise water.
By this point in the trip, you’ve probably found something you’d REALLY like to do before you leave. Well, let’s make it happen! You’re welcome to go exploring on your own, or Taylar can support you in planning your dream day.
Ideas:
- Travel to Palenque, the first free African community in the Americas
- Plunge into the infamous mud volcano
- Take relaxation to the next level with a full spa day
- Take a cooking class
- Visit Bazurto, the chaotic open-air market
- Shop till you drop at chic boutique stores by Colombian designers (Cartagena is a shopper’s paradise
During the evening, we will meet for one final group dinner at one of the top restaurants in Cartagena
Day 6: Travel home
After eating breakfast, we will head back to the airport to travel home. If you have a flight later in the day, the hotel can safely guard your luggage after check out. That way, you’re free to explore the city or hang out at the rooftop pool.
If you’d like to connect to another city (like Santa Marta/Tayrona Beach or Medellin), just let Taylar know and she’s happy to help you plan your next steps!
Views of Cartagena’s Walled City with the Caribbean Sea in the background
In December, the city is covered with Christmas lights!
The charming streets of the Walled City
We reserved all the suites and deluxe rooms at Selina Cartagena
The suites overlook Calle Larga in Getsemani, one of the top neighborhoods in the world!
Suites are designed to give you extra space, and these hotel rooms all have hot water (a luxury in a historical building in downtown Cartagena!)
We will relax at Pa’Ue Beach Lounge
Rooftop views of the city at one of Taylar’s favorite rooftop restaurants
The Palenqueras come from the first free African city in the Americas
Riding motos around Tierra Bomba Island, which we will be visiting
Riding on local boats is quite the fun adventure!
We will go snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea
You can paddleboard or sip your drink in the shade at Pa’Ue
Taylar with two beautiful Palenqueras
Colombian street food is cheap and delicious! This is an arepa stand
Limonada de cocos (coconut limeades) are heavenly and a Cartagenan treat
Sunset views from one of two rooftops at Selina
Cartagena design is always a vibe
Sunset views at Taylar’s favorite spot to watch the sunset with locals
accomodation
The next level of comfort for someone who needs a break after the day’s adventures. Suite rooms are just like the deluxe rooms, but with extra space. These large rooms come with a queen-sized bed, sofas and chairs, and a private balcony overlooking the infamous Calle Larga to enjoy scenic views. Designed with a keen eye for detail, the suites are equipped for comfort in style.
A combination of high-end design and classic comfort. Designed with a keen eye for detail, the deluxe room is complete with a private bathroom. Features hot water (a rare commodity in the old city!) and air conditioning.
While you do have a window in the room, please note it’s probably not the most amazing view. BUT the hotel has two different rooftop pools/restaurant/bars that offer incredible views. We booked here because it’s safe, has a fabulous staff, and offers the best value in the best neighborhood in Cartagena!
Included
Not Included
Included
THE BEST TRAVEL FAM!
It can be tough when you don’t have anyone to travel with. That’s why Sol Deep Travel is here to be your new travel family! We love adventure, exploring hidden gems, learning from locals, and embracing a little whimsy (cause that’s where the magic happens).
trip leader: taylar
Taylar lived with a local family in Cartagena for half a year, and she’s been back to visit frequently since then. She knows the main areas of the city really well and is excited for you to experience the best of Cartagena!
airport transfers
Taylar will do her best to welcome you upon your arrival at the airport. Licensed taxis are very easy to take; if your flight arrival time is very late or very early, Sol Deep Travel will reimburse the cost of your taxi both to/from the airport.
ACCOMODATION
Selina Cartagena was chosen because it’s in the best neighborhood in Cartagena (ranked top 12 neighborhoods in the world by Forbes!).
Sol Deep Travel booked out all the Suites and Deluxe rooms so you have an external window, hot water, and air conditioning.
The hotel has security, 2 rooftop pools/bars overlooking the channel to the sea, and it has the KINDEST staff– Taylar knows most all of them by name. 🙂
SWIMMING POOLs with sunset views
The hotel offers two rooftop swimming pools with restaurant/bars and the friendliest waitstaff.
majority of meals
100% of breakfasts will be provided on the Selina rooftop- you get a choice from multiple options, and the food is delicious.
Meals are included when they are part of an experience, like our welcome/farewell dinners, 2 beach club visits, and lunch with the local fisherman. We’ll also get drinks (alcoholic or N/A) at some of the best spots in town!
Some meals are left open for you because Cartagena is truly a food-lover’s paradise, and we want to make sure you get to visit the spots you want to go. Sol Deep Travel prioritized really lovely dinner experiences to give you the best value and vibes during our group meals.
When you have open meals to explore on your own (or with other members of the travel fam), know there are truly meal options at every budget. There’s LOTS of street food and local spots that are crazy affordable (less than $5/meal) and delicious. Taylar can give you recommendations if you’re looking for them.
Not Included
International Fights
International flights are not included. If you want help booking your flight, please reach out. You’ll fly into Rafael Nunez International Airport (CTG).
Visas
For many nationalities (including US citizens), Colombia is visa-free for 90 days. However, make sure that you meet the visa requirements per your nationality for the duration of the trip.
Extra Activities
This would be anything not listed on our itinerary (including any activities you plan on your free day).
Travel Insurance
Please get travel insurance- if there is an emergency, you need to be covered. Sol Deep Travel can recommend companies to purchase through– just reach out.
Tips, & Personal expenses
Sol Deep Travel tips guides and servers at group meals.
Though it’s definitely not expected, if you feel moved to give an additional tip to an excellent guide, feel free to do so as many rely on tourism for their families’ livelihoods.
If you’re buying something on your own, I recommend tipping 10-20% (10% is standard, 20% is for great service). Tipping with cash is extra appreciated and is usually split between members of the team. Sometimes it’s already included in the bill, so check.
december 5-10, 2024
FAQ
Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage site and Travel + Leisure voted it as one of the top cities to visit in 2024. We will stay in the tourist area that has a high police presence to ensure safety, and our hotel accommodations include entrance security guards.
As of January 2024, the U.S. Department of State ranked Colombia as a Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Please consider this refers to the entire country, and Cartagena is a main tourist hub. Taylar has spent a significant amount of time in the city for the past 8 years and has never run into safety concerns. She curates trips in partnership with trusted local guides to provide the best experience for you.
The people of Cartagena are so kind and such lovely people. Common sense related to safety goes a long way (don’t wear flashy jewelry, keep your phone out of sight in the street, only take reputable transportation, don’t go down dark alleys at night, etc.).
What age group is this intended for?
If you’re between the ages of 18-55, come along for the adventure! Sol Deep Travelers are curious, adventurous, and love authentic travel experiences with locals.
Do I need a passport and visa?
Yes, you will need a passport.
If you’re a U.S. citizen, you’re automatically allowed to enter for 90 days without a visa.
Make sure to fill out your Check Mig information a few days before your plane ride, though. If you haven’t completed your form within an hour of boarding your plane, you won’t be allowed to fly! And we would miss you a lot.
Yes, we sure do. You’re welcome to pay all at once or in installments leading up to the trip. See the options listed at checkout or reach out to Taylar for more details.
What’s your cancellation policy?
All payments are non-refundable. For this reason, I really, really recommend investing in trip cancellation insurance as soon as your trip is booked. It’s not too expensive and can save you money and stress in the situation that an emergency arises or your plans change.
I can’t recommend travel insurance enough! I personally always buy it and it offers so much relief.
Travel insurance can help cover unexpected medical costs, trip delays, trip cancellations, baggage loss, and more.
There are a lot of different companies you can use. Taylar recommends Safety Wing, Allianz, and World Nomads. Akko is great for electronics (cell phone, laptop).
Policies differ, so make sure to check the benefits of each plan and feel free to reach out to Taylar with any questions.
Will I have free time on this trip?
AB-SO-LUTELY! This is a key element of Sol Deep Travel trips that touch on two of three of our pillars: Wonder and Whimsy.
As someone who has gone on frequent solo-travel trips, Taylar completely understands the desire to a) get some introvert time in, or b) dedicate time to doing exactly what YOU want to do!
Taylar chose group events based on the experiences she thought everyone would like most. But, she left an entire day open for you to plan whatever you’d like to do. It’s toward the end of the trip so you have time to decide how you want to spend it.
Sol Deep Travel can help you schedule any activities or tours you’d like to partake in, and can also offer suggestions based on your interests.
What sets Sol Deep Travel apart from other travel companies?
You will never find another trip like this on Earth! That’s because Taylar has spent an extensive amount of time scouting out partners and meeting local friends so she can provide you a one-of-a-kind opportunity you could never find online.
Sol Deep Travel will NEVER be the surface-level company that rushes you from tourist spot to tourist spot solely so you can get aesthetic content for IG.
That’s great and all but…why not get some great pics of you EXPERIENCING life through all the five senses?! Immersing yourself in the local culture is wayyy more fun!
Sol Deep Travel tries to keep the trips as affordable as possible to offer this opportunity to as many people as possible. We really, really want to show off Colombia to as many people as possible!
We will show you the beautiful highlights of the city (like the best rooftop bar, a luxury Caribbean beach club, or the hottest place to dance the night away), but you best bet we’re also gonna eat some food where locals eat, and take the small local boat to visit an island community…because beauty is found in the whimsical adventure! If Taylar had to sum it up best– it’s taking the most meaningful experiences across the board to give you a taste of the breathtaking, vibrant culture you’re experiencing.
As much as it logistically makes sense, Sol Deep Travel partners with small local businesses and/or families for our group experiences vs. big travel companies. We support grassroots as much as possible, and we compensate our local partners very well for their time, compassion, and expertise.
What are cultural differences I should be aware of?
Please note there’s nowhere in Colombia that you can flush toilet paper– pipes just aren’t made to support it! Luckily, we will have hot water, but many places don’t. I recommend buying bottled water and avoiding tap water.
Colombian people are SO lovely; I adore so many of them. With that said, any time there is a great disparity of economic statuses in a small area, there’s a chance opportuntists will want to take advantage of a situation. For that reason, I really recommend leaving valuable jewelry at home and keeping your cell phone out of sight while in the street.
Also, there are many people hustling in the downtown area because they are truly trying to support their family’s survival. Chances are they may offer you a “free trial” but really hope you buy something in the end. If you want to pay them for their product or service (street rappers are infamous here!), I STRONGLY encourage you to do so. But if you’re not interested, say a quick “no gracias,” look forward, and keep it moving because it will save both you and the street vendor time. 🙂
