Colombia · August 19 - 25 2024
Experience Afro-Colombia
Discover the lively culture & hidden rhythms of beautiful Black communities, without the stress of planning every detail
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Overview
Take a rare journey through Black Colombia, welcomed by the warm, smiling faces of African descendants. Let the Afro Colombian rhythms be this trip’s soundtrack, starting in Cali’s lively music scene and ending in the vibrant Afro-history of Cartagena. Met by inviting smells of tasty ancestral dishes while visiting the kitchen of an Afro-Colombian chef, all prepared with the love of family. Walk through communas full of life, hearing of resilience, progressive community efforts and stories that are usually untold. Only here will you see a bold message in the form of street art; PRIDE (Spanish: Orgullo) with the Black fists…seen from up above. Sun sets but we caa’ done, the energy is highest ova’ di Wall-ed city and our time has come to dance and lime with the locals!
Highlights
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Cali has the largest Black population in Colombia and the 2nd largest in South America
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Visit a minimum of 6 Afro-descendant communities, locals will welcome you home with kindness
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To music created by Afro-Colombians. More than just Salsa, enjoy 4 types of musical genres including Champeta, Bullerengue and Currulao as well!
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Feel relaxed. Drink, eat, laugh, enjoy. You don’t have to worry about being Black on this trip…you just get to be
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Join the Afro-Colombian night scene from live bands to singers, expect non-stop dancing
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Cooked food is how we show love…sharing a variety of African influenced dishes proving that Africa has never left us.
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Multilingual tour guides, allow us to connect better with the African diaspora
Schedule
Previous
Next
Day 1
Salsa Capital of the World
Welcome to Cali! Today we hit the streets for a city tour.
By night, we put on our dancing shoes and get fly for one of the greatest shows on earth. Colourful costumes, seasoned dancers mixed with local talent are a true celebration of Afro-Colombian culture inviting you in.
Eat, drink and party the night away!
Included
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2: CALI
Afro-Cooking, Drinks & Art
Today is a rare chance to prepare a tasty traditional meal with an Afro-Colombian head chef.
What is food without some good drinks?
We’ve accepted an invitation from a local Colombian artist to enjoy ancestral drinks at her restaurant while testing our mixology skills. Enjoy an afternoon of panoramic views, connecting with the community’s stories told through street art.
Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Day 3: CALI, VALLE DEL CAUCA
Natural Wonders
Wake up! Today we have an early morning, starting with a scenic drive to San Cipriano Reserve. Along the way taking in the green mountainous landscapes, stopping for a hearty Colombian style breakfast.
Ride on a 'Brujita'' the only way to access the crystalline river and the Afro-Colombian village where we'll have lunch.
Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Day 4: CARTAGENA
¡Hola! Cartagena
We say goodbye to Cali and all the cousins we met along the way. We are off to Cartagena…the Caribbean coast!
In the afternoon, we head out on a city tour, getting acquainted with the main spots, the history, traditions and the beauty of the Walled city while soaking up some carib sunshine. Later, we focus on local music, learn about Champeta, dance and enjoy it!
In the evening get ready for a whole different vibe…this city comes alive in the night time!
Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Day 5: JUST OUTSIDE CARTAGENA
Mangroves & Music
Our adventure begins with a relaxing canoe ride to the nearby islands. Here, it’s time to show off your planting skills, as we participate in mangrove restoration. Connect with the land and leave your mark, playing a role in natural preservation.
The day continues with stories of resilience from another Afro-Colombian community while we share laughs and enjoy lunch prepared with fresh, local ingredients. The only way to end this day right is on the beach, vibin’ to the beats of Bullerengue music inspired by coastal Caribbean landscapes.
Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Day 6: SAN BASILIO DE PALENQUE
1st Free Black Town
We cannot leave Cartagena without visiting San Basilio de Palenque. Founded by a powerful army of formerly enslaved people. They escaped captivity and conquered the area… making Palenque the first free town in all of the Americas! This town remains a symbol of resistance and African pride.
As we walk through the town we learn about Palenquero the Spanish-based creole language, musical influences, cuisine, how African hairstyles helped in the journey to freedom and how a brave man of former African royalty…Benkos Biohó was behind the great liberation.
Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7: CARTAGENA
Fly Out
Say our goodbyes to each other and Cartagena as we’re transported to the airport for our outbound flight. Your tour is over. You’re officially an Escapader so the Experiences never have to end.
Keep an eye on our future destinations…there are always more Afro-Adventures ahead and more distant relatives to meet.
Get home safe!
Included
Breakfast
What's Included
What's Included
Private Ground Airport Transfer
Domestic Flight: CLO-CTG
Transportation: Ground & Water
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Gratuities Included
Double or Single Accommodations
What's Not Included
International Flights
Visas (if applicable)
Medical Insurance (Required)
Travel Insurance (Highly recommended)
Meals not mentioned
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Grab your Itinerary
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You'll Be Staying Here
Movich Casa Alferez
Ermita Cartagena Marriott
FAQs
What airport should I fly in and out of?
Fly into Cali: Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (Code: CLO)
Fly out of Cartagena: Rafael Núñez International Airport (Code: CTG)
Do I need a Visa?
As a tourist from the EU, UK, USA, Australia, or Canada, you can visit Colombia for up to 90 days without needing a visa. It is advisable to consult your local consulate or embassy to determine if your country of origin requires a visa for entry.
At least 24 hours before your departure but no later than one hour prior, you must complete the 'Check-Mig' form, which is accessible on the Migración Colombia website. You will receive a confirmation email that you must present upon arrival in Colombia.
It is recommended that you have at least six months of validity remaining on your passport and can provide proof of a return ticket.
What time do I need to arrive?
If you’re arriving on Day 1, please be in the country by noon. If you need to fly in a day before, you can add an extra night during the booking process.
Alternatively, you can book your own accommodations and transfer to the Experience Escapades hotel on Day 1.
What time should I leave on the last day?
Private Ground Airport Transportation is provided in Cartagena to Rafael Núñez International Airport (Code: CTG) after breakfast. However, if you need to stay longer or have a later flight we will help with local taxis to the airport costing $6 - $8 USD.
How much should I budget per day?
Most of the expenses are covered, however we suggest having:
Approx. $50 USD; $67.46 CAD; £39.55 GBP; 196,260 COP extra per day for additional meals, beverages, souvenirs and so on.
If it's just for meals not included, it would be under $20 USD a day.
Is insurance required?
Yes! Medical insurance is mandatory for all Experience Escapades trips. We strongly recommend getting travel insurance which will cover lost baggage, flights and the entire trip if unforeseeable circumstances occur.
Do I need to know how to swim?
No, you do not need to know how to swim. There is one day with water activities and you can stand up in the water. If you feel nervous, the guides will be there to pay special attention to people who do not know how to swim.
What fitness level is required?
This trip is rated Level 2: Low
Please refer to the Activity Level Ratings for further details.
Are credit cards accepted?
Colombian Peso (COP) 1 USD = 3.800 COP approx.
It is advisable to carry cash for extra expenses during the trip since in some areas access to ATMs and data for phones may be limited or non-existent:
- Day 3 - Natural Wonders
- Day 5 - Mangroves & Music
Do I need a travel adaptor for my electronics?
- Voltage: 110V
- Frequency: 60 Hz
- Plugs: Type A / B
We recommend always travelling with an international travel adaptor.
Can I use my cellphone in Colombia
The price for a SIM Card is roughly $15 USD with 30 GB of data.
Will the itinerary change?
Kindly be advised that the itinerary, activities and accommodations may be subject to changes with short notice. These modifications could be due to factors such as adverse weather conditions, seasonal changes, availability or other unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.
Know that we are dedicated to providing you with the best possible experiences and any changes will have minimal impact on your trip.
Can this trip be done for a private group?
Yes, we would love to organize this for you.
Please contact us.
What is the pace of this trip?
Balance de Ting: A healthy balance of cultural daytime activities with minimal or optional late night outings.
This is for people who enjoy being out in the day and like the option of winding down earlier at night or staying out to continue with the tun’ up.