Overview
Discover the beautiful walled city of Cartagena, with its colorful buildings, vibrant culture, and outstanding cuisine fresh from the land and sea. This extension begins with a walking food tour, where you’ll sample local specialties including arepas and empanadas. Visit the fortresses of San Fernando and San Felipe de Barajas, and take a tour to some of the famous sites that inspired author Gabriel García Márquez. Overnights are in the welcoming Anandá Hotel Boutique.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive
Cartagena was founded in 1533 and served a key role in political and economic activity for the crown of Spain. The city became a major trading port, especially for gold and silver that was loaded onto galleons bound for Spain. Today, you’ll be introduced to this city through your taste buds on a street food tour. Enjoy traditional dishes like arepas, empanadas, and Colombian-style lemonade. Visit the San Diego Square, known for its delicious food, and taste a variety of local flavors, like sweets made of exotic fruits and panela (unrefined brown sugar), and traditional dishes inspired by the cultural diversity of Cartagena. Overnight at Anandá Hotel Boutique.
Arrive - Day 1
Anandá Hotel Boutique
Cartagena, Colombia
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights)
A colonial boutique hotel in the heart of Cartagena’s Old Town, Anandá features 23 guest rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and a rooftop terrace and Jacuzzi. Relax with a drink on a comfy lounge chair, or head to the spa after a stroll to the beach, just a five-minute walk away. The spacious rooms are a blend of modern style and traditional architecture, each with air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms.
Day 2
Cartagena
This morning begins with a short boat ride to explore the imposing San Fernando Fortress on Tierra Bomba Island, designed to control the Bocachica channel and access to the harbor of Cartagena. You’ll then return to the city to see the Castle of San Felipe de Barajas, built by the Spanish in 1536. Constantly attacked by English and French pirates, the castle has been rebuilt several times. In 1586, Sir Francis Drake’s fleet destroyed a quarter of the city, and Spain poured millions into fortifying the port with walls. You’ll walk the walls of the city, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, and then enjoy the remainder of the day for independent exploration in the market, where Palenque women sell goods from baskets balanced on their heads. Overnight at Anandá Hotel Boutique...BL
Cartagena - Day 2
Anandá Hotel Boutique
Cartagena, Colombia
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights)
A colonial boutique hotel in the heart of Cartagena’s Old Town, Anandá features 23 guest rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and a rooftop terrace and Jacuzzi. Relax with a drink on a comfy lounge chair, or head to the spa after a stroll to the beach, just a five-minute walk away. The spacious rooms are a blend of modern style and traditional architecture, each with air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms.
Day 3
Depart
Transfer to the airport for departure on homeward-bound flights...B
