NEW! 2025 Trip Dates!
Discover the African Heartbeat in Colombia
Dates
March 7-12, 2025
Pricing
$2499 USD per person
Length
5 nights/6 days
Group Size
2 minimum, 10 maximum
Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Colombian culture, where African roots run deep, shaping music, dance, cuisine, and faith. Afro-Colombians form nearly a quarter of the total population, their ancestral legacy an integral strand in the nation's rich cultural weave. Join us, Fisheye Journeys, and Dr. Ervin Dyer, Africana studies professor and journalist, as we embark on a captivating exploration around Cartagena. Together, we'll unveil the enduring African elements that define Colombia's distinct identity today.
Step into the rhythm of Colombia as you master Champeta, a dance pulsating with Afro-Colombian beats.
Explore San Basilio de Palenque, a village steeped in history and echoing with the voices of African ancestors.
Join two local chefs in a family-owned restaurant for a hands-on cooking session of Cartagena’s classic dishes.
Bring your swimsuit! You’ll have a chance to unwind on the pristine sands of a crystal-clear beach.
And so much more!
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Hola, Cartagena!
We’re settling into our stylish digs in the trendy beach neighborhood of Bocagrande. Once you've had a moment to refresh and unwind, we’ll dive into our evening itinerary.
First, we're off to a rooftop champeta class. This Afro Colombian dance is a vibrant way to feel the pulse of Cartagena. With a welcome drink in hand and the Walled City as our backdrop, we’ll start moving to the beat.
Post-dance, we'll head back to our home base for a scrumptious dinner at the hotel's in-house restaurant, a cozy spot that's a blend of charm and culinary delight. If you're up for more, the city's nightlife is just a stroll away.
So, here's to day one of our Cartagena adventure - filled with dance, delectable food, and a glimpse of the city's lively night scene. Let's get this journey started!
Meals included: dinner + cocktail
Day 2
Day two begins with breakfast at our hotel before we head to La Boquilla, a fishing village in northern Cartagena known for its strong Afro-Caribbean heritage. Here, we’ll meet local fishermen and gain insight into the community’s everyday life.
From there, we’ll explore Ciénega de la Virgen, a lagoon surrounded by mangroves and rich wildlife. We’ll hop into canoes to try our hand at crabbing, net fishing, and bird-watching while navigating the mangrove tunnels. You'll also learn how to bait crab traps, cast nets, and even find edible snails with your feet.
Whether you release your catch or keep it (in line with local regulations), the experience offers a deeper connection to local life. After the excursion, we’ll head to a beachfront restaurant for a traditional lunch of coconut rice, patacones, fried fish, and garlic crabs.
Afterward, enjoy some free time. Explore shops or unwind with a hotel massage before we regroup for dinner.
Meals included: breakfast + lunch
Day 3
Rise and shine! We're journeying to San Basilio de Palenque, a testament to the resilience and spirit of formerly enslaved people who founded this town. We'll be led by a local guide who'll help us explore the rich history encapsulated in the monuments of Benkos Biohó, the town's founder, and Kid Pambelé, a World Boxing Champion.
Next, we'll visit a local dance school, where we’ll listen to the soul-stirring rhythm of the drums. Here, you'll witness first-hand how this community has fiercely preserved its African spirit for over 400 years.
After we've soaked up the culture and history, we'll gather for a communal lunch in the town, a chance to taste local cuisine and share stories.
Welcome to day three of our group tour in Cartagena - a day of history, rhythm, and community.
Meals included: breakfast + lunch
Day 4
Today we’ll spend over two hours in the kitchen of a locally owned family restaurant, located in the heart of Cartagena’s historic center. Led by two professional local chefs, we’ll dive into the techniques and stories behind some of Cartagena’s most iconic dishes.
We’ll start by preparing coconut rice from scratch, which is used in the restaurant’s daily service. Then, we’ll move on to making crispy patacones (plantains) and panela water, a traditional local drink. The highlight of the meal will be Mojarra roja al papillon (red snapper), a beloved fish recipe passed down through generations.
While the fish cooks, you can join in for some dancing to Cartagena’s typical music—the chef loves to get everyone moving! Next, we’ll roll up our sleeves to prepare empanadas from scratch, making both the dough and fillings. Finally, we’ll sit down together and enjoy the feast we’ve prepared, sharing stories and connecting over the experience.
Before arriving back to our hotel, we’ll make a stop at a local non-profit in the San Francisco neighborhood, a hub that empowers underprivileged kids with essential skills, like English and computer literacy.
Meals included: breakfast + lunch
Day 5
After breakfast, the day is yours to spend as you wish. Whether you want to relax at a private beach club, explore Cartagena’s historic sites, or take a trip to the famous Volcán del Totumo for a mud bath, we’re here to help coordinate activities and transportation to make your day smooth and enjoyable.
In the evening, we’ll gather for a farewell group dinner at a trendy local restaurant, the perfect way to close out our time in Cartagena.
Meals included: breakfast + dinner
Day 6
We'll kick off our day breaking bread together one last time over breakfast. After that, we've arranged private transportation to get you to the airport smoothly.
As you head home, we hope you'll be buzzing with the energy and spirit of Colombia, and already daydreaming about your next journey back to this vibrant land.
Meals included: breakfast
Additional info
Included:
Accommodation for 5 nights (all rooms are double occupancy with a private bathroom in each room)
Transportation to and from the airport
In-country transportation
Meals as noted
Activities as noted
Translator for activities as noted
Not included:
Airfare in and out of the country
Mandatory travel insurance
Visa
Health insurance
Alcohol, except where noted
Accommodations: We will be staying in a 4-star boutique hotel in the Bocagrande neighborhood.
This trip will include 5 shared rooms. If you sign up with someone else, you will be paired up with that person. Otherwise, you will be assigned a roomie. We will put you and your roomie in contact before the trip! More details regarding accommodation will be shared upon purchase of the trip.
Single room supplements are available and are first come, first served. A single room supplement is $900.
Airport: Look for flights that arrive no later than 2PM on the day the trip starts to make sure you don’t miss any of the activities. The airport is Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG).
Travel Insurance: Just a heads up - flight insurance offered by airlines isn't the same as travel insurance. We need all our travelers to secure travel insurance, and it's crucial to get this sorted within three days of making your initial trip deposit. We don't mean to be sticklers, but we'll need proof of this insurance within the same three-day window of booking your trip. It's just one of those necessary steps to ensure we all embark on our journey with peace of mind.
What to expect in Colombia: This trip is ideal for those who enjoy discovering local culture, trying new foods, and embarking on adventures. Our centrally located hotel puts us in close proximity to many attractions, and we'll be walking to several activities. While taxis are always an option, sometimes walking can be quicker due to the city's traffic. It's a great chance to experience the local lifestyle in the heart of Cartagena.
Pricing: The trip cost is $2,499 per person. A $500 initial non-refundable deposit per person is required to reserve your spot and is included in this total price. A single room supplement is $900 and is due at sign up. Final payment is due no later than 45 days prior to departure. All payments must be made by card.
Please read our FAQs page and Booking Terms and Conditions for more information.