A Week in Paradise: Cartagena

Upon arrival to Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena, please collect your baggage and proceed to Arrivals. Once in the Arrivals hall, please look for a representative holding a sign with your name on it. This representative will lead you to your awaiting private vehicle, which will then transfer you to your hotel. Approximate transfer time is 1 hour and 30 minutes. Spend the rest of the day exploring or relaxing at your leisure.

The allure of the Caribbean coast is perfectly epitomized by Cartagena de Indias, often described as absurdly photogenic, and one of the most iconic destinations in Colombia. During your time at leisure in Baru Cartagena, you’re invited to kick back and relax. Sofitel Barú Calablanca Beach Resort creates a unique synergy between nature and architectural design. With LEED certification and drawing inspiration from the surrounding biodiversity, each detail is carefully considered using natural materials to evoke a feeling of luxury, which translates to relaxation, sophistication and fun à la plage.

Enjoy another full day at leisure in Baru Cartagena at the Sofitel Barú Calablanca Beach Resort.

After breakfast this morning, make your way to the hotel lobby and get set for the transfer to Cartagena. Founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredia, Cartagena offers a wonderful insight into the life of the region through the 16th to 18th centuries by way of beautiful churches, atmospheric plazas and fascinating historical sites. Cartagena enjoys year-round tropical temperatures, and the historic old town and Getsemani neighborhood – with their dramatic colonial buildings – juxtapose strikingly with the nearby Boca Grande beach peninsula and its Miami-style, exclusive high-rise towers. Cartagena was the Caribbean gateway port of the Spanish. Here they stored the riches plundered from the interior before shipping them back to the Old World.

Unsurprisingly the city was a draw for pirates, most notably Sir Francis drake in 1586, who "mercifully" agreed not to destroy the city in return for a substantial ransom that he hauled back to England. After the attack, plans were made to fortify the city with a defensive wall and fort which remain today, and took nearly 200 years to complete. The Spanish finished them just 25 years before Cartagena gained Independence in 1821. The Costeños, locals, are an open and fun-loving people. They combine the best of the Caribbean with diverse backgrounds and have a delightfully laid-back attitude. This passionate and vibrant city with its rich history and well-preserved colonial architecture exudes character. Mix in African rhythms, indigenous influences, and Spanish colonial splendor, and it’s no wonder that Cartagena is widely described as the Jewel of the Caribbean.

This half-day experience takes in two of the most iconic sights in Cartagena. Located just outside the historic old town, the imposing San Felipe de Barajas fortress is one of the city's most distinctive landmarks and is a formidable example of military might and architecture. Rising above the skyline, from this dominant vantage point the Spanish kept watch over the entrances to the city both by land and sea. San Felipe is the largest Spanish-built fortification in the New World, and along with the ramparts and stone walls was part of the city's defence against marauding pirates. Built on top of the San Lázaro hill, construction began in 1536 and continued for some 200 years. Underneath this amazing structure is a labyrinth of tunnels, many of which are still accessible. The sun-soaked fortifications are a living breathing history book, steeped with tales of old. The La Popa Convent sits in a privileged position, and is the highest landmark in the city. The convent started life as a humble and modest wooden chapel in the early 1600s but was later fortified and expanded to its current majesty. The cool, leafy, flower-filled courtyard and patio lead out to a viewing platform. From here there are panoramic vistas that stretch out over the city, old town, the bay of Cartagena, and the Caribbean Sea beyond. Inside the small chapel is the immaculate gold-plated and carved alter and ornate decoration dedicated to the "Virgin de la Candelaria", patron saint of the city. The convent still plays an important role in the life of the city's Catholics and is often full to bursting on religious holidays.

Indulge in the perfect pairing of fine rum and decadent chocolate with a local expert mixologist and rum sommelier. Discover Colombia's mastery of these exquisite treats. Local rums, aged for rich flavors, and a variety of chocolates, from sweeter to bitter, will be expertly paired for a sensory experience like no other. Learn about distillation processes, Colombia's love for rum, and its rise in the global cacao industry. This delightful combination unveils the treasures of Colombia's flavors, evoking stories of pirates and camaraderie. Rum and chocolate - a truly tempting indulgence.

After an incredible week in Colombia, it is time to return home. Following breakfast, you will be privately transferred to the airport. Approximate transfer time is 30 minutes.