A week in Cartagena, Colombia
Y’all… Cartagena did not come to play. This group trip was everything I hoped it would be! Full of culture, connection, flavor, dancing and those spontaneous moments that just make life life. Whether you’ve been curious about Colombia or you're already plotting your next adventure, I’m breaking down our full itinerary and experiences here so you can get a taste of what the vibes were like.
And if you're thinking about joining a future group trip — this one might just convince you.
Day 1: Welcome Dinner + Dancing in the Streets
We kicked off the trip on Friday with a beautiful welcome dinner at Casona Cafe, a cozy, artsy space that felt just right for our first evening together. The table was full of delicious Colombian dishes and introductions — travelers from different places coming together over good food and even better energy.
Later that night, we went out to dance. Cartagena is alive at night in the most vibrant way. Music spills into the streets, locals are dancing on corners, and the whole city feels like a party.
Day 2: Walled City Tour + Cooking Class
Saturday started early with a walking tour of Cartagena’s Walled City. This area is colorful, historic, and filled with stories. Our local guide shared so much insight about Afro-Caribbean culture, colonial history, and the resistance that shaped the city we were walking through.
After our tour, we headed to lunch at Cafe Central. The food is flavorful, the vibe is cool and it was the perfect pause before our next activity.
In the afternoon, we headed just a few blocks away to a Colombian cooking class with Origenes Restaurant. This was definitely one of the highlights!
We learned how to make traditional dishes from scratch — chopping, seasoning, frying... and yes, we sat down to enjoy our creations at the end.
Day 3: Beach Club Bliss, Rooftop Salsa & Karaoke
Sunday was all about luxury and movement. We started the day at Amare Beach Club, lounging in private cabanas, sipping cocktails, and dipping in the ocean. The DJ kept the energy flowing, and the staff made us feel so taken care of. Lunch was included and delicious — fresh, locally sourced, and perfect beach food.
It even rained for about an hour and the day was still a vibe!
Later that afternoon, we made our way to Getsemaní for a rooftop salsa class. The class was taught by local instructors who kept it fun and approachable — whether you had two left feet or had been dancing salsa for years. As the sun set behind us, the rooftop lit up, the music got louder, and everyone was just present.
It was one of those moments that didn’t need a filter.
Just when we thought the day was done, someone said the word “karaoke” and let’s just say, the night took a turn. We found a local spot, grabbed the mic, and let loose.
It was hilarious, joyful, and honestly… therapeutic.
Day 4: Island Hopping Catamaran Adventure
Monday was a full-on water day. We got up early to head to the Bodeguita Dock, where we boarded the Bona-Vida Catamaran for an island-hopping excursion.
We spent hours sailing through the turquoise waters of the Caribbean stopping along the way to swim, snorkel, and explore. The crew kept us fed with snacks and a fresh lunch and the music kept the vibe just right.
This was the kind of day where time didn’t matter. We danced on the deck, floated in the ocean and soaked in the moment.
We ended the day with a group dinner at Don Juan, a more upscale restaurant in the city with incredible food and ambiance. It was the perfect place to debrief, reflect, and laugh about the day.
Day 5: Off-Road Adventures + Craft Beer Tasting
Our final full day started with an adrenaline rush. We hit the dirt roads for an ATV tour, riding through Cartagena’s outskirts, splashing through mud, and seeing a whole different side of the area. If you love a little thrill, this is the one.
Once we cleaned off, we made our way to Lunático, a cozy restaurant and craft beer bar tucked away in the heart of the city. We did a private beer tasting and had dinner there, with chill music playing in the background and that perfect last-night energy.
We were all a little tired by this point, but also filled up with so many good memories.
Final Thoughts
This Cartagena trip was the kind of travel that fills your soul. Yes, we saw beautiful places, ate amazing food, and danced like nobody was watching but the real highlight was the people.
Everyone came with open hearts, ready to experience something new and connect with each other. By the end we weren’t just travelers, we were family.
If you’ve been craving a mix of culture, joy, and a little bit of luxury with people who get it — this is your sign.
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Got questions? Drop a comment below or message me on Instagram [@NamiHewitt] — I’m always happy to chat!
Watch the Vlog
You can see everything I talked about in the video here:
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