Itinerary

Day 1 Cartagena

Cartagena de Indias is a port city on the northern coast of Colombia and capital of Bolívar Department. It is the fifth largest urban area in Colombia with a population over 1 million. Founded in 1533 by Spaniard Don Pedro de Heredia, and named after the port of Cartagena in Spain's Murcia region, the city was a major center of early Spanish settlement in the Americas. It experienced rapid development in the eighteenth century as the de facto capital of the Viceroyalty of New Granada and as the main hub of commerce and transportation in the late viceroyalty era. The city is presently a center of economic activity in the Caribbean region and a popular tourist destination. Cartagena's colonial walled city and fortress were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locating your vehicle.

Airport transfer with private vehicle.

Alfitz Boutique Hotel is located in Cartagena´s historical Old Town, only a short walk to most of the city's attractions.

Alfiz hotel offers eight stylish suites in the elegant ambiance of a restored XVII’s heritage building. Whether you are visiting the city on business or travelling for pleasure, this beautifully restored residence provides a warm welcome.

This hotel is part of the collection of the “Cartagena Boutique Hotels”, the group of outstanding properties chosen for their intimate size, personalized service and attractive surroundings.

Since the 17th century, the hotel has sheltered secrets, anecdotes and adventures. After three centuries, it continues to make history.

Overnight at Alfitz Boutique Hotel.

Day 2 Cartagena

You will be met by your Bilingual guide and walked to your vehicle to commence your tour of the principal sights around Cartagena. Castillo San Felipe and El Convento de La Popa are two of Cartagena’s most spectacular sites. After your pick up from your hotel you will set off first to the Castillo San Felipe. This fort is the largest Spanish fortification in the Americas and dominates the old town. The first fortification on the site was started in 1536 and further extended over the following 200 years mostly by African slave labour. Underneath this amazing structure you will find a labyrinth of tunnels. The sun soaked fortification seeps tales of old for every traveller and the tunnels (some of which are lit and accessible to visitors) and ramparts are a living breathing history book. The fortress possesses intriguing tales of failed invasion by the British and other would be attackers. One very famous defence of the city was by Blas de Lazos against Edward Vernon and his fleet of 186 ships and 23,600 men. Blas with only one eye, one leg and one hand fought off Vernon with his modest band of 6 ships and 3,600 soldiers. From the fort you will continue on in your private vehicle to the Convento La Popa. The hill is the highest point in the city and commands excellent views of the bay, old town and Caribbean Sea beyond. Started initially as a humble wooden chapel but later replaced by a more solid construction that was fortified two centuries later. Enjoy the flower filled patio and the views that stretch all over the city and wander through the cool patio and interior of the convent. Throughout your trip your guide will make the sites come to life as he explains not only their history but also their relevance and importance to the Cartagena of today.

Overnight at Alfitz Boutique Hotel.

Day 3 Cartagena

The Totumo Volcano is located only 45 minutes outside of the city. This volcano is 15 meters tall, created by ground gasses and full of lode which can be very healthy for your skin. Enjoy a mud bath during this relaxing 1/2 day tour.

Overnight at Alfitz Boutique Hotel.

Day 4 Cartagena

Take a fun full day excursion out to the Rosario islands on a shared boat with your own private Guide. The Rosario Islands are formed by 23 separate coral Islands. It´s one of the 46 Natural National Parks of Colombia, created to protect one of the most important coral reefs of the Caribbean Colombian Coast. Its marine habitats create one of Colombia's most diverse and richest marine ecosystems in Colombia. The Park has an extension of 120.000 marine and land hectares, and is associated with marine pastures, mangroves and the numerous species of algae and animals that have their habitats in the area. The Rosario Islands are an about an hour ride from Cartagena by motor boat. The route takes you through the Bahia de Cartagena and into the open sea through the Bocachica strait, and passing between the Bateria de San Jose and Fuerte de San Fernando. The boat will take you on a panoramic cruise through the Islands and then onto the Aquarium where you can pay an additional entrance fee to walk around the Island of San Marin de Pajarales and learn about the many varieties of marine life and species in the area. There will be a simple lunch included on Playa Blanca where you will have about 2 hours at leisure, before heading back to the mainland.

Overnight at Alfitz Boutique Hotel.

Day 5 Cartagena

Airport transfer with private vehicle.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) .

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