CARTAGENA | ROSARIO OR BARÚ ISLAND | SAN ANDRÉS ISLAND | PROVIDENCIA ISLAND

DAY 1 | Cartagena

Upon arrival at Cartagena airport on a national or international flight, transfer and hotel check-in. Overnight stay.

MEALS: – / – / –

DAY 2 | Cartagena – Half Day Panoramic City Tour

Start with a panoramic view of the city from the Monasterio and Iglesia de La Popa. Formerly known as the “Popa del Galeon” and famous for resembling the stern of a galleon. Constructed in 1606 this church and monastery are located at a height of 140masl from where one can enjoy 360º views of the city and the sea as well as the port zone, one of the most important in the Caribbean. Continuing to the San Felipe fortress, erected in honor of the poet from Cartagena, Don Luis Carlos López, made famous for his sonnet “A mi ciudad nativa”. It was built on San Lázaro hill to defend the city from pirate attacks. Walk around the fortress and learn how the castle was constructed, the engineering feats, the tunnels, underground galleries and passageways. Then, go on to the Ciudad Vieja (old city) to visit the Convert and Church of the San Pedro Claver compound which was built in the middle of the XVII century and owes its name to the “apóstol de los esclavos”. Lastly, follow to the handicrafts zone of the Bovedas, a collection of archways built into the city wall of Cartagena and that were used until the end of the 1700s to house armaments and then later as a prison in the XIX century. Nowadays it’s an artisan center to display local handcrafts. 

Free afternoon for individual activities. Overnight stay.

MEALS: B / – / –

 DAY 3 | Cartagena – Rosario or Barú Island

After breakfast, transfer in a regular or private boat to the hotel of your choice on Barú or Rosario Island. After roughly a 1-hour boat trip, arrival and check-in.

Overnight stay.

MEALS: B / – / –

DAY 4 | Rosario or Barú Island

Free day to relax on the beach. If you are on Barú we recommend the beaches of Playa Blanca, Playita de Cholón, Playa de los Muertos and Playa Bobo. On the Rosario islands, we recommend a visit the reef of the archipelago of Nuestra Señora del Rosario as well as the islands of Tesoro, Múcura and Maravilla. 

Enjoy snorkeling and other water sports, observation of the local flora and fauna and scuba diving amongst others things. 

Overnight stay.

MEALS: B / – / –

DAY 5 | Barú or Rosario Island – Cartagena

In the afternoon, departure by boat to Cartagena. Upon arrival at Cartagena pier, transfer to the hotel and check in. Overnight stay. 

MEALS: B / – / –

DAY 6 | Cartagena – San Andrés Island

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for direct flight to San Andrés. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check-in. 

The archipelago of San Andres, Providencia and Santa Catalina is located to the northwest of the Colombian mainland in the Caribbean and was declared a UNESCO Biosphere reserve in 2000.

It is believed that the islands were first discovered by Christopher Columbus on his second journey, but they were administered by the English from 1631. This led to a period of colonisation, in particular, by people of African descent. In 1670 the infamous Welsh pirate Henry Morgan established his base on the island of Providencia and there are still some here who believe the legends that some of his treasures remain buried here. Due to the history of the archipelago the language spoken on the islands is a patois, the mixture of English and Spanish.San Andres Island is the largest island in the archipelago and is the administrative and financial centre and has drawn in tourists for several decades. It is well known for its beaches, some with pink coral in the sand, the sea of seven colours with its clear turquoise blue waters in varying tones. 

Overnight stay.

MEALS: B / – / –

DAY 7 | San Andrés Island

Free day at your disposal to enjoy the beach and the activities available on the island such as a 10-minute boat trip out to Johnny Cay where it is able to see more than 30 different types of fish. The island has an area called “playa de cedro” which aids against the erosion of the beaches from waves and strong winds making this the refuge on the island for many sea birds. Visit the Aquarium as well. 

Overnight stay.

MEALS: B / – / –

DAY 8 | San Andrés Island – Providencia Island

Transfer to San Andrés airport for a 20-minute flight to Providencia. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel and check-in. Free remainder of the day for beach activities. Overnight stay.

MEALS: B / – / –

DAY 9 | Providencia Island

Breakfast and free day for spending time on the beach or exploring other beaches on the island. It is suggested that you pay a to visit Santa Catalina Island connected to Providencia by a beautiful and brightly painted wooden bridge called the “Puente de Amor” or take a boat ride to explore the hidden bays on the island. Declared a protected biosphere by UNESCO this is one of the most accessible and well preserved coral reefs in the world.

Overnight stay.

MEALS: B / – / –

DAY 10 | Providencia Island

Breakfast and free day for spending time on the beach or exploring other beaches on the island. We suggest that you make the hike up to the “Peak” a 360m high point on the island to admire fine 360-degree views of the island, the coral reefs and the multi-colour sea. Most of the freshwater found on the island is found here on this mountain.  On the hike you will walk through a rainforest that is home to many species of tropical birds.

Overnight stay.

MEALS: B / – / –

DAY 11 | Providencia Island – San Andrés Island – Cartagena

Breakfast in the hotel and transfer to the airport for flight to San Andres.

MEALS: B / – / –

OPTIONAL: It is possible to include Tayrona National Park within this itinerary.