Cartagena Travel Guide - November 2023

Cartagena, Colombia

ABrown Planning Travel Guide

Welcome Page

Hey New Friends,

My name is April Brown, Owner and Operator of ABrown Planning Travel Services. I am your host and travel agent for this experience I am so excited to have you visit the vibe that is Cartagena, Colombia.

My goal is to introduce you to new experiences and allow you to have fun while doing it. I've been in the travel industry for over 5 years. I love creating group experiences. It brings like minded individuals such as yourselves together.

This experience will allow you to learn about Afro Colombian culture, have fun, and take some amazing pictures

Whether you are traveling solo or with your friends, you are bound to create new friends and travel buddies by the end of the experience.

I can't wait to meet and turn up with you.

See you soon!

Photoshoot in the walled city.

Welcome to Cartagena

About Cartagena

Cartagena is located on Colombia's Caribbean coast. It has beautiful beaches, a historic old town (that's entirely walkable with flats) and beautiful colonial architecture Cartagena is one of the most , well preserved cities in the Americas.

Just a short distance from the ancient walled fortress is, Getsemani, which has become "Cartagena's hippest neighborhood and one of the most instagramable locations throughout the city

Get your camera ready because you will be setting IG on fire.

Hyatt HCartagena yatt Cartagena

We'll be staying at the Hyatt Cartagena...

Located in the Bocagrande area, the Hyatt Cartagena

Ideally placed in the heart of Cartagena’s cosmopolitan Bocagrande District, Hyatt Regency® Cartagena offers cozy suites and exquisite facilities

Enjoy South American flavors in the open kitchen, signature restaurant, or hit the town to explore one of Colombia’s most esteemed destinations. Art, history and nature are just steps away, from Castillo San Felipe de Barajas and Old City cathedrals to the wonders on Baru Island and Oceanario Colombia’s open water aquariums.

Kokaú Restaurant

Breakfast every day from 6:30 am 10:30 am

Kokaú Bar: Monday to Saturday from 7:00 pm 11:30 pm

Amacagua Lounge & Grill

Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am 8:00 pm

Sundays from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm

In-Room Dining

Open daily: 6:30 a.m. to midnight

Overnight: 10:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

It's all been taken care of for you!

What we doing, Sis?

I got you!

I've taken the leg work out of it and planned our days. All you have to do is show up with positive vibes and be ready to have a good time.

Each day we have an activity planned We start early in the day and will typically end around 4 or 5 pm This will give you an opportunity to still venture and see the city on the days we do not have evening plans

The next page will give you a summary of our schedule.

Note: Itinerary and times are subject to change.

Day

Welcome Event

We'll learn how to make signature cocktails by using Colombian fruits.

Day

Island Hopping

On this day we will visiting the Rosario Islands. Join the beach party then have lunch on the Island of Baru!

Lunch Included

Cultural Tour

A day trip to Palenque de San Basilio, the first free town for enslaved people in the Americas.

Lunch Included

Day 04

Half Day Mud Volcano

Time to get muddy!!! Take a mud bath at a natural volcano just outside the city.

Lunch Included

Welcome Event

Let's Meet and Drink

You've just flown into South America, checked into your room, and by this time, hopefully, you've eaten, lol.

Some of us know each other and some of us don't. So let's get to know each over while making some amazing cocktails.

Light appetizers will be served.

My suggestion is to eat soon after you get checked into the hotel at the restaurant.

During our 2 hours, we will be making five drinks. I'mma light weight so it's enough to make me a little tipsy.

Cultural Tour

Day Trip to San Basilio de Palenque

It's time for your afro-colombian education. On this day, we will take a visit to San Basilio de Palenque often referred to by the locals simply as Palenke or Palenque.

The word "palenque" means "walled city" and Palenque de San Basilio is only one of many walled communities that were founded by escaped slaves as a refuge in the seventeenth century.

In addition, Palenque was the first free town for enslaved people in the Americas.

With big African roots, we learn about music, dance, culture, their way of living, customs and beliefs.

We may even learn to play the drums and learn how the hair styles of the local women played a very important rol on their way to freedom.

Beach Day

Island hopping and Beach Party

Take part on this journey to the national/natural park called “The Rosario Islands” as well as a visit to the party beach called “Cholón”, where boats meet and start the party.

At this location, you will have the opportunity to get on jet skis, banana boats, and even get a table to hookah.

After that, we go for our included lunch at the Island of Baru to stop at Playa blanca beach where we stay until we depart back to the city.

Mud Bath

El Totumo Mud Volcano

El Totumo Mud Volcano is an active mud volcano located near sea level in northern Colombia in the municipality of Santa Catalina.

Climb inside and take a mud bath at a natural volcano just outside the city. This volcano has medicinal components that work on your body making you skin super soft. This volcano is also called "The

Fountain of Youth". The women of the area will help aggressively wash the mudd off in lagoon next door.

After, we may have an opportunity to visit the pink sea before having lunch. The pink beach in Colombia is pink due to a combination of two factors. The first is the high salt content of the water, which is why this area is also a sea salt mine. The second is the presence of a microalgae that thrives in the salty environment.

Sunday Dinner

Get Dressed Sunday

We'll be heading in to the Walled City again for this fine dining experience. The restaurant is called Cande.

Cande serves traditional Colombian food made to perfection accompanied by folkloric dance performances that go on throughout the evening.

My first time experiencing this restaurant was earlier this year. Trust and believe your taste buds will not be disappointed.

Since this is fine dining, get ready to get fancy because if not, they may not let you through the door.

Four Helpful Tips for Your Trip to Colombia.

Weather Language

The average high is around 85 - 88 degrees with an average low of 75- 77 degrees.

With a chance of shattered showers.

Colombia's national language is Spanish. With very few English speakers. Download the Offline Google Translate and the Offline Google Maps.

Currency

Cartagena's currency is the Colombian peso.

1 USD = 4580.000 COP

You will need to exchange funds when you arrive.

Tipping

Historically, when we are on tours, we typically tip our driver & tour guide.

They will take USD or Pesos.

What our clients say!

PACKING GUIDE

Toiletries Medical

Sunscreen / sunblock

Lotion

Deodorant

Razor / Nair

Toothbrush & toothpaste

Tampons / Pads

Makeup

Makeup Wipes Body Wash

Prescriptions / Medications

Allergy Medicine

Motion Sickness, if needed

Vitamins

Kleenex

Ibuprofen

EpiPen, if needed

Contact Solution Extra Contacts

Clothing Travel Docs

Multiple Swimsuits

Fancy outfit for Sunday Dinner

Cute Flats for Walled City Swim/Water Shoes

Walking Shoes/Sandals

Shorts / Tops / Sundresses Sunglasses

Pajamas

Passport

Travel insurance information

Copies of all these things in case you lose your wallet

Cash and credit card(s)

Health insurance cards/document(s)

Printed copies of flight info, in case your app or data isn't working

Electronics Other Essentials

Cell Phone

Portable Charger Solar Charger

USB Cord and/or C-type Headphones and Earplugs

Reusable Water Bottle

Waterproof Cell Case

First Aid Kit

Snacks for Flight

FUTURE GROUP TRIPS