Overview
BOOKED Trips Cartagena Experience
- Days: 5
- Group Size: 12
- Nights: 4
- Price: $3,450
SPOTS OPEN MAY 30, 2025
Join us for an immersive 5-day, 4-night experience inspired by Gabriel García Márquez’s book “Love in the Time of Cholera.”
This unforgettable experience will immerse you in the world of magical realism where vibrant colors, enchanting music, and delicious flavors come alive. We’ll explore the city’s enchanting colonial architecture, savor the flavors that inspired Gabo’s literary genius, and delve into the rich cultural history of the Colombian Caribbean with a group of likeminded book-loving women. From the bustling streets of Cartagena to the serene beauty of the Rosario Islands, this journey promises to be a feast for the senses, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Trip Highlights
- Relax in your single occupancy room in a 4-star, centrally located hotel inside the walled city of Cartagena.
- “Love in the Time of Cholera” Foodie Walking Tour: Indulge in a culinary journey through the flavors that inspired Gabo’s magical realism, savoring dishes and drinks featured in his celebrated novels.
- San Basilio de Palenque: Discover the vibrant culture and history of this UNESCO World Heritage site, a symbol of African resistance and home to the first free town in the Americas.
- Rosario Islands Day Trip: Escape to paradise with a boat trip to the Islas del Rosario, where you can relax on pristine beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and soak up the Caribbean sun.
- Cultural Immersion: Connect with local artisans, experience the vibrant music and dance of the region, and gain a deeper understanding of Colombian culture.
- Gastronomic Delights: Savor authentic Colombian cuisine, from street food to fine dining experiences.
- Flexible payment plans: Secure your spot with a $500 deposit and break your remaining payments into affordable monthly installments.
Our Featured Book: Love in the Time of Cholera
Our trip is curated around “Love in the Time of Cholera,” a sweeping epic by Gabriel García Márquez that chronicles the enduring love affair between Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza. Their story unfolds over decades in a fictional Caribbean port city, heavily inspired by Cartagena, Colombia.
The novel begins with a young Florentino Ariza’s passionate but unrequited love for the beautiful and spirited Fermina Daza. Their youthful romance is abruptly cut short when Fermina chooses to marry the esteemed Dr. Juvenal Urbino. Devastated, Florentino dedicates his life to pursuing other women, never truly forgetting his first love.
As the years pass, the city evolves, and the characters age, their lives intertwine with the rhythms of daily life, social change, and the ever-present threat of cholera.
“Love in the Time of Cholera” is a poignant exploration of love, loss, memory, and the enduring power of human connection. Márquez masterfully weaves together elements of magical realism, capturing the vibrant atmosphere of the Caribbean and the enduring spirit of love that transcends time and circumstance.
What Is Included?
- A BOOKED Box that includes the featured book, a playlist of local sounds of the city, and curated items from small businesses around the world.
- Premium single occupancy accommodations throughout the trip. No sharing rooms!
- All activities listed in the itinerary below including a food tour, beach day in the Roasio Islands, visit to Palenque, the first free Black town in the Americas, and more
- All breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners.
- Ground transportation to included activities, including airport transfers on designated arrival and departure dates.
- Local guides throughout the trip.
What Is not Included?
- Flights to and from destination.
- Pre/post trip accommodations.
- Travel insurance (required)
- Visa and passport fees
- Gratuities and incidental expenses.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Arrivals & Welcome Dinner
You’ll be welcomed at the Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena, Colombia (CTG airport code) by our driver and driven to our 4-star, centrally located hotel.
After settling in we’ll have a welcome dinner at a gastronomic project that exalts the true protagonists: the Colombian territory, its people, culture, products and tradition. During dinner we'll discuss our featured book “Love in the Time of Cholera" by Gabriel García Márquez.
Dinner
Day 2: Gabriel García Márquez Foodie Walking Tour
Fuel up for a day of exploration with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. We'll meet later this morning for a culinary journey through the flavors that inspired Gabriel García Márquez's magical realism.
Explore the traditional cuisine of Colombia's Caribbean, tasting dishes and drinks featured in his celebrated novels like "One Hundred Years of Solitude" and "Love in the Time of Cholera."
Relive the magic of some of his most celebrated texts as you wander through charming streets, sampling bites and drinks that Gabo served to his characters in delightful passages from "Love in the Time of Cholera," "Of Love and Other Demons," and the acclaimed "One Hundred Years of Solitude." Engage with the guardians who safeguard our culinary treasures and take home the secrets of their recipes. During this tour you will experience a blend of savory and sweet stops, featuring both cold and hot beverages, without adhering to the structure of a traditional menu.
The late afternoon and evening is yours to explore using our included city guide for inspiration.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 3: San Basilio de Palenque: A Journey of Freedom & Culture
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a journey to San Basilio de Palenque, the first free town in the Americas. Founded by escaped slaves, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a testament to resilience and cultural preservation.
The people of San Basilio de Palenque have created a culture founded on tradition and resistance, unlike any other. Recognized as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site, the town offers travelers a deep dive into their traditions and history, just outside Cartagena.
Meet the locals, hear the vibrant rhythms of Son Palenquero, and even learn a few phrases of the Palenquero language. Indulge in delicious local cuisine, learn about traditional recipes, and experience the culture of Palenque.
By connecting the community with international travelers, the valuable customs and knowledge of the culture is appreciated and preserved.
The evening is yours. Dinner on your own.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 4: Baru Beach Experience
Imagine yourself on a pristine Caribbean island, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and swaying palm trees. Our day trip to the Rosario Islands will take you there!
We'll begin with a scenic boat ride through mangrove tunnels, arriving at a secluded island paradise. Spend the day soaking up the sun on pristine beaches, snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs, or indulging in optional activities like kayaking or beach volleyball.
Enjoy a delicious lunch of fresh seafood while enjoying the VIP treatment from our attentive staff. This is the perfect way to unwind and experience the true beauty of the Colombian Caribbean.
We'll return to Cartagena in the late afternoon. Later this evening we'll meet up for our farewell dinner at an elegant, plant-filled venue that showcases the Cartagena culture through its gastronomy.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5: Farewell, Cartagena!
After breakfast we’ll say goodbye to Colombia with included airport transportation.
Breakfast
Our Hotel
Located in the picturesque neighborhood of San Diego, inside the Walled City of Cartagena, our hotel offers a tranquil retreat with 18th century architecture, charming outdoor terraces and patios surrounded by lush vegetation. Discover a city steeped in history, with emblematic places such as the Zenu Gold Museum, Clock Tower, and Gabriel García Márquez’s house just a few blocks from the hotel.
The hotel has a rooftop spa, outdoor pools and Jacuzzi. The guest rooms combine African and handcrafted details, equipped with minibar and free WiFi.
Additional Info
Pricing
The listed price of the trip is $3,450 per person based on single occupancy.
Entry requirements
A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity beyond the trip dates and at least one blank page in your passport for endorsements.
Activity Level
Participants should be comfortable walking up to 2 miles over the course of a day for walking tours. Please contact us directly if you have further questions about health and fitness levels for this trip.
Arrival & Departure
Travelers should plan to fly into Cartagena, Colombia (“CTG” airport code) airport on Thursday, December 4th and depart on Monday, December 8th.
We advise travelers to book flights that arrive no later than 3:00 p.m. local time on the day of arrival to allow time for navigating the airport and immigration and attending the opening dinner.