Colombia · Cooking

5-Day Cartagena Flavors and Rosario Islands Tour with Cooking Class

5 Days Round trip from Cartagena Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Cartagena's historic walled city on a guided walking tour
02 Relax at the exclusive La Cocotera in the Rosario Islands
03 Experience Cartagena's flavors with a Bazurto Market tour and cooking class
04 Enjoy boutique accommodations and authentic Caribbean cuisine

Discover the best of Cartagena on this 5-day journey through history, island beauty, and local flavors. Explore the walled city's colonial streets on a guided walking tour, unwind at La Cocotera in the Rosario Islands, and experience Cartagena's culinary soul with a Bazurto Market visit and hands-on cooking class. From boutique stays and Caribbean cuisine to turquoise waters and authentic cultural encounters, this trip blends relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable tastes.

Snorkel alongside rainbow-colored fish or kayak through mangrove forests.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Cartagena, Rosario Islands

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Cartagena and Colonial Welcome

Your Colombian adventure begins as you arrive in Cartagena, a UNESCO-listed gem where cobblestone streets whisper tales of pirates and Spanish grandeur. A private transfer takes you to your boutique hotel in the historic center.
Unpack, sip a welcome limonada de coco, a local favorite, and soak in the vibrant energy of this coastal paradise.
Tonight, wander at your leisure - perhaps enjoying a romantic dinner at Celele or Carmen, where innovative Caribbean cuisine sets the tone for the days ahead. Rest well; tomorrow, the city's secrets unfold.

Day 02

Cartagena Walking Tour of History and Culture

Step into Cartagena's living postcard as your expert guide leads you through the walled city's iconic plazas, flower-draped balconies, and landmarks like the Clock Tower and San Pedro Claver Church. Hear stories of enslaved Africans, Spanish conquistadors, and Gabriel García Márquez's inspirations.
Pause at a hidden café for Colombian coffee, then browse emerald shops and local art galleries.
As the sun sets, climb the historic ramparts for panoramic views.

Day 03

Rosario Islands Escape to La Cocotera

Just 45 minutes by speedboat lies La Cocotera, a private island retreat in the Rosario archipelago.
Dive into crystalline waters teeming with coral reefs, lounge in hammocks under palm trees, and feast on fresh seafood paired with agua de panela.
Snorkel alongside rainbow-colored fish or kayak through mangrove forests. This is the Caribbean of your dreams - untouched, serene, and blissfully uncrowded.
Return to Cartagena by late afternoon, sun-kissed and ready for a leisurely evening at your own pace.

Day 04

Bazurto Market and Colombian Cooking Experience

Immerse yourselves in Cartagena's culinary soul at Bazurto Market, a riot of tropical fruits, fresh seafood, and lively vendors.
With a local chef, select ingredients for a hands-on cooking class, mastering dishes like arepas de huevo or coconut rice. Sip refajo, beer with Colombiana soda, as you savor your creations.
After lunch, enjoy free time for last-minute shopping - perhaps a mochila, a handwoven bag, or rum from La Hechicera.
Tonight, toast to your journey with a sunset cocktail at Café del Mar.

Day 05

Departure from Cartagena

After breakfast, a private transfer takes you to the airport.
As you check in, flip through photos of sun-drenched plazas, turquoise waters, and the flavors that brought Colombia to life.
You're leaving with more than souvenirs - you've lived the magic of Cartagena. Hasta pronto!

Where this trip takes you

Torre del Reloj, Iglesia de San Pedro Claver, La Cocotera, Bazurto Market

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Cartagena 2 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

3-star hotel accommodation
Meals as described in the itinerary
Transfers from/to the airport
Transport to destinations

What's Not Included

International flights
Travel insurance

What to bring

Essentials to Pack for Cartagena - Clothing (Lightweight & Breathable)

3-4 resort-casual outfits (linen/light cotton) for city tours and dinners
2 swimsuits + cover-up for island days and hotel pools
1 light sweater/wrap for breezy evenings or air-conditioned restaurants
Comfortable walking shoes, such as sandals like Teva or Vionic, for cobblestones
1 nicer outfit for upscale dining - think sundress or polo with slacks
Wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses

Sun & Health Protection

High-SPF reef-safe sunscreen (the Colombian sun is intense)
Aloe vera gel for post-sun soothing
Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin for Bazurto Market
Prescription medication + motion sickness pills for the boat ride to the Rosario Islands
Hand sanitizer and travel-sized tissues for market visits

Gear & Extras

Waterproof phone case + dry bag for island snorkeling and boat rides
Reusable water bottle (Cartagena's tap water isn't drinkable)
Spanish phrasebook or offline Google Translate (not all vendors speak English)
Small backpack/tote for day trips - theft-proof crossbody bags are ideal
Portable fan or cooling towel for humid days

Money & Tech

USD cash (small bills) + Colombian pesos for tips and market bargaining
Credit card with no foreign fees (Visa/Mastercard widely accepted)
Waterproof camera or GoPro for underwater shots at Rosario
Universal adapter (Colombia uses Type A/B plugs, 110V)

Pro Tips:

Leave valuables at home - flashy jewelry attracts attention.
Pack a foldable duffel if you plan to shop for Colombian leather, crafts, and more.
Bring Pepto-Bismol just in case - new spices can be intense.

Know before you go

Weather & Packing:

Cartagena is hot and humid year-round (avg. 85°F/29°C). Pack light, breathable clothing.
Rainy season (Oct-Nov) brings short downpours - include a compact umbrella or rain jacket.
Evenings are breezy; a light wrap or sweater is ideal for rooftop bars and air-conditioned restaurants.

Health & Safety:

Tap water isn't safe to drink - stick to bottled water (check seals) or use purification tablets.
Mosquitoes are active at dusk; bring DEET repellent, especially for Bazurto Market.
Street food caution: enjoy it, but opt for busy stalls with high turnover, such as fruit cups and empanadas.
Medication tip: bring anti-diarrheal medication (Pepto) and altitude medication if extending to Bogotá.

Money Matters:

Currency: Colombian pesos (COP) are king. USD is accepted in tourist spots but often at poor rates.
ATMs: use bank-affiliated ones and avoid standalone machines. Notify your bank before traveling.
Tipping: 10% is standard at restaurants (check if included). Tip guides USD 5-10 per day per person.

Cultural Etiquette:

Dress code: casual but polished. Avoid beachwear in the city, and cover shoulders and knees in churches.
Greetings: a handshake or one cheek kiss is common. Say 'buenos días/tardes' to vendors.
Photography: always ask before photographing locals, especially in Bazurto Market.

Logistics