Over the past few weeks, something interesting has been happening. Following a recent meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro, Colombia has re-entered the global conversation in a very visible way. Mentions of Cartagena during that meeting were not just symbolic. Google Trends is already showing a noticeable uptick in searches for flights to Colombia, and early indicators suggest this interest may continue to grow.
At Musical Getaways, this moment feels less like a surprise and more like a convergence. We have spent years building relationships on the ground in Colombia, designing thoughtful itineraries, and working directly with musicians, historians, hoteliers, and cultural leaders. Cartagena, in particular, is one of the places where our connections run deepest. As Musical Getaways continues its shift toward a fully tailor-made, bespoke travel model, Cartagena stands out as a destination where we can do almost everything well.
Cartagena as a Foundation for Bespoke Travel
Cartagena offers something rare. It works equally well for luxury leisure travel, business and incentive groups, celebrations, and family-focused educational experiences. The historic walled city is compact, atmospheric, and layered with history, art, and music. It also pairs seamlessly with modern luxury, from rooftop venues to private yachts and high-end resorts.
A customized Cartagena experience might begin with a guided exploration of the walled city, led not by a generic guide but by a local musician or cultural specialist who understands how music, migration, and Afro-Caribbean identity shaped the city. Evenings can include live music experiences, including guided visits to local salsa and Champeta venues that most visitors never find on their own.
On the accommodation side, we work closely with several standout properties, including Hotel Bantú by Faranda, Hotel Casa Bianca by Faranda, and Hotel Caribe. These range from intimate boutique hotels inside the walled city to classic beachfront luxury. We also have access to Faranda properties across Colombia, which allows us to design seamless multi-city itineraries without compromising quality or consistency.
For travelers seeking a resort experience, Sofitel Barú Calablanca offers a refined all-inclusive option just outside the city, ideal for honeymoons, destination weddings, or travelers who want to pair cultural depth with rest and privacy.
Business, Incentive, and Celebration Travel
One of the most exciting opportunities in Cartagena right now is business and incentive travel. The city is increasingly attractive to entrepreneurs, creative professionals, and organizations looking for meaningful offsite experiences. We design private yacht events, rooftop receptions, and curated parties with live bands or DJs, all tailored to the tone and goals of the group.
Because we work directly with venues and artists, these experiences feel personal rather than packaged. A company retreat might include a daytime strategy session followed by an evening celebration overlooking the old city, with music that reflects the cultural roots of the region rather than a generic playlist.
Cartagena is also exceptionally well-suited for weddings, anniversaries, and milestone celebrations. Destination weddings here can be as elegant or as relaxed as the couple prefers, whether that means a historic courtyard ceremony, an island reception, or a multi-day celebration that brings together music, food, and shared experience.
Going Deeper: Palenque and Musical Roots
For travelers who want more than surface-level experiences, Cartagena serves as a gateway. A day trip to San Basilio de Palenque offers profound insight into Afro-Colombian history. As the first free African town in the Americas, Palenque is essential to understanding the roots of Colombian music, language, and resistance. Visits there can include cultural exchanges, music demonstrations, and conversations with local community leaders.
These experiences resonate especially well with families and educational groups. Parents traveling with children often tell us they want meaningful activities that are engaging without being overwhelming. Music-based workshops, cultural storytelling, and hands-on learning experiences give younger travelers context and connection, not just entertainment.
A Flexible Model for a Changing Travel Landscape
What ties all of this together is our shift toward a fully bespoke model. Rather than offering a single fixed itinerary, we design experiences around the traveler. That might mean a high-level incentive trip, a family journey with educational components, a honeymoon, or a business trip layered with cultural depth.
Cartagena is not just a destination we sell. It is a place where we are deeply connected, operationally ready, and creatively invested. As interest in Colombia grows, we are prepared to meet travelers where they are and design experiences that reflect who they are.
For those watching the trends and wondering whether now is the right time to look at Colombia, the answer is simple. We have been ready.
