Overview
Cartagena invites you to immerse yourself in a journey designed for lovers of music, art, and culture. Over a single unforgettable weekend, this vibrant city reveals its essence through unique experiences crafted to connect you with its rhythm, spirit, and traditions.
Guided by expert locals who embody the heart of Cartagena’s culture, you’ll explore activities that go far beyond the typical. Every moment is infused with the city’s idiosyncratic charm—its colorful streets, pulsating music, and heartfelt stories. These guides, alongside local characters and artists, weave a narrative that captures the soul of a place shaped by resilience and creativity.
A journey designed for music and art lovers alike
From the spirited beats of Champeta to the ancient rhythms of Afro-Colombian drums, music becomes your guide to understanding Cartagena’s past and present. The vibrant personalities you meet along the way will show you how art and tradition remain intertwined in the city’s daily life.
This isn’t just a tour—it’s an invitation to feel Cartagena’s culture firsthand. Every experience is crafted to celebrate the beauty, joy, and authenticity that make this city so extraordinary.
Sample Itinerary
Arrive in Cartagena and immerse yourself in its vibrant culture. On this day, you get to explore the walled city with your private guide who will tell you about Cartagena’s past and present.
Enjoy a welcoming dinner at a special local restaurant, savoring authentic Colombian flavors while getting to know your fellow travelers and the enchanting city around you.
Embark on a musical journey through the historic town of San Basilio de Palenque, the first free town in the Americas. Explore its rich African heritage, where traditional Caribbean rhythms and instruments come to life. You’ll have the opportunity to learn how to play the iconic tambores, connecting deeply with the local culture and history.
Delve into the town’s unique cuisine and local spirits, where African influences remain strong and vibrant. San Basilio de Palenque has preserved its own language, laws, and traditions, making it a living testament to resilience and cultural pride. Learn about its incredible history as the first place in Colombia to gain freedom from slavery and experience the profound impact this legacy continues to have on the community today..
Explore the vibrant world of Champeta, a music and dance style with deep Afro-Colombian roots. Learn about its history, including why it was once banned in Colombia. Visit the bustling Bazurto Market, where the sights and sounds that shape this genre come to life, and discover the influence of Champeta icon Charles King on the music and culture of Cartagena.
Next, take a tour of Getsemaní, Cartagena’s colorful cultural hub. In the evening, head to a nightclub to watch impressive Champeta dancers and try out your own moves to the infectious rhythms.
Today is your last day in Cartagena. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, check out and bid farewell to new friends as you head home or to your next destination.
Small Group Tours Up to 12 People
August 21st – 24th, 2025
4 Days / 3 nights
Cartagena, Colombia
Your Host
Chaz Chambers
As a seasoned drummer and insightful guide, Chaz Chambers will lead you through Colombia’s inspiring culture, encouraging cultural immersion amidst the country’s unique cultural and natural wonders.
Join us on the Petronio Alvarez
Festival tour and receive FOR FREE:
This is valid ONLY if you book the Petronio Alvarez Festival tour AND the Cartagena Weekend Tour
Your Stay
Hotel Faranda Bantú Cartagena by Faranda Boutique (or similar)
Tucked away in the heart of the Walled City, this boutique hotel in the San Diego neighborhood offers a peaceful retreat amidst Cartagena’s historic charm. Housed in an elegant 18th-century building, the property invites you to unwind on shaded patios and lush garden terraces—spaces that feel like a hidden oasis within the city’s vibrant energy.
Just steps from iconic landmarks like the Clock Tower and the former home of Gabriel García Márquez, your stay here offers more than comfort—it connects you to the soul of Cartagena. Wake up surrounded by history, and step out into a city that pulses with music, stories, and Caribbean warmth.
What’s included?
3 nights of lodging at Hotel Faranda Bantú Cartagena by Faranda Boutique (or similar), a charming 18th-century boutique hotel in the heart of the Walled City.
All ground transportation, including airport transfers and private transport for day trips.
Daily breakfast, plus 3 curated dinners and 2 local lunches highlighting Afro-Colombian flavors and culinary traditions.
Admission to scheduled events, music workshops, and cultural sites.
Expert local guides and hosts, including a dedicated Musician Tour Leader and Afro-Colombian cultural ambassadors.
Access to unique musical and cultural experiences, including a private guided walking tour, a drum workshop in San Basilio de Palenque, and a Champeta music and dance experience in Bazurto Market.
Personalized assistance with reservations and recommendations for leisure time, ensuring an enjoyable experience during free periods and optional meals.
What’s not included?
Dates And Pricing
Booking in advance ensures a wider selection of options and benefits from lower prices. Plus, flexibility is at your fingertips; feel free to switch to another trip without any fees before your final payment. For personalized assistance, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our travel specialists at info@musicalgetaways.com.
August 21st-24th, 2025
Cartagena, Colombia
(This tour will be carried out with a minimum of 4 people registered)
Price Per Person
Book this tour along with the Petronio Álvarez Festival Tour (August 14th-18th) and receive 3 free nights (Aug 18th-21st) in a hotel in Cartagena, plus an internal flight from Cali to Cartagena—on us!
Make Your Music Tour Private
Tour Experiences
Drum Safari
San Basilio de Palenque, Colombia
Traditional Food
Cartagena, Colombia
