Overview
Overview
Experience Colombia through its vibrant music, art, and culture on this immersive journey through some of the country’s most iconic destinations. From Medellín’s dynamic urban art scene and pulsating rhythms to Cartagena’s Afro-Caribbean beats and rich colonial history, each stop offers a deep dive into the sounds and stories that shape Colombia’s identity.
Travel to San Basilio de Palenque, the first free town in the Americas, where African heritage thrives in its music and traditions.
Explore San Jacinto’s gaita rhythms, Mompox’s colonial charm, and the waterways of the Magdalena River, where history and melody intertwine. Along the way, experience live performances, hands-on workshops, and unforgettable encounters with local musicians.
A journey designed for music and art lovers alike
This is more than a tour—it’s an intimate exploration of Colombia’s cultural essence through its music, art, and breathtaking scenery.
Sample Itinerary
Arrive in Medellín and settle into your hotel, taking some time to relax or explore your surroundings before the official start of the journey.
In the evening, we’ll gather for a special welcome dinner featuring a folkloric music presentation that showcases the rich musical traditions of Colombia. Through live performances, you’ll experience the diverse rhythms, instruments, and cultural influences that shape the country’s vibrant soundscape.
It’s the perfect introduction to the music and spirit of Colombia, setting the tone for an unforgettable journey.
Dive into Medellín’s transformative music and art scene with a guided tour of Comuna 13, a neighborhood once known for its struggles, now celebrated for its resilience through hip-hop, graffiti, and breakdancing. Learn how music has played a key role in the community’s evolution as we meet local artists and performers. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the city’s rich history and architecture on a walking tour, uncovering Medellín’s dynamic past and modern transformation. As the sun sets, enjoy an elegant dinner paired with a live tango performance, immersing yourself in Colombia’s deep-rooted tango culture. To end the night on a high note, we’ll hop aboard a traditional chiva, a colorful party bus with a live band, bringing the energy of Medellín’s nightlife to life.
Today, you can choose your own adventure—enjoy a free day to explore Medellín at your own pace or join an optional excursion to Guatapé, one of Colombia’s most picturesque destinations. This charming town is famous for its colorful streets, stunning lakes, and El Peñol, a massive rock formation offering breathtaking panoramic views. Whether you spend the day wandering Medellín’s markets and cafés or climbing the 740 steps of El Peñol, the day is yours to enjoy as you wish.
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.
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.
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.
Immerse yourself in the rhythms of San Jacinto, home to Colombia’s traditional gaita music. Guided by master musicians, we’ll take part in a hands-on gaita and drum workshop, exploring their history and cultural significance.
After a local lunch, we journey to Mompox, where we’ll settle into our hotel and explore the town’s colonial charm. As night falls, we’ll enjoy a scenic riverside dinner, reflecting on the day’s musical experiences.
Discover the colonial charm of Mompox on a guided city tour, exploring its musical heritage and the art of Momposina filigree, a unique local craft.
In the evening, we visit Ciénaga de Pijiño to learn about the “amphibious men”—communities living in harmony with the water. Enjoy a swim in the cienaga before heading back to Mompox at sunset, watching the town glow like an 18th-century painting.
To close the day, we’ll enjoy a corozo wine tasting paired with a live traditional music performance, a perfect farewell to Mompox’s rich culture.
After breakfast, enjoy a last stroll through Mompox, picking up souvenirs like filigree jewelry or handcrafted keepsakes.
We then begin our journey back to Cartagena, carrying with us the rhythms, traditions, and stories of this unforgettable trip.
Today is your last day in Cartagena. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, and based on the time of your departure flight, you will be taken from the city of Cartagena to Rafael Nuñez Airport by a private transportation service.
You can also stay a few days more and enjoy the Rosario Islands. Contact us for more info
Small Group Tours Up to 12 People
Your Group, Your Dates
10 Days / 9 Nights
Medellin, Cartagena, San Basilio de Palenque, San Jacinto & Mompox
Boutique, small-group music and cultural immersion
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.
What’s included
Exclusive access to live music experiences including folkloric, tango, champeta, and traditional gaita performances
Daily breakfast, plus 3 local lunches and 6 curated dinners with cultural or musical elements
All ground transportation, including airport transfers and private transport forAll ground transportation, airport transfers, and internal flight from Medellín to Cartagena.
day trips.
Access to unique musical and cultural experiences, including Comuna 13 street art & music, San Basilio de Palenque, Gaita and Drums Workshop in San Jacinto, Cartagena’s historic center, Mompox cultural and musical heritage
All lodging in carefully selected hotels, hostels, or villas that meet high comfort standards.
Expert guidance from a Musician Tour Leader and multilingual local guides.
What’s not Included
- Round-trip flights between your hometown and Colombia.
- Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended.
- Any recommended or required vaccinations or travel-related medications are the responsibility of the traveler.
- Lunches and dinners not specifically listed.
- Activities not included in the official itinerary as well as personal expenses.
- Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff, and musicians.
- Alcohol is only included where mentioned.
- Extra stays before or after the tour are not included but can be arranged at an additional cost.
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.
Book your private music tour
Medellín, Cartagena, San Basilio de Palenque, San Jacinto & Mompox
For this tour, you can choose your own dates and group size for a personalized experience. Enjoy our expertly curated itinerary while maintaining the flexibility to plan at your convenience. Booking in advance gives you access to more options, better prices, and added flexibility.
Important Itinerary Notes & Travel Pace
Find answers to the most common questions about our tours. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, please contact us.
Itinerary Structure & Flexibility
The itinerary shown above is a sample outline intended to demonstrate the overall flow, experiences, and inclusions of the tour. Specific days and the order of activities may vary depending on departure dates, the availability of master musicians, and local event schedules. Colombia is a diverse and dynamic country where regional festivals, transportation logistics, and the specific timing of community-based workshops can shift, requiring us to remain adaptable for the best experience.
We plan carefully and remain flexible, always prepared with multiple contingency options to ensure a meaningful musical and cultural experience. While minor adjustments may occur, the core components of the sample itinerary—including the exploration of Medellín’s Comuna 13, the Afro-Caribbean beats of Cartagena, and the gaita rhythms of San Jacinto—reflect what we fully intend to deliver on each tour. Final, date-specific itineraries are shared closer to departure.
Live Music Disclaimer
Because authentic musical immersion is central to this program, performance and workshop schedules are often fluid. Changes in set times, specific artist lineups, or designated music venues are part of the reality of a country where music is a lived, daily tradition in every plaza and neighborhood. This applies particularly to the spontaneous Champeta sessions in Cartagena and the intimate gaita and drum workshops in San Jacinto.
When these shifts occur, we work closely with our local partners and cultural ambassadors to provide equally compelling musical alternatives. We remain committed to navigating these changes to maintain the creative integrity and historical depth of the tour, ensuring you witness the authentic technical communication between performers and the profound social impact of their art.
Travel Pace & Activity Level
This tour is moderately paced and designed for travelers who enjoy being active while exploring both urban centers and rural heritage sites. Expect regular walking, including guided tours through Medellín’s hillside neighborhoods and the historic walled city of Cartagena that may cover several miles over the course of a day. Guests should also expect getting in and out of vehicles and domestic flights, as well as navigating the riverside environments of Mompox.
While this is not a high-intensity or athletic tour, it does require a comfortable level of mobility and the endurance typical of immersive regional travel. This includes the ability to remain active during both daytime cultural workshops and late-night musical outings, as well as managing the varied climates of Colombia, from the mountain air of Medellín to the tropical humidity of the Caribbean coast.
Accessibility & Private Tours
If you have mobility considerations, accessibility needs, or prefer a slower or more customized pace, we strongly recommend inquiring about a private tour. Given that many historic Colombian landmarks, rural villages like San Basilio de Palenque, and colonial towns like Mompox include uneven cobblestones, stairs, and limited elevator access, private tours allow us to tailor the itinerary, transportation, and activity level to best suit your needs while preserving the spirit of the experience.
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Afro-Colombian Rhythms in Cartagena: Cumbia, Champeta and Mapalé
Cartagena is a place where history is composed, played, and danced. Music is identity. In every plaza, street, and neighborhood, the rhythms that have shaped generations continue to sound which are cumbia, champeta and mapalé. Each one comes from a different root, but all share a living blend of African, Indigenous, and Spanish heritage.
Cartagena and San Basilio de Palenque: Stories of Freedom and Cultural Legacy
Cartagena de Indias celebrates its 492 anniversary this year. A good time to look closer at the layers that built this city. Beyond the balconies and plazas, Cartagena holds stories that shaped not just Colombia, but all of the Americas. Its colonial architecture and coastal charm are only part of a much bigger picture.
Discovering Buenaventura: Colombia’s Pacific Coast
When most travelers think of Colombia, they often picture the bustling cities of Bogotá or Medellín, or the Caribbean character of Cartagena. But on a recent journey supported by ProColombia, I experienced a completely different side of the country, Buenaventura and the Pacific Coast.
