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Colombia Music, Art & Cultural Tour

Overview

Starting in Medellin, a city of resilience and vibrant street life, we’ll enjoy a private music gathering and a welcome dinner. Highlights include exploring colorful Guatapé and climbing El Peñol Rock for stunning views.

Next, we head to Cartagena, where history and music intertwine. We’ll visit San Basilio de Palenque, the first free town for former slaves, where traditional rhythms tell stories of freedom and resistance. Cartagena’s colonial architecture sets the stage for daytime discoveries, while its nightlife pulses with salsa and Champeta.

cartagena weekend tour
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A journey designed for music and art lovers alike

Our cultural adventure delves into Colombia’s rich heritage. In the Rosario Islands, coastal melodies harmonize with the sea’s rhythm. Palenque and San Jacinto reveal Afro-Colombian roots through Bullerengue and Tambora, preserving centuries-old traditions.

Inland, Mompox captivates with its colonial charm and musical legacy, blending jazz festivals with traditional rhythms. Aracataca and Ciénaga immerse us in Colombia’s literary and cultural essence, echoing the magic of Gabriel García Márquez. In Santa Marta, the birthplace of Cumbia, we feel the heartbeat of the nation, surrounded by stunning landscapes that inspire creativity.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Medellín

Arrive in Medellín and immerse yourself in its vibrant culture. 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.

Day 2: Exploring Medellín

Embark on an immersive journey into the heart of Medellín’s Comuna 8, a place where peace, culture and transformation intertwine in the neighborhood called Esfuerzos de Paz.

Experience the warmth of local hospitality and savor the authentic flavors of the Colombian Pacific, including traditional sweets, baked goods, and ancestral beverages.

Day 3: Silletas, Guatapé & El Peñol

You will start the day in the small village of Santa Elena which is located only an hour outside of Medellín. On this tour, we will be visiting an organic flower farm and experiencing the traditional peasant culture of Santa Elena.

After that, we are going to drive to Guatapé which offers a peaceful break from the city. Upon arrival, we will start off with the Rock of Guatapé in Antioquia. This is among the main attractions of Medellín.

Day 4: Exploring Cartagena

You will be picked up with a welcome sign at Rafael Núñez Airport by a private transportation service and be transported safely to your hotel.

On this day, you get to explore the walled city with your private guide who will tell you about Cartagena’s past and present. 

Day 5: Market, Champeta & Dancing

Spend a day where you can learn about the origins of Champeta and its history, including why it was once prohibited in Colombia. Walk with the icon of this music, Charles King, through the passages of the typical and popular Bazurto market.

Afterwards, embark on a musical journey in an Afro-Colombian village, exploring traditional Caribbean rhythms and instruments while learning to play classic tambores, connecting deeply with local culture and history.

Day 6: The Rosario Islands

Indulge yourself in the warm, crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean. You will enjoy your day at one of the Rosario Islands at your own pace. Lunch will be enjoyed on one of the islands.

Day 7: RoadTrip: Palenque, San Jacinto, Mompox

Begin in Cartagena, “La Fantástica,” with its vibrant Caribbean charm and colonial streets. Journey inland to San Basilio de Palenque, the Americas’ first free town, where Afro-Colombian traditions, the Palenquero language, and bullerengue music thrive. Continue to San Jacinto, famous for artisanal hammocks and gaita music.

Finally, arrive in Mompox, a UNESCO World Heritage colonial town with Spanish architecture, cobblestone streets, and a tranquil riverside ambiance.

Day 8: Discover Mompox

Enjoy an enchanting Mompox city tour and step back in time to discover the secrets of this historic gem.

In the afternoon, Step into the vibrant world of traditional Colombian folklore with an unforgettable performance by Don Abundio y Sus Traviesos.

Day 9: RoadTrip: Aracataca, Ciénaga & Santa Marta

Travel north to Santa Marta, stopping first in Aracataca, birthplace of Gabriel García Márquez, where magical realism comes alive. Visit Ciénaga’s New Venice, a stilted village on serene canals, offering a glimpse into its unique culture.

End in Santa Marta, Colombia’s oldest city, with stunning beaches, the Sierra Nevada, and rich history.

Day 10: Katanzama and River Tubing

Explore the serene Río Don Diego with a relaxing innertube ride through lush rainforest, spotting wildlife and snowy Sierra Nevada peaks. Visit the Katanzama indigenous community to learn about Arhuaco traditions, cuisine, and crafts. Enjoy a coastal picnic, traditional weaving, and a peaceful float to the river’s ocean mouth.

Day 11: Discovering Bunkuany

Meet Bunkuany, the Land of Ancestral Knowledge, a place privileged by nature located in the mountain called the Heart of the World: a Naturally Magical Experience.

We start our journey from Santa Marta and head towards the sacred Donama stones, a place of deep significance in the traditional territory. Afterward, we continued our route, passing through the La Lisa hamlet. We ascend until we reach the Boqueron station, where our trail begins.

Day 12: Depart Santa Marta

Today is your last day in Santa Marta. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, and based on the time of your departure flight, you will be taken from the city of Santa Marta to Simon Bolivar International Airport by a private transportation service.

City Map

Rocio de Lucía Bauta Musicologist and Tour Leader - Musical Getaways

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?

Private music parties, local event entries and experiences, and an authentic Coffee Farm experience.

Accommodation options range from Villas and Hostels to Hotels.

All airport transfers, daily transportation for tours and events + an internal flight from Medellin to Cartagena.

Meals included: All breakfasts, 2 dinners, and 6 lunches.

All entrance fees covered for planned activities and performances.

Guided experiences with a Musician Tour Leader and local multilingual guides.

Personalized assistance with reservations and recommendations for leisure time, ensuring an enjoyable experience during free periods and optional meals.

Access to unique musical and cultural experiences, including specific day tours like Comuna 13, Guatapé, and more.

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.

Aug 26th-Sept 6th, 2025/26

Medellín, Cartagena, Mompox, Aracataca, Ciénaga & Santa Marta

Price Per Person

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  • $5,050 Double Shared Hotel Room
  • $5,775 One Person in a Double Hotel Room
  • $5,630 Hotel Suite (Double Occupancy)
  • $6,490 Hotel Suite (Single Occupancy)

Make Your Music Tour Private

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Comuna 13

Medellín, Colombia

Traditional Food

Cartagena, Colombia

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