Colombia Discovery
Take time out to reconnect and refresh your spirit and spend time on white sand beaches and turquoise waters of Colombia’s Isla Barú. Enjoy a sophisticated retreat offering luxurious appointed bungalows, with views of the sea or of the neighboring national park. Explore a wide range of optional activities such as cooking class focusing on traditional dishes from the region with a renowned local cook. Go canoeing through mangrove forests or explore the village of Barú. At night, witness the bio luminescent plankton. Savor the beaches near Cholón and swim in shallow waters near the mangroves. Savor the flavors of Colombia’s renowned coffee and take a remarkable gastronomic experience of the senses in his “Closed Door Gastronomic Experience.” This experience in Colombia introduces you to people, places and experiences that are uniquely Colombian.
Colombia
Price starts at 600 Land per person, per day, double occupancy.
7
Day 1: Cartagena / Baru Island, Colombia
Welcome to Colombia! Upon arrival in Cartagena, Colombia, please proceed through Immigration and Customs. After claiming your luggage, exit the Customs Hall where a representative from Big Five will be waiting for you. (Our representative will be holding a sign indicating your last name). Once you are met and assisted, you are transferred to your hotel at Isla Baru, this is a 45 minute drive to Baru Island. Reconnect and refresh your spirit amidst the white sand beaches and turquoise waters of Colombia’s Isla Barú. Located just 45 minutes from Cartagena, Hotel Las Islas is a sophisticated, environmentally conscious retreat, with luxurious accommodations and exceptional amenities. Settle into your immaculately appointed bungalow, with its views of the sea or of the neighboring Parque Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo. Visit one of our restaurants and bars for locally sourced, expertly prepared cuisine. Relax by the freshwater pool, take in the views from the solarium or explore one of the many activities available at the hotel. Throughout your visit, you’ll enjoy the personalized attention of our staff members, all of whom are committed to making your stay truly extraordinary. Las Islas Hotel – Grand High Bungalow sea view with jacuzzi
Days 2 & 3: Baru Island
These days are yours to use at leisure. Go to the hotel’s private island with its white sand beach where you can opt to participate in activities such as snorkeling, kayaking and enjoying a Massage. The hotel also offers optional activities such as cooking class where you learn to make traditional dishes from the region such as ceviche, shrimp cocktail and fried foods with a local cook from Barú. Canoe with a guide through the mangroves or explore the village of Barú accompanied by local guides. At night, you can take part in the bio luminescent plankton night viewing tour of the beaches near Cholón, where swim in shallow waters near the mangroves to observe plankton from the floor of white sand beaches. Las Islas Hotel – Grand High Bungalow sea view with jacuzzi (B daily)
Day 4: Baru / Cartagena
You will board a private yacht to sail around Baru, Cholon, Tierra Bomba and Cartagena Bay,. During this full day adventure, you can learn the essentials of navigating a sailboat or just relax on board. There will be plenty of time to swim and snorkel. Also, time for fishing!. As your environmental contribution, you can sow the seeds of mangroves. Lunch served on board or as a beach picnic, then, you will be transferred to your hotel in Cartagena. In romantic and legendary Cartagena, Sofitel revived the Convent of the Poor Clares whose story dates back to 1621. Travel back in time in this imposing colonial building and discover the secrets of a hotel where every detail has its own story to tell. This historic landmark still maintains different historical elements such as crypts, wells, confessionals, paintings, doors, hidden windows and ceramic objects. Transformed into an upscale hotel in 1995, its path toward excellence has seen it considered one of the elite amongst the best hotels in the world. Sofitel Santa Clara – Junior Suite Legend (B,L)
Day 5: Cartagena
Cartagena de Indias, the most popular destination in Colombia, was founded by the Spanish conqueror Don Pedro de Heredia in 1533 becoming later the gem of the Spanish Crown territories. The well-known Walled City is surrounded by the largest walled fortress in America, which protected the city and its population from constant pirate attacks. Today, get to know the city’s colonial district, starting at the Bolivar Park, which is shaded by large trees, four fountains and a statue of the great Liberator in the middle. Continue by visiting the Inquisition Palace, recognizable for its sizeable baroque door, and for having been the site of the prison and torture chambers for presumed heretics and opponents of the Catholic church. Lastly, head to San Pedro Claver Convent and Church, an XVII century construction that honors Saint Peter Claver.
A coffee experience awakes the senses. Come and enjoy the world of special coffees through and unforgettable sensory experience. Learn the magic behind the most award-wining Colombian coffee. Awaken your tact, eyesight, taste and sense of smell into discovering the wealth of an excellent Colombian coffee. You will learn to appreciate and enjoy the particular attributes of specialty coffee through a delicious sensorial exploration. Sofitel Santa Clara – Junior Suite Legend (B)
Day 6: Cartagena
Join your guide and will have a delicious experience. This gastronomic tour in Cartagena begins heading to the town of Turbaco, where the property of chef Jorge Escandón is located, who was Anthony Bourdain’s host of the NO RESERVATIONS cooking program during his culinary odyssey in Cartagena. Now he accompanies new travelers who seek to stimulate the senses with new flavors in this “Closed Door Gastronomic Experience”. While we share between drinks and fresh ingredients, we can enjoy a creative cooking session prepared by one of the best chefs in the city. Includes Transportation throughout the activity and return to the hotel, Bottle of water, Tasting of tropical fruits and Full lunch at the chef’s house. Sofitel Santa Clara – Junior Suite Legend (B,L)
Day 7: Cartagena / Depart
Transfer to the airport to board your flight back home (B)
Land only, double occupancy: Price starts from $600 per person, per day.