A deep dive into Afro-Colombian culture
August 13-23, 2026 (multiple cities)
Early bird pricing still available
I Love Being Black & Traveling.black have teamed up again to curate this global experience centered around an Afro-Colombian immersion (space very limited). We will be visiting 2 cities in Colombia with rich Black culture, Cali & Cartagena.
After you send your deposit we will assist you in booking a flight. All of our tours have a focus on diasporic Black experiences, Black businesses and Black guides whenever possible. So, whether it’s your first time in Colombia or your tenth, you can look forward to the following amazing itinerary during Experience Colombia 2026:
August 13th – 23rd, 2026
DAY 1. EXPERIENCE colombia 2026
First day in an exciting new part of the world. After you land at the airport we will collect you and the rest of the group then head to check-in to our hotel. If you want to nap, charge your gadgets or explore you can do that here. In the evening we will have our Meet & Greet where we get to know each other and give you your swag bags. For those that have energy later, you’ll get your first glimpse of Colombian nightlife. Welcome to Experience Colombia 2026!
DAY 2. world capital of salsa
We will eat breakfast together then embark on a journey that will shed light on the African roots of salsa including Santeria, Rumba and more. You don’t have to dance but we think you’ll want to! After lunch we will get our first look at the Petronio Alvares Festival which is the largest Afro-Latino festival in the world. Many thousands of people attend from all over Colombia and beyond. There is amazing musical performances on multiple stages, African-inspired foods and engaging conversations regarding our culture(s). Oh, and we’ll also curate a tasting of an ancestral spirit called Viche on site.
DAY 3. Petronio festival
For your free day you will have a few options to choose from with focuses on adventure, religion, shopping, leisure or entertainment (or maybe a coffee tour?). We’ll meet back up for dinner @ a popular Black-owned restaurant and share stories from our different experiences during the day. At night there will be lounges, salsa clubs and Petronio festival after-parties to choose from.
DAY 4. A natural reset
Today is all about nature. We will drive to a nearby Eco-park that is an ideal natural destination for hiking, bird watching, and swimming in crystal clear waters. There is an easy 2.7 mile hike (optional) that will let you see the beautiful landscape and conclude at a popular destination for locals who want to take a dip in the refreshing river. We’ll have lunch there at the park then take a break at the hotel before dinner.
DAY 5. Christ and craft beer
We’ll start the day out by making the drive to an AfroColombian museum a couple towns away. There you will learn about the distinct history of the region which includes African cultures, slavery and traditional home life in the immediate post-slavery era. Afterward we will visit a church with a Black Christ that many people (Black and otherwise) prefer to pray in front of. Later on we will discover the town’s other tradition, craft beer.
DAY 6. Hello cartagena
Today we leave Cali and head to the beachside city of Cartagena! After our short flight we will head straight to a market to pick up some snacks for our shared condos. We will be staying in condos within (or nearby) the famous Walled City which boasts beautiful 16th-century stone walls, colorful doors and an amazing walk-score. After we check into our condos the rest of the day will be free to relax and get to know the area. We will meet up at night for dinner.
DAY 7. a mud volcano to remember
This day starts out with a walking tour of Getsemani and the Walled City, much of it constructed by enslaved Africans. Afterward you’re in for a treat… would you take a dip in a mud volcano?? It’s not a real “volcano” (no lava, etc) but there is amazing gray mud that is said to have healing properties for your skin and body. After the short climb to the top you will get into the mud fully, don’t worry you can’t sink. After relaxing for a bit and possibly getting a massage you will wash off and feel the stress and aches leave your body.
DAY 8. palenque
Today we get to visit San Basilio de Palenque which was the first “free town” in all of the Americas. The people there are descendants of those who escaped slavery and still speak a language with direct ties to Africa. We will learn their story of emancipation, how they dance, what they eat and what they drink. And of course we will get to see the famous I Love Being Black mural there, created by our sister company. Afterward we will visit nearby Gamero town for a cultural show filled with music and dance.
DAY 9. island hopping in colombia
What’s a trip to Colombia without island hopping?? We will take a private boat to visit several islands on a nautical journey. Onboard we’ll have music, tasty beverages and guaranteed good times. While visiting the islands you will have a chance to swim, snorkel and even explore Pablo Escobar’s abandoned luxury mansion.
PS – If we exceed 15 people on this tour we will likely upgrade to a luxury catamaran
DAY 10. free day
Today is a free day. You can head to the beach, do a rum tasting, shop til you drop, star in your own photoshoot in the Walled City, etc. We will meet up at night for our last dinner together.
DAY 11. Goodbye colombia
After breakfast we’ll take you to the airport in groups for your respective flights back home. Adios Colombia, nos vemos!
AFTER YOU BOOK Colombia 2026:
- After you submit your deposit we can schedule a time to call you within 48hrs if you need answers to any remaining questions and if you need help finding a good flight
- Book your flights to land in Cali (CLO airport) by 2:30pm on August 13th, 2026
- Book your return flight leaving Cartagena (CTG airport) at any time
INCLUDED in colombia 2026:
- Accommodations (shared, single or luxury room)
- Ground Transportation (including airport transfers)
- Excursions Listed Above
- Petronio Alvarez Festival
- Professional Photographer
- Breakfasts
- Meet & Greet Dinner
- Nightlife Outing
- Fly Swag Bag
- Experienced Colombian Guides/Translators
NOT INCLUDED in colombia 2026:
- International Flight To/From Colombia
- Domestic flight from Cali to Cartagena
- Gratuities
OTHER INFO:
- As of today there are no required shots to enter Colombia, but you should read the info on CDC recommendations, and please consult your doctor as well.
- This trip is designed for Black people who want to learn about Afro-Colombian history & culture and have fun in a safe space
- You must have a valid passport with 2+ blank pages.
- American citizens do not need a visa
- The stated itinerary may change at any time due to weather, or any other unforeseen issues.
- We typically only take 20-30 people with us on tours so book soon
Accommodations
Cali: 5-star hotel
Cartagena: Comfortable condo within the walled city or Getsemani
PRICING:
The following EARLY BIRD prices are for days 1-11 above:
$2799: Standard – SHARED
Cali: Standard room with 1 other person in your room, 1 or 2 beds
Cartagena: Standard condo, you will be in a room with 1 other person, 1 or 2 beds
If you have a friend taking the trip you can choose each other as roommates
**Price is per person
$3499: Standard – SINGLE
Cali: A single occupancy room
Cartagena: Standard condo, single occupancy room
$4599 $4199: luxury – Shared
Cali: Upgraded room with 1 other person in your room, 1 or 2 beds, balcony
Cartagena: Luxury condo, you will be in a room with 1 other person, 1 or 2 beds
If you have a friend taking the trip you can choose each other as roommates
**Price is per person
$4999 $4499: luxury – single
Cali: Upgraded single room, balcony
Cartagena: Luxury condo, single room
Add-ons: various prices
- Walled City Photo Shoot ($150):
A dedicated shoot in Cartagena, 1-hr, 25 edited digital photos - Private Condo: Contact us
- Group Bookings ($100-$200 off pp): Contact us
accommodations:
- Standard: Comfortable living accommodations
- Luxury: In Cali you will have an upgraded room in the hotel with a balcony.
In Cartagena you will have luxury accommodations, swimming pool (and/or hot tub), additional space for events/hosting, fancier decor, bottle of Colombian rum, mud volcano mini-massage, upgraded swag bag, in-house music, optional butler (additional cost).