Zenú Weaving Workshop and Drums at the Beach Start Time: 09:00
Stitch together the story of ingenious Zenu and Afro heritage and handicraft on this experience that includes a Caña Flecha weaving and drums workshop.
On this tour, you will be picked up at your hotel to take you to Zenú Gold Museum where you will see amazing gold ornaments crafted by the ancient Zenú indigenous people. The Zenú indigenous guide will give you a deep insight and further information of the pieces and their iconography, full of meaning and history that reflects Zenú’s worldview. After the visit, you will head to the 20 de Julio neighbourhood, a peripheral area in Cartagena, where the Ninha workshop takes place. When you arrive, you will meet resilient indigenous women who lead this weaving project and workshop as a way to support their families and keep alive their endangered indigenous heritage. Through this group of women, you will get to know the history of the Zenú people, the struggles they have faced, and their story of resilience.
You’ll hunt down the energetic rhythms of Afro-Colombian sounds and genres with experts. Your experience will start when you’re picked up to go to La Boquilla, a fishing village outside Cartagena with a flourishing culture. After getting to know the neighbourhood a bit with the company of one of the locals, you’ll embark on your musical trip. At a local music school, teachers and drum makers will explain to you the ins and outs of the traditional rhythms of Colombia’s Caribbean Coast and the instruments used to play them. After a short introduction, you’ll learn some basic rhythms to play on the classic tambores to join a jam session with the group. This usually includes a chance to observe the impressive dances and moves of the locals.
Cartagena Street Food Tour - Start Time: 16:00 - Duration 3 hrs.
Let the streets be your guide as you savour the traces of centuries past, wrapped in the delightful present of Cartagena's street food delights.
Welcome to Cartagena, a city that not only boasts a rich history but also delights your taste buds with its vibrant street food culture. As you embark on this flavorful journey, your adventure begins at the iconic Clock Tower, where charming stories of Cartagena's gastronomy unfold. Within this historic landmark, a kiosk awaits you, offering the delicious combination of patacones with cheese—a delightful introduction to the diversity of street food that awaits you.
Wandering through the lively streets, your next stop is the "Sombreo Vueltiao," where you will savour a small cocktail capturing the essence of local flavours. Sip, enjoy, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as you delve into the cultural fusion that defines the Cartagena culinary scene.
Continue your gastronomic exploration with a visit to "Palito de Caucho," where you'll taste the delicious cheese arepa and then savour the unique touch of the egg arepa. The journey takes a savoury turn as you indulge in chorizo, perfectly complemented with a refreshing sip of "Costeñita" beer. The local ambiance enhances the experience, turning each bite into a celebration of Colombian coastal cuisine.
The adventure doesn't stop there. A delight for cheese lovers awaits you at the "Deditos de Queso" stop, where you'll enjoy these finger-licking delights. Flavours dance on your palate, showcasing the diverse and charming range of street food offerings.
As you wander through the charming streets of Cartagena, your taste buds are destined for a culinary crescendo. Taste the refreshing Salpicon, the crispy goodness of buñuelos, and the savoury embrace of carimañolas. Each bite tells a story of tradition, heritage, and the warmth of Colombian hospitality.
Conclude your street food culinary odyssey back at the Clock Tower, where a charming tray of sweets awaits you. This sweet ending brings the tour full circle, leaving you with a satisfying blend of savoury and sweet memories from the vibrant streets of Cartagena.
While you walk through the streets of Cartagena, you will dive into its daily life through this tasteful experience. You will see and taste locally grown tropical fruits like granadilla, mango, lulo, soursop, and papaya. Try delicious fried snacks like arepas (corn flatbread), stuffed potatoes, empanadas, kibbeh, buñuelos, and carimañolas, while getting in touch with local music, history, and architecture. Sweeten up the evening with colourful cocadas, arequipe, enyucado, raspao, salpicón, and bocadillo with cheese, and if thirst gets in the way, try refreshing bolis, coconut water or even a cup of tinto!
Overnight: Hotel Mood Matuna (or similar)
Meals: B/-/D