The Weekly Guide to Cartagena #1.

Edition #1 / 28.09.2024

A carefully curated guide to what’s happening in Cartagena. A selection of the hottest happenings and events taking place in Colombia’s Caribbean culture hub. From glittering film festivals to stimulating literary gatherings and raucous New Year’s Eve celebrations, there’s always something incredible taking place in Cartagena.


Monday

Industry Night at Alquimico.

Experience the vibrant rhythms of jazz and Colombian sounds at the annual jazz festival in Santa Cruz de Mompox, one of the year's most anticipated cultural events.

This charming town, nestled southeast of Cartagena on the Caribbean coast, opens its historic streets—recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—to visitors from around the world.

The festival offers a rich mix of musical styles, from jazz to merengue, bachata, and porro, and features workshops to empower local musicians.

As the town comes alive, expect bustling crowds in its churches, squares, and bars, all culminating in a spectacular closing concert at Plaza de Santa Bárbara. Direct flights from Cartagena make it easier to reach Mompox, but early booking is essential for this popular weekend event.

Starts: Friday, October 10, 2024

Ends: Sunday, October 14, 2024

Where: Santa Cruz de Mompox, Bolivar


Tuesday

Dawn at Los Cerros de Mavecure. Credit: Gabriel Eisenband.

Gringo Tuesdays.

If you're looking for an expedition filled with adventure, history, cultural exchange, and breathtaking nature, Guainía is the perfect destination for you. And now, you have the exclusive opportunity to experience this mystical Amazonian territory through the lens of award-winning nature photographer Gabriel Eisenband.

Join Gabriel on a unique photo expedition to explore the iconic Cerros de Mavecure, where nature takes center stage with epic landscapes and untold stories. Capture the raw beauty of this multi-ethnic land, home to indigenous communities like the Puinave, Curripaco, Tucano, Cubeo, and Sikuani.

As you journey through Guainía, you'll discover the region's rich water resources, including the Inírida, Guaviare, Atabapo, and Orinoco Rivers. This territory, steeped in powerful ancestral knowledge, offers invaluable opportunities to connect with nature and push your creative boundaries.

When: Tuesdays from 18.00-

Where: Casa Cruzada


Wednesday

Paint the Town Tryptich.

If you're looking to get more out of Cartagena than just mass-produced merchandise and horse-drawn carriage rides, discover Cartagena's rich cultural scene and the identities that make up its creative circles with a local art insider on the culture vulture tour.

Starts: Thursday, October 24, 2024 / 18:30

Ends: Thursday, October 24, 2024 / 23:30

Where: Blue Apple Beach House, Cartagena


Thursday

Visit the Real Cartagena.

Led by a charismatic local hero, the trail starts in the bad-boy-gone-good neighbourhood of Getsemaní, takes in a street food pitstop at the pulsating Bazurto market, a dreamy canoe ride through lush mangroves in La Boquilla and a visit an inspiring social project in the heart of the unpretentious San Francisco district.

Event Details:

• When: September 19, 2024 at Rabo de Pez, 7:00 pm

• Reservations: +57 317 4333372

• Location: Cartagena, Historic Center, Calle 32 #5-09


Friday

Essence Yoga & Jungle Retreat.

Set in the heart of the jungle, this yoga retreat at Selva Minca offers a unique journey to reconnect with yourself and the natural world. Each day blends serenity and adventure, with mornings spent in meditation and yoga surrounded by the lush rainforest.

Explore hidden jungle treasures, from winding trails to refreshing waterfalls, and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of this stunning ecosystem. Activities range from silent meditation to dynamic yoga, river walks, and even a day diving in the Caribbean waters.

Indulge in delicious vegetarian meals, partake in a cacao ceremony, and let the magic of the jungle revitalize your spirit.

When: September 20, 2024 at Sena in Plaza de la Aduana, 4:00 pm


Saturday

Essence Yoga & Jungle Retreat.

Set in the heart of the jungle, this yoga retreat at Selva Minca offers a unique journey to reconnect with yourself and the natural world. Each day blends serenity and adventure, with mornings spent in meditation and yoga surrounded by the lush rainforest.

Explore hidden jungle treasures, from winding trails to refreshing waterfalls, and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of this stunning ecosystem. Activities range from silent meditation to dynamic yoga, river walks, and even a day diving in the Caribbean waters.

Indulge in delicious vegetarian meals, partake in a cacao ceremony, and let the magic of the jungle revitalize your spirit.

Starts: Thursday, November 7, 2024

Ends: Monday, November 11, 2024

Where: Minca, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta


Sunday

Kick Back in the Islands.

Set in the heart of the jungle, this yoga retreat at Selva Minca offers a unique journey to reconnect with yourself and the natural world. Each day blends serenity and adventure, with mornings spent in meditation and yoga surrounded by the lush rainforest.

Explore hidden jungle treasures, from winding trails to refreshing waterfalls, and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of this stunning ecosystem. Activities range from silent meditation to dynamic yoga, river walks, and even a day diving in the Caribbean waters.

Indulge in delicious vegetarian meals, partake in a cacao ceremony, and let the magic of the jungle revitalize your spirit.

Starts: Thursday, November 7, 2024

Ends: Monday, November 11, 2024

Where: Minca, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta


Colombia’s Cultural Calendar.


Get A-Listed.

If you’re doing great things in Colombia and you’ve got something you want to share with our audience of socially and culturally conscious travelers then take five minutes to share it with our team.

If we like it, we’ll list it.


Rainbow Nelson

Originally hailing from the UK, Rainbow Blue Nelson first landed in Colombia in search of Tintinesque adventures in 1996. Subsequent forays from his Caribbean base in Cartagena have thrown up a book about Pablo Escobar, and the Wallpaper* City Guides for Santiago, Brasilia, Bogota and Miami. Currently completing a second book about Colombia whilst re-wilding 50 hectares of tropical rainforest on the country's Caribbean coast, he’s interviewed some of South America's most influential figures in art, design and architecture for Wallpaper* and other international publications.

https://rainbownelson.substack.com/
Previous
Previous

The Weekly Guide to Colombia #4

Next
Next

The Weekly Guide to Colombia #3