Jewels of the Caribbean
Trip highlights
- Explore the beautiful walled city of Cartagena and uncover its military history
- Enjoy the flavours of the Caribbean with a guided rum tasting
- Drift down the river all the way to the ocean in the Tayrona Region
- Visit the Tungueka indigenous community and learn about their traditions and beliefs
- Head out to the Islas del Rosario off the coast of Cartagena on a private yacht
Our bespoke trips include
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge

I spent 9 days traveling solo in Colombia, specifically Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena. The trip was planned so thoughtfully and thoroughly, and they took into consideration all of my feedback and interests. From hotels to restaurants, to tours, everything exceeded my expectations. Lily and Berni were great to work with, and always available to discuss the details of the trip,…
- Days 1–4 Tayrona Region
- Days 4–8 Cartagena
- Days 8–12 Isla Barú
- Days 1–4 Tayrona Region
- Days 4–8 Cartagena
- Days 8–12 Isla Barú
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Three nights on the northern Caribbean coast
Spend your time here exploring the nature-rich Tayrona Region, spotting abundant birdlife on the river banks, seeking out archaeological sites amid the jungle or even floating down the wonderful Don Diego river on an inflatable rubber ring. For something really special, you can charter a private boat and head out to discover Tayrona’s secret bays. You’ll be in the company of your host and the yacht is kitted out with snorkelling equipment so you can dive right in and explore the crystal clear waters of bays such as Cinto, Chengue and Neguanje.

Where you could stay
Tayrona Region
Overview
Villa Playa los Naranjos is located just a short drive from the entrance to Tayrona National Park where the River Piedras meets the ocean.
The hotel building is typical of this region with a thatched roof and high ceilings. There are four bedrooms in the main house, as well as two cabins in a separate building set slightly apart from the house. The cabins have a shared terrace outside.
There is a swimming pool and terrace overlooking the river and ocean, from where a wooden walkway leads down to the river’s edge. Upstairs in the main house is a large social area with open sides where you’ll find sofas and hammocks.
The beach is a just a short walk from the hotel, and although the water is a little rough for swimming, it is still a beautiful area to explore and you’ve got Tayrona National Park on your doorstep.
→ Find out moreDiscover the Tayrona Region
On the river
Cultural immersion

Don Diego river safari
Take a private transfer to the Don Diego river. After a 15-minute trek up a lush mountain, you will arrive at the river bank from where you will float down a crystalline river all the way down to the ocean. Keep your eyes peeled for birds, howler monkeys and small caymans which are harmless and very shy.

Tungueka indigenous community
Today you will drive to the outskirts of the indigenous Tungeka community, where you will hike to the town used by Kogui families as a place of transit when transporting crops. Kogui families have successfully preserved their cultural traditions, culture, beliefs and share a respectful and trusting relationship with nature
Four nights in the coastal city of Cartagena
Cartagena is Colombia’s coastal gem and its most romantic city. The warm Caribbean breeze gathers up sounds of salsa music and the scent of the flowers that cascade down from the balconies of the rainbow-coloured houses that line its cobbled streets. Steeped in history, Cartagena boasts impressive ramparts, forts and bastions as well as plenty of Spanish-style architecture. This is a city made for exploring: wind your way through the historic centre passing carts laden with juicy fruit and women selling coconut candies under the shade of the arches that ring the plazas. There are also fortifications to explore, museums to discover and lots of rooftops from which to sit and watch the world go by.

Where you could stay
Cartagena
Highlights
- Centrally situated in the historic heart of Cartagena
- Stay in rooms and suites that blend authentic Colombian style and contemporary flair
- While away hours poolside or atop the sun-dappled, rooftop terrace
- Indulge in afternoon tea within the quaint library
- Retreat to the luxurious spa for locally inspired treatments
- Sample traditional Colombian dishes at Alma Restaurant
Overview
Casa San Agustin is an intimate boutique hotel perfectly placed within Cartagena’s colourful old walled city, only a stone’s throw from the turquoise Caribbean coast. Its terrific position immerses you in the city’s storied history, where cobbled lanes prop typical Colombian buildings with wrought-iron balconies overflowing with bright flowers.
The hotel itself, comprising three connecting 17th-century homes, evokes a bygone age with classic stucco exteriors and beautiful traditional touches inside. Rooms and suites spotlight dark wood-beamed ceilings, four-poster beds, stone floors and elegantly tiled bathrooms. But natural fabrics alongside a palette of soft blues and greens add a fresh, contemporary edge.
Some spaces gaze to the street life below, while others open to the pretty inner gardens. ‘Premium Suites’, with leafy patios and private Jacuzzis, are suited most to couples and honeymooners; families or groups of friends, on the other hand, will love the larger ‘Prestige Suites’ and ‘Suite del Virray’, featuring thoughtfully designed living areas and personal balconies or terraces.
Throughout the hotel, you’ll find plenty of indoor-outdoor spaces designed for relaxation. At the centre of the courtyard, a freshwater pool beneath an ancient aqueduct offers a refreshing escape from the heat, along with shaded daybeds nestled between tropical palms. There’s also a lovely rooftop terrace, framed by vibrant pink bougainvillaea, and a serene library adorned with original frescoes – perfect for enjoying a peaceful afternoon tea.
For a truly relaxing experience, treat yourself to a soothing session at the intimate spa, where treatments feature local ingredients like Colombian coffee and volcanic mud. The dining experience is just as rooted in tradition. Alma Restaurant brings the heart of Colombian cuisine to life with standout dishes such as Cartagena-style seafood casserole and freshly made ceviche.
→ Find out moreDiscover Cartagena
History learning
Spirit tasting
Island hopping
Island hopping

A fortifications discovery
Your tour starts with a private transfer to Castillo de San Felipe fortress accompanied by a local history expert. You’ll explore dark tunnels and lookout points as they recount captivating stories and explain military strategy tactics used to defend Cartagena from pirates and invaders. Conclude the tour walking along the winding streets of Cartagena’s historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while listening to fascinating stories behind the iconic plazas, cathedrals, and colonial mansions.

Rum tasting
Enjoy a tasting experience in which your local rum expert will guide you through how rum is processed and aged, in order to recognise its unique characteristics.

Islas del Rosario
Aboard your speedboat and depart towards the Islas del Rosario archipelago, located 50 minutes from Cartagena. These rugged islands are blessed with clear blue waters, colourful coral reefs and diverse marine life. Spend the day cruising between islands, swimming, and snorkelling in the azure waters of these coralline islands.
Beach life on Barú Island
Spend some time on Isla Barú, the largest island of the 120,000-hectare marine national park and archipelago of Nuestra Señora del Rosario. This island paradise has cultivated large coral reefs brimming with delicate ecosystems and unique sea life, and it’s the perfect way to round up a wonderful Caribbean adventure.
Where you could stay
Colombia
Overview
Barú, Colombia’s mesmerizing Caribbean paradise is now brighter than ever with the fabulous Sofitel Barú sitting on its shores. Enveloped in glistening vistas, white-bone sand and turquoise waters, Sofitel Barú has been carefully designed to seamlessly blend in with the natural surroundings.
The hotel is located a 25-40 minute boat ride from Cartagena, where you can appreciate Colombia’s historical charm. It features ten towers with 187 rooms, including 23 suites. All the rooms offer a choice of garden or ocean views. Being LEED certified, the hotel draws inspiration from the surrounding biodiversity, each detail is carefully considered using natural materials to evoke a feeling of luxury, which translates to relaxation, sophistication and fun à la plage.
There is also a plethora of dining options. The on-site restaurants combine the best of local flavours with a sprinkling of international influences. At its Calablanca Restaurant, a special focus is placed on ancestral cooking techniques and farm-to-table ingredients are used wherever possible. Its Humo Restaurant celebrates only seasonal products, with a menu that is constantly evolving and changing.
As the sun begins to set over the ocean, come and find a variety of small bites and handcrafted cocktails at one of its multiple bars and lounges (a total of seven to be precise).
There is an exciting collection of activities to discover. Of its many rewarding experiences and fun excursions, you will find a plankton tour, a cinema experience under the stars, as well as a braid workshop – an immersive experience in Afro-Caribbean culture.
Personalised wellness is also at the heart of Sofitel Barú . The resort is home to a spacious spa and fitness centre where an extensive menu of holistic treatments awaits. You’ll also find a total of four swimming pools to choose from. Which one will you pick for your morning dip? The possibilities are endless…
→ Find out moreDiscover Barú
Undwater
Birdlife

Scuba diving expedition
Alongside a local divermaste, navigate to the protected reef at the National Park of the Rosario Islands. As you explore the depths of the Caribbean Sea, witness the abundant marine life found around the reef.

Baru Island aviary
Today you will visit the aviary on Baru island, one of South America’s largest, home to more than 1,200 species. Have fun spotting toucans, flamingos, macaws, humming birds and more.
Why book with Jacada

Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.

Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.

Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.