Afro-Centric Experience

Afro-Centric
Experience

Learn about the African heritage of Colombia!

Step into the heart of Cartagena’s Afro-Caribbean soul with our curated Afro-Centric Experience. This immersive journey invites you to explore the powerful legacy, rhythms, and resilience of Colombia’s African roots. From visiting vibrant Palenque – the first free town in the Americas – to engaging with local artisans, musicians, and storytellers, each moment offers a deeper connection to a culture that has shaped the spirit of the Caribbean coast. Celebrate tradition, community, and identity through food, music, and living history.

Start your Colombian adventure now!

This is a sample itinerary designed to inspire your journey. All experiences can be customized to suit your preferences.

Trip
highlights

Stay at OSH Hotel in the heart of Getsemaní, where Afro-Caribbean culture, music, and street art set the rhythm of daily life.
Explore the living history of San Basilio de Palenque, a town declared by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Cruise to the Rosario Islands, where island beats, bold flavours, and turquoise waters capture the Caribbean spirit.
Float through the city’s inner waterways with the Chambaculeras.
Indulge in a culinary journey across Cartagena’s finest Afro-Caribbean restaurants, each spot hand-picked by us to honour the city’s African roots through culinary excellence.

Tailored luxury hotel accommodations in Cartagena arranged by Sanfelino.

High-end Afro-Caribbean dining in electric ambience.

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Day 1

Touchdown in La Heroica

Welcome to Cartagena!
Your personal driver will be waiting for you at the airport to take you to your hotel.

Check in to OSH Hotel in the colourful neighbourhood of Getsemaní.
Take your time to relax in your hotel or step out to explore Getsemaní, Cartagena's coolest, most up-and-coming neighbourhood.

Get ready before your concierge picks you up to accompany you to Morena, a stylish culinary hotspot a 4 minute walk away from your hotel where Afro-Caribbean flavours, contemporary flair, and local traditions come together for an unforgettable taste of Cartagena’s cultural richness.
Party with a salsa instructor as you dive into the electrifying rhythms of Getsemaní at the legendary Café Havana.

Private tour discovering the rich history and culture of Palenque with bilingual and local guides.

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Fine dining restaurant reservations with Sanfelino Conciegre

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Day 2

An excursion to Palenque: the first free town of the Americas

Start your morning with the delicious breakfast included at your hotel.
Your host will meet you to take a private transfer, just one hour from Cartagena, to San Basilio de Palenque, the first free African town in the Americas and a powerful living testament to Afro-Colombian culture, history, and pride.

Listen to the echoes of freedom in Palenque, where legends like Benkos Biohó, founder of the first free Black town in the Americas, and Kid Pambelé, a boxing champion who carried the pride of his people, embody a legacy of resistance and hard-won liberation.
A local Palenque guide will recount how traditions, music, language, and ancestral knowledge have been passed down through generations, keeping African legacy alive in Colombia.
Enjoy a traditional lunch, cooked by locals.
Return to Cartagena by mid-afternoon.

Continue your cultural immersion with dinner at Candé, where you’ll savour authentic Cartagenian dishes, each one a reflection of African culinary influence woven into the coastal identity of Cartagena.
Kick off the night with VIP access to Alquímico, the world’s most sustainable bar and No. 8 on the World’s 50 Best, an experience unlocked through Sanfelino’s exclusive insider access.
Then head to La Movida to keep the energy high and the dancing until late.

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Day 3

Relax on the Rosario Islands

Indulge in the breakfast included with your stay before heading to the pier in your private transfer.
Embark on an exclusive boat trip with one of our hosts to the beautiful Rosario Islands, where clear turquoise waters, laid-back island energy, and tasty drinks set the tone for an incredible day.

Dance to Afro-Caribbean beats, sip cocktails on the boat, and soak up the sun in one of coast's most vibrant marine sanctuaries.
Feast on a classic island lunch at a private beach club hand-selected in collaboration with you.
Return to Cartagena by mid-afternoon.

In the evening, take a private transfer to La Magnolia, a stylish rooftop hideaway offering panoramic views, a bold fusion of flavours and a focus on fresh, locally sourced seafood.
After dinner, take a short stroll through the Walled City to El Barón, a beloved cocktail haven tucked into the charming square of San Pedro Claver. Sip your favourite handcrafted drinks in one of Cartagena’s most atmospheric corners.

Bespoke morning retreat with curated brunch by Sanfelino Concierge in Cartagena.

Immersive Chambaculeras tour in Cartagena celebrating local history and culture with Sanfelino Concierge.

Curated Afro-centric dining experiences showcasing Cartagena’s rich culinary heritage.

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Day 4

Discovering the Chambaculeras

After a fresh breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a leisurely morning to explore Cartagena at your own pace.
Our concierge can point you in the direction of indigenous-inspired boutiques and where to find hidden artisanal gems, or you can simply relax by the hotel pool.

Your host will walk you to Sambal, a vibrant Caribbean bistro dedicated to sustainability and flavour. Here, you’ll enjoy a refined lunch crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, in partnership with over 100 farming families committed to preserving the tropical dry forest.
In the afternoon, take a private transfer to the Chambaculeras with your host, a community-led initiative that guides you through Cartagena’s inner waterways, offering a unique and lesser-seen perspective of the city.

Delight in your final meal at Salón Tropical, our top dining recommendation. This chic coastal haven transforms freshly caught fish into refined, Caribbean-inspired dishes full of flavour.

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Day 5

Final moments in Cartagena

After indulging in your final breakfast, get ready to check out and to take your private transfer to the airport.

As your journey draws to a close, we’ll ensure a smooth departure and a warm farewell until your next adventure!

Depending on your flight schedule, Sanfelino will remain at your service to provide any assistance you may need before your departure.

Start here!

This itinerary is designed to offer a perfect blend of cultural exploration, culinary delights, adventure, and relaxation. Feel free to customize it further based on your preferences!