15 days Caribbean Spanish Classes & Tours
- Duration: 15 Days (approx.)
- Location: Cartagena, Cartagena/Colombia
- Product code: 15 caribbean spanish classes
Combining Spanish classes with tours of the amazing Colombian Caribbean is a fantastico idea for travelers to enjoy both amazing experiences and discover the culture of Colombia at the same time.
In Cartagena, you’ll uncover the jewel of Colombia, within this 400-year-old city, along with the amazing Rosario Islands, a mud volcano, and the largest aviary in the Americas. And from Santa Marta, you’ll relax in tropical jungles, tropical beaches, and fresh mountains with spectacular views.
Day 1. WELCOME TO CARTAGENA - your transport will be waiting!
Arrive at any time to be collected from the airport and taken to your accommodation.
Day 2. Spanish Lesson @ Acento Spanish School Cartagena and Guided Tour of the City
Acento Spanish School boasts some of the best Spanish teachers in Colombia and is one of the premium language schools in Cartagena de Indias. Located in the trendy neighborhood of Getsemaní, and just a stone's throw from the walled city, you'll enjoy a morning Spanish class catering to your level of Español.
Regardless of your expertise in the native language, your class this morning can provide you with some of the language basics, such as phrases to use in general communication (For example, ordering at a restaurant or getting into a taxi.), the difference between por and para (a tightly guarded secret that many Colombian's don't know) or when to use Tú or Usted. If your level is a bit higher you can fine-tune your use of Past and Future Participles, or work on your Subjuntivo, Imperatives, and Condicionales. Or if you're up around the C1 level, you can study Literatura Español y análisis crítico del discurso.
So regardless of if you wish to learn the very basics to get by during your Colombian Vacation or wish to tweak your Spanish skills in a fantastico environment, your classes will be tailored to suit your abilities and to push you that little bit further.
Day 2b. Later in the afternoon, you’ll tour Cartagena with our bilingual guide explaining the history behind every important site you visit. You'll discover panoramic views of the city from Cerro de La Popa; a convent built in 1606, and the highest peak overlooking Cartagena. Explore inside the historic Castle San Felipe, learning the paths and methods of defending this heritage-listed structure from pirates and invaders around the world. You’ll visit the must-see plazas, restaurants, cafes, and bars within the walled city, along with one of the oldest and most bohemian neighborhoods in Cartagena; Getsemani.
This truly is the most complete journey of the main areas of Cartagena, and the perfect tour to enjoy not just the history, but to also get acquainted with the most important Cartagena landmarks.
Day 3 Spanish Lesson @ Acento Spanish School Cartagena and Explore the Largest BIRD AVIARY in the Americas.
After your first class yesterday and your funtastico tour in the afternoon you'll be excited to get back into the classroom and to build on yesterday's good start.
Starting at 9 am your class will begin with a quick revision of the previous day's topics and continue to build on your skills and level of comprehension, pronunciation, and more.
Your classes this morning will fly by and include a short break for a cafecito (coffee) to keep you alert and ready to learn.
Day 3b. Next, The National Aviary of Colombia is the largest in America and home to over 1800 birds. Here you'll discover more than 170 different species living in 3 different climate zones: the coast, rainforest, and desert. Many of these birds are free to come and go, with the idea behind the national Aviary to not only provide a wonderful display of the biodiversity of Colombia but to also provide a safe environment for these simply beautiful birds.
*Excluding entrance fee
Day 4 Spanish Lesson @ Acento Spanish School Cartagena and Totumo Mud Volcano Shared Tour
It's hard to believe it's day 3 of your Spanish classes already, and you have come so far! But what else can you expect from the world-class teachers in the world-class Acento Spanish School?
Your final school day in Cartagena will begin the same as day 2, with a revision of your previous topics, and working on refining and polishing your skills de español.
Day 4b. Following the class, you’ll take a short drive to discover El Volcán de Lodo El Totumo (The mud volcano of Totumo). With an approximate elevation of just 20 meters (50 steps to the top) this volcano houses a natural pool of mineral-infused volcanic mud, with an amazing relaxing effect and attributed healing powers of the skin.
After climbing up the rustic stairs you’ll view down into the volcanic pit full of the dense and smooth volcanic mud that will soon be massaged into your body. You’ll slowly descend into the volcano and enjoy the sensation of gradually covering your body with this therapeutic gift of nature. The mud is so dense that you will feel an element of weightlessness as you are able to easily float on top.
At this point, an experienced attendant will begin to massage the mud into your body for a truly unique and recommended experience (optional - a tip of $4-$5.000 pesos will be expected later).
Following your mud bath, you’ll move down towards the water’s edge of an ocean inlet close by. Here is where you’ll encounter more attendants who will help you with the removal of the soothing mud (optional - a tip of $4-$5.000 pesos will be expected later) before you take a quick dip in the warm ocean waters to rinse off the remaining pieces in those hard-to-find places.
Day 5 ROSARIO ISLANDS - Relax in a Tropical Paradise.
Enjoy a wonderful ocean cruise on a speedboat to the Rosario Islands, arriving at a beautiful, picturesque beach for a typical Caribbean lunch, crystal clear waters, watersports, white sands, and palm trees.
You'll be assigned your personal beach space which will be exclusive for yourself and members of your group.
You'll receive full beach service, a fantastic typical lunch; use of deckchairs and umbrellas; a cocktail on arrival, and English-speaking hosts.
You will have the full day to relax and enjoy your space, along with the ability to hire gear for snorkeling, paddleboarding, or kayaking.
Day 6 Free Day or OPTIONAL tour to SAN BASILIO DE PALENQUE
Relax and explore the Jewel of the Caribbean by yourself or if you’re interested in history and culture, then take up an optional tour exploring the location of the settlement of the First Free Africans in the Americas!
You’ll arrive in the small town of San Basilio de Palenque to a welcoming in the native Palenquero language, and start your tour uncovering some surprising, surreal, and sometimes scary stories of this historical location.
You’ll discover important monuments, of great significance to the history of this town, and Colombia. With probably the most important being the monument being of an African king called Benkos Biohó.
You’ll uncover so much more in this tour, such as their food and cooking methods, learning to speak their language, their recreation, their graffiti, and their culture. But you’ll have to book this tour to discover this wonderful day from Cartagena for yourself.
Day 7 Transfer to SANTA MARTA
Enjoy a private transfer to Santa Marta, along the coast, and directly to your hotel to check in.
The remainder of this day is free to enjoy and explore your surroundings at your leisure. The transfer time will be completely up to you and if you'd like to enjoy a free morning in Cartagena before going after lunch, or you'd like to arrive early, and enjoy a full afternoon in Santa Marta!
Day 8 Spanish Lesson @ Acento Spanish School Santa Marta and Taganga
Acento Spanish School boasts some of the best Spanish teachers in Colombia and is one of the premium language schools in Cartagena de Indias. So, it will come as no surprise that to anyone that they have expanded their classrooms to include a location in the historic center of Santa Marta.
Surrounded by restaurants, cafes, beautiful hotels, and only a 7-minute leisurely walk to the beach. Acento Spanish School Santa Marta will provide you with the perfect environment to grow your Spanish skills learned in Cartagena.
Day 8b. Leaving at 1:30pm, you’ll travel the short distance to the small fishing village of Taganga and climb into a boat for a ride to the beautiful Playa Grande!
Once here you'll enjoy the wonderful temperate waters and relaxing beachside service from one of the many restaurants. Along with swimming in these calm waters, you can also enjoy some water sports, such as snorkeling, kayaking, and more.
You'll enjoy approximately 3 hours in this surreal destination before taking the boat ride back to Taganga, and your waiting transportation to your Santa Marta hotel.
Day 9 Spanish Lesson @ Acento Spanish School Santa Marta and Transfer to MINCA
Wow, you're up to day 5 of your Spanish classes already and have come so far with what you have learned in Cartagena and now in Santa Marta as well!
Today's your last day of official Spanish classes, but as these are included within this BnB Colombia Tours package, you've got at least 2 bilingual travel experts in your specially created WhatsApp group ready to help you at any time of the day. So, if you forget a Spanish word or 2, we'll be online and here for you!
Day 9b. Enjoy a private transfer up into the mountains of the Sierra Nevada to the small town of Minca where you'll breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy a tour of this wonderful little mountain pueblo.
Day 10 Free day in the beautiful surroundings of MINCA
Relax in the beautiful surroundings of these lush mountains and find your own way around with a free day. Or let us organize a private tour of the wonderful cafes and artisan shops of this wonderful little mountain pueblo, along with a coffee tour, where you'll learn everything about the production of the Colombia liquid gold, from the seed to cup. Uncover the process of creating chocolate! where you'll discover the wonderful flavors of Colombian Cocoa, and perhaps you'll enjoy a chocolate facemask as well!
To finish off your mountain adventure you'll explore some hidden waterfalls, with the opportunity for a refreshing swim (don't forget your swimming trunks)! Of course, throughout your journey with our expert guide, you'll need to keep an eye out for any exotic birds that happen to be hanging out close by!
Optional Tour @ $105 per person, with a minimum of 2 people
Day 11 Palomino
Enjoy a private transfer up the Caribbean coast of Colombia to the small coastal town of Palomino.
Day 12 Free Day in Palomino
Enjoy a wonderful free day exploring the beach, tubing, visiting local indigenous, or the nearby flamingo sanctuary by yourself.
Or if you'd prefer, we can organize a tour combining 2 or more of these activities into one day. Just ask us how.
Day 13 Transfer to TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK from Palomino
Relax as you're driven in your private vehicle down the coast to your Tayrona Park hotel. Once here you'll have the remainder of the day free to enjoy.
As you're departing Palomino at a time of your choosing, you can choose if you wish to enjoy another beautiful morning in the coastal paradise of Palomino or arrive in Tayrona Park early enough to enjoy a full day in the tropical surroundings.
Day 14 Free Day in Tayrona National Natural Park
Relax in this tropical paradise and explore by yourself, or we can provide you with an optional private tour of Cabo San Juan, or Playa Cristal.
- Cabo San Juan: A mixture of environments where you can find tropical jungle on one side of you, and beautiful white sands, and the Caribbean blue ocean on the other. Together this mix of nature forms a perfect Caribbean landscape. Here you'll enjoy ecological walks and visit 4 or more beaches including Arenillas, La Piscina, Cabo San Juan, and Los Arrecifes.
- Playa Cristal: Not as easy to visit, but very worthwhile the effort. Not to mention the enjoyable transport past some beautiful sights, and a short boat ride to arrive at Playa Cristal! As the name would suggest, the waters are crystal clear, and simply a paradise to swim, snorkel, and relax in, as well as on the beautiful beach.
Day 15 Transfer to SANTA MARTA and Departure
Enjoy a private transfer back to Santa Marta to continue your Colombian adventure. You can choose the time of your departure from Tayrona Park, and if you'd like to be delivered to your hotel or directly to the airport for a flight.
Please note:
Tayrona Park is 1st-15th February, 1st-15th of June, 19th of Oct - 2nd of November.
What's included?
- 20 hours of Spanish Classes
- 3x Guided Tours
- 1x Full Day in The Rosario Islands
- 5x Private transfers
- Airport transfers on the first and last days
- Private excursions
- 4x Free Days
- All entrance fees (excluding Aviary)
- International and domestic flights
- Travel Insurance
BnB Colombia Tours
