Tag: Activities

Best Cartagena Bachelor & Bachelorette Party Ideas

Cartagena Bachelor boat party

Cartagena is a top destination for brides and grooms to celebrate with friends before tying the knot. With its beautiful landscape, relaxing Caribbean vibe, bustling nightlife, and wide array of fun activities, this city is the perfect backdrop for a great time. If you’re planning a Cartagena bachelor party or bachelorette weekend, here are our recommendations.

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Two Travel’s exclusive Concierge Service. As you prepare to revel in the splendor of Cartagena, allow us to elevate your experience with our bespoke services designed to ensure unparalleled luxury and seamless planning. Our Concierge Service is your gateway to personalized villa pre-stocking, responsive support available within minutes, and an unwavering commitment to uninterrupted enjoyment throughout your stay.

Whether you are looking for a crazy night out on the town for the bachelor party or a relaxing bachelorette weekend on the beach with private in house massages, Cartagena has everything you need for a fun and memorable excursion!

If you’re ready to plan your escape to Cartagena, we’ve got you covered. This list of the top six ways to party in Cartagena includes the best places to stay, what to do, and where to eat.

Stay in a Private Villa

While there are a lot of premium hotels and resorts available in Cartagena, we think you’ll enjoy your bachelor trip a lot more if you rent a private villa for your entire entourage.

Many villas feature exquisite 19th century architecture, private pools, rooftop views, and even dedicated staff.

Stay in a Private Villa

If you book a villa with Two Travel, we will offer you a private chef to prepare delicious meals for you and your guests during your stay, a full staff to provide daily cleaning, a professional masseuse, and a dedicated concierge to take care of any last-minute needs. At your request, you can also have a bodyguard to accompany you around the town.

No need to worry about spending hours planning a bachelorette party. We’ll take care of all the details, so you can just enjoy bonding with friends and visiting Cartagena!

Whether you want to spend your time exploring all that Cartagena has to offer or just relaxing by the pool in your secluded courtyard— a private villa is the perfect home base for your bachelor or bachelorette party!

Find a Villa

Rent a Private Island

If you really want to treat yourself to something special, you may want to consider renting one of the many private Cartagena islands!

Our top choice for renting an island are the Rosario Islands, Cartagena – about an hour off shore of the city. These islands offer secluded white sand beaches, exotic palm trees, crystal blue waters, and stunning sunsets.

Surrounded by coral reefs, the Rosario Islands are as close as you can get to heaven on earth. They’re the perfect backdrop for a tropical bachelorette party, an unforgettable stag weekend, or even a joint bachelor and bachelorette party.

Isla Fragata

The best thing about renting a private island? It’s all yours, so you can do whatever you like, whenever you like. Throw a giant party. Stroll through tropical gardens. Relax on the beach. Go kayaking or jet skiing on the ocean.

Our private island rentals accommodate from 10 guests and come with a full staff who will cook and clean daily. All the groceries you need for your stay will be delivered to the island before you arrive. And each day you’ll get a delivery of fresh-caught fish of the day! We’ll take care of everything for you, so you can just spend your time enjoying your Cartagena vacation.

Find a private island property

Take a Yacht to the Islands

Rent a Boat in Cartagena

Whether you stay at a private villa, rent an island, or opt for a resort vacation, there’s one Cartagena activity you definitely won’t want to miss out on: yachting!

If you want to enjoy a good party while taking in some breathtaking sights, renting a private yacht, speedboat or catamaran is the perfect solution for your stagette or bucks party.

As Cartagena is located right on the southern coast of the Caribbean Sea, you can board your boat directly from the Old Town. Then spend the day exploring the islands and coral reefs of Cholon, Playa Blanca, and the Islas de Rosario.

Finish the day off by watching the majesty of a Caribbean sunset on board before heading back to shore.

Too busy to think about preparing food while partying? If you rent a yacht with Two Travel, we can provide catering onboard. We’ll make sure you have everything you need to make the most of your day on the sea! Find out more about the best way to explore the islands.

Rent A Boat

Go Clubbing

If you’re idea of the perfect bachelor party entertainment involves drinking and nightlife, Cartagena has some fantastic options! This city boasts a vibrant club scene complete with craft cocktails, dancing, and even live music for some special events.

If you want to enjoy some classic clubbing in a stylish setting, try out La Jugada. This club features up-cycled interiors, craft cocktails, and a dance-ready playlist. If you book a table here, come prepared for a stylish crowd and be sure to dress with an appropriate amount of class. It’s a local favorite, so spending an evening at La Jugada is a great way to experience the culture of Cartagena.

Cocktails and Clubbing in Cartagena

For an unforgettable and unique nightlife experience, head to Alquímico in the Historic Walled City. This innovative club features inventive cocktails, liquor infusions, and a menu that draws from local recipes and fresh ingredients. The menu isn’t the only reason to visit Alquimico, though! This club features a gorgeous art-deco cocktail bar on the ground floor, a roof terrace with city views upstairs, and a DJ curated playlist that features a variety of trendy music styles.

The newest (and coolest) kid on the block right now is Casa Cruxada. By day, you’ll find delicious food in the two restaurants on the ground floor. By night, the place is transformed with additional floors and rooms opened up for you to explore. This club / bar / restaurant is in an enormous, crumbling Colonial building that feels like it is coming apart at the seams, in the best way possible. Here, you can hear live DJs play minimal techno beats and deep house.  

More Cartagena bar RECOMMENDATIONS

Having difficulties booking a table at your chosen club? Looking for VIP access to the best tables? If this is your scenario, we can help you out! At Two Travel, we have established relationships with the owners and managers of the top clubs and restaurants. We’re happy to get our clients VIP access, no cover charge, and even sold-out reservations that aren’t available online or by phone

Contact us to find out more about VIP access to the top Cartagena clubs today!

Dine out – best for group parties

No Cartagena bachelorette or bachelor party would be complete without a dining experience at one of the city’s famous restaurants.

Lobo de mar

Visit Carmen for an intimate dining experience with a menu that features contemporary cuisine and authentic Colombian flavors. At Lobo Del Mar, you’ll find innovative cocktails and gastronomic creations inspired by classic Caribbean flavors and locally sourced seasonal ingredients.

For a bachelor or bachelorette party, we also love La Unica for a quality Mexican experience. It has a fun, playful vibe and has great music – from in-house DJs to live mariachi bands – incredible food, and of course a range of tequilas. Or head up to the rooftop at Buena Vida. It’s a stylish but truly Cartagenero seafood restaurant with an impressive cocktail menu, wonderful food and live music from some excellent local bands and DJs.

MORE RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS

A Cartagena Bachelor Party or Bachelorette Beach Day

Why wait until the evening to party? In Cartagena, you can dance at any time of day or night, and we love to dance on the beach! Don’t stay on the mainland. The best beaches and beach clubs are on nearby Tierra Bomba island or further out in the Rosario Islands.

For bachelorettes, try Blue Apple Beach – not only is the food and drink spectacular, but the service is always special for brides to be. If you want a dance lesson, they will always say yes. Lounge by the pool or on the beach, and if you have time, get a massage from the in-house masseuse team. You will not leave disappointed.

For bachelors, head out to Bora Bora in the Rosario Islands. Every day is a party at this famous and very popular beach club. Another option is to take an ATV tour in north Cartagena along some of the longest beaches in the city. It’s the perfect morning adventure activity for any bachelor group spending the weekend in Cartagena.

Find a beach

There you have it — our top six tips to make your Cartagena party unforgettable! And if you’re feeling overwhelmed planning it, or just want to relax and not deal with all the hassle of getting people to the right place at the right time – call us! We arrange bachelor and bachelorette weekends in Cartagena all the time.

If you’d like some help with your Cartagena Bachelor party or Bachelorette weekend, get in touch and we’ll build an itinerary that you’ll never forget! Indulge in unparalleled luxury with our Concierge services—your bilingual local expert crafting tailor-made itineraries and ensuring seamless logistics, from pre-arrival to departure. Experience personalized villa pre-stocking, responsive 5-minute support between 8 am and 1 am, and uninterrupted enjoyment with inventory checks and swift replenishment.

Elevate your journey—book now and savor the essence of bespoke hospitality.

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Your Need-to-Know Guide
to Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena Cityscape - historical centre and Bocagrande

Cartagena is one of Colombia’s most thriving cities. Founded in 1553 as a portal of trade between Spain and the American colonies, this beautiful historic city boasts impressive colonial architecture, a rich history, a vibrant culture, and a beautiful landscape. Today, Cartagena is considered the safest metropolis in Colombia and one of the best spots for tourism in South America!

Located in the northwest area of Colombia, this city sprawls between the inland hills of the department of Bolívar and the white sand coastline of the Caribbean. There’s plenty to see and do in Cartagena—soak up the sun on the beaches, take in the spectacular views of the tropical scenery, or wander through winding cobbled streets in charming neighborhoods. Just a short boat ride away, you’ll find the Rosario Islands – a protected reserve of picture-perfect islands and coral reefs.

Two places you absolutely won’t want to miss within Cartagena, are the Walled City of Old Cartagena and the neighborhood of Getsemani. Between these two districts, you can get a thorough taste of the culture and people of Cartagena while experiencing some of the city’s most noteworthy sights, tastes, and sounds!

If you want to elevate your experience in Cartagena we have it all for you: private boat rental, private villa rental for your stay, restaurant reservations, and a Concierge team for you and your group!

The Walled City of Old Cartagena, Colombia

Castillo San Felipe in Cartagena

One of the most memorable neighborhoods in all of Colombia, the Walled City of Old Cartagena is famous for its rich history and magnificent architecture. This district is so important to Colombian culture that it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site In 1984!

Castillo San Felipe outside the historical centre, and the fortifications that surround and protect the city were built by Spanish colonists to protect from pirates, most notably Sir Francis Drake, during the 16th century. The entire neighborhood is surrounded by a massive stone wall and can only be entered through one of many arched gateways.

Despite the constant flow of tourists and the passage of three centuries, this enchanting fortified city has managed to preserve much of its authentic architecture and colonial charm. Visitors today find a winding network of cobbled streets, colonial churches, ancient mansions, and rows of brightly painted cottages protected behind the castle-like walls.

Today, Old Cartagena hosts a thriving tourist community. Many of the antique family mansions have been transformed into luxury hotels that still maintain some of the original construction and showcase authentic colonial decor. There are hundreds of world-class restaurants here, and it is expected that the Walled City will soon overtake Bogota as the culinary capital of Colombia!

You can expect to pay a little more for your accommodation, dining, and adventures within the walls, but it will be well worth it to experience this enchanting old-world city.

Things to Do in the Walled City: Cartagena, Colombia, Colonial District

Cartagena historical street

During the day, wander through the Old City’s streets, lined with brightly painted houses and seemingly perfectly preserved colonial architecture. Travelers will find tropical blooms draping from colorful balconies, enchanting stone archways, and a tantalizing selection of local street food.

If fine-dining is what you’ve come for, be sure to try La Cevicheria for exquisitely prepared Colombian seafood, Montmartre for classic French cuisine, or Alma for contemporary classics in a romantic setting.

The Walled City is an amazing place to watch the sunset over the Caribbean! Just before dark, head to the Cafe del Mar to enjoy cocktails and fine dining with the view, or purchase drinks and a fruit cup from one of the street vendors and join the locals on the western wall. Either way, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the sun setting over the vibrant Caribbean waters!

Not sure how to make the most of your trip to Cartagena? Contact us and let’s build together an itinerary that fits your budget and requirements!

Getsemaní – Cartagena’s Williamsburg

Once considered Cartagena’s shadiest neighborhood, today, Getsemaní has evolved into a modern and trendy corner that draws tourists with its vibrancy and artistic expression. Located just outside of the Walled City, no trip to Cartagena is complete without a tour of this neighborhood.

Like the Walled City, Getsemaní features colonial architecture, winding streets, and bright colors. Mingled in with this classic aesthetic is an astonishing array of talented street art. Painted on buildings, walls, and sidewalks, the colorful local artwork has become an identifying characteristic of this trendy neighborhood.

Taking photos in Plaza Trinidad, Getsemani, Cartagena

Getsemani revolves around Plaza Trinidad, a large open square bustling with food vendors, cafes, and musicians. Every night, the plaza comes alive with a mix of tourists and locals coming together to enjoy good music, food, dancing, and company. While it’s still a bit rough around the edges, the local vibe, amazing street art, and authentic feel of Getsemani make it well worth the visit!

Things to do in Getsemaní

Getsemani seems to have been designed for wandering. The first thing you should do here is just that: walk! Amble up and down the narrow streets to enjoy the fantastic artwork, brightly colored homes, and prolific tropical plants that line almost every road.

For food, head to the Plaza Trinidad. The main square of the city has a wide selection of vendors to choose from, all of it well-priced and delicious. For a more formal setting, try out Di Silvio Trattoria for pizza and Italian food, or, go to Cafe del Mural for some of the best coffee in Cartagena!

Whatever you decide to do in the city of Cartagena, get in touch if you would like help with nightlife and restaurant reservations, tours, boat hire, day trips of the best villas in the city.

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to Cartagena, Colombia Cartagena, Colombia Tags , , ,

Top Things to Do in Medellin

Medellín by night

With its spectacular mountain views, diverse culture, traditional cuisine, and sightseeing attractions, Medellin is one of South America’s most popular travel destinations! Located in the Colombian department of Antioquia, this region is one of the top suppliers of Colombian coffee beans. It’s also home to some of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders such as Parque Arvi and El Peñón de Guatapé. And Medellín is a well-known shopping and dining destination.

Check out our comprehensive Guide To Things To Do In Medellin!

Explore Downtown Medellín

One of the best ways to experience the culture of Medellin is by exploring the downtown district, El Centro. Whether you take a guided walking tour or stroll through the streets with your traveling companion, El Centro is the ideal place to learn about Medellin’s history, culture, and architecture. Downtown is bustling and active, and by day this district is very safe. However, it’s important to travel in pairs or with a group and stay off the streets at night.

We recommend making a point of touring El Centro on your first full day in Medellin. It will help you get your bearings and make the most of the rest of your trip! You can also take our Medellin City Tour, where you will be paired up with a local, super-knowledgeable guide. Two Travel guides give you the key to the city and take you straight to the best of the best.

Plaza Botero & Museo de Antioquia

Be sure to enjoy some of Fernando Botero’s internationally acclaimed sculptures and paintings during your stay in Medellin. A native to Medellin, Botero patronized his home town with an impressive collection of stunning artwork.

Botero in Medellin

Visit the Plaza Botero to admire his colossal human statues. Or wander around the Museo de Antioquia to see some of his most famous paintings. Located side by side in the city center, these two Medellin attractions have free admission!

Jardin Botanico

Located north of the city center in Zona Norte, the Botanical Gardens of Medellin are worth taking time to see. Among an impressive array of native plants and animals, these gardens feature a butterfly house and an orchid exhibit. Throughout the gardens, you’ll find many places to sit down and admire the exotic flora and fauna. Completely free to enter, the Jardin Botanico is a fantastic place to take a break from sightseeing and relax for a few hours.

Parque Arvi

Brimming with hiking trails, fresh water streams, and picnic areas, Parque Arvi is sure to be one of the most memorable destinations on your journey. As one of the region’s largest nature reserves, this park is the perfect spot to enjoy the tranquility of nature and observe wildlife. The easiest way to access Parque Arvi is by taking the Medellin Metrocable, but you can also hike up to it if you’re feeling adventurous!

Metrocable

One of our favorite things to do in Medellín is see the city from above!  The Metrocable connects the valley-based hub of the city to some of the surrounding mountain communities. The city’s innovative metro system offers more than just easy accessibility around Medellin, though. Whether you take the metro cable all the way up to Parque Arvi or just to a hillside town, you’ll enjoy unparalleled sights of Medellin and the surrounding countryside!

Comuna 13

Explore a place that was once considered one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the world. Decades ago, it was an epicenter of drug trafficking and violence. Today, Comuna 13 is a fascinating hub of local culture and street art. Community projects and investments made by the government have not only improved the mobility and quality of life of its residents, but have also opened the area to tourism.

Built on a steep hill in the mountain, this neighborhood relies on the outdoor escalators to facilitate transport. Take the Comuna 13 Tour with Two Travel to guarantee the best visit to this part of town. Check out the beautiful street art. Hang with hip-hop dancers whilst learning about the history and inspirational social change of Comuna 13.

Pueblito Paisa

Constructed to resemble a traditional small pueblo, or village, Pueblito Paisa is located right in the center of Medellin on Cerro Nutibara. From this elevated hill, you can enjoy incredible views of the city and surrounding countryside. Pueblito Paisa is worth visiting for more than just the vantage point though! Home to a variety of quaint shops, this village is an excellent place to pick up a souvenir of your travels.

Things to do in Medellin with kids – Parque Explora

An interactive science museum located just next to the botanical gardens in Zona Norte, Parque Explora is a fun and educational choice for a free afternoon! Visitors can partake in interactive science programs or gaze at the exotic animals hosted in the large indoor aquarium. Full of activities for the entire family, this museum is a must-see for anyone traveling with kids!

Guatapé is a must-see day trip from Medellín

For anyone staying in Medellin over an extended visit, the small pueblo of Guatapé is a must-see. Just two hours away by bus, the main attraction in this beautiful lake town is El Peñón de Guatapé, a granite monolith. For a small fee, you can climb the 740 steps carved into the rock and experience the stunning views of the nearby lake, islands, and mountains.

El Peñón de Guatapé

After the climb, be sure to pick up some delicious and affordable Colombian street food from local vendors in Guatapé! The town itself is postcard-pretty, with cobbled streets and colorful zocalos lining the buildings. Zocalos are carved drawings from the start of the 20th Century. Each drawing tells the tale of the original purpose of the building. Pick up a souvenir from the quaint little shops. Then snuggle up with a hot chocolate, or dig into a bandeja paisa. This famous local dish is sure to replace any calories burned by climbing the Peñón! Two Travel can take you on a Tour to Guatapé any day, when you take a concierge service with us.

Local Cuisine

There are some amazing fine dining opportunities in Medellin! For contemporary cuisine and local ingredients, reserve seating at Carmen Restaurant in El Poblado. While the prices are fairly high at this fine dining restaurant, you are guaranteed to enjoy an exquisite meal experience! 

For slightly more moderate prices and a family friendly atmosphere, try out Mondongos, where you’ll find a variety of delicious local favorites. If you’re looking for a diverse selection of ethnic cuisines, visit the gastronomic market of Mercado del Rio. With more than fifty food vendors located in one building, you’ll be sure to find something that suits your taste!

If you consider yourself a foodie or would like to learn more about the top restaurants in the city, make sure to check out our blog on the best restaurants in Medellin. After all, the best way to explore a new place is through its cuisine!

Medellin Coffee Shops

Colombia is one of the world’s largest coffee producers. Many of the beans that are exported come from the region of Antioquia surrounding Medellin. The best place to go for freshly harvested, roasted, and brewed Colombian coffee is the trendy neighborhood of El Poblado. Pergamino coffee shop has a large selection of hot and cold beverages, made almost entirely from beans grown on the owner’s family farm. We’d also recommend sampling craft coffee brews at Café Velvet, and Urbania Café, also in El Poblado. Each of these coffee shops offers bags of regional beans at unbeatable prices. Take home an aromatic blend as a souvenir of your journey!

Things to do at Night in Medellin

Medellin has so much more to explore than its bars and clubs, but that doesn’t mean to say that you shouldn’t get a taste of the infamous Medellin nightlife! The majority of the bars and clubs are centered around Provenza, Parque Lleras, and La 70 in Laureles. Medellin has something for everyone; from electronica and house to reggaeton and salsa. 

With so many options to visit, make sure you check out our Medellin Nightlife Blog, which gives an excellent summary of all the hottest places to visit during your stay. And, of course, you’ll need a villa, condo, or penthouse to crash at after your wild night out on the town. We have the keys to some of the most exclusive accommodations in Medellin, so don’t forget to book ahead to reserve your dream villa.

If you’re planning a trip to Medellín and the coffee region, get in touch. We’ll design an itinerary tailored to your time and interests, so you can enjoy this very special region to the max!

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Adventure Sports

Adventure Sports

For the more adventurous, we can offer exhilarating day trips. Take an ATV into the jungle for a zip lining experience – it’s the best way to see the jungle from above. Hold on tight and explore the rain forest in a whole new way, followed by a short trek to a fantastic cenote for an end of day swim, and an ATV race back to the beach!

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Tulum Cenote Tour

Cenote in Tulum

The freshwater pools, or cenotes, around Tulum are some of the most beautiful in Mexico, and we can take you to the best spots for a photo or a refreshing dip. Don’t forget your swimsuit! We’ll bring water and a light snack.

Cenote hopping with a break for a Mayan lunch

With breath-taking jungle backdrops, many cenotes in Tulum are high on the Instagram hit list. Float between lily pads or dive deep into ancient hidden caves. With over 200 cenotes in Tulum, it can be difficult to know which are the best to visit.

The cenotes are spread out around the area and so, you’ll need some form of transportation. Our day trip to the best cenotes in Tulum takes you from pool to pool in a luxury air-conditioned minibus, which means you can sit back and relax. Enjoy a typical Mayan lunch and try traditional handmade corn tortillas accompanied by chicken pilbil and Poc-chuc pork with salsas and guacamole.

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Drinks Tasting Experiences

Drinks Tasting Experiences

First, pick your poison! Rum, gin, mezcal or Colombian craft spirits. Enjoy a welcome cocktail as you’re taken on a journey through the history of your chosen liquor, before learning about the aromas and flavors with a flavor board, and tasting five delicious varieties of your chosen liquor. We can also pair up these experiences with chocolate or tobacco tastings.

If you can’t wait to live this experience, our concierge team will make it happen for you, whether you choose to have it at one of the best bars in town (we have partnerships with El Barón, Members Only, El Arsenal Rum Box and more), or we bring the drinks and top class bartender to you with a private tasting in your villa.

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