Humanities trip: Colombian Caribbean

Overview

Jump back in time, discover pre-Hispanic traditions, and trace the origins of Colombia’s ancient civilizations with a visit to some of the world’s most intriguing archaeological sites.

This Humanities trip to Colombia’s Caribbean coastal region will give students direct insight into the remarkable culture of the native communities that are at the heart of Colombian history.

Your students will take part in unique cross-cultural workshops and seminars with the country’s leading archaeologists, and enjoy an exclusive overnight stay in one of the region’s ancient cities.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Impacted

Your experiences

Indigenous weaving workshop

Cumbia dance class

Afro-Caribbean drumming workshop

Kayak to Caribbean beach

Swimming underneath waterfalls

Canoe in the mangroves

Mangrove conservation workshop

Explore irreplaceable ecosystems

Visit archaeological site

Example Itinerary

Day 1: Arrivals & introduction to the program (Santa Marta)

After landing in Santa Marta and checking into the hotel, students will enjoy a welcome dinner and then check out the city’s beautiful historical centre.

Day 2: Tour historical center & bag weaving workshop (Santa Marta)

Led by a local guide, students explore the coastal town of Santa Marta, learning about iconic figures like Simon Bolivar and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. We’ll then join Kagumu’s partners in the Arhuaco community for a unique bag-weaving workshop that will bring students closer to indigenous cultures and traditions. We’ll enjoy dinner in the main square.

Day 3: Exclusive archaeological site tour (Ciudad Antigua)

Ever wondered what it is like to stay overnight at an archaeological site? Today we offer students an incredibly exclusive experience with a visit to a recently rediscovered archaeological site – Ciudad Antigua. Here the group will enjoy an expert-led tour around the ancient city that dates back to 700 CE. Some free time is followed by dinner with a local family. You’ll then stay overnight in a reconstructed native house.

Day 4: Immersion into Wiwa culture & coffee farming (Ciudad Antigua)

After breakfast, students learn about the sacred beliefs, customs, and traditions of the Wiwa community with an interactive workshop with our local guide. Before returning to Santa Marta, we’ll visit a coffee farm and enjoy a refreshing swim in a jungle river.

Day 5: Visit Cartagena & Caribbean music (Cartagena)

The group will take a private transfer to Cartagena, a coastal city known for its fascinating history and beauty. Students will enjoy a walking tour around the historical center – a UNESCO-listed heritage site – keeping an eye out for world-class street art, bustling markets, and live cumbia and salsa dancers.

Day 7: Afro-Colombian social drum workshop (Cartagena)

Students step out of the city and travel to the traditional fishing town of La Boquilla for an Afro-Colombian drum workshop and dance class. Here students will learn about the impact of gentrification and discover a community resisting uncontrolled tourism to preserve their culture and traditions. After lunch, you’ll jump in a canoe for a tour around the mangroves, learning from locals about the importance of preserving these essential ecosystems. The group will then enjoy a final dinner together in Cartagena’s old town.

Day 8: Departures

Students will have time to buy locally-made gifts before we offer a private bus transfer to Cartagena’s airport.

Essential information

Locations visited: La Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, el Congo, Santa Marta, Cartagena
Date: Flexible (best time to visit Feb-March, Oct-Nov)
Cost: From $899 p/p (price doesn’t include international flights)
Teachers: Teachers travel for free
Language: Spanish or English

Your students will:

Learn about human development focusing on the Taironas and four native communities of Santa Marta
Understand how lost cities are found and learn about excavation techniques
Develop a greater understanding of the importance of protecting cultural heritage and the effect of gentrification

All meals (we’ve chosen varied dishes to give a real taste of the Colombian Caribbean)
Accommodation (rooms are shared but privates are available on request and at an extra cost)
Private transport – buses and small jeeps depending on the size of the group
All scheduled excursions and activities
Local guides and translators
Safety documents – risk assessment, safety protocols, liability cover
Health Insurance
One Kagumu guide for every 10 students

We have worked out that this trip generates an average of 72 kg of CO₂e per person. This includes all the carbon equivalent emissions (CO₂e) from your trip including accommodation, food, transport, guides, and staff operations.

Extra potential CO₂e emissions from your journey to and from Santa Marta.
New York – Bogotá – Santa Marta – 629.6 kg (round trip)
London – Bogotá – Santa Marta – 930.8 kg (round trip)
Miami – Cartagena – 252.6 kg (round trip)

You can read more about how we measure our carbon emissions by reading our climate action policy here.

Book this itinerary or tailor one to suit your curriculum by contacting us.

Fully Customizable

Remember we customize every itinerary to your curriculum. If you have a specifc academic focus in mind, allow us to tailor a trip for you.