Colombia: Colonial Cartagena and Carnival de Barranquilla

Colombia has undergone a very positive transformation in the past decade, and with the recent signing of a historic peace treaty, the country is now regarded as one of the safest countries for tourists in the Latin world. For many years, Colombia has remained a mystery for travelers and photographers from around the globe, but Colombians are now welcoming visitors with open arms.

Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet and is equally diverse in terms of culture. It is a country of many distinct, varied regions, each with its own unique customs, dances, traditions, accents, social patterns, and cultural adaptations. An added benefit is the food! Along with other cultural expressions of national identity, Colombian cuisine varies among its many different regions and is as diverse as its climate, landscapes, and people.

This photographic journey led by Kike Calvo is designed to highlight Colombia’s astounding history and cultural diversity. It strikes a perfect balance with an itinerary planned for photographic opportunities from exploring the streets rich in history of colonial Cartagena, to learning about Gabriel Garcia’s Magical Realism, to the folkloric celebrations of the second biggest carnival in the world in Barranquilla. With special media access to the Carnaval de Barranquilla, this trip is a rare opportunity to get up close and personal to enjoy a carnival that is of mythical proportions. Join Kike in a land and culture he knows well and is happy to share it with fellow photographers.

Our travelers are greeted at the Cartagena airport upon arrival on Saturday, February 22, for a private transfer to the Hotel Movich Cartagena. This evening there is a group meeting with Kike and staff for group introductions and to review the itinerary as you begin this remarkable journey together.

Few cities are as beautiful as Cartagena. On the sunny Caribbean coast, Cartagena de Indias has righteously earned a designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And it is easy to see why. Founded in 1533, Cartagena still retains its colonial charm, with colorful balconies overlooking cobblestone streets and quaint plazas that pull you into impressive churches. This morning is devoted to photographing within the walled city, where there is something to suit all tastes from beautiful architecture to warm and friendly people. After lunch, Kike leads a photo review of participant’s portfolios, then a late afternoon photo session on top of the walls surrounding the city. We learn about Magical Realism, a literary style whose defining author is Colombia’s own Gabriel Garcia Marquez. A nice parallel can be drawn between his style and what visitors can experience in Colombia.

Early the next morning we photograph the Bazutro market, an opportunity to travel out of the old city and experience local life in Cartagena. A tour through the rowdy, frenetic, vibrant, and labyrinthine market is guaranteed to provide a taste of sensory overload, even to the most experienced travelers. Our visit to the market is followed by lunch at Casa de Pepina, one of the last remaining authentic eateries in town. After lunch, a short siesta is in order before departing to photograph late light in the colorful Getsemani neighborhood.

Rising for the lovely early light, today you have the opportunity to make new images as the streets of Cartagena come alive while Kike schedules one-on-one time with each traveler for a personal photo review. After lunch in Cartagena, we depart by private van on a 3-hour drive to Barranquilla. After checking into the Hotel Movich Buro 51, there is time to get our bearings in this new place by making a few images, followed by dinner at the hotel.

On day five we learn about the rich history of Barranquilla and its world-famous carnival from a local expert. This prepares us well for the intense festivities to come in the days ahead. After lunch, we visit several mask-making studios/workshops in the Galapa neighborhood just outside the city.

The next day we enjoy the benefits of exclusive access to the studio/workshops where the carnival’s floats are crafted and assembled for the upcoming parades and festivities. Following lunch, we visit the Casa de Carnaval to collect our press badges and gain deeper insights into the carnival from the event organizers. Then we photograph on the streets of Barranquilla as the city gears up for the activities just ahead.

It’s Friday and a day to relax a bit and prepare for the intense Carnival activities ahead. A morning activity prepares us visually, and after lunch a visit to Todo Momo, an art gallery with an impressive display of Carnival masks, readies us from a historical perspective. Then it’s back to the hotel for an image review by Kike before dinner at the popular La Cueva restaurant.

On Saturday we rise early to be in position to photograph the “Battle of Flowers”—one of the most significant events of the Barranquilla de Carnival. A vibrant parade where locals, adorned in elaborate costumes and floats adorned with flowers, march through the streets of Barranquilla. We move with the parade to make images. This event is a celebration of color, music, and culture, and it is one of the most iconic and anticipated parts of Carnival.

On day nine we gather to photograph another of the key events of Carnival—the “Folklore and Tradition Parade.” It showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region, featuring vibrant costumes, traditional music, dance, and folklore. This parade is a colorful and lively celebration and features over 300 dancing groups. This closing parade offers a unique glimpse into the cultural identity of Barranquilla and its people.

Tired but invigorated by the trip’s endless photographic opportunities and memorable experiences, we say our farewells at breakfast on Monday, March 3, and depart for the international airport in Barranquilla for your departing flight home.