This is so much more than your typical wellness escape. This 5-day Cartagena itinerary is about getting up close and physical with the Cartagena locals, whilst celebrating the art of boxing in Colombia, one of the world’s most beautiful travel destinations.
Trade your cashmere gloves for some boxing guantes and fight the power in the grass-roots boxing gyms of Cartagena, Colombia!
Colombia’s most creative travel agency, This is Colombia, has crafted a unique boxing adventure designed for heavyweight travelers who are done with the whole yoga retreat thing.
Much like Colombia, boxing is shedding its reputation as being violent and dangerous and is fast becoming the coolest trend to get hooked on.
F**** the gym and the whole ‘get the perfect bikini body’ B.S., you’ll get to work out with local trainers in a variety of world champion-producing gyms and reward your hard work with some traditional holiday trophies.
This Is Colombia’s talented travel team have balanced every training session with a cultural or beach activity to strike a perfectly heavyweight vacation match up that will be a big hit when you tell the folks back home all a-bout it.
Day 1 | Welcome to the Neighbourhood
Transfer to Your Boutique Bolthole
Choose from the following:
Casa Higo: A Colonial casa with a touch of French chic (7-14 people)
Casa Pombo: Stunning house and surrounds for groups (5-32 people)
Hotel Casa San Agustin: A high-flyer boutique hotel that’s great for couples
Welcome to Cartagena
Day 2 | A Palenque Punch Up
Boxing Cultural Exchange #1: Palenque
A local feast with homegrown boxing heroes
Latin Dance Class
Dinner and Drinks at Demente
Dancing at Cafe Havana
Day 3 | Box & The Beach
Boxing Cultural Exchange #2: Bernando Carabello Gym
Recovery Island Hopping Session
Day 4 | Work Out & Cool Down
Boxing Cultural Exchange #3: A Grass Roots Gym in the Hood
Detox brunch at Oh La La Café Bistrot
Soothing massage and detox facial
Tasting menu at Carmen Cartagena
Day 5 | Hasta Luego
Some last-minute Shopping
Transfer to the Airport
Early-adopters looking to tick off the newest holiday destination and sports craze in one big hit. If you’re a cultural nut who craves a work out with some Caribbean beach sparkle thrown in, then this itinerary is for you
Ideal Length: 4 nights, 5 days
Days: 5
Duration: 4 nights
Dec 15-Jan 15
Phone Number: +1 (347) 871-7997 | +57 318 516 7767
Rating: TIC Rating
Rating: Trip Advisor
Boxing Clever in Cartagena
Day 1 | Welcome to Cartagena
Arrive and get settled into your colonial house or hotel. A local guide will line your stomach with some scintillating ceviche and some tropical cocktails in some of the city’s coolest hangouts. Your first night is all about getting into the Caribbean swing of things.
Day 2 | Welcome to the Jungle
Learn of Palenque’s fighting traditional with a sparring session with one of the town’s most successful female boxers. This tiny village produced Colombia’s first world champion, Antonio Cervantes, also known as “Kid Pambelé”. Meet the kids looking to fight their way towards a better future through the discipline of boxing and the wonderful musicians that give Palenque its unmistakable African rhythms. Finish off on a foodie high with a traditional protein-packed lunch with the locals before heading back to Cartagena. In the evening, you’ll be switching to your dancing shoes for a Latin Dance class to get you into the Caribbean groove.
Day 3 | City & Islands
Get a work out in the gym where the likes of Colombian fighter, Paola Riojas, made a name for herself. This is the mecca of Cartagena boxing. Box with the best local trainer and translator by your side. Change holiday shifts with a late morning spot of island hopping in your own private speedboat or yacht, before settling down for an incredible 3-course meal at a luxury beach retreat, far from the tourist rif-raf.
Day 4 | From Hood to Spa
Time for one final workout in one of the few remaining barrio gyms. Anibal Gonzalez trains men, women and children in the humblest of rings. You’ll get to help the next generation of boxers find their feet by donating your Cartagena boxing gloves at the end of your session. After a healthy pick-me-up-brunch, head to Cartagena’s most luxury spa for much-needed massage and invigorating facial.
Day 5 — Depart Cartagena
You just have enough time for some last-minute shopping and a quick street food snack before catching your flight back home.
We think differently to other travel specialists in Colombia and our multi-day e…
Aside from being fully certified, our talented team of Colombia travel experts a…
All the tours you see on here have been hand-picked or created by our team of ta…
We really do know Cartagena better than anyone else. Our clued up insiders live …
We think differently to other travel specialists in Colombia and our multi-day experiences are built with modern and adventurous travellers in mind. For unrivalled Colombia travel tips you can’t get anywhere else, we’re definitely the ones you should turn to
Aside from being fully certified, our talented team of Colombia travel experts aim to go above and beyond to ensure you have a unique travel experience. Our team thrives on left-field requests and strives to make your travel dreams a reality
All the tours you see on here have been hand-picked or created by our team of talented travel experts. We encourage sustainable tourism and collaborate with local, independent providers where possible
We really do know Cartagena better than anyone else. Our clued up insiders live and breathe Cartagena 24/7. We’re on-the-ground, all-year-round so we can share with you all of our favourite things to do and places to eat, drink and relax
See the year out in a footloose, stress-free fashion, with a euphoric week of sizzling soirees, is…
From scintillating ceviche and freaky fruits to farm-fresh produce and game-changing cuisine, Colo…
It’s time to re-imagine the typical family holiday for an enriching Colombia travel experience eve…
From the studios of heavyweight artists and underground street art maestros to rhythmic salsa slay…
Fall head over heels in love with Cartagena and set your love fire alight with a passionate escape…
You’re going to love this guide to Cartagena. Long before Cartagena became a celebrated destinatio…