Colombia is having a well-deserved moment, and nowhere captures its colour, flavour and energy quite like Cartagena.
Join Rated V Food for a long-weekend vegan adventure exploring the city through its food, culture and community. From vibrant street markets to standout plant-based restaurants, we’ll discover how traditional Colombian flavours are being reimagined through bold vegan cuisine.
We’ll explore Cartagena’s historic centre, connect with local chefs and creatives, and escape to the Rosario Islands for a laid-back Caribbean day by the sea.
This is more than just great food, it’s about connection, culture and experiencing Cartagena in a fresh, plant-based way.
Come hungry and ready to explore.
For those travelling to Brazil, why not extend your journey and join us in Cartagena for the next stop of the Rated V adventure.
We will be transferring cities for back-to-back Rated V Food tours, making this the perfect add-on to your time in South America. Continue exploring incredible vegan cuisine, vibrant culture, and unforgettable food experiences with Eunice and the Rated V community.
Join Eunice Reyes, founder of Rated V Food, as she hosts this curated vegan adventure through Cartagena.
Eunice has built a global community around plant-based travel, sharing the best vegan food experiences across cities, cultures and cuisines. Her trips are all about more than just eating great food, they’re about discovering destinations through a deeper, more meaningful lens.
Throughout the trip, Eunice will guide you to her favourite spots, introduce you to local flavours and help bring the experience to life through shared meals, conversations and community. Whether it’s uncovering hidden gems, navigating local food culture or simply bringing the group together, she creates an atmosphere that’s welcoming, fun and genuinely connected.
This is your chance to explore Cartagena alongside someone who truly understands how to experience a destination through its food, with a group of like-minded travellers who share that same curiosity and energy.
Transfer in from Cartagena airport to hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel, check-in, time to rest and settle in after the journey.
Join Eunice for a welcome dinner at one of Cartagena’s best vegan-friendly restaurants, the perfect chance to meet your fellow travellers and kick off the weekend with incredible plant-based food, while enjoying a delicious introduction to the flavours and culinary identity of Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
Embark on a fascinating adventure through the history and landscapes of Cartagena de Indias. Our tour begins with a transfer from the Historic Center to the majestic Convent of La Popa, located on the top of the highest hill in the city, where you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea, the walls, and the colorful neighborhoods of Cartagena.
The next stop is the imposing San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, the largest fortress built by the Spanish in South America. There we will explore its secret tunnels and learn about the history of the heroic Don Blas de Lezo, a symbol of the city's defense. Then we will return to the heart of Cartagena to explore its charming colonial streets and lively squares, while the guide shares anecdotes, legends, and stories of pirates who once sailed these coasts. An unforgettable experience for those who want to experience the history, culture, and essence of Cartagena in one tour.
Cartagena's street food dresses up for the tour, an experience that transforms the most popular flavors of the city into authentic gastronomic jewels. Inspired by the tradition of markets and corners filled with music and fried treats, this tour celebrates the essence of the Colombian Caribbean with a contemporary touch, ideal for those who want to taste the local authenticity with a touch of elegance.
Accompanied by an expert food concierge, you will explore the heart of the walled city discovering how the most everyday ingredients are reinvented in modern creations served in unique places. From reinterpretations of arepas and empanadas to cocktails that pay homage to tropical fruits and local spirits, each stop reveals the creativity and pride of a culture that cooks with soul and rhythm. Among warm lights, seductive aromas, and the distant sound of champeta music, this tour becomes a tribute to the streets of Cartagena: a feast where the traditional and the sophisticated come together to tell, in every bite, the living history of the Caribbean.
In the evening we'll take a private transfer to a local restaurant for dinner, bringing the day to a close with a memorable evening in Cartagena.
Today, we head out to the stunning Rosario Islands for a laid-back Caribbean escape, just 60 minutes by boat from Cartagena.
After a private transfer to the harbour, we’ll hop on a shared speedboat across turquoise waters to Isla Grande.
On arrival, ease straight into island life with a welcome cocktail and refreshing towel before settling into your beach spot. You’ll have access to sunbeds, towels, and two different beach areas, so you can choose your vibe for the day, whether that’s quiet relaxation or a more social, beach club feel.
Lunch is served on the island, with a focus on fresh, flavourful dishes adapted to your dietary preferences.
The rest of the day is intentionally free-flowing. Swim in the clear Caribbean sea, switch off on the sand, or opt into activities like kayaking or snorkelling if you’re feeling more active.
Set within the protected beauty of the Corales del Rosario National Natural Park, this is your time to slow down, reset, and soak it all in.
In the afternoon, we’ll head back by boat to Cartagena and return to the hotel.
Optional activities such as kayaking, snorkelling, and others are available upon arrival at an additional cost.
In the evening, we'll meet with a local chef to end the day with an excellent plant-based gastronomic experience.
Come together for a relaxed final breakfast with the group as we reflect on the shared experiences of the weekend. It’s a chance to enjoy one last delicious vegan meal in Cartagena, swap favourite food discoveries, and say goodbye to new friends before departures.
Transfer out from hotel to Cartagena airport, or your own onwards travel.
Chao, buen viaje!
Located in the historic centre of Cartagena, Hotel Kartaxa is a charming boutique oasis that offers a really unique experience. With an atmosphere full of the city’s rich culture, the hotel features a cosy courtyard restaurant, ideal for enjoying Caribbean cuisine or hosting relaxed group gatherings.
There are also tranquil reading rooms to unwind in, while the location allows guests to easily explore the iconic spots of the walled city. Due to the historic architecture, the hotel does not have a lift, but overall it still feels like a really strong fit for the experience.
Luxury hotel accommodation on twin-share basis (single supplement available)
Meals as mentioned throughout the itinerary: 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners, 1 lunch and 1 tasting tour
All excursions listed, led by English-speaking Tour Leader
Entrance fees to all included experiences
Private transfers throughout the trip
Shared speedboat transportation (Cartagena – San Pedro de Majagua – Cartagena)
Welcome cocktail & refreshing towel on arrival to the island
Access to beach facilities (sunbeds, towels, and two beach areas with different atmospheres)
On-site support and coordination
Contribution to reforestation initiatives
Travel assistance throughout
International & Domestic flights
Excursions and meals not mentioned
Personal purchases
Tips and gratuities
Visas and departure and arrival taxes if apply
Harbour tax in Cartagena (COP $28,000, approx. USD $7 per person)
Optional activities such as kayaking, snorkelling, and others are available upon arrival at an additional cost.
This trip is designed around vegan, plant-based dining, celebrating local ingredients and sustainable food culture.
All included meals will be fully vegan.
You do not need to be vegan to join this trip, but please keep in mind that plant-based dining is a core part of the experience, and all group meals will be vegan.
This trip includes city-walking tours. Guests should expect a few hours of moderate walking, balanced with scheduled downtime for relaxation. All participants must be comfortable being on their feet for extended periods and are responsible for bringing appropriate footwear to safely enjoy the experience.
Please note that flights should not be booked until the trip has been officially confirmed as reaching the minimum required group size.
We will notify all guests as soon as the trip is guaranteed to operate, at which point you may proceed with booking your flights with confidence.
Where available, we strongly recommend booking flights directly with reputable international airlines and reviewing the carrier’s policies around cancellations, delays, schedule changes, and passenger protections before booking. Choosing airlines with strong customer support and flexible booking policies can provide greater peace of mind in the event of unexpected travel disruptions.
Please note that travel insurance is compulsory for this trip. All participants are required to obtain adequate travel insurance covering medical expenses, personal belongings, trip cancellation, and emergency evacuation or repatriation from the date of departure until the day of return.
Proof of valid travel insurance may be requested prior to departure.
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance as soon as you book your trip, to ensure you are covered in the event of any unforeseen cancellations or changes before departure.
Please click the link below to view the Terms & Conditions for booking this trip. These will also be presented to you for review and acceptance during the booking process.