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Encouraging black women since 2006
Colombia and Panama 2023
December 5th to 13th
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“¡De una!”
Yes, absolutely!
T0URS,
RELOCATIONS,
RETIREMENT
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Colombia - Freedom
Lori, this one is for you!
For years, many of our members like Lori C., have requested tour to South America. It is said, that timing (and passion) is everything! The stars and spirit of Globalnista's founder have finally aligned with the nudging of our members, and it is time to head south to Colombia with taste of Panama.
The Caribbean-facing port city of Colombia is known as the Gateway to South America, sitting between to oceans, where the Caribbean meets the Amazon. It is one of the most culturally and geographically diverse countries in the world. In recent years, Colombia has redeemed its standing in the world and gone are the days of civil wars and internal conflict. The number of visitors to Colombia has skyrocketed in recent years and the country continues to develop into one of Latin America’s most popular tourist destinations.
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Book your flight arrive in Cartagena by 12 pm on December 6th. Book at late afternoon or evening flight home on the 13th.
From the moment you step off the airplane you will be impressed, awe-struck and mesmerized. After a late afternoon check-in, meet the ladies arriving from the Ethiopia tour. You will have a Dubai orientation before preparing for your extraordinary New Year Eve celebration, starting with dinner, followed by watching the famous fireworks at the Burj Khalifa and then on to party into the new year.
Day 2 : December 6th - Welcome to Colombia
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Steeped in history, Cartagena, Colombia’s gem, has in recent years become a contemporary haven for gourmands, culture vultures, novelists and filmmakers. Cartagena was the first Spanish colony in the Americas and served a key role in the expansion of the Spanish empire. It was a center of political and economic activity due to the presence of royalty and wealthy viceroys. The conquistadors shipped the treasures they had pillaged from native cultures back to Spain, while at the same time importing slaves from Africa.Cartagena is the city most associated with pirates in the Caribbean, and the world. In 1984 Cartagena's colonial walled city and fortress were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The vibrant city is now renowned its well preserved Old Town, beautiful beaches, street art, spontaneous street parties, and incredible food.
On arrival make your way to the hotel or take the group hotel transfer at 1:30pm. If you perfer, we can assit in making arrangments for a private transfer. After check-in take some time to unwind from your flight. Later join the other ladies for city orientation by our local tour leader before heading out for walking tour, dinner and your first glimpse of Cartagena by night.
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Day 3: December 7th - City tour
Today, your local guide will lead you along narrow lanes and pleasant plazas of Cartagena's historic walled center. Dotted by stoic stone churches and colorful mansions—vestiges of the Colonial era that made Cartagena’s Old City worthy of its title as UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the Tour, gain insight into the history—from the Spanish era to today's post-civil war awakening. You will learn how the city's identity was formed by its unique blend of indigenous, Spanish, and African roots. Later in the evening enjoy drinks and laughter at a special night location.
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Day 4 : December 8th - Free Town
Late morning, you are off for an one and a half hour ride south of Cartagena, for a certified guided tour of Saint Basil of Palenque the first free town in America, deep dive into the history Afro-Caribbean culture in Colombia. Palenque was founded by African maroons who fled slavery. Spain brought over 1 million enslaved Africans to Colombian as macheteros to clear away the forest land The first palenques were led by Benkos Biohó, a former nobleman from what is now Guinea-Bissau who had been taken to Cartagena in the late 16th century. Biohó organized an army of "maroons," or escaped slaves, and established a small army and an intelligence network to help new slaves escape. In the palenques, he was known as "king." The Spanish called these free slaves "Maroons," a word derived from "Cimarron," which means "fierce" or "unruly."More than 200 years before Colombia became independent from Spain, the free lands of San Basilio de Palenque were founded. in 1713, the Crown of Spain issued the Royal Decree declaring that palenque free of slavery. In the end, in 2005, the place was declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Palenque is now an unique place in the world, stopped in time; famous for its culture, language, gastronomy and friendly residents that give an extra special welcoming to others from the African Diaspora.
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Day 5 : December 9th - Island Girl
After breakfast, travel into the in the Caribbean Sea to visit a bit paradise on the Island Rosario, surrounded by crystal clear turquoise water and the richest coral reefs of the world. From the first sight of the island, you will have a feeling of tranquility relaxing day under the sun in a spectacular atmosphere of sights, sound, or enjoy more livelier activties like snorkeling or kayaking.
Day 6 : December 10th - Dirty Girl
Today, is your free day to explore on your own or with your new friends. There are many options. If you like being a dirty girl, grab a head wrap and “go mudding” in the El Totumo Mud Volcano. Have fun immersing yourself in dense skin temperature mud in an active therapeutic volcano mound that will leave your skin baby soft. If mudding is not your think, consider visiting the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, which is considered the greatest fortress ever built by the Spaniards. End you day enjoying you evening with the other ladies, somewhere special.
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Day 7 : December 11th - Good-bye Colombia. Hello Panama!​
Panama is the only country in the world in which you can see the sun rise in in the Pacific Ocean and set on the Atlantic Ocean. Panama is a multicultural destination, a real melting pot and this is visible on arrival. In its history, seven cultures have contributed to building the identity of the country; Aborigines, Africans, Spaniards, Chinese, Afroantillans, French, North Americans. Immigrants, foreigners and local people have gradually forged the Panamanian lifestyle. A mix of ethnicities, languages ​​and religions coexists and enriches the country. Panama's multiculturalism expresses itself above all through its typical dishes.
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Book your flight from Cartagena to arrive in Panama City by 11 am, for the group hotel transfer at 12:30. drop your luaggage at the hotel and head out lunch and a city tour. After a bit of rest at the hotel, meet poolside for drinks and dinner.
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Day 8 : December 12th - Rainforest
Early morning, take 40 minute ride to the 340-acre Gamboa Rainforest, home to a mesmerizing tram experience. The first and only one of its kind in Panama, the 18-year-old green tram will take you 85 feet above sea level into a canopy of whispering tropical trees and edible fruits. . Perched at the tram’s observation tower, youcan also look down upon the Chagres River—just one portion of the famous Panama Canal waterway system that was built 104 years ago. Visit Panama Canal before returning to Panama City. Later in the evening meet the other ladies at an amazing rooftop bar for drinks and dinner while taking in the stunning Panama city skyline. This evening, we will close it out in a BIG WAY!
Day 9: December 13th Panama City/USA
Why fly home early? Store you luggage at hotel and meet your local guide in the lobby for personal suggestions on how to spent your last day in his city, based on your personality. Yep, he is THAT GOOD! Head to the airport at your leisure or take the group transfer at 4pm.
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Colombia and Panama 2023
4 Star Ground Package
*$2903
Per-Person Based on Double Occupancy
No travel buddy? No problem!
A roommate can be assigned
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Ground Package Include:
Accommodations, group airport/hotel transfers,
orientation meal, cultural tours, day Island Rosario
and the rain forest, exciting night-life
Monthly payment plan available for
a one time $49 set-up & processing fee.
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$599 Deposit Required
with monthly payments
Early sign-up savings of $100
($51discount and no payment plan fee)
with payment of 1/2 the package price
by September 15th.
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TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE
Email your name and
telephone number to
SouthAmerica@blackgirltravel.com
or call (323) 275-4888
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Don't forget to forward this to
your ALL your fun-loving girlfriends
and tell them to MOVE FAST!
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Itinerary Variations
BlackGirlTravel/Globalnista constantly strive to improve each itinerary and all features. If improvements can be made or unforeseen conditions beyond our control make changes necessary, we reserve the right to vary itineraries. Occasional restorations may cause exhibits to close. During local or national holidays abroad, certain facilities such as museums, theaters, sightseeing tours, and shopping may be limited. BlackGirlTravel/Globalnista will not be held responsible for any of these occurrences but wherever possible, itinerary adjustments will be made to minimize inconvenience to passengers. In the event of possible safety concerns, we also reserve the right to alter or postpone tours.
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Prices are quoted based on the exchange rate of August 15 2022.
If the USA dollar devalue 2% of more, all prices will be adjusted,
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