Dear readers,
My name is Frank, and I manage a golf travel operator in Colombia based in Bogota. We specialize in golf trips throughout Colombia.
Following the example golf trip below, you will find additional variations with different destinations and durations.
Summary of the Cartagena Colombia Golf Trip
Day 1 – Cartagena – Arrival
Day 2 – Cartagena – Karibana Golf Course – Cartagena
Day 3 – Cartagena – Campestre Golf Course – Cartagena
Day 4 – Cartagena
Day 5 – Cartagena – San Basilio de Palenque – Cartagena
Day 6 – Cartagena – Campestre Golf Course – Cartagena
Day 7 – Cartagena – Rosario Islands – Cartagena
Day 8 – Cartagena – Karibana Golf Course – Cartagena
Day 9 – Cartagena – Departure
Planned destinations for the Cartagena Colombia Golf Trip
Cartagena
In terms of tourism, Cartagena is probably the most important Colombian city after Bogota. It is the capital of the Bolivar department on the north coast of Colombia. The average temperature is 32°C (89°F), so the climate is hot but windy as it is at sea level.
Over 500 years of history can be found here, proof of that is that Cartagena was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Its perfect location directly on the Caribbean Sea and its beautiful colonial old town (Ciudad Amurallada) enchant national and international tourists, who can also travel there by cruise ship.
In the historical center, you will find many attractions featuring the famous Castle of San Felipe de Barajas, boutique hotels and restaurants. The walled city is also known as a popular honeymoon destination for the romance of its streets and architecture.
San Basilio de Palenque
San Basilio de Palenque is a historic town located in Colombia, renowned for its unique cultural heritage and historical significance. Situated about 50 miles southeast of Cartagena, the town is often considered the first free African community in the Americas. It holds a special place in history as a symbol of resistance against slavery and oppression.
During the colonial era, when the Spanish brought African slaves to the Americas, some slaves managed to escape from their captors and formed independent communities known as “palenques.” San Basilio de Palenque, founded by escaped slaves around the 16th century, became one such palenque.
The community developed a distinctive Afro-Colombian culture, preserving its African traditions, languages, and customs. Palenquero, an Afro-Hispanic creole language, is still spoken by the residents, making it a living testament to their heritage.
The inhabitants of San Basilio de Palenque have always shown a strong sense of identity and unity. They fiercely resisted Spanish attempts to re-enslave them, and their community became a safe haven for other escaped slaves seeking freedom.
In recognition of its cultural importance and historical significance, UNESCO declared San Basilio de Palenque a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005. This designation highlights the community’s efforts to preserve its unique heritage amidst the challenges of modernization and globalization.
Today, San Basilio de Palenque remains a vibrant and proud community, with residents committed to preserving their cultural heritage and sharing it with the world. Tourists and researchers visit the town to learn about its history, witness its vibrant traditions, and gain insight into the resilient spirit of its people. The town serves as a living reminder of the strength and determination of those who fought for freedom during a dark period in history.
Rosario Islands
The Rosario Islands, also called “Islas del Rosario” locally, are a group of idyllic and paradisiacal islands in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Cartagena, Colombia.
This archipelago is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, coral reefs and diverse marine life, making it a desirable destination for beach lovers and snorkelers. In fact, it is part of the Rosario and San Bernardo Coral National Park, established to protect the region’s valuable marine ecosystems. The coral reefs are teeming with colorful marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles and rays.
The Rosario Islands offer a true Caribbean paradise experience with their white sandy beaches, palm-fringed shores and warm tropical waters. The islands are an escape from the busy city life of Cartagena and offer a calm and relaxed atmosphere.
Isla Grande is the largest and most popular island in the archipelago. It offers various accommodation options, restaurants and beach clubs, so it is an ideal base point for exploring the area. The Rosario Islands are easily accessible from Cartagena and many tour operators offer day trips and excursions to the islands.
Golf courses of the Cartagena Colombia Golf Trip
Golf Courses in Cartagena
Karibana Golf Club Resort
Website: https://www.karibanaclub.com.co/
Location: Km 12 Anillo Vial, via Barranquilla, Cartagena
Altitude: 2 meters above sea level (6.5 feet asl)
Average temperature: 24 – 31º Celsius (75 – 88º Fahrenheit)
Time to city center: 35 minutes by car to old town Onsite
Onsite hotel: Yes
Onsite restaurant: Yes
Nestled between native forest and the beautiful Caribbean beach, the Karibana hotel and golf club is definitely one of the best golf courses in Colombia. The golf course was home to the first Cartagena de Indias at the Karibana Championship (part of the PGA-sanctioned Web.com Tour) in 2015 and the 2019 Colombian Open.
On the first 9 holes, there are 6 artificial lakes surrounded by forests and wide fairways, while the remaining 9 holes offer sea views and require greater effort due to the wind, plus around 135 bunkers. To cool off in the warm climate characteristic of the region, beverage carts drive around the course offering cold beverages to athletes.
- Holes: 18
- Score: 72
- Types of grass:
- Fairways: Bent
- Green: Bent
- Length: 7,065 yards
- Designer: Nicklaus Design
- Caddy: No
- Golf Cart: Yes – With GPS
- Rental Equipment: Yes
Cartagena Country Club
Website: https://www.clubcampestredecartagena.com/ Facebook
Location: Kilometer 1 via Turbaco, sector Puente Honda
Altitude: 5 meters above sea level (16.4 feet asl)
Average temperature: 24 – 31º Celsius (75 – 88º Fahrenheit)
Time to city center: 55 minutes by car Onsite
Onsite hotel: No
Onsite restaurant: Yes
The Cartagena Country Club was originally founded in 1933 by 57 residents of the Caribbean city, members of the initiative of the Andean National Corporation. Here, members, their families and guests can enjoy social and sporting activities in an exclusive atmosphere on the outskirts of the community.
The club has an 18-hole golf course that hosts various tournaments such as the Ryder Cup, the Cartagena de Indias International Children’s and Youth Tournament, the Fedgolf Cup and its own amateur tournament.
- Holes: 18
- Score: 72
- Types of grass:
- Fairways: Bermuda
- Green: Bermuda Tif Dwarf
- Length: 6,901 yards
- Designer: Rafael and Jaime Villegas
- Caddy: Yes
- Golf Cart: Yes
- Rental equipment: No
Detailed Cartagena Colombia Golf Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Cartagena – Arrival
Arrival in Cartagena
You will be picked up at the airport in Cartagena and driven to your hotel. The bilingual guide will be waiting for you at the airport exit.
Accommodation
Here you will find the best hotel recommendations in Cartagena.
Day 2: Cartagena – Karibana Golf Course – Cartagena
Service
Pick-up: 08:30
Karibana golf course
Tee time: 09:30
Then return to the hotel.
Day 3: Cartagena – Campestre Golf Course – Cartagena
Service
Pick-up: 08:30
Campestre golf course
Tee time: 10:00
Then return to the hotel.
Day 4: Cartagena
Full Day City Tour and Mercado Bazurto
Your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel to take you to the Bazurto market, a very busy place in Cartagena, a maze of colorful stalls, exotic foods and local handicrafts. This guided tour will take you to the heart of the market, where you will have the opportunity to meet the vendors, watch the artisans at work, taste local delicacies and if you prefer, enjoy a delicious typical Colombian lunch.
On the way back you will have a 3 hour tour of the city of Cartagena, visiting the residential neighborhoods that border the Bay of Cartagena. You will visit the Monastery of San Pedro Claver and its church, built in honor of the patron saint of slaves – Pedro Claver. The church is considered a national monument and, because of its history and charm, is one of the favorite churches for weddings in Cartagena. You can also visit the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, the most important work of military engineering in the New World. This fortress was built by the Spanish during the colonial era (from 1536) to protect the city from pirates and invaders. Today it is one of the 7 wonders of Colombia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 5: Cartagena – San Basilio de Palenque – Cartagena
Full Day Route Of Liberty
San Basilio de Palenque is a place where music, language, medicine and other daily traditions permanently remind us of the continent that five centuries ago became the main source of slaves in the world. It is known for its mark in the history of the eighteenth century, as it was the first black slave town in America to free itself from the Spanish crown.
55 km from Cartagena, in Palenque, one of the first free towns of the continent and cradle of important boxers like Antonio Cervantes ‘Kid Pambelé’. Learn about the Afro-Caribbean history, the past, present and future of Palenque and enjoy its typical food, guided by young people from the community.
Day 6: Cartagena – Campestre Golf Course – Cartagena
Service
Pick-up: 08:30
Campestre golf course
Tee time: 10:00
Then return to the hotel.
Day 7: Cartagena – Rosario Islands
Private Boat tour to Rosario Islands
The driver will pick you up at the hotel and take you to the pier. Where you will have a tour through the Rosario Islands, an archipelago in the Caribbean Sea formed by 28 islands. The natural national park was created to protect one of the most important coral reefs of the Caribbean coast of Colombia. From Cartagena, it takes about 45 minutes by boat. During the private boat excursion to the islands, the captain and an assistant will take care of you. Cold drinks such as champagne, beers and water, as well as delicious snacks, will be the perfect accompaniment to the views over the blue ocean. You will be able to discover the beaches and islands at your leisure or do other activities.
Day 8: Cartagena – Karibana Golf Course – Cartagena
Service
Pick-up: 08:30
Karibana golf course
Tee time: 09:30
Then return to the hotel.
Day 9: Cartagena – Departure
Departure
Today is the last day of your trip. Depending on the departure time, a vehicle will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the airport.
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