Top Cartagena Craft Classes

Learn to dance the Rumba and be a part of Cartagena’s nightlife scene with this dance workshop that taches you the Salsa and Champeta too! Get the footwork and rhythmic basics from your instructor and learn to incorporate these techniques into a routine. Enjoy a special in-house made cocktail and then hit the dance floor to freestyle what you’ve learned and enjoy the party.

We will delve into the creative heart of Colombia, exploring workshops of artisans specialized in the art of weaving. Located in picturesque settings steeped in history, these destinations will reveal the authenticity and skill of local weavers. Practical Workshop: Get ready to immerse yourself in creativity! Under the expert guidance of the artisans, you will have the opportunity to create your own piece of mustacilla crafts. From vibrant bracelets to small ornaments, you'll discover the art of interweaving brightly colored beads to form traditional patterns or custom designs. At the end of the workshop, you will take with you not only a unique handmade creation, but also unforgettable memories of your immersion in Colombian crafts. Each piece is more than an object; It is a tangible fragment of the culture that you carry with you. The experience is in English so you will also practice a little Spanish and you will be able to improve your Spanish.

In Cartagena, coconuts become more than just food — they transform into art with purpose. Meet the DAMARTES (Ladies and Mothers of Art), a collective of seven resilient women from La Boquilla who’ve been crafting stunning coconut-based jewelry, accessories, and home décor since 2008. Born from a workshop initiated by the Proboquilla Foundation, this project empowered these women — mothers and grandmothers — to break free from traditional roles and build independent livelihoods through creativity and solidarity. With the continued support of Alternative Travel, DAMARTES has become a symbol of strength, sisterhood, and sustainable craftsmanship. When you visit, you'll be welcomed into their seaside workshop, nestled in a cozy rustic restaurant. Here, you’ll hear their inspiring stories and craft your own handmade souvenir — a bracelet, necklace, keychain, or keepsake — while directly supporting their journey. It’s more than a workshop; it’s a heartwarming cultural exchange.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at emerald production in Colombia during a small-group emerald cutting class in Cartagena. Hotel pickup takes you from your accommodation to the Caribe Jewelry School Foundation. After a tutorial, you'll independently polish up to five stones using professional-level techniques and equipment. After choosing one to take home with you, tour the Emerald Museum and see Colombia's largest emerald.

Experience the vibrant culture of Cartagena with a half-day salsa tour. Combine salsa dance lessons with venturing out to see live salsa music in one tour. Learn the basic steps for salsa and then try them out on a dance floor in a popular live music venue. Visits to two dance clubs plus welcome drinks at each are included in this tour.

Create Your Own Silver Jewelry with Authentic Colombian Emeralds Uncover the artistry behind Colombian emeralds in this unique, hands-on jewelry-making experience. Perfect for curious travelers, art lovers, and gem enthusiasts, this immersive workshop blends craftsmanship, culture, and history into one unforgettable experience. You'll not only learn traditional jewelry-making techniques using sterling silver and rough emeralds, but also gain rare insight into the journey of emeralds—from mine to masterpiece.

Embark on a unique and enriching experience with the Tour to San Basilio de Palenque, the first free town in America and a World Heritage Site. Accompanied by local guides, you will learn about the history of resistance of people of African descent who managed to free themselves from slavery and form a community with its own cultural identity. Walk its streets, visit the cultural center, Benkos Biohó Square and other iconic sites while discovering a language, music and customs that you won’t find anywhere else. Admire the Palenquera women in their colorful costumes and their fundamental role in the living history of the village. Enjoy a delicious typical lunch and, if you wish, a vibrant African drum show. This experience not only connects you to Colombia’s African root, but also allows you to directly support this community proud of its legacy. Book now and live a day that touches the soul!

Visit the Emerald Museum and learn about gemology on this guided tour in Cartagena. While there, attend a lecture where you’ll be able to interact with different emerald specimens. Then, stop by the jewelry-making workshop to watch craftsmen manufacturing sterling silver or 18K gold emerald jewelry. Light refreshments are included.

Discover a different side of Cartagena during a private day trip to Palenque de San Basilio, an African community located near the banks of the Canal del Dique. You will have the opportunity to meet and greet the residents of this unique town, which is characterized by its colorful houses and vibrant culture. Plus, taking a private tour ensures you'll receive the undivided attention of your private guide.