Colombia · WORKSHOPS
Good workshops & classes fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Spend six hours with local hosts Camila, Marbeluz, Hugo, or Jorge and Jose, learning Salsa or Champeta, playing drinking games, and visiting Cartagena clubs. The route changes by night, but expect free entry, shots, live music, and a young crowd moving through Getsemaní and the Old City.
“Wild night! Met so many awesome people and had a blast hopping bars around the city.”
Meet at Ocio Gallery in Bogotá for a two-hour beginner graffiti workshop led by artists such as Cali, known as TET, or Diego. Learn spray-can control, invent a graffiti name, sketch it, then paint a colorful 3D throwup on a courtyard wall. Materials and wall space are included.
“I was very impressed both by the artist who led this workshop and by the gallery (OCIO) where it was hosted. The workshop started with a chance to explore the gallery, which is full of amazing prints by an array of Colombian artists. They also sell a line of printed clothing - really interesting work, and a chance to take home an exceptional souvenir. (If you don't take the workshop, you could still have a super visit to the gallery, which is close to the La Perseverancia Market and lots of eating options.) The grafitti workshop took place in a courtyard behind the building, with walls covered by experiments and…”
Meet your guide near Museo Casa de la Moneda, learn how gold and emeralds shaped Colombia, then work with master jewelers in Bogotá’s jewelry district. Choose your silver ring design and emerald, and make the piece by hand with guidance. The $194 price includes materials, tools, and a silver emerald ring. Gold and larger stones cost extra.
“I recommend this workshop, the best souvenir you can take from Colombia. The guide was excellent and the workshop perfect.”
At Tu Baile in Bogotá’s Teusaquillo district, you get a 90-minute private lesson in salsa and other Latin rhythms. Instructors such as Julien, Laura, German, and others adjust the pace to your level, pair solo dancers with a suitable instructor, and teach in a private studio. Water is included, while transportation is not.
“Very good, very patient helpful and supportive. I chose bachata as it is 4 beats and more useful in Europe.”
Meet Hugo Gonzalez Chalela at Restaurante Punta las Velas in El Laguito for a 90-minute private surf class. He teaches beginners and returning surfers with clear, patient coaching, starting on a stable longboard and adjusting instruction to your comfort and ability.
“Great experience! I loved my class with Hugo. As an absolute beginner he made me feel completely at ease, and I really appreciated the patience, enthusiasm and positivity of him and his team. They make sure you learn and enjoy yourself at the same time. Highly recommended! If you’re thinking about it: don’t hesitate!”
Spend two hours walking from Café La Manchuria in Cartagena’s Old Town to Libertario Coffee Roasters in Getsemaní. Guides such as Sofi, Daniel, and Milena explain Colombian coffee, lead tastings, and introduce you to local cafés. The English workshop includes caffeinated coffee only and a route under one mile.
“I absolutely loved this! This experience is both a coffee tasting (of various artisanal shops around the old city) and a verbal lesson on the history and cultivation process of coffee in colombia. I thought it was a very all-encompassing experience that left me with a far greater understanding of coffee and colombian culture. The coffe shops are super cool and the coffee itself was great at each stop. I’ve never been coffee tasting before so for me, I was able to work on refining my palate. Sofi, my guide is also so sweet, knowledgeable and accomodating. Would highly reccomend for any coffee lovers or anyone who wants to learn…”
Meet Lina at Avoeden Café for a small-group coffee workshop in El Poblado. In about 90 minutes, you’ll trace Colombian coffee from crop to cup, compare drip, AeroPress, espresso, and French press methods, and sample several coffees. English and Spanish instruction is available.
“We learned so much from Lina in this wonderful class! We have already improved our morning coffee at home and are enjoying it much more. We are definitely going to do another tour with her soon.”
Meet at Arví Park Metro Station and ride to Don Leandro Special Coffee Farm for a three-hour, English-language barista workshop. You’ll learn how grind, brewing method, speed, and other variables shape coffee, then practice making finished drinks. The small group is limited to 10 people.
“A really good day! Weather delayed our arrival on the cable cars, and they were very accommodating and stayed late to make sure we had the full experience. We did not realize this tour included the sauna and massage experience, which was a pleasant surprise. The farm is located deep in the park, and the journey to get there is longer than expected, but great views. The guides and attendants were very kind and friendly!”
Travel from Santa Marta to Minca in a small group of up to 10 for coffee and cocoa workshops, jungle walks, a 25-meter waterfall, swimming, lunch, and mountain views. Guides speak English and Spanish. The walks are moderate, and the day suits you if you want Minca’s best-known pleasures without a strenuous full-day trek.
“best Guide ! And best tour, we saw a beautiful toucan too ! i recommend it”
At a private chocolate workshop in Bolívar, guide Alejandra leads you through roasting, separating, tasting, and shaping Colombian cacao. You’ll see a working chocolaterie, compare chocolate from 40% white to 100% cocoa, then make bonbons, truffles, or bars. The class is in English or Spanish and suits curious eaters who have no food allergies.
“Our guide Alejandra, was so passionate about the chocolate process. She had great energy and answered all our questions. Very interesting tour, we learned a lot. The chocolate we made was some of the best we’ve ever had. Very cool experience and recommend it if you want to see Cartagena and Colombia in an authentic way.”
Meet photographer Paola at Plaza Trinidad for a two-hour walking workshop through Getsemani. You’ll learn phone photography, composition, angles, filters, presets, poses, and color while finding photo-ready walls and corners. The class suits Android and iPhone users, beginners and experienced photographers alike. Bring a charged phone, sunscreen, and extra cash for optional Palenquera photos.
Meet Sky and his father at a traditional San Andrés house or arrange pickup. Learn how coconut palms shaped island life, watch them weave hats and bowls, then make simple pieces such as a bird or necklace. The 90-minute to 2-hour private workshop includes English or Spanish guidance and a take-home souvenir.
“My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our time with Sky and his Dad. We started the experience by visiting their typical San Andes house with a very interesting history of the islands (with old photos) and the importance of the coconut trees before tourism became the main industry of the island. After, we learned how to craft items from coconut tree leaves and watched in awe as they crafted a sunhat and a fruit bowl from this amazing material. Truly old skills passed down from generation to generation. We also learned (hands on) how to make some simpler ornamental items such as a decorative bird and a necklace. This is…”
Walk Bogotá’s La Candelaria with guides such as Juanita or Alejandra, visiting churches, colonial streets, and lesser-seen corners before a professional barista leads tastings of two coffees, two cacao origins, an ancestral drink, and a latte-art lesson.
“Juanita was amazing and her English is fluent. We are a family of 6, with 4 teenagers (19, 18, 16 and 14yr) and she engaged us all for 4 hours. She was full of stories about Columbia’s history and she knows a huge amount, is passionate about her country and wants to share that with others. We really enjoyed the coffee/cacao experience where we were educated about the cacao and coffee process by a woman who has set up a great coffee/cacao shop. Juanita was really generous with her recommendations and helped us navigate the city with ideas for the next few days. I would thoroughly recommend Juanita and her…”
At Nativokite in La Boquilla, choose a one-hour paddleboard rental or a private lesson with a bilingual instructor. You’ll receive a board, paddle, and life jacket, then enjoy the beach facility before or after. Hotel pickup is available from central Cartagena districts.
Meet your professional photographer at Plaza de Bolívar for a three-hour private workshop through Cartagena and Getsemaní. Paola has guided participants through camera basics, portraits, architecture, documentary work, and visual storytelling. Bring your own camera, share your goals in advance, and receive coaching suited to your level.
“Paola did a great job with the tour. Before we started, we reviewed the most important theoretical concepts. Afterward, we walked around Getsemaní and the Historic Center, where many opportunities for taking pictures exist. I was free to take any type of picture and at the same time, received tips and tricks on what to pay attention to. Furthermore, Paola asked me what I would like to focus on and made sure I was able to practice the same. Super friendly and helpful, many thanks!”
A coast, a city, or a hillside full of coffee.
