Carnival Blacks and Whites
Price per person from US$1,285

Carnival Blacks and Whites

From
US$1,285
From
US$1,285

Description

An Andean city renowned for the Blacks and Whites Carnival, inscribed by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Its identity reflects the Indigenous and mestizo influences found in its handicrafts, music and traditional celebrations. The region is also home to the Las Lajas Sanctuary, one of the most emblematic religious landmarks in southern Colombia.

ITINERARY

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Trip summary
2 Adults
Nights 5
This idea includes
Destinations 1
Accommodations 1
Activities 4

Day 1. Pasto -January 2, 2027 - Arrival Transfer

Meet and assist at Antonio Nariño Airport and transfer to the hotel in Pasto.

Includes: Private transfer with Spanish-speaking driver and airport assistance.

Not included: Guide, tips, unspecified expenses.

Day 2. Pasto-January 3, 2027 –Canto a la Tierra Parade

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today is one of the most important days of the Carnival: the Canto a la Tierra (“Pachamama” – Mother Earth), featuring more than a thousand artists on stage. The performing groups parade along the Carnival route, dancing and playing wind music, drums, quenas (Andean flutes) and zampoñas (panpipes), showing off majestic, brightly colored costumes. Travelers will have the opportunity to see the groups in all their splendor, as the streets fill with artists who invite the audience to take part, applaud and join in the music and dance.

After the parade, we head to the workshops of the Carnival artisans, who explain to travelers the materials used, the float design and the theme to be presented at the grand parade on January 6. Photo opportunities with the artisans and Carnival masters.

Return to the hotel.

Includes: Shared transportation, travel insurance, snack, lunch, Spanish-speaking guide (English-speaking guide subject to confirmation), admission to the artisan workshops, talk with the master artisan, logistical support.

Not included: Tips, unspecified expenses.

Notes: We recommend wearing comfortable clothing, sunscreen and a hat, and staying hydrated during the event.

Day 3. Pasto- January 4, 2027 – Las Lajas Sanctuary Visit with Excursion to Tulcán

Breakfast at the hotel.

We begin an approximately two-hour drive from the city of Pasto to Ipiales. En route, we visit the village of Las Lajas and descend to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Las Lajas, home to the venerated image of the Virgin of Las Lajas, also known as the “Mestiza.”

We continue to Ecuador, where we visit the Tulcán Cemetery, with free time for shopping. At the end of the tour, return to Pasto.

Includes: Shared transportation, medical assistance card, specialized Spanishspeaking guide (English-speaking guide subject to confirmation), one cable car ride, museum admission, traditional snack, traditional lunch, excursion to Tulcán, Ecuador.

Not included: Tips, unspecified expenses.

Notes: We recommend wearing comfortable clothing, sunscreen and a hat.


Day 4. Pasto - January 5, 2027 – Blacks’ Day and Laguna de la Cocha Tour

Breakfast at the hotel.

We depart for Laguna de la Cocha at 7:30 a.m. Upon arrival at the village of El Puerto, we take a walk through its picturesque wooden houses, adorned with flowers that highlight the charm and tranquility of the place. During the visit, we will have time for photos and to enjoy the scenery. We then travel by boat to La Corota Island, where we tour this natural park and enjoy its scenic richness and natural

surroundings.

We continue to the Civil Society Reserve (private nature reserve), located in the El Motilón area. There we will have lunch in a family-style setting surrounded by nature, followed by an interpretive walk through the reserve.

Upon our return, a get-together awaits us with characters representing the Blacks and Whites Carnival. It will be a chance to learn more about this important cultural tradition of Nariño, and to share and enjoy an experience full of music, joy and color that lets us experience first-hand the festive spirit that defines this region.

Includes: Land and river transportation on a shared basis, admission to the Civil Society Reserve, traditional lunch, traditional snack, Spanish-speaking escort guide (English-speaking guide subject to confirmation), Carnival get-together at the home of one of the major Comparsas (carnival troupes).

Not included: Tips, unspecified expenses.

Notes: We recommend wearing comfortable clothing, a jacket, sunscreen and a hat.

Day 5. Pasto – January 6, 2027 – Whites’ Day and Float Parade

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today we experience one of the most anticipated events of the city and of the Carnival. After a year of work and dedication, the artisans present their impressive floats, full of creativity, imagination and color, which travel along the Carnival Route (Senda del Carnaval) in front of locals and visitors alike.

The celebration unfolds amid music, dance, costumes, joy and tradition, as talcum powder and foam take center stage in a festival in which everyone takes part and enjoys the spirit of the Carnival.

Includes: Shared transportation, admission, Spanish-speaking guide (Englishspeaking guide subject to confirmation), lunch along the Carnival route, admission to the artisan carnival, hydration, escort guide, and farewell dinner.

Not included: Guide, tips, unspecified expenses.

Day 6. Pasto –January 7, 2027 –Departure Transfer

Breakfast at the hotel.

Assistance at the hotel in Pasto and transfer to Antonio Nariño Airport.

Includes: Private transfer with Spanish-speaking driver and airport assistance.

Not included: Guide, tips, unspecified expenses.

Guide languages

Spanish

Meeting point

Meeting points mentioned in the itinerary
Day 1: Pasto
Day 2: Pasto
Day 3: Pasto
Day 4: Pasto
Day 5: Pasto
Day 6: Pasto
  • 5 nights of accommodation in a standard room in Pasto.
  • Daily breakfast at the hotel.
  • Transfers Airport – hotel – airport on a shared basis.
  • Professional guide in Spanish during the tours (English-speaking guide subject to confirmation).
  • Laguna de la Cocha tour.
  • Las Lajas Sanctuary tour.
  • Boxed lunch on January 3 and 6, at the grandstand.
  • Traditional lunch on January 4 and 5 during the tours
  • Farewell dinner on January 6.
  • Grandstand tickets for the parades on January 3, 4 and 6
  • Carnival kit.
  • Medical assistance card (domestic coverage).
  • Domestic or international air tickets.
  • Meals not mentioned above.
  • Services not specified above.
  • Tips for porters and hotel services.
  • Unspecified expenses and expenses of a personal nature
  • Optional excursions offered at the destination.
  • Entrance fees to monuments and visits not specified above.
  • 19% VAT on accommodation, exempt for foreigners who have an immigration stamp for tourist travel to Colombia.
  • Hotel insurance: (Voluntary), paid per person per night directly at the hotel.
  • Travel insurance offering comprehensive coverage, including illness, accidents, loss of luggage, protection of property and valuables, cancellation of plans, and even contingencies related to COVID-19.
  • Medical expenses.
  • Excess baggage for transfers. Only one 23-kilogram suitcase per person is allowed.


Possible accommodations

1 accommodations

Activities

4 Activities

PROGRAM DETAILS

1. The contracted transportation admits up to one piece of luggage weighing 23 kilos and one piece of hand luggage weighing a maximum of 8 kilos per person. maximum weight of 8 kilos per person. 2. In case of excess baggage, the possibility of including it without additional cost will be verified according to the capacity of the vehicle. additional cost according to the capacity of the vehicle. 3. The passenger will be the sole responsible for the custody of his/her luggage and travel documents. documents. Under no circumstances Dorado Experiences will respond for the loss, damage, deterioration, theft or loss of elements of the vehicle, deterioration, theft or loss of elements of the passenger. 4. The passenger must not leave valuable articles in the transport. It is recommended that the passenger does not leave valuables inside the vehicle that is transporting him/her, neither the supplier nor Dorado Experiences will be responsible for the loss, damage, deterioration, theft or loss of the passenger's items. Dorado Experiences will not respond for the loss, damage, deterioration, robbery or loss of the passenger's loss of the passenger's items. 5. For transfers of flights arriving between 20:00 and 06:00 Hrs will have an increase of 20% additional to the contracted value. of 20% additional to the contracted value. 6. The general programs include lodging in standard category. If the passenger wishes to a different category, it is handled upon request, subject to availability and change in the initially informed rate. in the initially informed rate. 7. In case of reservation and the selected hotel is not available, a hotel of similar category and rate will be reserved. hotel of similar category and rate will be reserved. 8. The check in time is from 15:00 hrs. 9. Check out time is before 12:00 hrs. 10. In case of requiring twin accommodations, please inform us from the beginning, since it is subject to availability according to the hotel capacity and may generate variations in the price. 11. Triple accommodation is quoted in double twin room. In case of requiring three beds, a specific request must be made at the beginning of the reservation, as it may generate changes in the room category and in the price changes in the category of the room and in the price informed.


Note on Accommodation and Child Policy:


  • Quoted rates are subject to change without prior notice due to exchange rate (TRM) fluctuations, supplier rate adjustments and/or changes in Colombian legislation related to applicable taxes.
  • Our options start with tourist-class accommodations. If a lower category is required, it may be evaluated upon request; however, our priority is to guarantee quality and service through our suppliers, starting from the tourist category.
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