see the culture up close
Travel with us to Santa Barbara de Timbiquí, for a Musical Journey to Colombia’s Pacific Coast
Itinerary Break Down
Day 1
Arrive in Cali if you are coming from outside of the city! We’ll have a short orientation to go over do’s & don’ts on the trip, and head out for our welcome dinner.
Take a history walking tour with History Underground to get a bit of background on Cali, the Pacific Region, and more specifically, Timbiquí. At night we’ll packing for our next leg of the trip.
Day 2
Wake up early for our trip and we’ll begin our journey to Timbiquí (by air).
Upon arrival, you’ll meet your “homestay hosts” for the trip, then enjoy a short tour of the municipal capital of Timbiquí. After our first procession, we’ll take a workshop in making instruments, where you’ll leave with your own “guasa” to play at the processions and in the evening, we’ll lead our English teaching activity.
Day 3
We’ll take a singing class with a musical legend of Timbiquí to learn the call and response patterns common in the processions, and learn about song composition. After lunch, we’ll meet with elders who are knowledgeable about plant medicine and traditional birthing methods.
Day 4
Take a percussion class with the musicians of Alborada de Timbiquí and learn about the traditional instruments of the region. Then join them for a procession through the town. After resting, we’ll get ready for community gamesin the afternoon and the floating processions on the river at night.
Day 5
December 4th we’ll spend all day at community processions and church ceremonies to honor Santa Barbara, the patron saint of the community. After church activities, we’ll enjoy a fashion show and pageant, and a big concert.
Day 6
After sleeping in a bit we’ll take a journey up the river to make our sancocho with other members of Alborada, and spend the day at the riverside listening to stories from elder musicians. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a “fogata” with guitar music and viche cocktails by the fire.
Day 7
We’ll wake up early and travel to Cali (by boat + air), saying goodbye to our friends from Alborada and Timbiquí! In the evening, we’ll have a goodbye party where we can reflect on our experience.
Day 8
Travel home or onward travel! See you next time!
FAQ’S
-
Timbiquí is a municipality in the Cauca department, just. 40 minute flight from Cali, Colombia!
You’ll be in Southwest Colombia, traveling between Cali and Timbiquí via plane and boat.
Check out the map on the page to see where Timbiquí is!
-
Colombia is a country like many around the world that suffers from conflict. We will be traveling to places that are safe for us to visit, and during festivities are very safe to visit! Don’t let the news scare you.
-
For this trip, all activities are included, including airfare / transportation to Timbiquí from Cali!
While in Timbiquí, we’ll be having Breakfast & Lunch family style, so your meals are covered too!
Accommodations are included as well - In cali, you can be solo, but Timbiquí we’ll give you a roommate so you have a buddy!
-
International or Domestic airfare to CLO (Cali, Colombia) is not included.
Lunch and Dinner in Cali on certain days is not covered, we’ll inform you which meals are included and which are not.
Airport Transfer is not included but can be arranged if you’d like us to schedule you a Taxi.
-
It is ok to come on the trip without a high level of Spanish! There will be translation provided at every step of the way, and when you venture out on your own, you can use google translate at restaurants or markets.
-
This trip is PERFECT for solo travelers, and especially exciting for travelers who are ok with stepping out of their comfort zones! We’ll be in a group at almost all times, so you’ll make new friends along the way!
-
Great question… Cali has a moderate temperature, but Timbiquí is very humid and pretty wet (it rains a lot). This trip is for culture travelers as well as adventure travelers who are ok with being uncomfortable at times.
So yes, there will be AC but it doesn’t mean it will feel like your AC at home. While we’re in Timbiquí the most reliable water is cold versus hot, so there are a few ways to cool down :)