Welcome to the land of a thousand rhythms!
This is not a simple Colombia music tour; it is a journey curated and hosted by Latin Grammy-nominated Colombian singer-songwriter and accordionist, Gregorio Uribe. By booking this experience, you are not just visiting locations—you are co-creating an adventure with an artist who has brought Colombia’s rhythms to international stages.

What to Expect

On this journey, you will do more than just listen Colombian music—you’ll be part of the band! Our experience is built on authentic, hands-on activities that foster a genuine connection with local cultures.

Learn from the Masters:

  • Get a private workshop from Carmelo Torres, the king of accordion cumbia, and jam with a 20-piece Porro brass band.

Discover UNESCO Heritage:

  • Walk the historic streets of Cartagena and Mompox and experience the intangible cultural heritage of San Basilio de Palenque and Vallenato music.

Dance like a local:

  • Learn the hypnotic rhythms of Gaita and the powerful moves of Champeta from the very communities that created them.

Experience the Real Colombia:

  • Enjoy a home-cooked meal, craft your own musical instruments, and support local communities directly.

An educational music tour

  • This experience is perfect for university groups, study abroad programs, and any group travel seeking a deeper and more authentic experience. Get ready to discover the rhythms that define a nation.

A Closer Look to Your Itinerary

Day 1: Accordion Sunset

Experience a unique, no-stage rooftop concert with accordion legend Carmelo Torres in Cartagena, followed by a workshop. Learn about Colombia’s cumbia genres, and try your hand at playing the instruments.

Day 2: Music, Food & Freedom

Visit San Basilio de Palenque, the first free town in the Americas. Explore its afro-culture, then join a traditional Gaita jam session at the home of a local family in San Jacinto.

Day 3: Journey to Mompox

Transfer to the historic town of Mompox. In the evening, immerse yourselves in a lively musical excursion with the renowned Don Abundio group, learning the traditional “sung dances.”

Day 4: Mompox Walking Tour

Bathe in the golden glow of Mompox’s morning light as you embark on a guided walking tour, admiring colonial architecture and experiencing the town’s charming, rhythmic pace.

Day 5: River Cruise to Cartagena

Relax on an incredible boat cruise down the Magdalena River, taking in the beautiful scenery and a peaceful breeze before arriving back in the vibrant city of Cartagena.

Day 6: A Taste of Barú & Champeta

Take a boat to the island of Barú. In the evening, dive into the powerful sounds of Champeta at a party led by a local DJ and dance crew, discovering a genre with recent African roots.

Day 7: Porro & Farewell

Spend the afternoon with a 20-piece brass band for a workshop and private concert. Experience a true street carnival as the band takes the party to the streets, teaching your group to dance Fandango.

Meet Your Host: Gregorio Uribe

Gregorio Uribe is a Latin Grammy-nominated Colombian singer-songwriter and accordionist recognized for fusing the country’s traditional rhythms with global influences. His work is a testament to Colombia’s musical richness, having performed on emblematic stages like Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, and the Teatro Colón in Bogotá, and collaborating with figures such as Rubén Blades, Carlos Vives, and Paquito D’Rivera.

His discography reflects this fusion:

  • His third album, Hombre Absurdo (Absurd Man), was nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2023. Defined as an “existential cumbia,” it blends Caribbean troubadour styles with literary and mythological references. This work was featured on NPR’s acclaimed Tiny Desk.
  • Previously, his album Cumbia Universal fused cumbia and jazz with his big band in collaboration with Rubén Blades, securing a spot on Billboard charts.

Gregorio Uribe is not only an artist of international prestige (recognized as one of the “100 most successful Colombians abroad”) but is also the visionary leader behind Sounds of Colombia, making every trip a masterclass and an intimate experience with the country’s musical essence.

A Glimpse of the tour

How this tour creates an impact

Impulse Travel’s mission is to create positive change through tourism. This Colombia musical tour is a living example of that commitment.

  • Empowering Communities: Your journey directly supports the livelihoods of over 50 local musicians, artists, and community members.
  • Preserving Heritage: By participating in workshops and listening sessions, your group helps preserve the intangible cultural heritage of Colombia’s rhythms for future generations.
  • Fair-Trade Tourism: Our partnerships ensure a fair distribution of profits, meaning the communities you visit directly benefit from your presence.

Booking this tour means investing in an authentic, impactful group travel experience that leaves a lasting legacy.

Ready to Plan Your Musical Journey?

This tour is customizable for school trips, college groups, or any private party. Let us craft the perfect tour for your students or cultural travelers.

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