There's many reasons as to why there has been an increase in specifically western interest in plant medicines (decrease in influence of religious doctrine, lack of connection/meaning in capitalist society and subsequent searches for hole-filling, a recognition that nature and traditional custodians of earth wisdom have better answers etc etc). 

Traveling has long been a means of gaining expansion and insight, so it makes sense that many travelers look to combine plant medicine and wellness retreats with their journeys through Colombia. 

With the growing interest, there are a growing number of options throughout Colombia looking to satisfy demand. I think it would be fair to say not all of these options are offered with the most pure of intentions. With that caveat it is strongly suggested that anyone curious about exploring plant medicine in Colombia, does some pretty thorough due diligence beforehand. I would also add that not all medicine is for all people. Whilst someone you know may have had incredible breakthroughs and healing with a specific medicine, it simply might not be a good choice for you. Furthermore I will emphasize that they really should be treated as medicine. For those looking for a party drug or a way to block things out for a while, look elsewhere. Plant medicines are all about intention, ego surrender and  inner work. They can be a shortcut to the most beautiful view of a more beautiful world to let you know what is actually possible.. but then once you have received this vision you will have to learn how to climb the stairs on your own. 

Ok! So having said ALL that.. where can one find plant medicine ceremonies in Cartagena (and the relatively accessible beyond)?

A reliable starting point is an island location on Tierra Bomba about 15 minutes by boat from Cartagena mainland which offers monthly and bi-monthly plant medicine ceremonies. Visit their website for more information: www.namastebeachclub.com/ceremonias/

They work directly with indigenous communities and spiritual community leaders, ensuring medicine is sourced sustainably. The location is beautiful with lots of spaces for connection with nature and the elements, beautiful trees, traditional malokas, mindful musicians.

They have hosted Yagé ceremonies (known outside of Colombia as Ayahuasca), Peyote ceremonies, Mushroom and Cacao ceremonies. There are nightly fire ceremonies and daily yoga and meditation sessions. They also host retreats.

This is the only option within Cartagena (so far) with regular ongoing plant medicine ceremonies. Various guides will offer one-off ceremonies or retreats with 1-2 months notice in different locations. So again, feel free to send us an email to check if there's anything planned. We will also re-share events on our instagram page www.instagram.com/cartagenaconnections so check us out there as well. 

There is also a really fabulous and experienced lady who works with Bufo and Kambo. She is based in Bocagrande and if you are interested we can put you in direct contact (she speaks perfect English) and she will explain the process. It's best to make bookings in advance. She is probably best reached via her instagram: @sandraanichiarico

Once you move beyond Cartagena around Santa Marta, you will find a lot more options. Mundo Nuevo in Minca hosts regular Cacao ceremonies for example. Sierra Ancestral, also in Minca, focuses on Yagé. Heading along the coast Gitana del Mar frequently hosts Ayahuasca retreats.  The beautiful One Sanctuary in Palomino hosts various rituals, Yay! Ecolodge and Rio Hostel. 
The best option will probably be to do a search of the ceremony you are interested in facebook adding the city or region.

Please feel free to email us with any additional questions and we will do our best to help connect you to the right people and information. Sorry to those who have added comments below - we are unable to reply on this format. Send us an email or whatsapp!

A short but sweet post answering a frequently asked question: how can I post a postcard in Cartagena?

In all my travels Cartagena has to be the most difficult placesI have ever encountered for posting a humble postcard. There's no real post offices so to speak of and the ones that do exist are hard to find and have the most inconsistent and inconvenient opening hours.

So the best option for most travellers (in my opinion) is to go to this SPECIFIC souvenir shop located on the corner of Calle Roman and Calle el Cochero del Gobernador. It's right near the Plaza of the Proclamacion and the Cathedral. 

Here you can: 
1. buy postcards
2. buy international stamp for postcards
3. post your postcard in a 4/72 mailbox

Will it be slow? Hell yes.
Will it arrive? Hmm.. I'd say 6/10 likelihood 
Is it cheap? International postage stamp is 10,000 pesos and this souvenir shop charges an extra 2,000 pesos to buy it through them. 
Is the souvenir shop listed on any map making it easy to share? No. But honestly it is easy to find. Follow Calle Roman until it intersects with Calle Cochera del Gobernador. Or even easier, go to Plaza de la Proclamacion and look for the nearest souvenir shop. 
Is it worth it? That's for you to be the judge. For some it will be a cute act of faith and the fact you can do all 3 steps in the one location that is easy to find with convenient opening hours is worth the 2,000 pesos markup.

After affixing your newly purchased international stamp you can insert your postcard in the blue post box located at the entry to the souvenir shop and is labelled 4/72 (apparently the name of the apparently non-existant Cartagena/Colombian postal service)

Wishing you the best of luck! And long live snail mail and cute traditions!