TORONTO — Sunwing Vacations is launching a new route from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Cartagena, Colombia Jan. 7, 2015.
Sunwing Airlines will be the only carrier offering a direct connection from the city to arguably Colombia’s most important cultural and historical centre this winter.
Chief Operating Officer for the Sunwing Travel Group Andrew Dawson said that “over recent years our customers have told us that they appreciate being able to explore more off the beaten track destinations. We have already responded to this by adding direct connections from both Toronto and Montreal to Playa Blanca, Panama and La Ceiba, Honduras and feel that Cartagena, Colombia perfectly complements this evolving product range.”
Recognized by UNESCO for its well-preserved historical centre – Cartagena boasts the continent’s most extensive military fortifications – the city is characterized by its Andalusian gardens, imposing battlements, opulent cathedral and colonial mansions. Set on a sheltered bay facing the Caribbean Sea, this natural harbour has much to offer tourists seeking a vacation at a different pace. In addition to cultural discoveries, sun worshippers can choose between the city’s volcanic black sand beaches and the white, sandy bays lapped by azure waters of the nearby island of Baru; reached via a short ferry ride.
Sunwing customers will also be able to combine beach time with some memorable excursions. Off shore, the Rosario archipelago is a protected national park that offers excellent snorkelling and swimming together with explorations of unspoiled lagoons and mangroves that are a haven for local flora and fauna. Inland, options range from scaling El Totumo volcano for a restorative mud bath at the summit and hiking through the rainforest at Tayrona National Park in search of quetzals and howler monkeys.
Sunwing Vacations will be offering a number of different accommodation options that will enable its clientele to soak up the colonial atmosphere and explore the area’s inviting coastline. Set on its own private beachfront, yet only a short drive from Cartagena’s colonial treasures, the Las Americas Resort and Spa is designed for families and offers a nine-pool complex, playground, water park and choice of three restaurants.
Boasting sweeping Caribbean views, the Occidental Grand Cartagena offers an exclusive beachfront location, complimentary non-motorized watersports together with a pool, fitness complex and activity program.
A week’s stay at either property from Jan. 7, 14 or 21, 2015 is available from $995 per person plus $390 taxes based on double occupancy of a hotel room on an all-inclusive basis. Return flights from Toronto are included.
