June 2026 Newsletter

JGOOT FAMILY TRAVEL NEWSLETTER- June 2026

☀️ SUN, SNORKELS & SECRET ISLANDS:

WHY COLOMBIA'S ROSARIO ISLANDS SHOULD BE ON YOUR SUMMER RADAR

When most families think about summer travel, their minds immediately jump to Europe. And while Europe is wonderful, it also comes with peak-season crowds, peak-season prices, and attractions packed shoulder-to-shoulder with other tourists. This month, we're heading somewhere that many American families overlook entirely: Colombia's Caribbean coast.

Cartagena and the Rosario Islands combine colorful colonial history, warm Caribbean waters, incredible food, fascinating wildlife, and enough adventure to keep kids engaged from morning until bedtime. One day, you can be exploring a centuries-old fortress built to defend against pirates. The next, you'll be snorkeling above coral reefs in crystal-clear water. By evening, you're wandering cobblestone streets lined with brightly painted balconies and listening to music drift through historic plazas.

For families looking for something different this summer—something that feels adventurous without being complicated—Cartagena and the Rosario Islands might be one of the best-kept secrets in the Caribbean.

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MONTHLY FAMILY TRAVEL BLUEPRINT

Destination: Cartagena & The Rosario Islands, Colombia

Why Families Love It:

Some destinations are all beach. Others are all history. Cartagena manages to combine both. Parents love the rich culture, architecture, and food scene, while kids are drawn to castles, boats, beaches, snorkeling, and wildlife. Unlike many Caribbean vacations that revolve entirely around staying inside a resort, Cartagena encourages families to get out and explore.

What makes this destination especially appealing for JGOOT families is the variety. Every day feels different. One morning, you're walking through a UNESCO World Heritage city. The next time you're gliding across turquoise water toward a tropical island. It delivers a sense of discovery that can be hard to find at a traditional beach resort.

Suggested Length:

6 Nights / 7 Days

Recommended Route:

Fly into Cartagena (CTG)
↓
3 Nights Cartagena
↓
3 Nights Rosario Islands
↓
Return to Cartagena Airport

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WHERE TO STAY

Hyatt Regency Cartagena

https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/ctgrc-hyatt-regency-cartagena

For JGOOT families who like to maximize hotel points, the Hyatt Regency Cartagena is the clear winner. The property sits directly on Cartagena's waterfront, with floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea. Multiple pools provide a welcome escape from the tropical heat, and many rooms offer spectacular sunset views.

The location works particularly well for families. You're close enough to the Walled City to easily explore Cartagena's major attractions, yet far enough away to enjoy a quieter atmosphere when it's time to relax. After a full day of sightseeing, returning to a comfortable hotel with ocean views and a pool feels like exactly the right reward.

Alternative Family Resort

Hotel Isla del Encanto

https://www.isladelencanto.com.co

Hotel Isla del Encanto is one of the most popular family-friendly options in the Rosario Islands for good reason. The property offers easy access to beaches, snorkeling excursions, and island activities while still providing the conveniences that make family travel easier.

Its larger footprint and variety of amenities make it particularly appealing for families traveling with children of different ages, giving everyone plenty of room to find their own favorite way to enjoy island life.

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ITINERARY:

DAY 1

ARRIVE IN CARTAGENA

Spend your first afternoon settling into Cartagena and getting your bearings. As the day begins to cool, make your way into the famous Walled City, where colorful colonial buildings line narrow cobblestone streets and flower-filled balconies seem to appear around every corner.

Historic Center

https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/285

Plaza Santo Domingo

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plaza_Santo_Domingo

Cartagena Clock Tower

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torre_del_Reloj_(Cartagena)

One of the best parts of Cartagena is simply wandering. Musicians play in the plazas, street vendors sell tropical fruit, horse-drawn carriages roll past historic churches, and nearly every street feels worthy of a family photo.

This first evening is all about soaking up the atmosphere and easing into vacation mode.

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DAY 2

CASTLES, HISTORY & COLORFUL STREETS

Morning

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

https://fortificacionescartagena.com.co

Imagine letting your kids loose inside a real fortress built to defend Cartagena from pirates and invading armies. Castillo San Felipe isn't the type of attraction where everyone quietly follows a path while reading informational signs. Instead, it's a giant maze of tunnels, ramps, stairways, hidden passageways, and lookout points.

As you climb higher, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of Cartagena and the Caribbean beyond. Younger children will feel like they've stepped into a pirate movie, while older kids and teens often find themselves fascinated by the incredible engineering behind one of the largest Spanish fortresses ever built in the Americas.

Afternoon

Getsemaní Neighborhood

Getsemaní feels completely different from the historic center. Bright murals cover the walls, local artists display their work, and colorful umbrellas hang overhead in some of the neighborhood's most famous streets. The area has a creative energy that makes it one of Cartagena's most enjoyable places to explore.

Take your time. Grab a snack. Find hidden artwork. Let the kids help choose which mural deserves the title of "best photo spot."

Evening

Walk Cartagena's city walls at sunset.

https://fortificacionescartagena.com.co

Watching the sun sink into the Caribbean while standing atop centuries-old city walls is one of Cartagena's signature experiences. The sea breeze provides welcome relief from the daytime heat, and the golden light transforms the city into something magical.

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DAY 3
MANGROVES & CARIBBEAN NATURE

Morning

La Boquilla Mangrove Tour

Many visitors never realize that Cartagena offers far more than beaches and history. A guided mangrove tour introduces families to an entirely different side of the region. Local guides navigate narrow waterways bordered by dense mangrove forests while explaining how these ecosystems protect coastlines and provide habitat for countless species.

Kids often enjoy searching for birds, crabs, and other wildlife while gliding through tunnels formed naturally by the mangroves.

Afternoon

Relax at the hotel pool or beach.

This is a great opportunity to slow down before heading to the islands. Spend the afternoon swimming, enjoying local cuisine, or simply relaxing. One of the joys of Cartagena is that it balances sightseeing with plenty of opportunities to unwind.

Evening

Sample local favorites such as arepas, patacones, coconut rice, fresh seafood, and tropical fruits.

Colombian Caribbean cuisine is flavorful without being intimidating, making it a surprisingly easy destination for families with adventurous eaters and picky eaters alike.

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DAY 4
ROSARIO ISLANDS

Transfer by boat to the Rosario Islands.

Rosario Islands National Natural Park

https://www.parquesnacionales.gov.co/nuestros-parques/pnn-corales-del-rosario-y-de-san-bernardo/

The boat ride alone feels like an adventure. As Cartagena fades into the distance, the water gradually changes from harbor blue to the brilliant turquoise shades that make the Caribbean famous.

The Rosario Islands consist of dozens of islands scattered across a protected marine park. Upon arrival, you'll immediately notice the slower pace. There are fewer cars, fewer crowds, and fewer distractions. Families can spend the afternoon swimming, snorkeling, or simply enjoying the fact that nowhere needs to be rushed.

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DAY 5
SNORKELING & ISLAND LIFE

Today is about embracing island time.

Possible operators:

The coral reefs surrounding the Rosario Islands provide some of Colombia's best snorkeling opportunities. Even beginners can often spot schools of colorful fish, coral formations, and other marine life just offshore.

Between excursions, enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, beach games, or simply relaxing under a palm tree with a good book. This is the day where schedules disappear and everyone settles into the rhythm of island life.

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DAY 6

ISLA GRANDE

Explore Isla Grande, the largest island in the Rosario archipelago.

Bioluminescent Plankton Tours (seasonal)

By day, Isla Grande offers beaches, nature trails, and opportunities to experience local island culture. By night, if conditions cooperate, families may have the opportunity to witness one of nature's most fascinating phenomena: bioluminescent plankton.

Watching the water glow around your hands or paddle feels almost unreal. For many families, it becomes one of those travel memories that gets talked about for years afterward.

Spend your final island evening enjoying one last Caribbean sunset and reflecting on a week that likely felt far more adventurous than a typical beach vacation.

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DAY 7
RETURN TO CARTAGENA

Transfer back to Cartagena Airport and begin the journey home.

Don't be surprised if your kids spend the flight scrolling through photos of colorful streets, tropical fish, castles, and beaches while already asking where the next adventure will be.

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JGOOT TRANSPORTATION STRATEGY

RULE #1: CASH DEALS

Cartagena is exactly the kind of destination that rewards flexibility. While many travelers focus exclusively on traditional summer hotspots, Colombia often flies under the radar, creating opportunities for families willing to look beyond the obvious destinations.

Be flexible with your departure airport, consider positioning flights when appropriate, and remember the core JGOOT principle: go where the deals are. Sometimes the best family vacation isn't the destination you've dreamed about for years—it's the destination offering incredible value right now.

RULE #2: POINTS STRATEGY

Avianca LifeMiles remains one of the most useful programs available to JGOOT travelers because it partners with both Bilt Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards.

Before transferring any points, always run the numbers through the JGOOT Point Redemption Calculator:

https://jgoot.com/calculator

Remember our standard: target 2¢ per point or better whenever possible.

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FAMILY TRAVEL TIPS

Caribbean Packing Without Overpacking

This destination is practically tailor-made for Team No Check.

Lightweight clothing, swimsuits, sandals, a rash guard, and a few casual dinner outfits are all that most travelers need. The warm climate means bulky layers stay home, and many days naturally revolve around water activities.

There is another advantage to packing light here: boats. Whether you're boarding an island transfer, navigating hotel check-ins, or moving between destinations, carrying less simply makes the experience more enjoyable. One carry-on per traveler is entirely realistic for this trip and allows you to focus on the adventure rather than your luggage.

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INDUSTRY TRENDS

WHY LATIN AMERICA IS BECOMING THE NEXT FAMILY TRAVEL HOTSPOT

More families are beginning to realize they don't have to choose between affordability and meaningful travel experiences. Latin America increasingly delivers both.

Countries like Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, and Guatemala are attracting travelers who want something beyond a standard resort vacation. Families are seeking cultural experiences, wildlife encounters, outdoor adventures, and opportunities to expose their children to different ways of life.

Cartagena is a perfect example of this trend. It offers beautiful beaches and Caribbean weather, but also layers of history, architecture, food, and culture that transform the trip into something far more memorable than simply spending a week by a pool.

Official Tourism Site:

https://www.colombia.travel/en

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Q&A

Q: Is Cartagena safe for families?

A: Cartagena is one of Colombia's most visited tourist destinations. As with any major city, awareness and common sense are important, but families regularly visit Cartagena and the Rosario Islands without issue. Tourist areas are well-established and heavily visited.

Q: Will the weather ruin our trip in June?

A: June falls within Cartagena's wetter season, but that doesn't necessarily mean all-day rain. Afternoon showers are common, and many travelers appreciate the combination of lower prices and lighter crowds.

Q: Are the Rosario Islands worth staying overnight?

A: Absolutely. Once the day-trip boats leave, the islands become significantly quieter. Staying overnight allows you to enjoy sunsets, early morning beach walks, and a much more relaxed island experience that day visitors never see.

And speaking of questions, don't forget - you get to ask us any questions you want on this month's LIVE Q&A session: June 8, 10am PT/1pm ET. Click here to join the livestream.

Happy Travels!

Julie, Anthony, and Katie

JGOOT Family Experts