Academic Mission V.I.A. – Colombian Caribbean Coast

Tours

Academic Tour: Ports and Free Trade Zones Colombian Caribbean
The V.I.A. logistics tour is a specialized program focused on showcasing the operation of port concessions, free trade zones, and business entities in the cities of the Colombian Caribbean coast: Cartagena, Santa Marta, and Barranquilla. The program is aimed at national and international university students in administrative areas related to international trade and business, logistics and transportation, customs administration, transport or maritime engineering, business administration, industrial engineering, and economics, among others.

Academic Tour: Ports and Free Trade Zones Colombian Caribbean objective is achieved through a mix of theoretical and practical workshops. In partnership with SENA, the tour includes navigation along the Magdalena River and the Bay of Cartagena, providing a first-hand look at the maritime and river transport networks. Participants will also visit companies in the sector to learn about the processes and activities carried out in administrative, operational, and commercial areas.

With a maximum of 25 students per group, the program offers a focused and personalized learning experience. The tour is an invaluable opportunity to gain practical knowledge and a deeper understanding of the crucial role these ports and free trade zones play in Colombia’s economy and international trade. It’s an ideal way for students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting.

What’s Included / Not Included

✔ INCLUDED:

Destinations: Barranquilla, Santa Marta, Cartagena
Meals: Breakfasts and dinners
Accommodation in tourist-class hotels with multiple occupancy (individual beds) or according to client request
Private ground transportation for intercity transfers and all scheduled activities, adjusted to group size
3-hour boat ride on the Magdalena River in Barranquilla (panoramic port view)
3-hour boat ride in the Bay of Cartagena (panoramic port view)
Theoretical-practical workshop at SENA Logistics and Transport Center
One recreational and cultural group activity (including local gastronomy and culture)
Daily hydration: 2 bottles of 200ml water per person
Management of entry permits to port concessions and relevant entities
Visit to COREMAR, Free Trade Zones, or Ports (subject to prior reservation and approval in each city)
Visit to one commercial company (subject to availability and reservation)
Spanish-speaking travel coordinator/guide throughout the academic mission
Group souvenir
National travel insurance during the mission

❌ NOT INCLUDED:

Migration procedures
National or international flights, baggage fees
Non-programmed activities
Meals not mentioned in the plan
Unscheduled transportation
Entry fees to recreational activities
Personal expenses
Tips
Refunds in case of program cancellation
International insurance for the duration of the mission
Bilingual guides or coordinators

Operating Days and Times

Technical visits and logistics/workshop activities take place Monday to Friday, during the business hours set by each institution.
Saturday and Sunday: Port concessions are closed.
Activities start at 7:30 a.m. and end around 5:00 p.m. (estimated).
All entities must be contacted and scheduled at least 4 months in advance for approval and programming.

Approximate Duration

5 Days / 4 Nights, or customizable based on the academic institution's request
Daily activity time: around 8 hours, including meal breaks

Visitor Recommendations

Participants must consider the following:

Provide a full list of participating students with complete personal data
Students must be covered by occupational risk insurance (ARL) provided by their university; without it, access to port or company facilities will be denied
Fill out required forms for entry to each entity
Follow the dress codes required by each company or activity
Ensure reservation is confirmed and initial payment is made through the designated channels
Submit proof of life or travel insurance for all participating students
Bring personal protective equipment (PPE) and appropriate attire for each activity
Maintain respectful, cooperative behavior and a team-oriented attitude