Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
FAREX is the most significant creative and artisanal event in the Caribbean region of Colombia. Running from January 3 to January 11, 2027, it will gather artisans, designers, and cultural entrepreneurs to celebrate creativity and innovation.
The fair will feature a diverse range of products, including crafts, jewelry, fashion, and typical gastronomy, reflecting Colombia's rich cultural heritage. FAREX takes place in Cartagena, CO.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: FAREX runs from January 3 to January 11, 2027, in Cartagena, Colombia.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event showcases the best in arts, crafts, jewelry, and design from Colombia.
- 3Organiser: FAREX is organised by Fundación Farex, with more details available on their official website.
- 4Buyer Authority: The fair attracts artisans, designers, and cultural entrepreneurs looking to connect.
- 5Entry: Visitors can enjoy a vibrant cultural experience with free admission.
Why visit
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore unique artisanal products and connect with local creators. The event provides a platform for networking and discovering new trends in arts and crafts. Visitors can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere filled with cultural experiences and creativity.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will gain visibility for their artisanal products and connect with potential buyers and partners. The fair offers a unique opportunity to showcase creativity and craftsmanship to a diverse audience. Participating in FAREX can lead to valuable business connections and increased sales opportunities.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Independent artisans and workshop owners comparing materials, techniques and finished pieces for their own studios
Boutique and concept-store buyers sourcing handmade jewelry, textiles and home decor for retail shelves
Gallery owners and interior designers looking for Colombian art, ceramics and statement decor
Hotel, restaurant and hospitality procurement teams buying local decor and gift items for guest spaces
Export agents and distributors of Latin American handicrafts assessing small-batch suppliers
Fashion and accessories buyers seeking filigree, Wayuu bags and woven accessories
Museum shop and cultural retail buyers sourcing heritage-inspired products
Specialty food and gourmet buyers looking for packaged Colombian coffee, cacao, sweets and gift hampers
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Artisan workshops and cooperatives presenting handmade crafts in wood, totumo, ceramics and natural fibers
Filigree jewelers from Cartagena and Mompox working in gold and silver
Wayuu and Arhuaca weaving groups showing mochilas, hammocks and bags
Independent fashion and accessories ateliers using handwoven textiles, leather and natural dyes
Home decor and furniture studios working with palm, cane, wood and recycled materials
Visual artists, printmakers and sculptors showing limited editions and small-format art
Specialty food producers with packaged sweets, coffee, cacao, sauces and gift packs
Artisan-run galleries and cultural enterprises presenting curated Colombian collections
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Handmade jewelry, including Cartagena-style silver and gold filigree
Wayuu mochilas, handwoven bags, hammocks and textile accessories
Fashion and apparel made with handwoven and naturally dyed fabrics
Home decor, including ceramics, carved wood, totumo vessels and woven baskets
Art pieces, prints, sculpture and mixed-media work by Colombian makers
Traditional Colombian foods and packaged gourmet gifts such as coffee, cacao and sweets
Leather goods, sandals and hand-stitched accessories
Natural cosmetics, soaps and botanical products made by small producers
Seasonal gifts, souvenirs and cultural keepsakes
Craft materials, natural fibers and artisan tools for workshop supply
Location & Facilities
Venue
3
Cartagena, CO
Facilities
Parking
3 in Cartagena typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: 3 in Cartagena typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at 3 for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Free registration
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Cartagena, CO
Why it matters
On 2027-01-03 to 2027-01-11, FAREX in Cartagena covering Handmade crafts and artisanal products, Jewelry and accessories, Fashion and design items, Art and decorative pieces, Tr gives energy buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · COP
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Rafael Nunez International Airport
Cartagena's primary commercial airport, with nonstop service from New York JFK in current fare samples and connections via Panama City (PTY) or Miami for long-haul routes
TBA
to venue
Approx. 15-25 minutes to central Cartagena depending on traffic; confirm the final transfer time to the venue
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Hotel cartagena DC
3-star
CartagenaUSD 95–122 / night
Hotel OZ Luxury
4-star
CartagenaUSD 150–190 / night
ibis Cartagena Marbella
3-star
Marbella, CartagenaUSD 95–122 / night
Hotel Zi One Luxury Cartagena
4-star
CartagenaUSD 150–190 / night
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Taxi / ride-hailing
Estimated costApprox. COP 20,000-35,000 for a standard taxi from CTG to the Old City or Getsemani; confirm the price before departure
Best forRafael Nunez International Airport (CTG) to central Cartagena or the venue district
Fastest option for arriving delegates with luggage. Use authorized airport taxis or a pre-booked transfer and avoid unmarked cars.
TransCaribe bus
Estimated costApprox. COP 2,900-3,300 per single journey with a TransCaribe card; card purchase is separate
Best forTransCaribe integrated mass transit network and feeder routes across Cartagena
TransCaribe S.A. is the official mass transit authority; Moovit publishes schedules and feeder routes. Journeys typically require a TransCaribe card and are less practical with large luggage.
Taxi within the city
Estimated costApprox. COP 8,000-15,000 for a short taxi trip within Cartagena; agree the fare before departure
Best forHotel districts such as Bocagrande, Manga or Getsemani to the venue
City taxis are widely available but usually do not run on a meter. Keep small notes for short trips and confirm the fare at the start.
Pre-booked private transfer
Estimated costApprox. COP 60,000-120,000 one way for a private car or van; confirm luggage capacity and meet-and-greet service
Best forRafael Nunez International Airport (CTG) to your hotel or the venue
Useful for teams arriving with samples or display materials. Book through a licensed operator and share your flight number for arrival tracking.
Ride-hailing app
Estimated costApprox. COP 12,000-30,000 per trip depending on distance and demand; confirm availability during peak hours
Best forApp-based rides between hotels, the venue and the city centre
Ride-hailing availability in Cartagena can vary. Have a licensed taxi as a fallback, especially late at night.
Parking
Estimated costApprox. COP 5,000-15,000 per hour or COP 20,000-40,000 per day; confirm current rates with the venue
Best forVenue or city-centre parking near the fairground
Parking availability and rates are venue-specific. Ask the organiser about exhibitor or visitor parking passes before driving to the venue.
Weather
January is one of Cartagena's drier months, with hot and humid days around 24-31°C (75-88°F), strong sun and a sea breeze in the evening. Rain is usually limited to brief showers, but a light rain layer is useful for occasional squalls. Air-conditioned exhibition halls can feel cool after midday heat, so bring a light layer for meetings.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to CO.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Working language
Spanish is the main language at the fair and in Cartagena's business community. Bring a bilingual colleague or interpreter for technical craft, pricing and export discussions.
Currency and payments
The Colombian peso (COP) is used for local purchases. Cards work in hotels and larger stores, but cash is useful at artisan stalls, markets and for short taxi trips.
Greetings and appointments
A handshake and friendly greeting are standard. Confirm meetings in advance, and allow for a more relaxed Caribbean pace when scheduling back-to-back appointments.
Heat and hydration
January is hot and humid. Schedule outdoor walks early or late in the day, carry water and use sun protection between venue visits.
Tipping
Check whether a service charge is included in restaurant bills. If not, a 10 percent tip is common for good service.
Safety and transport
Use licensed taxis or app-based rides at night, keep valuables discreet in crowded markets and stay in well-lit areas of the Old City and Getsemani.
Bargaining etiquette
Prices are usually fixed in formal fair booths and galleries. Friendly negotiation may be possible in open markets, but avoid aggressive bargaining with artisans.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Cartagena; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Rafael Nunez International Airport: Approx. 15-25 minutes to central Cartagena depending on traffic; confirm the final transfer time to the venue. Allow road or rail time to 3; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near 3: Cartagena: Hotel cartagena DC; Cartagena: Hotel OZ Luxury; Marbella, Cartagena: ibis Cartagena Marbella.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Cartagena; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: TransCaribe (transcaribe.gov.co) is Cartagena's integrated mass transit system; bus and feeder routes serve the city centre. Check operator timetables and routes on Moovit or the TransCaribe site before travelling.
Parking: On-site parking is available at 3; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: January 2027
Temperature: 24-31°C (75-88°F) daytime, with slightly cooler evenings and high humidity
Seasonality: January falls in Cartagena's dry season, with mostly sunny days and a lower chance of rain than the mid-year months. Brief tropical showers are still possible, so pack a light rain layer.
Packing: 24-31°C (75-88°F) daytime, with slightly cooler evenings and high humidity January falls in Cartagena's dry season, with mostly sunny days and a lower chance of rain than the mid-year months. Brief tropical showers are still possible, so pack a light rain layer. January is one of Cartagena's drier m
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at FAREX usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
D-14
Confirm your FAREX 2027 registration or visitor badge and check whether any days require separate access approval.
D-12
Book flights to Rafael Nunez International Airport (CTG) and allow a buffer for connections through Bogota, Panama City or Miami.
D-10
Reserve accommodation in Cartagena's Old City, Getsemani, Manga or Bocagrande, and confirm the transfer time to the venue.
D-8
Check passport validity, entry requirements and travel insurance coverage for Colombia.
D-6
Download offline maps, save the farex.org schedule and shortlist exhibitors or talks you want to attend.
D-5
Request meetings with exhibitors or buyers in advance and confirm whether Spanish-English interpretation is available.
D-4
Change or withdraw Colombian pesos for small purchases and keep a card for hotels and larger stores.
D-3
Pack light clothing for hot, humid days, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection and a light layer for air-conditioned halls.
D-2
Reconfirm airport transfer, hotel address and badge pickup details; save a screenshot of your registration.
D-1
Arrive in Cartagena, check the venue route and set a realistic schedule for the first show day.
Day 1
Collect your badge early, walk the halls to map exhibitors by category and start with priority meetings.
Day 2-4
Follow up with suppliers, request samples and price lists in COP or USD, and confirm export or shipping terms.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at 3
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2FAREX registration concourse
3
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
3
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nightsCOP 190
- Per diem × 2COP 150
Estimated totalCOP 340
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether FAREX fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For FAREX, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Handmade crafts and artisanal products and Jewelry and accessories solutions and benchmarking suppliers at FAREX in Cartagena.
Min. budget
$530.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Handmade crafts and artisanal products and Jewelry and accessories products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,385.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Cartagena show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where is FAREX 2027?
FAREX 2027 is scheduled for 3-11 January 2027 in Cartagena, Colombia. Venue, hall and access details should be confirmed on the official farex.org site before booking travel.
Is FAREX open to the public or trade visitors only?
The fair's registration categories and access rules should be confirmed on farex.org. The programme brings together artisans, buyers and cultural visitors, so check which days or areas are open to each group before planning meetings.
How do I register as a buyer?
Use the official registration channel on farex.org. Have your business ID, product interests and travel dates ready, and confirm badge pickup hours and whether appointments are needed.
How do artisans apply for a stand?
Exhibitor applications are handled by the organiser through farex.org. Prepare product photos, a description of your craft technique, production capacity and lead times before applying.
What can I expect to see at FAREX 2027?
The product mix is expected to include handmade jewelry and filigree, Wayuu bags and textiles, home decor, art, fashion accessories and Colombian gourmet foods. Check the exhibitor list on farex.org for the confirmed line-up.
Which airport should I fly into for Cartagena?
Rafael Nunez International Airport (CTG) is Cartagena's main commercial gateway, about 15-25 minutes from central Cartagena depending on traffic. Confirm transfer arrangements to the venue before arrival.
What is the weather like in Cartagena in January?
January is in the dry season, with hot and humid days around 24-31°C (75-88°F), strong sun and a sea breeze in the evening. Pack light clothing and sun protection.
What currency is used in Cartagena and can I pay by card?
The Colombian peso (COP) is the local currency. Cards are accepted in hotels and larger stores, but carry cash for small artisan stalls, markets and local transport.
Do I need a visa for Colombia?
Entry rules depend on nationality and passport. Check the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancilleria) or your nearest consulate for current visa-free stay limits, business visitor conditions and required documents.
How do I get from the airport to the venue?
A taxi or pre-booked private transfer is the most direct option from CTG. TransCaribe buses serve the city but require a card and are less practical with luggage.
Is Spanish needed to do business at FAREX?
Spanish is the main working language. Arrange a bilingual colleague or interpreter for technical craft and export discussions, and confirm shipping and export support with individual exhibitors.
Are there co-located events or special activities during FAREX 2027?
Check the official schedule on farex.org for concurrent activities, workshops and any co-located events before finalising your meeting calendar.
Glossary
- Artesania
- Handmade objects produced by artisans, usually with local materials and traditional techniques; in Colombia, crafts are commonly grouped into textiles, ceramics, jewelry, wood, natural fibers and mixed media.
- Filigrana
- Delicate metalwork made by twisting fine gold or silver wire into lace-like patterns; Cartagena and Mompox are recognized centers for this craft.
- Mochila
- A traditional woven or crocheted bag; the Wayuu mochila is known for geometric motifs, a drawstring closure and tightly worked panels.
- Palma de iraca
- A natural palm fiber used across northern Colombia for weaving hats, bags and baskets, often after drying and splitting the leaves.
- Totumo
- The hard-shelled fruit of the totumo tree, dried and carved into bowls, vessels and decorative objects.
- Tagua
- Also called vegetable ivory, the tagua palm nut is carved into beads, buttons and small sculptures as a plant-based alternative to animal ivory.
- Taller artesanal
- An artisan workshop or studio where pieces are made by hand, often family-run and combining several production steps under one roof.
- Comprador mayorista
- A wholesale buyer who purchases in volume for resale, typically a distributor, retail chain or export agent.
- Comercio justo
- Fair trade principles covering fair pay, safe working conditions and transparent supply chains for artisans and producers.
- Sello de calidad
- A quality mark or certification; for Colombian crafts, buyers should check whether a piece carries an origin, technique or quality label.
- Feria artesanal
- A temporary market or trade fair where artisans, buyers and cultural visitors meet; FAREX is the Cartagena edition covered in this listing.
- Artesania contemporanea
- Contemporary craft that combines traditional techniques with modern design for design-led retail, export and interior projects.
- Materia prima
- Raw material such as natural fiber, clay, wood, metal, stone or seeds used by artisans before a finished piece is made.
- Coleccion capsula
- A small, limited-edition product range created for a specific buyer, season or retail concept.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- FAREX 2027
- FAREX Colombia
- arts and crafts fair
- FAREX Cartagena 2027
- Cartagena CO
- Professional Beauty Cartagena 2027
- Jewelry and Accessories
- Fashion and Design
- Wellness and Beauty
- Professional Beauty B2B Trade Expo Cartagena
1 more alternate names hidden
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Sources
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References
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Publishers
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Date checked
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FAREX
- event_website
- event_social
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Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.