Cartagena: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Currency: Colombian Pesos

Visa: No (U.S.)

Language: Spanish

4025.69 CP = $1

Visits: 1

Visit Again? Yes

Finally, finally, finally! I have made it to Colombia! I’m so excited to share this post because this place has been on my bucket list for two years and I had such a freaking blast! Some people would question “Why Colombia?”, I’m like WHY NOT?!

You have skin glowing sunny days, a cornucopia of dishes, hip-swaying music, inexpensive living, I mean, this is every frequent traveler’s dream. Now Colombia doesn’t have the most pleasant past, but I can assure you that the city of Cartagena is generally safe. Many people have their own Of course, you should always follow basic rules of following directions such as not wearing flashing jewelry and wandering into rural parts. We are blessed to live in a time where people constantly share their travel experiences (like myself) and for FREE! Use these free sources to gather your opinion about a destination.

Though I did visit Bogota, it was only for one day and during the day. So…yea, I don’t think that is enough time to speak on that part of Colombia, but I felt safe there as well!

Each part of Colombia offers a different feel ranging from mountains and hills to colorful old town architecture. Cartagena was a magical as everyone made it seem.

mil=thousand peso

Getting There & Getting Around

Cartagena has now become the new Cancun. Americans are flocking there as if they’re giving away free cheese. You can actually get there for as low as $250 on Spirit airlines, so I guess that is like giving away free cheese. In all honesty, hate it or love it, budget airlines are getting us where we need to go with enough money left over to check out a Michelin-rated restaurant in the area.

I flew with United airlines because I visited Bogota before heading to Cartagena. Regardless of where you are coming from you will be flying into Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG). Beware of flights on third party sites flying into Barranquilla (BAQ). This is for away so save yourself the time, money, and trouble.

The popular ride-sharing app, Uber is available as well as street taxi’s and both are very inexpensive. Getting around depends on where you will stay. If you stay in the most touristic area, the walled city then your two feet will be your best and easiest form of transportation.

WHERE TO STAY

Your location depicts your accessibility. These are my top recommendations for neighborhoods and hotels.

Centro

This is where I stayed and my top recommendation. The district of Centro is located in the Wall City and is in the center of everywhere, hence the name. From restaurants to nightlife, everything will be within walking distance eliminating the need for a rental or tax. You will feel submerged in the city’s rich history with colorful architecture and lively streets. You will find more boutique hotels here, which I always prefer.

Getsemaní

Getsemani reminds me of the Lower East Side. You will find beautiful street art, street musicians, and a plethora of bars, restaurants, and night clubs. Once known for its rocky past Getsemani is relatively safe, however, some parts tourists shouldn’t wander in. It isn’t hard to venture here from Centro, being that it is only a 10-minute walk. Getsemaní still has boasts the same alluring construction, but the eye-catching street art and always wake streets give it a city edge. Plaza Trinidad is the center, where I frequented a lot. No night is ever dull without tourists, locals, drinks, and music.

Bocagrande

If you are a beach lover this is the place for you. With sandy, and crystal waters only footsteps away, it is like the Miami of Cartagena, Bocagrande is filled with high-rise buildings, luxury stores, and popular hotel chains along the Caribbean coast. It is also a popular holiday destination for Colombian natives. I visited here only for the beach, it was not the scene I preferred. I wanted to be in short proximity to the mix.

WHERE I ATE

Food is no match for Cartagena. The best part is the countless restaurants where you can get a quality meal for a very decent price. I personally am not a fan of Spanish food, however, I did eat at some good spots that I actually enjoyed.

street snacks

There are many street food and snacks to indulge in. My go-to is usually such as coconut water, fruits, and pastries.

la CEVICHERIA

This is my #1 recommendation as everything I tasted was exceptionally great. Deemed as a must-visit by food connoisseur Anthony Bourdain, it did not disappoint. The array of seafood dishes were a palette pleaser, especially the coconut curry shrimp.

alma

Many people raved about this place and at is was a huge meh for me. Alma is located alongside Casa San Agustin luxury boutique hotel. The property is undeniably beautiful, complete with a live bad orchestrating melodic sounds. Offering international cuisine (very international because I had oxtail) prices ranged from $40-70. For that price nothing made my palettes dance, and for the prices of their dishes, I need my taste buds to pop-lock-and-drop it.

TownHouse Cartagena

This boutique hotel offers a hip rooftop to the public. The bar food and drinks are spectacular. Even more, the social setting and music are superb. If you’re looking to Kill two birds with one stone and stay at this property.

Carmen

I did not get the chance to visit this restaurant being that I was only there for a few days, however, this restaurant was recommended by many. Carmen is a Latin-seafood fusion restaurant with beautiful presentations and high ratings. 4.5 out of 5 stars out of over 700 people on Google, prices ranging from $25-$40, this eatery is definitely worth checking out.

what to do

Explore Street art

Cartagena in itself is art. The aesthetic, the people, the streets. You will run into many wall murals, fancy homes, and constellations. Don’t miss out on them.

ppl watch

A pastime for all. Grab some refreshments and chill out at a popular square or at the beach.

beach

Speaking of the beach, did you really visit a tropical country if you didn’t frolic around the beach?

Palenque

The sacred Afro-Colombian village orchestrated by Experience Real Cartagena, my full review here.

meet people and travelers

It’s always great to meet people early on during trips. We usually exchange ideas and meet up again.

Volcano mud bath & pink lake

One of the most popular things to do is to visit climb to the top of a volcano and receive a mud bath. This was on my bucket list for a very long time. DO NOT PAY MORE THAN $15 for this activity. I saw companies on Tripadvisor and Viator charging $80 -_-. I booked with the local tourist attraction booth in Getsemaní the morning of. My tour included El Tutomo Volcan mud bath, Galerazamba pink sea, and the “Cartagena” sign on the beach for photo ops.