Cartagena, Bolivar

destination

Cartagena

My favorite city we visited was Cartagena. Cartagena is a beach town on the coast of Colombia, and it has a very different vibe than Bogotá and Medellín. It was HOT (almost 90 degrees Fahrenheit most days) and extremely humid, so be prepared for that. Colombia in general doesn’t have seasons with changing temperatures, it’s either rainy season or dry season. We went during rainy season, and it only rained for about an hour one day of our whole trip. Cartagena is best experienced by just wondering around. Look at the gorgeous, vibrant buildings, take in the people and the vibrant culture, and eat the street food.

Cartagena, Bolívar

destination • experience

Free Walking Tour Cartagena

We took the Cartagena Connections street food tour and I highly recommend it. It’s two hours, and the tour price includes all the food and drink you’ll get on the tour. My favorite thing we ate was the corn arepas with cheese. These were less than $1US and they changed my life. The people in Cartagena also love their sauces. At almost every street food stand, you’ll find a variety of salsas, aiolis, or guacamoles.

Bolívar, Colombia

restaurants

Carmen Cartagena

One night for dinner we went to highly rated restaurant Carmen. I liked El Cielo in Medellín better, but the food was just as unique and delicious. Once again, you are getting a 5-star dining experience for the fifth of the price of what you’d pay to get it in the States. We did the tasting menu, but you can also order A La Carte from the menu.

Cartagena, Bolívar

bar • cafe • restaurants

Café del Mar

For sunset drinks, go to Café Del Mar. It overlooks the ocean and the skyline (which is really just condos, not office buildings) and is perfect at sunset.

Bolivar, Colombia

outdoors

Rosario Islands

Our last day, the three of us did a day trip to Rosario Islands. We paid $50US for a boat ride to and from the island (about an hour), a private cabana with welcome drinks, and lunch on the island provided by the locals. It’s worth noting that the boat ride itself was not luxurious, but the island was beautiful and peaceful.

Cartagena, Bolívar

lodging

Casa Lola Luxury Collection

I highly recommend staying at Casa Lola, a gorgeous B&B/hotel type place with incredible interior design, a rooftop pool, and yummy food (get the arepa with egg in the morning.