What comes immediately to your mind when you think of the Caribbean? White sand, calm turquoise sea, heavenly relaxing atmosphere, fresh cold fruit juices? Cartagena is all that…and much more.

Top 10 reasons to go to Cartagena de Indias

1. Colonial Splendor: Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town, with its well-preserved colonial architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and colorful buildings adorned with vibrant bougainvillea.
2. Cultural Richness: Immerse yourself in Cartagena’s vibrant culture, characterized by lively music, captivating festivals, and a fusion of Afro-Caribbean and Spanish influences.
3. Historic Fortifications: Discover impressive fortresses like Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the city’s past as a strategic naval base.
4. Exquisite Cuisine: Delight your taste buds with flavorful Colombian cuisine, from fresh seafood dishes and tropical fruits to the world-renowned Colombian coffee.
5. Stunning Beaches: Relax on picturesque beaches like Playa Blanca, boasting crystal-clear waters and powdery sands, perfect for sunbathing and water sports.
6. Charming Plazas: Wander through enchanting squares like Plaza Santo Domingo and Parque del Centenario, hubs of activity where locals and visitors gather.
7. Art and Shopping: Explore vibrant markets and art galleries to uncover unique local crafts, artworks, and souvenirs that reflect the city’s cultural richness.
8. Island Escapes: Take day trips to the nearby Rosario Islands for idyllic beaches and snorkeling adventures amid the stunning Caribbean landscapes.
9. Romantic Vibes: Experience the city’s undeniable romantic aura, highlighted by captivating sunsets, cobblestone streets, and horse-drawn carriage ride.
10. Eclectic Nightlife: Indulge in Cartagena’s lively nightlife, with an array of bars, clubs, and salsa venues where locals and visitors dance the night away.

Favourite travel resources:

• Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
• Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
• Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
• World Nomads travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
• Jack’s Flight Club is a service that can save you hundreds of dollars on flights, it works especially well in Europe.
• Trivago where you can search and save on hotels.
• Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money.
• Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
• Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.

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Feel the Caribbean spirit of Colombia in Cartagena de Indias

Cartagena de Indias has been on our travel list for a while. Although Colombia is a very exciting and beautiful country with so much to explore, we impatiently waited to arrive at our last Colombian stop- Cartagena. You know the feeling when you don’t want something to finish? Or that you wish you could stay longer? Once we got there we knew that 5 days was not enough. Well, it is probably to do all the guidebook sightseeing, but the rich history, buildings, and sites are not all that keep you there.

Don’t forget your travel insurance and vaccinations

Our next stop was also exciting and beautiful, but leaving Cartagena was somehow nostalgic. Then something happened that ‘ruined’ our planes to jump on the plane taking us to our next destination. We were not allowed to board because of the lack of yellow fever vaccination, which was essential in another country after traveling around Colombia (P.S. check vaccination requirements after your holidays in Colombia as it might be requested later). Normally I would be very disappointed that my plans were spoiled and I missed my flight, but in this case, I must admit, was quite happy to have some more time in this beautiful Caribbean town. If you miss your flight and get stuck, there is no nicer place than this Colombian Pearl of the Caribbean.

However, such travel changes can be costly or at least not planned for your budget, so do not forget travel insurance. My favourite one is from Safety Wing.

Some other reasons to visit Cartagena de Indias

I won’t lie, Cartagena is crowded and tourists from all over the world make their stop. No wonder though, it is a beautiful place with a Caribbean spirit. It is also a jewel of colonial architecture left by the Spanish, which dates back to the 16th century. The city is an open-air museum with a 10 km long wall encompassing the old part, which served to protect the city in the old times from military attacks.

These days it is a leisure place for tourists and locals to go for walks, catch up with friends or couples in love and enjoy sunsets. There are also a couple of restaurants (a bit overpriced, I must say) where you can enjoy nice food and a view of colourful buildings with flowering balconies. You don’t need to rush there, you don’t need to do anything there. It is simply a place to be.

Colombia is full of surprises and beautiful places, but in Cartagena you can wander the same colourful streets over and over again. It is a little corner of the world, a birthplace of Gabriel García Márquez, rich history will satisfy anyone. We spent our time sipping Juan Valdez coffee over a book in one of many small coffee shops, wandering narrow streets with electric yellow and blue painted doors, fragrant flowers and leisurely moving coffee and fruit sellers.

What to eat in Cartagena de Indias

I am not able to provide you with much advice regarding restaurants in Cartagena, I only dined there 3 times. My diet was mainly based on eating those amazing fruits. Make sure you try pithaya and papaya there-truly heaven in your mouth. I am guessing you are not very surprised by my choice of meals. Just look at the carriage full of colourful fruits, and what is even better? You can buy them for little money. A box of fruit salad you will have ready in seconds.

Must try dishes:

Cartagena de Indias boasts a rich and diverse culinary scene, offering a delightful array of dishes that reflect its Caribbean, African, and Spanish influences. One must-try dish is arepas, thick corn patties often stuffed with cheese, meat, or eggs.

Bandeja Paisa is a hearty Colombian platter featuring rice, beans, meat, plantains, and avocado.

Seafood lovers should savor the local specialty ceviche, where fresh fish or shrimp is marinated in citrus juices and served with herbs and spices. Empanadas are another popular street food, filled with meat, cheese, or potatoes.

Don’t miss out on trying arroz con coco, a flavorful coconut rice often paired with seafood. For a dessert, try postre de natas- a traditional dessert made from milk, sugar, and cinnamon.

Wash it all down with a refreshing limonada de coco – a coconut lemonade, or sample the local fruit juices for a true taste of Cartagena. You can find theme literally everywhere.

When to visit Cartagena de Indias

Autumn days in Cartagena were passing under the sizzling sun, while nights were pleasantly warm for a refreshing walk after days full of sightseeing and enjoying white sand beach. Not far from Cartagena, on the Baru island, you can spend relaxing time drinking coconut juice under a palm, but more details about that another time.

While Cartagena is beautiful any time of the year, it’s much easier to visit during dry months: from December to March. This period offers a perfect blend of sunny weather and manageable humidity, making, so you can explore the city’s vibrant streets without excessive sweating. The festive atmosphere during December adds an extra layer of charm, with colorful decorations and lively events.

However, keep in mind that this is also the peak tourist season, so be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of April to June or September to November, when the weather is still pleasant, and you can enjoy the city at a more relaxed pace.

Thank you for visiting. How do you like Cartagena de Indias? What are your favourite places in South America? I would love to hear from you.

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