Cartagena!
K and K take Cartagena, Colombia for the ultimate birthday celebration.
If you’re looking for an adventure, for culture, for color, and tropical vibes, Cartagena ought to be on your travel list. As two female travelers, we both felt comfortable and safe navigating the city solo.
Cartagena is probably the most touristy of all the Colombian cities, but its historic infrastructure and foundation truly makes the city unique and interesting.
Explore the Walled City
Here, you can expect to pay more for everything. It is essentially a “tourist trap” full of stunning hotels, designer boutiques, and modernized restaurants. However, the buildings still preserve the original colonial architecture. It is in the Walled City where you will also come across Palenqueras: beautiful black women in colorful dresses balancing bowls of tropical fruits on the tops of their heads. Keep in mind that a photo with them isn’ t free and always requires a donation. Most of them make their living taking photos with tourists and they dislike it when you try and sneak a photo.
Be prepared for hawkers to (figuratively) throw goods and products in your face. If you’re not interested in buying what they’re selling, be even more prepared to repetitively and sternly say, “No, gracias.” This is a hotspot for street vendors and honestly became a little overwhelming and annoying.
Oh! And, be on the look-out for a duo of teenagers rapping to you. I refuse to confirm or deny that I was referenced as Nikki Minaj and my friend, Beyonce. Make it fun and join in with them! I may or may not have Milly-rocked down the street as they followed us and rapped. Like the Palenqueras, they too are just trying to make a living.
Watch the sunset at Cafe del Mar
Watch the sunset at a touristy outdoor lounge atop one of Cartagena’s stone walls. You can make reservations or show up early to grab a seat with the best view. I’d recommend doing drinks there only and grabbing food at another place!
Take a day trip to Isla del Coralina
Set up an all day excursion through your hotel! Our accommodations included transportation to-and-from our hotel, assigned seating on this private beach (with towels provided), a three course lunch, and access to showers if needed. We took an eventful/bumpy/terrifying 1-hour boat ride to get to the private island and would do it all over again:)
Go dancing at Cafe Havana
Popular spot for live music, salsa dancing, and Cuban influence. It gave me “good ole days” vibes full of people there to let loose without a care of how they looked to everyone else. This place gets packed and is best to get there early to snag a table. It is open Wednesday-Saturday.
Visit Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
This is a fortress in the city of Cartagena. Its strategic location was meant to anticipate and prevent an enemy attack. Pro-tip: Go first thing in the morning or a couple of hours before they close. I know I haven’t mentioned this yet, but Cartagena is hell hot and humid. At the castle, there is literally no shade.
Where we stayed
We stayed in Cartagena’s Getsemani. It is a more laid-back part of the Old City where majority of the colorful houses, murals, and umbrellas can be found. It is much less touristy and more authentic. Cafe Havana is housed here as well as several small, family run restaurants and bars. Our main mode of transportation was by foot. Everything we wanted to do and see was well within 20 minutes walking distance.
Good to Know
*You can pretty much eat anywhere! The local cuisine consists of the freshest seafood, coconut rice, patacones (double-friend plantains), and fruit juices. Gelato actually has a decent presence too, so don’t hesitate to grab some everyday you’re there.
*They don’t accept U.S dollars, so be prepared to get Colombian pesos as soon as you get there. I recommend checking with your bank to find out the international fees. It worked best for us to withdraw from an ATM versus money exchange booths. And, carry a little bit of American cash on you just in case!
*Try your best to speak Spanish. It helps, even if just a little.
*Stick to bottled water instead of tap. Also, stay hydrated! Colombian heat hits different.
*Only wear breathable fabrics and thank me later. You’ll sweat in places you’d never think. LOL
*And, don’t forget your sunscreen. Seriously, reapply every hour and a half.
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