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Cartagena
Magical Realism
Caliente en Cartagena
Why
The Why, When & How to visit...
Cartagena has a beautiful, historic Walled City that's bursting with colors from the buildings to the flowers, the street art and dresses worn by the palenqueras. Go for the colors, stay for the coffee, ceviche, and culture.
When
How
Cartagena de Indias Airport (CTG) has direct flights from the US primarily from Miami, NYC, and Fort Lauderdale. The airport is a short ~15 min drive to the historic Walled City, but can be longer with traffic. Once inside, the Walled City is walkable. Cartagena also has a cruise terminal to reach by cruise ship from Florida too.
Cartagena is only ~10 degrees North of the Equator, so it's hot and humid. Average temperatures in Cartagena are almost the exact same year-round ranging from 75F lows to 89F highs. The rainy months are June through November with 8-11 average days of rain. January - March have 0 days of rain and April 1 day. November 11 is Cartagena's Independence Day when parades and parties occur.
Where
to stay...
1) Hotel Casa Lola Deluxe Gallery - Located in the center of Getsemani, Hotel Casa Lola offers a unique oasis retreat from the heat with its rooftop pool & bar, spa, Caribbean restaurant, and spacious rooms with high ceilings. Creatively decorated, Hotel Casa Lola is a unique boutique property to experience. For more information and the ability to book, click here.
2) Hotel Casona del Colegio - Located in the heart of the Walled City of Cartagena, Hotel Casona provides a beautiful, well located boutique hotel option. Rooms are spacious, each unique, with modern simplicity. The hotel has a great restaurant & bar and rooftop pool to cool off while soaking in the sun. There's also a spa complete with a sauna, hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, massages, and body wraps. More details on the hotel, along with the ability to book is accessible here.
3) Selina Cartagena - Selina Cartagena offers a fun, colorful option on the main street leading to the Walled City. Each room is uniquely and creatively decorated with mixed materials used throughout the hotel. Selina Cartagena has a sizeable rooftop with a pool, bar, and space for yoga classes. The Selina brand is created to support remote work with space to work, including a business center. More details on the hotel, along with the ability to book is accessible here.
What
to...
Do
1) Tour the Walled City - Get acclimated and learn about the history of Cartagena's Walled City with a private walking tour. A guide will show you around the beautiful UNESCO world heritage site filled with history. Customize the tour to your points of interest with pick-up from your accommodations and receive recommendations for the rest of your trip. For details and the ability to book through Viator, click here.
Alternatively or additionally, book a local photographer to take pictures of you around the Walled City. This photographer, which I used, will capture the moment surrounded by the colorful colonial architecture and street art, including popular Getsemaní. For details and the ability to book through Viator, click here.
2) Take a Food Tour - Explore the streets of Cartagena by tasting local delicacies throughout the city. Learn about the history and culture of food in Colombia from your guide as you sample street food in Corralito de Piedra. Find hidden vendors and learn about the influence of different cultures on the local cuisine. For details and the ability to book through Viator, click here.
Alternatively, tour Bazurto Market, which is Cartagena’s largest and busiest market containing a maze of colorful stalls, exotic foods and local artisans. This guided visit will take you to the heart of the market to meet the vendors, watch craftsmen at work, and enjoy a Colombian lunch. This tour will also pick-up from your accommodations. For details and the ability to book through Viator, click here.
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3) Explore the Rosario Islands - Set sail for the Rosario Islands with this catamaran expedition from Cartagena. You will anchor at Isla Grande and Isla Bela, where you will have the opportunity to snorkel and enjoy lunch and refreshments. Details and the ability to book through Viator is available here.
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Alternatively, if you don't have a full day to spend at sea, hop on board this 90 minute sunset cruise. Sail, sip, and enjoy coastal views through Cartagena Bay while enjoying an open bar on this small group sail limited to 12 people. For details and the ability to book through Viator, click here.
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4) Spa at a Volcano - Experience Cartagena’s famed mud volcano and the indigenous community of Galerazamba about an hour drive NW of Cartagena along the coast. Soak up a mineral-filled mud bath, visit a salt mine, and stop by a museum. This all-day adventure also includes pick-up and lunch. For details and the ability to book through Viator, click here.
Eat
Arepas and ceviche. I had the fantastic ceviche at Tu Candela across from the Clock Tower. They have a rooftop overlooking the Clock Tower, as does neighboring Mirador Gastro Bar.
Drink
Aguardiente, which translates to “fiery water” is Colombia's most popular traditional cocktail. It's an anise-flavored drink made from sugarcane.
*If of legal drinking age to drink responsibly.
Wear
Breathable clothes to bear the heat & humidity and protect against the sun
Watch
Encanto by
Jared Bush &
Byron Howard
Listen
"Ulala Cartagena"
by Joe Arroyo
Gift
Click here for Gift ideas