Cartagena - Colombia
- K9
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
I’ve visited both Cartagena and Medellín, and while I enjoyed Medellín more overall, the food in Cartagena beats Medellin by a LANDSLIDE. I won’t even bother listing the restaurants because it honestly doesn’t matter. I ate at random spots and never had a bad meal. Every dish I tried was easily an 8/10 or better. Everything is GOOD.
Cartagena has deep black roots and historical charm. The airbnb I stayed at was In Getsemani, which showcases the strong African influence in the city's music, dance, and street art. Cartagena offers stunning coastal views and white-sand beaches. The Rosario Islands, which is about an hour boat ride away has crystal-clear waters perfect for a beach day.
I had an amazing time on this trip, especially when it came to the food. However, as many people know, street vendors can be very persistent. It didn’t bother me personally, but be prepared. Street vendors will approach you the moment you step outside, and even after saying no, some may still try to sell to you. The best approach is to stay respectful and keep moving; they’ll eventually walk away.
Additionally, I suspect there’s a scam involving the police. Since I was traveling with a large group, we often used a big van for transportation, and we were frequently stopped at "checkpoints." Each time, the police would search for drugs, and would attempt to extort for money. It seemed to me that either some van drivers were in on it, or the police specifically targets tourist vans. Just something to be mindful of while exploring the city!
Tips:
Food is very cheap!
USD and Debit/Credit cards are usually accepted, but I still recommend converting some money to colombian pesos.
Uber is cheap, but the airbnb host provides transportation. It's a bit more safer that way if you feel uncomfortable
Use Google Maps to navigate around
Where to stay?
Airbnb - This airbnb was perfect. It was in the heart of Getsemani. Everything is walking distance. The airbnb also has security that stays in with you and also if you want, they will also go outside with you and show you around. My boy Roger was a blessing! 10/10 airbnb experience.
Things to do
Rosario Island/ Yacht - The airbnb host provided us with the best yacht experience; however, if you're not booking the same airbnb I attached the link to his website.
Explore the city
Itinerary
Comentários