I’ve missed traveling so much. After a one-year hiatus along with multiple trip cancellations due to Covid-19, I decided to stick with my original plan of coming to Cartagena over the Christmas holiday. Why? Because it’s open! And more importantly, it’s a city with filled photogenic streets, rich history, great views, and incredible food.
But first, what about the pandemic?
I talk about this in more detail in the post regarding my experience traveling to Colombia as a tourist in the middle of a pandemic, and the great lengths the country has gone through to ensure traveler safety while minimizing the spread of Covid-19. I cover from the moment I set foot on the plane, to check-in at the hotel, to dining in at restaurants around the city, as well as some future thoughts on 2021 travel, so be sure to have a read!
The one-line summary: I’m of the opinion that there are safe ways to travel, just as there are safe ways for businesses to operate or restaurants to serve customers.
On to Cartagena!
Located on the northern coast of Colombia, Cartagena is known for its Caribbean climate, colorful buildings in the historic Old City, a unique blend of cultures, food, and nearby beaches.
Strolling through the historic Walled City in Cartagena
Colonial Architecture, Colorful Buildings and Culture
Before I left for my trip, I asked a friend who previously visited the city about her experience (if you’re reading this Faye, thanks again for the recommendations!). In her words “every block in Cartagena is photogenic.”
She was right.
As I walked throughout the old city, it seemed as if every street was just ready and waiting to be photographed and shipped on a postcard. Beautiful pastel-colored buildings, wooden balconies filled with plants, and tall doors with knockers modeled after lions give each block a lively ambience that makes you want to stop and take pictures at every stranger’s doorstep. The same goes for neighboring Getsemaní (situated right next to the Old City), which is famous for it’s street-art and local performers that fill the Plaza Trinidad nightly.
Getsemaní…
was apparently once considered a “avoid at all costs” zone for tourists despite sharing much of the Old City’s famous colonial architecture. Nowadays criminal activity has dwindled down and the neighborhood is now a hotspot for locals and travelers.
palenqueras…
refer to the Afro-Colombian women in bright dresses selling fruit in Cartagena’s plazas. These women come from San Basilio de Palenque, the first freed slave settlement in the Americas.
Beaches
It’s no secret that many travelers come to Cartagena to get some sun and enjoy the Caribbean climate (which by the way, is Hot & Humid, with a capital ‘H’). As Cartagena is located along the Caribbean coast, there are tons of nearby beaches such as Playa Blanca, Isla Grande, Tierra Bomba or the Rosario Islands. My recommendation — rent a boat and take a day trip where you’ll get a chance to go snorkeling, swimming, and enjoy some fresh seafood (like, right out of the water fresh!).
When is the best time to visit?
Cartagena is hot year-round. In general, the dryest months are December through April, with January being the “coolest” (around 80 degrees Fahrenheit). The high season for tourists is during Christmas and New Years (prices for accommodations generally spikes 3x around this time) and it can be very difficult to book reservations in hotels. Locals in Cartagena mentioned that during this high season, not only do they see a high number of international travelers, but also Colombian nationals since everyone is trying to go to the beach during this time!
Where to stay
A few recommendations on where to stay in Cartagena:
Hotel Casa San Agustin — If you’re looking for luxury, authenticity, exceptional service, and the perfect location, it doesn’t get any better than Hotel Casa San Agustin. This hotel’s design reflects Cartagena’s colonial architecture combined with a touch of modern amenities. Moreover, the staff are exceptional, and the location is prime since it’s right in the heart of the Old City.
Sofitel Cartagena — If you’re looking to stay near the coast and have a view of the Caribbean Sea, Sofitel is one place to consider. It’s larger than Casa San Agustin and more on the modern side.
Poolside @ Hotel Casa San Agustin
Where to eat/Drink
Cartagena is home to some of the best restaurants in Colombia. I’m blessed to be able to say that I’ve tried some of the finest seafood on the planet.
Alma Restaurant — Fair warning: I’m biased when it comes to Alma. Since this restaurant is connected to Hotel Casa San Agustin, I had the pleasure of enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at this restaurant. Each meal exceeded expectations with regards to food quality, presentation, and service. Recommend trying the ‘Catch of the Day’ cooked Al Cabrito style.
Mistura Restaurant — Great for live music, delicious eats, and cocktails! This place does get busy though so recommend making a reservation ahead of time.
Gran Inka Gastrobar — By far the best plating I’ve seen out of the restaurants I went to in Cartagena. I was really craving a Lomo Saltado, and it just happened to be perfect timing that I walked right by a Peruvian restaurant
La Cevicheria — A seafood restaurant specializing in fruits of the sea. Had to put this one on the list. This restaurant blew up after Anthony Bourdain gave a dashing review in his Cartagena episode. Recommend trying a few of the different ceviche’s they offer!
Movich Hotel — Out of the rooftop bars in Cartagena, this one was my favorite. The picture at the top of this blog post is one from sunset on the rooftop of the Movich Hotel. They also have a great Ceviche de camarón!
Abaco Coffee — Small coffeeshop that doubles as a library. Great for starting off your morning!
I’ve also created an album in my portfolio for highlights from all throughout Colombia! Check it out to see more from Cartagena as well as other cities I visited throughout the duration of my trip :)
Enjoy your trip! Hope this guide is helpful in some way for your journey to Cartagena!