Imagine yourself as a character in a Gabriel Garcia Marques novel strolling in the shade of the walls escaping the Colombian heat and when the sun goes down, dancing and romancing throughout a vibrant port city. This is what I envisioned while letting my inner creative run wild when I first arrived to explore Cartagena de Indias for seven days. Somewhere exotic and a genuinely overall authentic city crawling with color, culture, and incredible cuisine, put this destination on your near future list of warm weathered places to discover in South America. Here are five suggested experiences to explore on your Cartagena journey.
TASTE EXOTIC TO OFF THE WALL
TRY…
Ants as an appetizer for the food-venturous.
Ceviche yourself around town – they’re all so fresh!
Gelateria Paradiso for a sweet or tart frozen treat.
The Lulo Fruit…in a smoothie or ice-cream.
Lulo Fruit
Dinner at Bohemia Restaurant inside the El Marques Hotel. I enjoyed my most incredible Colombian meal here.
STAY INSIDE THE CITY WALLS
…Because it’s boutique beautiful and perfectly curated, book the Ananda Hotel.
…Because the view from here is incredible, book Hotel Charleston.
KNOCK KNOCK
Among all of the colorful doors, there’s a story…Each carefully crafted knocker on the doors of Cartagena represent what it’s owner does. You’ll find the local craftsman behind most of these in Getsemani….
GET LOCAL IN GETSEMANI
Just outside the walls of of Old City lies the eclectic and stroll-able Getsemani. You’ll find street art adorning the walls and alleys and locals playing chess and checkers after work and on the weekends as you make your way through the streets among an authentic atmosphere.
SEA TIME
Head off on a adventure to the Rosario Islands for a snorkel to explore the marine life and enjoy a beautiful sea to table local lunch.
Rosario Islands
*To avoid tourists, if you’re with a handful of people, the best way to explore is by booking a private boat where you find the less touristy islands.
Get great deals on adventures over the New Year here!
What’s YOUR favorite thing to do in cities when traveling? Leave a comment below. We’d love to know!
