The Colors of Cartagena: A Journey through Colombia

The Colors of Cartagena: A Journey through Colombia

Cartagena: Colombia’s treasured port city where history and romance intertwine along the Caribbean coast. Enclosed by ancient walls, Cartagena's Old Town is full of cobblestoned streets, vibrant colonial mansions, and bustling with visitors seeking a beach getaway.
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Start your journey in the heart of Cartagena: the historic Old Town, encircled by the well-preserved colonial stone walls (Las Murallas), built to protect the city from pirates and storms. Wander through the labyrinth of colorful streets and colonial buildings. 

Must-See Attractions: 

Castle San Felipe de Barajas
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Great for photos during sunrise or sunset, castle's primary purpose was to defend Cartagena from pirate attacks and naval invasions 🏴‍☠️ ⛴
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Plaza de Santo Domingo
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The plaza is surrounded by colorful colonial buildings and during the day, it's filled with vendors selling Colombian crafts, street performers, and artists, along with tourists and locals enjoying the lively atmosphere. As the sun sets, the energy in the plaza increases as it becomes a popular spot for outdoor dining, with many restaurants setting up tables right in the square.
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Getsemani
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Getsemaní stands as a beacon of culture, art, and community spirit. This historic district, with its roots as a settlement for freed African slaves and working-class citizens, has retained its authentic soul with its food and nighttime walking vibes that greatly differ from Old Town/Bocagrande.
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🏄‍♀️ + 🌊 

Windspot
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The BEST spot for water sports in the warm waters. I ended up doing surfing, kitesurfing, and sunset SUPing here!
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City Center / Old Town 

Casa San Agustín
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AMAZING Spa services!
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Looking for the Miami Strip of Cartegena? Check out Bocagrande

The beaches of Bocagrande are a strip of sand lined with high-rise hotels and restaurants, offering a more modern contrast to the Old Town.

InterContinental Cartagena de Indias, an IHG Hotel
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Hyatt Regency Cartagena
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ESTELAR Cartagena de Indias Hotel & Centro de Convenciones
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Hotel Caribe By Faranda Grand, A Member of Radisson Individuals
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For more price flexibility, check out the Airbnbs, there are tons of high-rise luxury apartment building options! 

🍽 Memorable Dining Experiences: 

The food scene in Cartagena is a delightful blend of traditional Colombian flavors and innovative culinary techniques. Since it's a coastal city, seafood is a staple in many dishes and they're best known for their ceviche! You can find some of the best ceviche in the city at places like La Cevicheria or El Boliche Cebichería. My personal favorite fish in Cartagena is their fried mojarra roja (red snapper) 🐟

Cartagena is also known for its sweets. In the Plaza de los Coches, you'll find many vendors selling traditional sweets like cocadas (coconut candies) and arequipe (caramel spread).

For a fine dining experience, Carmen Restaurant and Marea by Rausch are well-known for their innovative dishes that incorporate local ingredients. Street food is also a big part of Cartagena's food scene. From fresh fruit sold by Palenqueras (Afro-Colombian women in colorful dresses) to fried snacks sold on street corners, there's always something to try. Try and find the coconut man too :) 

Restaurante 1621
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A former convent in 1621, a culinary homage to Colombian ingredients, and an unforgettable dining experience. By far, my favorite in Cartagena! Check out their extensive wine list and both indoor/outdoor dining is a great ambience.
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La Cevichería
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Carmen Cartagena
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El Boliche Ceviche
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El Bololó | Bowls del Caribe
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HIDDEN GEM ALERT! Amazing bowls, the fish is amazing, go early as this place gets packed!
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💪🏽 Gyms

Smart Fit Castle
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Great day pass and weekly membership options! Stay healthy :)
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🐴 + 🏝 Santa Marta Day Trip: 

Tayrona National Natural Park, located on the Caribbean coast near Santa Marta in Colombia, is one of the country's most revered natural treasures.

A sanctuary of biodiversity and home to a variety of ecosystems ranging from tropical dry forest to cloud forests and coral reefs, Tayrona's beaches beaches are often hailed as some of the most beautiful in Colombia. 

The park offers various accommodations, including eco-hotels, tents, and hammocks, allowing visitors to stay overnight. 

Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
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Gorgeous National Park where you can do horseback riding, stay overnight at an Eco hotel, and explore the town of Magdalena
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Reserva Natural Tierra Adentro
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I LOVED THIS ECO-HOTEL <3 amazing views & food!
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WAIRA ice cream & speciality coffee
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Try the TONKA BEAN ice cream - it's so hard to find anywhere else! And then come back again for more ice cream and jugos :)
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Restaurante 1621
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A former convent in 1621, a culinary homage to Colombian ingredients, and an unforgettable dining experience. By far, my favorite in Cartagena! Check out their extensive wine list and both indoor/outdoor dining is a great ambience.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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