Cartagena Chronicles: A Magical Journey Through Colombia’s Vibrant Gem!

May 22, 2024
2 min read

Hey there, my dose of travels family! 🌴✨

I just got back from the most incredible trip to Cartagena, Colombia and I couldn't wait to share all the juicy details with you! First things first, let's talk about my flight. I flew with Spirit Airlines—yes, Spirit (lol)—and managed to snag a roundtrip ticket for just $301. Not bad, right? We stayed in this super cozy Airbnb in Marbella, just 15 minutes from the walled city by car or a quick 5-minute Uber ride that only set us back $2.50 USD. Budget-friendly and convenient, just how I like it!

The walled city was just bursting with life! The nightlife and food scenes were off the charts, and there were so many beautiful spots perfect for your Instagram feed. Seriously, every corner was a photo op. And let's not forget about Getsemaní—this place had such a cool vibe with amazing food and the most gorgeous aesthetics. Every bar and restaurant looked like it was straight out of a magazine. And those quotes on the walls? So on point!

Here’s a little insider tip: Nightlife in Cartagena doesn’t really get started until after midnight. So, make sure to catch some Z's before you head out. Also, double-check with your tour guide before finalizing any club plans, since some of the popular spots are closed due to sex tourism issues. We found Monkey Bar Club to be our go-to every night—it was lit with Spanish music, Dancehall, Afrobeats, and Rap. When they played "Wipe Me Down," I lost my mind!

We also made a day trip to Palenque, the first town built by Africans. It was so empowering to see something built by us still standing strong today, and the history lesson was just beautiful. The next day, we embarked on a 5-island tour. One of the islands treated us to an amazing lunch, and Cholon Island was like a party on water. The oysters were to die for—six for just $2 USD, so you know I had to get a few trays, lol.

If you're planning to do the island tour, be prepared to say NO a few times to folks trying to sell you bracelets. Always bring cash with you and remember, you can exchange your money for free in the States via your bank or at the airport for a fee. And oh! The fish in Colombia? So fresh, like they just caught it moments before cooking. If you're heading down there, a little Spanish or a translation app goes a long way.

I can't wait to see where our next adventure takes us! Until then, keep dreaming and exploring, my travel family! ✈️🌎

Here are a few photos from Colombia 🇨🇴