Cartagena – March 14-19

Cartagena is a city steeped in history. Coveted by many European powers for its strategic location and excellent port, it’s well known for its city walls and impressive fortifications.

We did visit some impressive fortresses and churches, but Cartagena’s main attraction is its Old Town – likely the top tourist destination in Colombia. After feeling a bit scared to walk freely in some parts of Medellin, it felt great to be able to explore Old Town’s cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, impressive cathedrals, museums, great stores and, of course fantastic restaurants.

Hotel Capellan de Getsemani (https://hotelcapellandegetsemani.com) was our home base for 5 nights here. The hotel is new, beautifully decorated and a very short walk – five minutes – from the gate to Old Town. If you stay here, it’s definitely worth the few extra dollars to upgrade to a junior suite – which is still under $200 per night. They also have these cool electric scooters which we rode around town.

Whatever you do, make sure your hotel has great air conditioning – better yet a pool – because Cartagena is very hot and humid and you will need a cool sanctuary in the afternoon.

Side note – there is a ton of great value in Colombia. We stayed in some very nice places and only once paid more than $200 per night. That was at Hacienda Buenavista in “coffee country” – but that price included three superb meals per day. Similarly, we had several fantastic meals and never paid more than $100 – including wine and cocktails.

The Cartagena food scene is great.  We had numerous amazing meals but two really stand out.  First was a restaurant called Maria (https://www.mariacartagena.com). Again, great value at this place. We had cocktails (the pisco sour is amazing), a bottle of wine, two delicious appetizers, one fabulous entree, and a chocolate dessert that we still talk about for less than $100.

Next was a restaurant called Cuzco.  As you might guess, its a Peruvian inspired restaurant that is as good or better than anything in Los Angeles. Superb cocktails, inventive menu and the freshest ingredients. A must visit if you are here and a great live band playing in the bar area.  Click below to see the band.

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There is also some other great live entertainment.  Click below to see a trio of great street rappers and some very fine dancing.

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We took an excursion to one of the Rosario Islands and ended up at a place called the Majagua Hotel.  The beach was really great – super peaceful – and a big contrast from the mediocre beaches in Cartagena which you should probably avoid.

Downside of the hour boat ride to the islands is the journey back.  The ocean gets a bit rough and if you ride in the back half of the boat, you’ll get drenched.

Getsemani is a neighborhood just outside the Old City.  It’s said to be up and coming so we took a walk around one night.  We did go into one of the bars – which had some music and dancing – but we felt like old people at a frat party.  Just a very young crowd.  There is some cool graffiti and a nice square where both locals and tourists hang out, but in my opinion, not a huge attraction.

After 18 days, we are starting to feel a bit of Colombia fatigue. If someone asked us how to do a trip to Colombia, we’d probably suggest three days at Hacienda Buenavista in coffee country and the four days in Cartagena.  The rest is interesting if you have more time, but those are the highlights.

Its now time for us to say goodbye to Colombia and head to Santiago, Chile to visit our daughter, Natalie, who is teaching English there for the rest of the 2018.  Super excited about that!