A Foodie & Explorer’s Journey Information To Colombia

Cartagena is one in every of my favourite journey locations in Latin America. Positioned proper on the Caribbean sea, Cartagena is a vibrant metropolis with a pleasant mixture of outdated and new, and when you go to, you’ll understand why this Colombian metropolis has develop into such a well-liked vacation spot over the previous couple of years!

It has a wealthy historical past, so slightly backstory—Cartagena de Indias was colonized by the Spanish within the early 1500s, who used town as a strategic location for battle and a significant port within the slave commerce, earlier than Colombia gained its independence in 1819. Immediately, town has an exquisite multicultural vibe, proudly on show by way of the meals, artwork, and music you’ll hear all through the streets.

Prepare for my large Cartagena journey information To Colombia’s most vibrant metropolis!

I’ve been fortunate sufficient to go to twice, so I’ve understanding of what to do in Cartagena, Colombia. My hope is that this information will encourage you to e-book that Cartagena Colombia journey you’ve been dreaming about!

So hold studying for journey suggestions, steerage on Cartagena Colombia dos and don’ts, and a full checklist of Cartagena issues to do.

What To Know Earlier than Going To Cartagena

Is Cartagena protected?

Cartagenta journey security is usually a priority, attributable to lingering headlines about Colombia from the 80s and 90s, however primarily based on my private expertise, Cartagena was fairly protected, particularly within the extra standard neighborhoods for vacationers, like Bocagrande, Centro, and Getsemani.

I walked round solo as a lady in these neighborhoods many occasions and by no means felt unsafe. Very like visiting any international nation, when touring to Cartagena, use widespread sense, however assuming you’re not strolling round drunk and alone at evening or flashing big diamond rings round, you’ll be simply positive.

If you wish to really feel further safe, journey insurance coverage is usually a good option to have some peace of thoughts in case one thing goes flawed in your journey!

Greatest Time To Go to Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena’s local weather doesn’t range that a lot—It’s just about scorching and humid 12 months spherical. Typically talking, winter and early spring are the most effective occasions to go to.

Most locals will let you know that January and February are best as a result of it doesn’t rain and so they have a good time the Feast of Our Woman of La Candelaria in late January/early February so there are a ton of celebrations across the metropolis.

I’ve personally visited Cartagena twice within the fall, which is their wet season, and it was fairly wet in September, however November was fairly nice (apart from the crippling warmth and humidity, however that’s unavoidable, irrespective of whenever you go to).

How A lot Time Do You Want In Cartagena?

You would very simply spend one week in Cartagena, dedicating just a few days to exploring the walled metropolis, Getsemani, San Felipe fort, and spending a day or two visiting among the islands and seashores close by. However in case you plan nicely, you’ll be able to positively get style of all the things over the course of a protracted weekend in Cartagena.

Nevertheless, with all that being stated, I feel the best Cartagena itinerary can be three to 4 nights within the metropolis itself and one evening at a close-by island. And in case you have the time, add some days in Medellin as nicely, for a full Colombia itinerary!

Getting To Cartagena

It’s pretty straightforward to journey to Cartagena, Colombia from the US, particularly in case you’re on the east coast, as there are a number of direct flights every week from New York Metropolis and Miami, and Spirit Airways provides a handful of flights every month from Orlando and Fort Lauderdale.

For the west coast girlies, you might want to attach by way of Bogota, however that ought to not deter you from residing your Cartagena journey goals! Simply e-book the flight. Do it!

Journey Necessities For Colombia

Earlier than your Cartagena journey can formally start, you’ll must make it by way of customs. Fortunately, getting by way of customs is pretty straightforward, so long as you’re ready. There are just a few Colombia journey necessities you’ll need to pay attention to earlier than touchdown within the nation!

Most significantly, you’re required to fill out this Check Mig form on-line inside 72 hours of your arrival to and departure from Colombia. It’s pretty easy, and so they e mail you a duplicate, which it’s best to have helpful if you find yourself going by way of customs in case they ask for it. You need to full this manner whenever you depart too!

You’ll additionally need to ensure you have your return flight particulars and the deal with for the place you’re staying when in Colombia available. They didn’t ask me for both the final time I went by way of customs, however they may, so it’s higher to be ready.

Getting To Your Lodge From The Cartagena Airport

When you make it out of customs and stroll outdoors the airport, I’d take a taxi, until your resort has a shuttle or can coordinate a experience for you. Taxis are very plentiful and reasonably priced in Cartagena (I took them just about in every single place), however simply watch out that you simply get right into a legit yellow taxi, as you’ll be bombarded with provides from common drivers whenever you exit the airport.

I’d additionally advocate attempting to have some Colombian pesos readily available earlier than you get to the airport, as there isn’t an ATM on the airport, solely a cash alternate place with lower than best charges. You possibly can usually order international foreign money out of your financial institution, so in case you plan on taking a taxi, I’d advocate getting some money earlier than your journey!

My taxis from the airport from Bocagrande often value round 20-25 mil pesos (roughly $5-6 USD), which is a little more costly than in case you have been to stroll just a few blocks away from the airport, however definitely worth the barely increased price for the comfort issue.

One of the best ways to journey in Cartagena, Colombia, for my part, is by taxi, and it’s customary to ask the driving force for the value earlier than you get within the cab, as they don’t have meters. Uber isn’t technically authorized right here, though individuals nonetheless use the app and the drivers might ask you to take a seat up entrance to keep away from suspicion.

In addition they have the same app referred to as InDriver the place you’ll be able to put out a request for a experience together with how a lot you’re prepared to pay for the experience. My cousin who lives right here makes use of it on a regular basis, however I haven’t personally used it. Don’t use the apps on the airport although!

Can I Use Credit score Playing cards In Cartagena?

I’d positively have money on you for taxis, avenue distributors, and a few eating places, however for probably the most half, you shouldn’t have any points utilizing bank cards in Cartagena. It’s type of hit and miss although, so higher to be ready.

Don’t neglect to carry a backup debit card and journey bank card, simply in case a machine eats your card!

How A lot Spanish Do I Want To Know In Cartagena?

Not like my time in Mexico City, the place loads of individuals spoke English, it would be best to have at the least a fundamental information of Spanish in Cartagena. In Centro, which is the primary vacationer space, you’ll positively encounter individuals who will fortunately converse English to you, however elsewhere, it’s much less widespread.

I’d extremely advocate studying key phrases in Spanish for ordering at a restaurant and hailing a taxi, and be affected person when speaking. Even the museums had very restricted indicators in English!

If you’re attempting to be taught or follow your Spanish, Cartagena is a good place to go to, as a result of you’ll positively have the ability to strive your finest with out individuals robotically switching into English!

What To Pack For Cartagena?

I live in Savannah, Georgia, which is thought for being scorching and humid. And let me let you know… Cartagena is HOTTER AND MORE HUMID. You’ll get sweaty. You’ll instantly need to put your hair up. You’ll lose your want to do your hair and make-up, I promise you.

Due to the local weather, you’re going to need to pack gentle materials, shorts, linens, and ethereal attire (which is tough for me as somebody who largely wears black). I’d additionally make sure to pack a hat, loads of hair clips to get your hair off your neck, and a great deal of sunscreen.

(PS: I extremely advocate this Shiseido sunscreen stick—It’s really easy to swipe in your face, ears, neck, and chest when working across the metropolis.)

As for sneakers, I’m an enormous Tevas gal. They’ve develop into my new journey shoe, as my toes by no means get sore and I very not often get blisters from them. You’ll presumably need to stroll round Centro and Getsemani, so ensuring you will have comfy sneakers is essential.

Additionally, if it rains, the streets can generally flood, because the outdated metropolis’s infrastructure is sluggish to empty, so having at the least one pair of sneakers that may get a bit moist is smart.

What Not To Do In Cartagena

There’s nothing actually price calling out which you could’t do in Cartagena that you simply wouldn’t need to do in different international nations. I feel the largest factor is avoiding the faucet water.

Loads of individuals drink it and are completely positive, however as a vacationer with a restricted period of time within the nation, I’d advocate sticking to bottled water, as a result of there’s nothing worse than having a visit ruined by new microorganisms moving into your system…

Whereas touring with Kara, our CEO, in Nicargua a few years ago we each obtained tremendous sick from what we expect was espresso not boiled lengthy sufficient. Belief me, you don’t need to cope with that!

In any other case, don’t do something silly and try to be good to go! Now let’s get into our journey Information Cartagena, Columbia.

What To Do, See, And Eat In Cartagena (A Full Journey Information To Cartagena, Colombia)

The place To Keep In Cartagena (+ Greatest Cartagena Motels)

In the event you’re trying to be proper in the midst of the motion, the most effective neighborhood to remain in Cartagena is the Centro Historico, which is the outdated city of town surrounded by town partitions and the most effective place for Cartagena historical past.

On this neighborhood, you’ll discover colourful colonial structure, tons of nice bars and eating places, museums, and extra. There are some actually beautiful luxurious accommodations on this neighborhood like Casa San Agustin, Casa Pestagua, and the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, which additionally has a very nice rooftop bar, which I’ll go into extra later!

In the event you’re on a funds or searching for someplace to remain in weekend in Cartagena and need to be near the entire unbelievable nightlife, Getsemani is the place to be. Getsemani is the artsy neighborhood the place the alleys come to life at evening with pop up bars serving up 2-for-1 margaritas, mojitos, and extra.

There are many hostels and even a boutique resort or two round Getsemani. My favorites are Selina or Casa Mama Waldy, which each have good rooftop bars and infrequently host occasions, so they’re a good way to avoid wasting cash, make associates, and have slightly enjoyable in Cartagena on a funds.

One other nice neighborhood for vacationers is Bocagrande, which is without doubt one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Cartagena. Not like the Getsemani neighborhood and Centro, Bocagrande is tremendous trendy, with excessive rise buildings lining the ocean for critical Miami vibes.

You can hire a very nice home on this neighborhood, or keep in luxurious accommodations, just like the Hyatt Regency or Hilton (which is the place Barack Obama stayed in 2012). Your resort may also have a personal seaside in case you do your analysis. In the event you keep in Bocagrande, you’ll must both stroll about 20-Half-hour to get to Centro, or take extra taxis, so it’s one thing to remember, however the views of the water are price it for my part.

11 Greatest Eating places & Bars In Cartagena

There are such a lot of nice bars and eating places in Cartagena, working the gamut between among the most extremely rated eating places in all of South America to deliciously low-cost avenue meals. Listed below are just a few of my favorites, which might largely be present in Bocagrande, Getsemani, and Centro.

7 Cielos

7 Cielos is a comparatively new restaurant situated in Bocagrande, but it surely positively has endurance due to its stunning rooftop with nice views of town, impeccable vibes, and scrumptious food and drinks menu. It’s the right place for dinner throughout a women journey to Cartagena, or any group journey actually!

As a result of the vibes have been so good, we assumed the meals may be mediocre, however we have been rapidly confirmed flawed! If you’re questioning what to do in Bocagrande, positively plan a visit to 7 Cielos for golden hour drinks or perhaps a full on dinner.

Alquimico

Okay, so in full transparency, I caught a chilly this final time I used to be in Cartagena, so my plans to go to Alquimico have been thwarted. Nevertheless, I’ve it on good authority from a neighborhood that Alquimico is without doubt one of the finest bars in Cartagena.

It additionally occurs to be #9 on the checklist of the 50 finest bars on the planet AND the Actual Housewives of New York went there throughout their journey to Cartagena, so it’s protected to say that the vibes are good.

I’m bummed that I didn’t get to check it out for myself, however it’s best to go and let me know the way it’s!! It’s positively one in every of my must-try locations for my subsequent journey.

Ely Cafe

Ely Cafe is an excellent brunch spot situated in Bocagrande (in addition they have a second location in Manga). They’ve slightly little bit of all the things from arepas and pastries to pizzas and avocado toast. Plus, the vibes are actually beautiful.

La Cocina De Pepina

La Cocina de Pepina is a small conventional Colombian restaurant in Getsemani, identified for his or her Mote De Queso (aka cheese soup) which is a conventional dish from Colombia’s Caribbean coast. It combines potatoes, onions, and naturally, cheese, and sure, it’s pretty much as good because it sounds.

In the event you’re searching for some typical Colombian meals, that is the spot to go. However only a heads up—As a result of the restaurant is small (and good), there’s usually a wait, however we went in on a Tuesday evening and have been capable of rapidly get a desk!

Arepas Colombitalia

In the event you’re strolling round Getsemani and searching for a handy, to-go pleasant meal, I’d extremely advocate getting an arepa at Arepas Colombitalia. They’re reasonably priced, scrumptious, and as an additional bonus, they’ve a cute Encanto mural on the wall. Plus, they’re proper by the world well-known Cafe Havana, so you’ll be able to pop over for a cocktail and a few salsa dancing after consuming your arepa!

La Cevicheria

La Cevicheria is a small seafood restaurant in Centro, which got here to fame within the early 2000s after Anthony Bourdain visited. As you’ll be able to in all probability guess primarily based on the identify of the institution, they specialise in ceviche.

I ordered the shrimp ceviche after I visited, and it was actually good! In addition they have a wide range of completely different ceviches if you wish to be extra adventurous.

La Cevicheria can also be conveniently situated immediately subsequent to the Sofitel Santa Clara Cartagena, which is dwelling to Botika Bar, which is an excellent rooftop bar in Centro.

Buena Vida

Positioned in Centro, Buena Vida is a well-liked Caribbean restaurant, with a fantastic rooftop.They’ve yummy cocktails and enjoyable seafood dishes, like my private favourite, the Buena Vida crab, which is, you guessed it, crab, together with coconut rice, peppers, avocado, and another veggies.

Botika Bar

As I discussed above, Botika is a brilliant stylish rooftop bar situated within the Sofitel Santa Clara within the Centro neighborhood of Cartagena. You’ll need to dress up for this one (as a lot as you’ll be able to in 95 diploma warmth), as it is vitally luxe, with their upscale cocktail menu and views of the Caribbean sea.

I’d advocate grabbing a pre-dinner cocktail at Botika, then working subsequent door to La Cevicheria for dinner, earlier than heading out to the bars and golf equipment in Centro for an evening in town.

Mirador

In the event you’ve been exploring Cartagena all day and need to seize a beer or spritz earlier than the day is finished, Mirador is the place to go. It’s immediately throughout from Monumento Torre del Reloj (the yellow Clock Tower), providing you with a fantastic view of the colonial metropolis, in addition to the trendy skyscrapers of Bocagrande.

Head right here for sundown for excellent views and even higher Instagram pics!

Celele

In the event you aren’t somebody who plans issues upfront, you may as nicely simply skip over this paragraph, as a result of Celele is a restaurant that requires reservations approach upfront, because it has been named one of many best restaurants in all of Latin America (it’s presently #16 on the checklist!).

Chef Jaime Rodriguez opened Celele in 2018 after spending years researching and documenting indigenous Caribbean-Colombian recipes that have been at risk of being misplaced endlessly. Now, he serves up creative dishes and artistic cocktails utilizing native components within the coronary heart of Getsemani. Positively price a go to if you will get a reservation!

Libertario Espresso Roasters

You possibly can’t go to Cartagena with out getting some Colombian espresso. Pop by Libertartio Coffee Roasters Cartagena for a recent cup as you begin your day, or keep some time to get pleasure from breakfast. Nothing beats a cute espresso store!

Greatest Issues To Do In Cartagena, Colombia

There may be a lot to do in and round Cartagena! This outdated colonial metropolis has a lot allure and historical past, that it’s inconceivable to not discover one thing that you’ll get pleasure from. Whether or not you wish to spend a while on the water, expertise the tradition, or stuff your face with scrumptious meals, listed below are some Cartagena itinerary concepts to contemplate.

1. Wander Aimlessly Via Centro & Getsemani

Among the best issues to do in Cartagena is to rise up early and wander across the walled historic district, which is full of colourful colonial buildings, after which make your option to the Getsemani neighborhood.

Not solely is town full of photograph opps, but it surely’s so stunning which you could have a full day itinerary simply soaking on the street artwork in Getsemani and grabbing low-cost meals from avenue distributors that hand around in the plaza Santa Domingo or actually wherever in Centro.

It’s one of many best free issues to do in a weekend in Cartagena!

If one thing with extra construction is your desire, end up a strolling tour and discover town with the assistance of a neighborhood Cartagena, Colombia tour information, who can share the historical past and level out the most effective locations for images, like Santuario de San Pedro Claver (additionally referenced as San Pedro Claver Church) and Café Mural in Getsemani.

2. Bazurto Market Tour

Just about each Cartagena journey information will spend a majority of their time targeted on the Centro Historico and Getsemani, as they’re positively probably the most touristy elements of city. Nevertheless, one factor I did that I actually loved was a tour of the Bazurto Market with Beyond The Wall CTG.

Because the identify suggests, this tour takes you past the walled metropolis to the Bazurto market, which is the place the locals go each day to purchase garments, meals, and just about anything you’ll be able to consider. That is additionally top-of-the-line issues to do in Cartagena when it rains as you’re out and in of outlets vs getting soaked on.

Our tour information Jesus was tremendous insightful and shared his perspective on colonialism in Colombia, the historical past of slavery (and its lasting results on the nation), and the way it ties into town’s tradition in the present day.

Along with having some deep convos, Jesus additionally confirmed us across the market, purchased us completely different treats and drinks from avenue distributors, and taught us all about champeta music and dance. Not solely was it a fantastic expertise, but it surely felt extra genuine to how nearly all of Cartagenians reside, somewhat than the touristy model on show within the walled metropolis.

3. Get Drinks In Getsemani At Evening

Positive, there are many locations the place you’ll be able to seize a drink in Getsemani throughout the day, however the neighborhood actually comes alive at evening, because the small alleyways replenish with pop-up bars serving margaritas, mojitos, and Colombian micheladas (to not be confused with Mexican micheladas, the micheladas in Cartagena don’t use tomato juice, it’s simply lime and beer).

It feels such as you’re at a block celebration. Truthfully, this is without doubt one of the high issues to do in Cartagena, in case you ask me. I could or might not have been at a bar on the streets of Getsemani nearly each evening I used to be on the town…

I don’t have any “bar” suggestions, however in case you inform your taxi driver that you simply need to go to Plaza de la Trinidad, you’ll be dropped off at a full of life sq. full of avenue performers and distributors serving pinchos (aka meats on a stick, which is my favourite) and from there, you’ll be able to stroll to actually any of the close by alleyways for a drink.

I personally loved Callejon Ancho and Callejon Angosto that are close to Calle 28, however you’ll be able to actually simply stroll like 2-3 blocks from Plaza de la Trinidad and discover one thing superb! Really the right option to spend a weekend in Cartagena.

4. Go to Castillo San Felipe

Castillo San Felipe, or San Felipe Fort, is an outdated fortress in Cartagena that was constructed within the 1600s so the Spanish may very well be looking out for potential assaults by land or sea.

Sadly it nonetheless suffered just a few assaults throughout the varied colonial wars and energy struggles over the centuries previous to Colombia gaining independence.

The fort was type of forgotten about for a bit, so it’s not in the most effective situation, but it surely was named a UNESCO world heritage website within the 90s, so now it’s open to the general public, though you’ll be able to’t go in all of the tunnels. Enjoyable truth: The historic middle of Cartagena can also be a world heritage website.

You possibly can take a guided tour or take heed to an audio tour to be taught extra in regards to the historical past of the fortress, however in case you’re not tremendous into historical past, on the very least you will get some nice views of the bay and metropolis!

5. Take pleasure in The Native Delicacies With A Avenue Meals Tour Or Cooking Class

I’m an eater, okay? I like to eat and I particularly like to eat whereas touring. Most of my journey plans revolve round the place, when, and what we get to eat, and there’s no higher approach to do this than by taking a literal tour devoted to discovering the most effective locations to eat.

There are a ton of fantastic avenue meals excursions led by Cartagena tour guides that can take you to their favourite eating places, avenue distributors, and off the crushed path spots, so you will get a real style of the native delicacies. Which in Colombia is an excellent mixture of Caribbean meals, recent fruit, seafood, and pinchos (meat and potato kabobs).

One other option to deep dive into the native flavors is to take a cooking class, the place you’ll be taught to make Cartagenean favorites, like coconut rice, ceviche, and extra. Even in case you’re not a prepare dinner whenever you’re at dwelling, there’s no higher option to take up the tradition of a spot than by way of meals, so I’d advocate giving it a shot!

6. Spot Monkeys And Sloths In Parque Centenario

Nestled proper between Centro Historico and Getsemani is Parque Centenario, which is a small public park full of bushes and fountains, and most significantly, wildlife—Like actually the cutest tiniest monkeys you’ll ever see!

There are additionally sloths, lizards, and different little creatures simply minding their very own enterprise, residing within the bushes of this park (it’s not a zoo, in case you have been questioning). In the event you’re spending a day wandering by way of Centro to Getsemani, Centenario Park is a good place to take slightly break and relaxation within the shade earlier than crossing into Getsemani.

I’d advocate grabbing an iced espresso or limonada and sitting within the park for a bit to see in case you can spot some monkeys and sloths. There are guides (each official and unofficial) who will level out the animals to vacationers, so in case you discover one in every of them, they’ll present you the place to look.

The monkeys are critically so tiny although, you received’t even imagine me till you see them for your self. They’re too quick although (or I’m too sluggish) so I wasn’t capable of get any images of them.

7. Take A Swim In The Caribbean Sea

Within the phrases of Tinsley Mortimer from Actual Housewives of New York, Cartagena is on the water, but it surely’s not beachy. And that’s fairly true, as a lot of the shoreline will not be arrange for beachgoers, nonetheless, there are just a few spots within the metropolis the place you’ll be able to take a dip within the Caribbean sea, and I personally just like the seashores in Bocagrande.

Positioned proper throughout from Plaza Bocagrande are some not too long ago upgraded seashores the place you’ll be able to take a fast swim within the sea. I wouldn’t essentially hang around at these seashores all day (it’s not fairly the vibe) however for a pleasant afternoon swim to chill off, they’re excellent.

Professional tip: Keep away from bringing loads of stuff with you if you wish to go swimming, as a result of you’ll have to depart it unattended, until you will have a buddy who’s prepared to take a seat on the sidelines and watch your stuff.

Day Journeys From Cartagena, Colombia

In the event you’ve efficiently knocked out a 3 day Cartagena itinerary and wish to take a day journey within the space, you’re in luck, as a result of there are fairly just a few locations close by which are excellent for a fast journey, a few of which aren’t talked about in your typical Colombia journey information.

Go to One Of The Close by Islands

Any Cartagena guests information will make point out of this, and for good purpose. One of many largest perks of visiting Cartagena is having the ability to take a day journey to one of many close by islands.

The Rosario Island archipelago is the preferred, which consists of 27 completely different islands, and options many stunning seaside resorts, just like the well-known Bora Bora Beach Club (to not be confused with precise Bora Bora seaside in Tahiti), the place you’ll be able to eat and drink whereas absorbing the solar.

Everybody I’ve talked to recommends staying in a single day within the Rosario Islands, as a result of 1) it’s actually beautiful and a couple of) about two hours away by boat, so it may be type of powerful to get there, calm down, and get again earlier than the water will get tremendous uneven within the late afternoon.

One other island proper close to the Rosario Islands is Isla Baru, which is a tiny little island off the Baru peninsula, which gives you the identical vibes, however you’ll be able to technically drive 98% of the best way there in case you don’t need to be on a ship for hours.

If you wish to lounge at a seaside on the Caribbean sea however don’t need to fear about making one other resort reservation, Isla Tierra Bomba and Playa Blanca are two nice choices. It’s solely a brief boat experience from Bocagrande, so you’ll be able to simply make the trek there and again for a day on the seaside.

Isla Tierra Bomba has a number of seashores which you could go to, together with Playa Linda on the northwest facet of the island and Blue Apple Beach on the southwest facet of the island. I spent a Saturday ingesting beers on Playa Linda (which was nice), however subsequent time I need to try Blue apple seaside, which is a boutique resort and seaside membership the place you will get a day go for a day of lounging.

One of many different advantages is that Blue Apple Seashore has its personal boat that may take you to and from the mainland as a part of one in every of their bundle choices, which is far simpler than attempting to haggle with the native boat captains in Bocagrande (until you’re fairly good at spanish, then haggle away as a result of will probably be cheaper).

If you wish to see all of them, think about a boat tour!

Go to San Basilio De Palenque

I didn’t see a lot about Palenque after I was researching for my first journey to Cartagena, however after I was touring the Bazurto market, my journey information Jesus talked about Palenque and I knew I needed to go to.

Established within the early 1600s, San Basilio de Palenque was a spot of refuge for enslaved individuals, turning into the primary free city for Africans within the Americas. Immediately, it’s dwelling to roughly 3,500 individuals who proceed on the traditions of their ancestors.

Palenque is about an hour and a half from Cartagena, so there are lots of tour firms, like Black Legacy Experience, that provide day journeys to make it straightforward for guests to expertise Palenque and its distinctive Afro Caribbean tradition.

If you wish to spend a while considering extra critically about race, historical past, and tradition and the way it’s impacted the area, I’d extremely advocate including a visit to Palenque to your Cartagena bucket checklist.

I hope this helps you intend an exquisite journey to Cartagena, and keep tuned for my full journey information for Medellin, Colombia!

Have questions or are there locations I missed? DM me at @mkrichtmancreative