Ladies' Trip to a Tropical Gem Called Cartagena

We only had three full days to explore this vibrant city, which is not a worry because you will have plenty of time to have some fun exploring and relaxing too! Here are some of my favorite and highly recommended things to do:

Option 1: Explore the colorful streets of Getsemani

This was such a cute area for pictures and selfies—something girls absolutely love to do! It is a neighborhood that is known for its vibrant colors, chic cafes and restaurants, and small alleyways filled with street art and boutique shops. Very bohemian type of feel to it. We spent quite some time here exploring and shopping for cute souvenirs.

Option 2: Sunset or dinner cruise on Sibarita Del Mar

This was so much fun because not only did we enjoy our time on board, we also met many other travelers and even danced the night away while admiring Cartagena’s coastline during sunset. Beer, wine, or cocktails like rum punch are included when booking the sunset cruise, non-dinner option. Perfect option for the first or last day of your trip!

Option 3: Experience a mud bath at El Totumo

You don’t often take a mud bath in an active mud volcano! I was a bit skeptical at first because I didn’t really know what to expect as I have never done anything like this before, but I am so happy I did. It was a very unique, fun, and very safe experience. And it leaves your skin feeling extra soft! The line gets very long to climb up the stairs to reach the top of the volcano, so I strongly suggest arriving early so you can escape the large crowds.

Option 4: Take a boat ride to Isla Baru and Playa Blanca

We wanted to enjoy a day at the beach and also go snorkeling. The boat tour offered both options, and we did just that. We also enjoyed fresh seafood while lounging at Playa Blanca—this was included in the boat tour. And not to mention, the locals make fresh piña colada’s in your own specialized fresh pineapple! Cute for pictures and also VERY yummy.

Option 5: Explore the walled city of Cartagena

It is highly recommendable to lodge in the walled city if you are visiting Cartagena for a weekend as it is the heart of the city with so many things to do. We enjoyed the colonial buildings, amazing bars, restaurants, nightlife, and shops here. Everything was walking distance, which was a huge plus and it was fun to experience the Spanish culture and history of this city.

Option 6: Shop for handcrafted items at Calambuco

One thing I love about traveling is supporting local businesses and purchasing unique handcrafted jewelry, bags, hats, and other items. Not only is it a very nice memory to have, you are purchasing and taking back an item that was specifically designed in that destination. This store has so many beautiful and uniquely detailed items. Great for customized gifts also.

Some of my favorite places to eat and drink:

• ALQUIMICO Bar

This bar was not only three floors high, but it was a fun bar with amazing crafted cocktails, food, and a live DJ. Not only was it very lively, but the music was great and the cocktails were phenomenal. The cocktails are created to taste the flavors of the different plants/fruits from Colombia. I tried a few different cocktails, but my favorite was the “AlbaHaca” which has patron silver tequila, lemon marsh, basil, sage infusion, guarani, and cane honey. Definitely a must-try when visiting Cartagena.

• Arepas Cartagena

This restaurant makes delicious, fluffy, and cheesy arepas! Although you can find arepas in just about every corner of Cartagena, this was my favorite!

• Doña Lola Comida Del Caribe

We had lunch at this restaurant after exploring Getsemani. It was delicious! It is a restaurant that focuses on Colombian cuisine with a taste of Mediterranean. The restaurant has very splendid decor and also has a lounge for nightlife. My dish of choice was the sweet and sour grilled salmon with mashed potatoes and basil, purple quinoa, and orange reduction with ginger. Something light but not too heavy for lunch. Make sure to also ask for the Lulo’s Cheese Cake for dessert.

• Ábaco Libros y Café

A coffee shop at a bookstore? How cool is that? Enjoy your coffee to start your morning or keep you going at a local bookstore. They have an espresso bar, warm drinks, pastries, and even cocktails too! I had the cappuccino, which was delicious.

• Candé

This restaurant offers amazing Colombian gastronomy and live musical performances. It is recommended to reserve in advance as this is a very popular and known restaurant. The dishes are spectacular and very well presented. It is recommended to order a large soup, either of seafood, fish, or beef—trust me, you will be impressed by the size of these soups. Another recommended dish is the Lomito Encebollado—sirloin medallions over grilled onions served with fried yucca and Cartagena-style salad. Tip: Save a nice, chic, and elegant outfit for this restaurant.