Cartagena, Colombia
If you are looking for Afro-caribBean culture, you came to the right place.
Cartagena is the most intriguing yet vibrant place I’ve ever visited. It is the intersection of African and Latin cultures. The people, the music, and the food are a recipe for a good time.
WHERE TO STAY
I stayed at the Radisson Cartagena Ocean Pavilion Hotel, and although it was a nice and affordable hotel, it was far from the Walled City. I recommend staying at a boutique hotel within the Walled City or a hotel/Airbnb in BocaGrande. Within the Walled City, you will find a lot of historic architecture and deep-rooted culture. Conversely, Bocagrande resembles Miami’s South Beach’s tall condo-like buildings with balconies overlooking the beach.
WHAT TO DO
There are a ton of activities to do in Cartagena such as mud baths at a volcano, graffiti tours, and amazing night life. However, below are my two favorite activities in Cartagena.
Tour of Palenque
First things first, a cultural tour to Palenque. Palenque was a town established by runaway/freed slaves. You can see the rich African culture that is the root of the people here. It was a beautiful experience highlighted by good people, good music, and a vibrant culture. You can book a tour of Palenque here.
Rosario Islands
One of my favorite parts of my trip was a boat ride from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands. This was a perfect day of relaxation and great food. The fish was caught fresh from the ocean and cooked for you while you hung out in the sun! Because these islands are so secluded, it makes for a good day to just sit back and take in the beauty.
Now, if you want a beach and a turn-up, Playa Blanca Beach on Baru Island is the place for you! Playa Banca has music playing, vendors selling goods, tasty food, and lots of alcohol! This is a good option if you are looking for some fun in the sun.
My favorite part of the city was, hands down, the walled city. It was very lively and vibrant. As soon as I entered, I saw many people who looked like me. It felt very welcoming. Even the statues were of voluptuous African women. The Palenqueras in their colorful skirts selling fruit made my heart smile. I loved every minute of my trip. This is the one place I recommend to everyone when they inquire about places to visit.
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