Traveling to Cartagena: Sharing My Experience

My Travel Experience

Do you want to visit a city with beaches, good food, and a lot of history? Then you should visit Cartagena.

Cartagena is on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. It is a very popular city for tourists because it has old buildings, warm weather, and the people are really nice. The old part of the city has walls from many years ago, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I went to Cartagena two years ago and I really liked it. I used to think that beach cities were boring, but Cartagena changed my mind. There are so many things to see and do. The food, the music, and the streets full of color make it a place you don't want to leave.

Where to Go

 You must go to Castillo San Felipe. It is the biggest Spanish fort in South America. If you go up to the top, you can see the whole city and the ocean. You should spend at least two hours there because the tunnels inside are really cool. I walked around for a long time and I didn't want to leave. It is a place you have to see with your own eyes.

You should also check out Getsemaní. It is a neighborhood close to the old city and it is full of color. The walls have a lot of street art and there are small cafés everywhere. You can hang out in Plaza de la Trinidad at night and listen to music. I sat there one evening and it was very relaxing. If you like art and a chill vibe, you must visit this place.

What to Do

There are many things you can do in Cartagena. These are some activities I recommend:

First, you should take a boat to Islas del Rosario. If you go early in the morning, you will have more time to swim and enjoy the beach. The water is very clear and you can try snorkeling. I went there and it was one of the best days of my trip.

Second, you must try the street food. If you walk around the old town, you will find people selling arepas de huevo, ceviche, and fruit juices. The food is cheap and really tasty. I tried everything I could and I loved it.

Third, you could go to the city walls to watch the sunset. If you get there around 5:30 PM, you will see the sky turn orange and pink. A lot of people go there every evening. It is free and it is one of the best things to do in the city.

Fourth, if you have extra time, you should go to Playa Blanca in Barú. If you go during the week, there are fewer people. You can eat coconut rice and fried fish on the beach. It is a very calm and beautiful place.

Travel Tips

Here are some tips for your trip:

You must use sunscreen and drink a lot of water. The weather in Cartagena is very hot. If you don't protect your skin, you will get sunburned fast. I learned that the hard way.

You should wear comfortable shoes because the streets in the old town are made of stone. If you wear sandals, your feet will hurt after a while.

You must bring some cash because many small shops don't take credit cards. You could also use Nequi, which is an app that many people in Colombia use.

You should use official taxis or apps like InDriver to move around the city. You must not take random cars, especially at night. If you are careful with transportation, you will feel safe during your trip.