"Cartagena is part of my soul. Here, I found my voice."

— Gabriel García Márquez This Caribbean colonial town, forever deepened by Márquez's legacy, transcends mere postcard beauty. Practical Guide ⬇️ 1️⃣ Arrival Overnight bus from Medellín Norte Terminal: 9:30 PM → 2:30 PM next day (180,000 COP / ~317 RMB) 🚌 Cartagena Transportation Terminal is far from Old Town (~1h by bus) 2️⃣ Stay Hostal Dorado Plaza Getsemaní 🏠 6-bed dorm: 49,500 COP (~87 RMB) *[Book online! Walk-ins pay 60K COP]* Pros: Graffiti district location 🎨, 10-min walk to Old Town, 24/7 AC & security, private bathroom Cons: No kitchen (but fridge/microwave available) 3️⃣ Food 🍽️ Vive Restaurante Bar Colombiano: Ceviche shrimp (25K COP / ~44 RMB) 🦐 [So generous!] Restaurante Coroncoro: Grilled fish + soup (16K COP / ~28 RMB) 🐟 [Huge portions!] Street food gems await exploration! 4️⃣ Explore 🗺️ Old Town Highlights: ⏳ Monumento Torre del Reloj (Clock Tower) ⛪ Santa Catalina Cathedral 🌿 Plaza de Bolívar Márquez Connections: 📚 Ábaco Libros y Café (alleged haunt) 🏨 Sofitel Legend Santa Clara (confirmed stay) Getsemaní Graffiti Zone: Hostel-adjacent markets & murals 🎭 #TravelDiaries #SoloTravel #Colombia #Cartagena #Marquez #LoveInTheTimeOfCholera