Cartagena: The Literary City by the Sea

Cartagena is Colombia's unmissable Caribbean gem—a walled city where colonial history bleeds into vibrant streets. Hotels here cling to Spanish-era charm, but the real magic lies in its literary soul. This is Gabriel García Márquez's world: Studied at Cartagena University (now home to half his ashes) Wrote Love in the Time of Cholera inspired by these streets The Sofitel Legend Hotel (a former convent) starred in Of Love and Other Demons—still lighting monk-style lanterns at dinner 🕯️ I came chasing "Macondo," his fictional rain-soaked town. Late August delivered: Torrential downpours ☔ Bougainvillea-draped balconies 🌺 Nights listening to storms in a parrot-filled colonial guesthouse 🦜 Yet Cartagena today is also: Tourist-targeting hustlers Sky-high prices Permanently damp clothes Food Recs (Honest Edition) La Vitrola: Shakira’s fave, but only the salad’s edible 🥗 El Jardín Santa Clara: Decent ceviche, skip the rest 🐟 Café Del Mar: Sunset views > food 🌅 KFC: Unexpectedly good & cheap (nostalgic for Chinese tastes!) 🍗 Safety Tips 🚫 Don’t engage with street hawkers 🚫 No solo night walks 🚫 Keep phones hidden #Cartagena #GabrielGarciaMarquez #LiteraryTravel #Colombia