Cartagena Travel Guide: Romance & Adventure in Colombia’s Caribbean Ge

Founded by the Spanish in the 16th century, Cartagena’s colorful colonial old town still pulses with history—and served as the setting for Gabriel García Márquez’s Love in the Time of Cholera. After reading "Nothing in Paris could compare to an April morning in his homeland," I knew this had to be my final Colombian stop—and it did not disappoint. 🌴 How to Spend 3 Perfect Days 🏝️ Day 1: Rosario Islands Hopping Crystal-clear Caribbean waters, snorkeling, and beach clubs. Tours bookable via hotels or local agencies (compare prices!). 🦩 Day 2: Barú Island + Aviario Nacional Bird Park Flamingos! Plus toucans, macaws, and other tropical birds. ⛪️ Day 3: Old Town Wanderlust No itinerary needed—every pastel street is photogenic. But don’t miss: 1️⃣ Walls of Cartagena for golden-hour sunset 🌅 2️⃣ Ábaco Libros y Café (Márquez’s favorite bookstore-café) 📚 3️⃣ Getsemaní for vibrant street art 🎨 4️⃣ Centenario Park to spot adorably lazy sloths 🦥 5️⃣ La Serrezuela Mall (a bullring-turned-shopping hub) 🛍️ Pro tip: Book island tours last-minute via GetYourGuide or local agencies. 🍽️ Must-Try Restaurants 1️⃣ La Mulata - Killer coconut rice with fish + "best limonada de coco ever" 🥥 2️⃣ RESTAURANTE CANDÉ - Romantic seafood spot (reserve ahead!) 🦞 3️⃣ DOÑA LOLA comida del caribe - Upscale Caribbean fusion 💫 Why Cartagena? It’s history, magic realism, and turquoise waters—all in one. #CartagenaTravel #LoveInTheTimeOfCholera #ColombiaDiaries