Cartagena Travel Guide 🌴

Cartagena, the pearl of the Caribbean 🌊, is a city where Gabriel García Márquez wove its magical realism into Love in the Time of Cholera. History and reality blend into a mesmerizing Caribbean tableau. 🗺 Must-Visit Spots Old Town 🏛️ A well-preserved colonial gem and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Half a day is enough to explore, with every corner perfect for photos. 📍 Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría 📍 Cathedral de San Pedro Claver 📍 Church of Santo Domingo 📍 Monumento Torre del Reloj ⏰ 📍 Ábaco Libros y Café ☕ – A legendary café frequented by Márquez 📍 Centenario Park 🦥 – A small park where you might spot sloths (though I couldn’t find them!) 📍 La Serrezuela 🛍️ – A modern shopping mall converted from a bullring 📍 Walls of Cartagena (Murallas de Cartagena) 🌅 – Perfect for sunset views Getsemaní 🎨 The graffiti district, right next to the Old Town. Offers more budget-friendly accommodations and dining options. Outside the Old Town 📍 Castillo San Felipe de Barajas 🏰 – A 20-minute walk from the Old Town 📍 Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa ⛪ – Offers panoramic city views, but it’s far and unsafe; take a taxi. 🍚 Food & Drinks 🍦 Gelateria Tramoni – Delicious gelato with rich, sweet flavors that aren’t overpowering. (But honestly, any ice cream shop here is amazing!) 🍚 La Mulata – Affordable and tasty, famous for Coco Lemonade and coconut rice. (~$15 USD per person) 🏖 Island Hopping & Day Trips 🏝 Island-hopping tours – Usually include Barú, San Rosario, and other popular spots. Many street vendors offer packages (around $75 USD or 300,000 COP for 4-5 stops). 🦜 Aviario Nacional de Colombia – A bird sanctuary, often combined with beach tours due to its remote location. #OffMenuSpain #AndalusianFoodComa #GibraltarFoodieBasecamp