Travel Guide: Colombia
The only ‘U’ that should be in Colombia is you.
This blog post is owed to you guys. Well over due but here it goes . . .
First trip of 2021 … COLOMBIA! Colombia has become a hot destination for 2021 because the flights have been so cheap. So, my friends and I decided to jump on the opportunity to go. Colombia is definitely a great country to experience because of its richness in culture. There were a bunch of things we did that I am excited to share with you here.
Flights. NYC -> CTG … We flew into Cartagena, Colombia via a direct flight from John F. Kennedy Airport on JetBlue. The flight was pretty packed in comparison to other flights I have been on during the pandemic. People are getting vaccinated and are very comfortable with traveling again. Our flight was $380/RT.
CTG -> MDE … We flew to Medellin from Cartagena. In flight, to get to Medellin from Cartagena is about 1hr and 10mins. This flight was about $90R/T.
We flew back to the U.S. from Cartagena because there weren’t any direct flights from Medellin. My group of friends prefer direct flights because layovers are an unnecessary hassle. The layovers for our trip were very long and some had multiple stops. Definitely something to consider based on your travel style.
Accommodations. Cartagena - We stayed in Cartagena for four days. While in Cartagena we stayed in a beautiful house perfectly located in the middle of the city. Cartagena offers a lot of nice more than reasonably priced AirBnBs that come with rooftop pools and/or Jacuzzi’s. Of course, still do your own due diligence in finding the best location for you.
Medellin - We stayed in Medellin for three days at The Charlee Hotel. The Charlee is a beautiful boutique lifestyle hotel. The hotel is unique in style but but definitely modern and chic. There were four of us so we did two to a room, which was perfect for us. The room provided an extra living room area with seats, a nice size bathroom, loaded bar, and king size beds.
Front of The Charlee Hotel Front of AirBnB
Getting Around in Cartagena. Cartagena is definitely a walkable city. Getting to a lot of local restaurants and bars is easily a 5/10/15 minute walk. If walking isn’t your thing taxis are pretty easy to get. The taxis should not cost you more than $10 pesos to pretty go much anywhere in Cartagena. If anyone tries to charge you more than that you definitely should get in your negotiation bag and talk them down. It is easy to spot tourist so naturally they try to up-sell you on almost everything. Always keep in mind that anything is negotiable in Colombia. They also have Uber in Cartagena which can be more convenient. In terms of safety, Cartagena is one of the cities I must admit that the panhandling was on another level. I think being a group of women they go even harder with the begging and haggling. As such, they tend to keep going until you get pretty firm with them. This was the one thing I hate the most about Colombia in both Cartagena and Medellin.
Getting Around in Medellin. Medellin is definitely a bigger city than Cartagena. The city is about 2.5 million in population verses Cartagena’s population which is just under 1 million. Getting around in Medellin is pretty easy. They have taxis cabs just about everywhere. The taxis will not be as cheap as in Cartagena because the city is a lot larger and there is a lot to see and do. In terms of safety, we did not feel unsafe. Although I did lose my phone in a local convenience store that was 100% my fault. My friends and I travel in groups, always anywhere we go. I cannot say that we wet anywhere we felt unsafe. We took the opportunity to walk to a nearby restaurant for food and drinks our first day there.
Restaurants in Cartagena. Cartagena has amazing food options. From the traditional to the high end dining experience. Whatever you like Cartagena has great food options that you cannot go wrong with. Below are a few places we went to and also some we missed out on going to that were on our list.
Mar de las Antillas - We went here immediately upon arriving in Cartagena. Mar de las Antillas is a beautiful indoor/outdoor colorful restaurant that the locals and intentional travelers frequent. The drinks at Mar de las Antillas are tasty and strong. The food at Mar de las Antillas is authentic to Colombian culture. I had the Red Snapper topped with a Seafood Mix.
Epoca Espresso Bar - Arzobispado - Epoca is notably known for their coffee and the different brewing options. I am a coffee lover so naturally this was a place I could definitely appreciate. We also had brunch here which was really good. Epoca had plenty options for brunch. I had the steak and eggs with a side of potatoes. The restaurant also has a full bar where we enjoyed a few shots before we got our day started. Definitely would recommend Epoca if you want a good bite to eat before you get your day started.
Tesoros Del Mar - Tesoros Del Mar was a great restaurant on the beach with authentic Colombian food. I am a sucker for red snapper especially while I was in Colombian. Here I had a great fish red snapper with rice and black beans. I also had a ceviche appetizer that was so fresh and amazing. While you dine you get an amazing view of the beach.
Cafe Del Mar - Cafe Del Mar is one of the most popular and touristy restaurants in Cartagena. Cafe Del Mar is not only known for their food but for their amazing sunset view. It is said that Cafe Del Mar has the best sunset view while dining. You have to make reservations way in advance before your trip because this is a popular spot. Unfortunately, we did not get to go but I am highlighting this place so you can make sure you go.
Maria Bonita Taqueria Cantina - Maria Bonita Taqueria Cantina is a popular cheap taco restaurant in Cartagena. We went here for dinner from a recommendation a friend provided. The staff speaks little English so it was a struggle trying to order, but their tacos are tasty. Along with the food the drinks were also good as well. The restaurant is on the smaller side so if you go during peak lunch or dinner hours you may have to wait a bit.
El Burlador Gastrobar - El Burlador Gastrobar is a Seafood, Mediterranean, Spanish, and Gastropub. This would be considered a higher end restaurant but because Cartagena is a cheap country you can expect meals to be $20-50/pp USD which is relatively reasonable. The service is known to be exceptional as well. This is a popular spot that was on my list that I definitely recommend you do not miss out on.
El Mirador - Another gastro bar similar to El Burlador. Good place for authentic food and drinks.
Restaurants in Medellin. Medellin is a larger city than Cartagena so there are twice as many restaurants to go to while in Medellin. While in Medellin, days before Easter and during COVID-19, we did not get to try most of these places. There was a 5pm curfew from the Wednesday to Saturday while in Medellin due to Holy Week. Here I am going to simply list the restaurants we had on our list but did not get to experience (excluding Gato Resto Bar) but I hope you do.
Gato Resto Bar - We went here on arrival in Medellin. The restaurant bar has many food options Peruvian, Latin, Bar, Seafood, with Vegetarian and Vegan options as well. Definitely an affordable option for good food. The drinks here were amazing. Along the road of Gato Resto Bar you will find a lot of different restaurants which included different cuisines as well.
La Pampa
Mondongo’s
El Cielo (13 course dinner meal experience)
Carmen
Excursions/Exploring in Cartagena. Cartagena is a small city with some amazing things to do. I personally feel like you do not need more than 4/5 days in Cartagena. In some cases some people might think you could in fact do a shorter duration in the city. Below are the things my friends and I got into.
Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas - The Castilla San Felipe de Barajas is a fortess in the city of Cartagena. The castle is located on the Hill of San Lázaro. From here you can see an amazing view of the city at the top of the castle. The tickets were about $10-15 USD. You can opt in to do a guided tour of the castle but my friends and I decided against doing that.
Torre del Reloj (The Clocktower Monument) - Torre del Reloj or Boca del Puente is the main city gate of the historic center of Cartagena de Indias, in Colombia and the original entrance of the fortified city. There isn’t much to do outside taking pictures in front of the clocktower and pictures with the local women who are dressed in the traditional Colombian attire. In this area be careful of the locals who tend to get a little too close for comfort.
Callejón Angosto - This is a historic landmark in Cartagena famously known for the popular street with the hanging umbrellas. This is a 15-20 minute walk from The Clocktower or a short cab ride. In the area is a lot of authentic Colombia restaurants in shops where you can pop into.
Getsemaní - Very close to the popular street with umbrellas. This area offers lots of street art. There are some amazing murals where you can get some get Instagram shots.
Rosari Islands / PrivateBoat Rental - This is probably one of the most popular things to do in Colombia. I personally highly recommend it. We got a private boat for $549 USD for the day. The first stop was at La Piscina for snorkeling. The second stop was Cholón where different boats, about 60, pull up here to play music, eat, lounge, or relax. Here you are able to order food and grab a table in the water. The food is a little pricy than in Cartagena but we realized you are paying for not only the food but the entire experience while docked at sea. There are locals who walk around with fresh oysters and hot sauce. Our third stop was at Playa Blanca which was the last stop. Playa Blanca is a beautiful white sand beach where you stop relax, drink, and have food again. Definitely do your our personal research to find the right boat for you and your crew. I definitely recommend doing a private boat because you get the best experience. In comparison to United States private boat prices it is definitely worth getting the full experience in another country for a great price.
Volcan de Lodo El Totumo - Volcan de Lodo El Totumo is an active mud volcano located near sea level in northern Colombia in the municipality of Santa Catalina. A local tourist destination, popular for its alleged healing mud bath, it receives most of its visitors from nearby Cartagena. Along with this, it is the smallest volcano in the country. Here you climb to the top of the volcano for a mud bath. After sitting in the mud for a while you walk down to the water and bathe in the water to get the mud off. It is a dope experience because while in the mud it is so thick you can’t move too much and you cover your entire body with the mud.
El Salar de Galerazamba (The Pink Sea) - The Pink Sea is located about an hour Northeast of Cartagena about 30- 45 minutes from the Volcan de Lodo. The Pink Sea is on the coast of Colombia within the small town of Galerazamba. The sea is actually a salt mine and the bright pink hue is caused by colorful salt-loving microbes which create pigmented protein to absorb the sun's energy. It is only during certain times of the year that you can actually see the pinkness in water. Unfortunately, while we were there in April it was not pink. It was disappointing but I definitely recommend still attempting to experience as it is pink in February to beginning of April.
Excursions/Exploring in Medellin. Medellin is a beautiful picturesque city that is very naturesque by the look with high hills and mountains of trees. The city is a lot larger than Cartagena and there is a ton to do while in Medellin. Medellin is definitely a richer city than Cartagena and as you explore you can easily notice it. I thoroughly enjoyed my time while in Medellin and plan to go back.
Parque Arvi (Arvi Park) - A popular tourist attraction where you are able to take a cable car and see an amazing view of Medellin. From the hotel we stayed at it is about a 20 minute car to get to the park.
Chorro Clarin- If hiking is your thing this Chorro Clarin is where you want to be. Popular hiking trail that gives you all the feels. Bring a change of clothes as the option to get in the natural pool for a swim.
Guatape- Guatape was my favorite part of the entire Colombia trip. Guatapé is an Andean resort town in northwest Colombia, east of Medellín. It’s known for its houses decorated with colorful bas-reliefs. It sits by the vast, man-made Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir, a busy water-sports center. I thoroughly enjoyed the area of Guatape the town is absolutely gorgeous like nothing I have experienced before.
El Peñón de Guatapé (The Rock of Guatape) - A popular landmark in Guatape that has 700 steps to get to the top. The tickets are about $20-25 USD. After you climb to the top you see the most AMAZING views of Guatape. A picturesque view that will live in my mind rent free.
Helicopter Ride - After we climbed up Guatape we did a helicopter ride. If you’re not afraid of heights or helicopters I 1000% recommend doing this. It only cost $70 USD whereas in NYC or NJ you will pay easily $150-200 bucks. The helicopter ride is about 15 minutes long but the views of Guatape are simply unmatched! This was hands down of of the best experiences I have ever had.
Overall, I would rate Colombia 8/10. The culture, the food, the people, and the things to do provide a great experience. Colombia is cheaper country to visit as well so it is very budget friendly from a dining and excursion perspective. Colombia can be a trip about what you make it to be. Colombia is great for a group friends or family trip, a trip with a loved one, or solo trip. As any other foreign country do your own due diligence in terms of places you stay and the things you want to do. Be alert and stay aware anywhere you go but most importantly enjoy yourself and live in the moment.
