Totumo " Mud" Volcano

   Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Colombia’s most colorful city, with one of the most impressive old towns in the Western Hemisphere and truly an undiscovered gem!

   Not that long ago, Cartagena was quite run down and not the safest place to visit. However, over the last several years, this city has gone through an amazing gentrification and is a very exciting destination for those looking to explore the colonial charm of the 16th century neighborhoods of El Centro and San Diego Districts and most recently Getsemani. The majority of the buildings have been restored, making visitors feel like they have walked back in time. The store fronts are now occupied by fine shops, galleries and restaurants and nightclubs.

   When you feel like doing more than just strolling around inside the walled town, you must see the El Castillo de San Felipe de Borajas , one of the military wonders of the world. The castle/fort was built in the 16th and 17th centuries in order  to protect the city from attack (Cartagena was constantly invaded by pirates). Be sure to check out its dark underground tunnels and peek through its many lookouts.

   Food in Cartagena is exceptional, and although expensive by Colombian standards, you'll find the prices extremely affordable. One of my best dining experiences was at D’Arte, owned by Edgardo Carmona, the artist responsible for many of the wonderful and amusing sculptures in the city. I also highly recommend you go to Crepes & Waffles, a local Colombian chain restaurant, which offers unbelievable crepes and waffles and homemade ice cream to go on top!

   Colombians are happy people that love to party and Cartagena by night offers lots of clubs with live music for locals and visitors alike. Many of the best clubs are in Getsemani, located just outside the walls of the Old Town. We went to Cafe Havana, a very popular bar that features live Cuban music. If you can, take salsa dance lessons before you visit Cartagena so you can truly join the fun. Also, consider taking salsa lessons while in Cartagena, which I can help arrange for you.

   Several exciting day excursions are available from Cartagena. My favorites are Totumo Volcano, otherwise known as the mud volcano (see photo) and a little further out, Tayrona National Park.

   Those looking for beaches can take a short taxi ride from the historic district to the city’s urban beaches in Boca Grande, the modern part of Cartagena. You’ll see many vendors here, including those with canvas shelters set up on the sand for you to rent for the day. However, far better beach experiences can be found further out, such as the Rosario Islands (reachable by boat), Playa Blanca and also my favorite beach day trip - Blue Apple Beach House on the nearby Isla De Tierra Bomba, which is also accessible by small boat.

   Now that the days of the Colombian cartels are a thing of the past, I encourage you to make plans to travel to Cartagena and other Colombian cities such as Bogota and Medellin. 

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