Cartagena is located in the Caribbean cost of Colombia, is one of the main ports in America, and nowadays is well known because of its Colonial architecture. It is also known as » Colonial walled city » and was designated In 1984 a Unesco world Heritage site.
The official entrance to downtown is the Puerta del Reloj (Clock Gate), here started our trip. I was a little bit ashamed for not being in this city before, as it is one of the most touristic cities in Colombia, and for sure one of the most beautiful cities I have ever been.
Cartagena is much more than a colonial city: when you visit the city, you will be surrounded by colorful houses, horse carriages,plenty of history from the colonial times, massive churches, plazas where you will see people dancing « Mapale » and other typical dances from Colombia, coffee zones, and trendy shops from the best designers in the Country. I personally loved the locally made crafts.
Regarding the food, you can taste the best food directly in the street: Cocadas, in the noth entrance of the clock gate, or buy a fruit or agua de coco from the palanqueras. (Ladies that carry the fruits in their heads), arepa de huevo, and the best fried food in the plaza San diego. If you have a better budget you can also afford a ceviche in front of Santa Teresa hotel, and try the sea dishes that different restaurants offer. If you chose, to try something local you can visit the Coroncoro restaurant located in the Getsemani neighborhood, Dorothea, or kiosko el bony directly in the beach.
If you are looking for a room, with a low budget, you will find plenty of hostels in Getsemani, but a better choice depending on the number of travelers, could be to rent an apartment located in bocagrande or laguito.(http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rentals/colombia/cartagena)
Islands close to Cartagena:
Isla del Pirata: one of the 30 islands which makes up the Isla de Rosarios archipelago. This is a private island, you can expect to pay between 95,000 COP and 115,000 COP which includes the trip to and from the island, and a delicious lunch (freshly caught fish with coconut rice) the advantage of this place is that is not as crowdy as playa blanca, you can relax in the beach and do some snorkeling in the cristal sea. if you decide to overnight, you also have the option to book one of the bungalow that the island offers.
Isla Baru, Playa blanca: This is the most touristic but also one of the most traditional beaches in Colombia. In the high season you will certainly find a jam-packed full of tourists, and local sellers pushing you to buy anything. Nevertheless if you go in the low season, you will find a very nice place to relax with the white sand & cristal water of the sea. You can get there overland or by boat.40,000 COP. I personally recommend to take the opportunity once you are there, to get a massage worth 30,000 COP.
Journal de voyages 