Just got back from Cartagena last night… Very fun trip.
Stayed at an AirBNB in BocaGrande. Building was very nice and secure with an amazing view from both our Balcony on the 30th floor and the 40th story rooftop pool.
Went to the Walled City a few nights, it’s very vibrant and beautiful but also expensive and kind of a tourist trap. Prices are pretty much the same as you’d see in the US. Getsemaní is very beautiful as well but full of Euro Backpacker douchebags. Spent more time going out in BocaGrande near our Airbnb, has just as good restaurants, etc but at a fraction of the price.
What you hear about vendors trying to sell you stuff everywhere you go is true, a firm “no gracias” always sufficed though. Being with a Colombiana definitely helped as well with them backing off.
Did two beach days. First was a day trip to an all-inclusive resort on the Rosario Islands. Price was $190 and included boat ride, shaded bed on the beach, lunch and open bar for two people. Absolutely amazing. Sand was silky smooth and the water crystal clear blue. No vendors on Rosario Islands either so was great to get a break from them.
Second was a day trip to Barú. Was around $150 Included bus ride and lunch but had to pay for beach lounge spot and drinks. The beach itself was decent but Barú is a third world shithole. Had vendors walking in front of us every 30 seconds trying to sell us stuff and the server tried to overcharge us for the lounge spot until we called him out. This was the only part of the trip where the vendors did ruin the experience a bit. Just part of what you get when going to a place like Cartagena though so can’t complain too much.
Overall it was a great trip, if I was to go back would definitely carve out more time on the Rosario Islands. You really only need two days or so for Cartagena itself but the Rosario’s I could’ve spent much more time on.
View from the pool:
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