Cartagena, Colombia: Where the Humidity Hugs You and the Rum Flows Freely
okay, so. cartagena. wow. just…wow. i’m still peeling sunburn off my nose and trying to remember what sleep feels like, but i had to write this down before it all evaporated like the sweat on my forehead. i’m a touring session drummer, you see, and my band just wrapped up a gig in south america. cartagena was the last stop, and honestly? it was a sensory overload in the best possible way.
I just checked and it’s…a thick, damp blanket right now. Like someone wrapped the whole city in a warm, wet towel. Hope you like that kind of thing. Seriously, pack light, breathable clothes. And a lot of sunscreen. You’ll thank me later.
First things first: the walled city. Get lost in it. Seriously. Just wander. The colorful buildings, the bougainvillea spilling over balconies…it’s straight out of a movie. I spent a good afternoon just stumbling around, snapping photos (my camera roll is currently overflowing, naturally). Check out some photos on TripAdvisor - you'll see what I mean. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g297478-Cartagena_Bolivar_Department.html
I overheard this wild story at a little bar in Getsemaní. Apparently, there’s a secret network of tunnels under the city, used for smuggling back in the day. Some locals swear they still hear whispers down there. Spooky, right? I didn’t go looking for them, but it definitely added to the atmosphere.
Speaking of Getsemaní, that’s where you want to be. It’s the grittier, more authentic neighborhood. Less touristy, more street art, more life. I found this amazing little cafe there, Abasto, serving the best arepas I’ve ever had. Yelp has some good reviews, if you're looking for more options. https://www.yelp.com/biz/abasto-cartagena
*Pro-Tip #1: Learn a few basic Spanish phrases. It goes a long way. Even just “hola” and “gracias” will get you smiles.
Pro-Tip #2: Be aware of your surroundings. Like any big city, there are pickpockets. Keep your valuables close and don’t flash expensive jewelry.
Pro-Tip #3: Embrace the siesta. Seriously. The heat is intense in the afternoon. Find a shady spot, grab a limonada, and just chill.
Someone told me that the beaches aren’t the best. Apparently, they’re a bit murky and crowded. I didn’t spend much time on them, to be honest. I was too busy exploring the city. But if you’re looking for a beach day, there are options a short boat ride away - check out Islas del Rosario.
I also heard that the nightlife is…intense. Lots of clubs and bars, especially in Bocagrande. I’m not really a club person, so I stuck to the smaller bars in Getsemaní. Much more my vibe.
If you get bored, Barranquilla and Santa Marta are just a short drive away. I didn’t make it to either, but I heard they’re worth a visit.
Gear List (because I’m a drummer, I overthink things):
Lightweight backpack (trust me)
Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated!)
Sunscreen (seriously, don’t forget it)
Bug spray (the mosquitos are real)
Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll be doing a lot of walking)
Camera (duh)
Portable charger (for your phone)
* Spanish phrasebook (or a translation app)
I’m already dreaming of going back. Cartagena is chaotic, vibrant, and utterly unforgettable. It’s a place that gets under your skin and stays there. I’m already checking flights for next year. Maybe I’ll even try to learn some salsa.
Oh, and one last thing: the street food is incredible. Don’t be afraid to try it! Just…maybe ask a local what’s good first. I almost ordered something that involved fried ants. Almost. You can find some local food boards here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cartagenafoodies/
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- https://votoris.com/post/bilaspur-is-hot-as-hell-and-im-still-sweating
- https://votoris.com/post/the-chaotic-pulse-of-paris