Oh how I love Colombia. The romantic, colorful streets of Cartagena, the warm Caribbean sun, the friendly vibes, and the delicious arepas and empanadas (I LOVE CARBS) simply cannot be beat. Cartagena is a hidden gem of a city, and I’m so excited to go back in 2018.
This time around I’ll be heading down with Noken, the dope travel company I went to Iceland with last year. That trip to Reykjavik and beyond was one of the best vacations I’ve ever been on because of the neat Noken app that gets you into the stuff you really want to do and see on a trip. You essentially pick your destination with them and the rest is taken care of. Once you arrive you follow your app like you’d follow a guidebook, except for the fact that Noken is an extremely hip, in-the-know master of ceremonies. ALSO, IF YOU WANT A BANGIN’ DEAL and to get $250 off your trip with my Noken peeps, they’ve graciously provided us all with code VIPLo that’s good when you book now through April 15th.
So, back to Colombia, the colorful girlfriend of my dreams. There’s so much to see and do in this beautiful country and because it hasn’t been totally exposed by travelers yet, your time there will feel authentic and special. Some of my favorite MUST-SEE things you should add to your list (or Noken will do it for you):
ISLAND HOPPING/GETTIN’ THAT CARIBBEAN SUN
YAS, glamazons….Cartagena is a coastal city on the Caribbean Sea. Lots of people don’t know that, but surprise, it’s gorgeous. My favorite day on any trip is always boat day, and I loooove boat day in Cartagena. Sail through the Rosario Islands and to Baru Beach. Spend the day hopping on and off the boat into the warm, clear sea, and you can also stop at a beach club to have lunch and lay around. I’d spend multiple days on the water if I could.
WALK THE WALLED CITY
If you really want to turn your Instagram game up a notch and get gorgeous photos in front of colorful homes, head inside the walled city of Cartagena. It’s def busier here, but totally worth it (I like to stay inside the walled city, too…the Sofitel is top-notch). The streets are so charming with tons of shopping and restaurants here for you to browse and pop into. I like Casa Chiqui and St. Dom for shopping.
This part of the city is full of rich, Colombian history. A walking tour of this area with your Noken app will certainly be a highlight of your trip.
GET ON A ROOF
Cartagena has absolutely no shortage of swanky rooftop bars and pools. When the sun is setting, head over to Townhouse or Alquimico for a delish local cocktail with your pals or lover. You’ll get that gorgeous view of the seaside city you’ve been dying to see.
GET LOST
I’m also a big proponent of spending a day getting totally lost wherever you are and discovering places on your own as you wind through new city streets. It’s in these moments that you find yourself when you travel. As I mentioned in another travel post, my 2018 is all about rediscovering travel for myself, by myself (or with a couple friends). Exploring a new destination enriches your soul unlike anything else. Dive in headfirst into Cartagena like I have, and you’ll certainly discover a charming city that’s not over commercialized or overrun with tourists. It’s a beautiful city with rich history in a warm, tropical setting. It doesn’t get much better than that.