Ytteb Martin, Co-Owner Long and Short Travel Adventures, LASTA Club
2022 is opening up to all kinds of travel opportunities for anyone like me looking to get a new stamp on their passport. Have you ever thought about vacationing in Columbia? A lot has changed and now Cartagena is considered one of the most popular cities to visit in the Americas. December through April is actually the best time to visit this beautiful city because it is their dry season.
Cartagena actually has something for everyone with its enjoyable Caribbean climate, historic Walled City and its gorgeous nearby beaches. This city is home to some of the best high-end restaurants that serve some of the finest seafood or local market stalls that serve up delicious rustic stews. Not to mention their incredible range of fresh fruit juices available on seemingly every street corner. I would love to experience a guided street tour of Cartagena’s food led by a local insider.
Few people realize that this wonderful city is located just an hour away from the village of San Basilio de Palenque, one of the first freed slave settlements in the Americas. If you’re into history or great architecture, the Old City, which used to be a no-go zone for tourists, now boasts as one of the coolest neighborhoods in Columbia. It has tons of burgeoning art, hip bars, hostels and the lovely Plaza Trinidad. Every night’s full of locals, travelers, artists and street performers.
Cartagena boasts plenty of photo ops for the professional or Instagram devotee. Almost every street is filled with beautiful pastel-colored buildings and bougainvillea plants perfect for posting on social media. And let’s not forget the beautiful beaches and islands. You can visit the city beaches of the Bocagande neighborhood. Or you can jump on a boat to the national parks of Playa Blanca, Tierra Bomba or the Rosario Islands. There are plenty of places to bask in the warm sun on several nearby beaches. This is definitely one of the most romantic destinations to visit for a once in a lifetime vacation. Hope to see you there next year.
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