A 3-Day Adventure in Cartagena, Colombia

5 min readJul 23, 2024

A colorful, ornately designed church tower in Cartegena, Colombia is framed by white buildings with green awnings against a clear blue sky.

A Quick Getaway From Bogotá

If you’re planning a trip to Bogotá, Colombia, why not consider adding a quick escape from the bustling capital city? With its close proximity (an hour and a half flight) and easy transportation options, Cartagena makes for the perfect weekend getaway. And with its warm climate and vibrant culture, it’s the perfect complement to the cooler mountainous region of Bogotá. This is exactly what I needed in the middle of my five-week stay in Bogotá but even if you are visiting for a shorter period, it’s easy to fit in.

Day 1: Arrival in Cartagena and First Impressions

February 12

I kicked off my weekend in the charming city of Cartagena, Colombia excited to explore. Known for its stunning old town and rich history, Cartagena didn’t disappoint. I spent my first day wandering through the historic streets, soaking in the colorful colonial architecture and vibrant energy. The old town, enclosed by ancient stone walls, felt like stepping back in time.

Day 2: Exploring Getsemani and Beyond

February 13

My second day began with a pleasant surprise — hotel staff woke me up at 9:40 am to ensure I didn’t miss breakfast. The meal was a delicious spread of local flavors, including an arepa stuffed with egg, meat, and fish, served alongside a piece of bread, a large bowl of tropical fruit, juice, and coffee. While I didn’t snap a photo, the memory of that meal will stay with me.

Fueled and ready, I ventured out to find more coffee and stumbled upon a delightful café where I met Ana from Mexico City. Her dessert looked so tempting that I couldn’t resist having some as well, turning my breakfast into an impromptu brunch.

The next stop was the history museum, where I learned about Cartagena’s fascinating past. Afterward, I took a stroll outside the walled city through a scenic park, where I had the unexpected pleasure of spotting adorable monkeys in the trees. My wandering led me to the Getsemani neighborhood — a vibrant area known for its street art, lively atmosphere, and welcoming vibe. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, everyone is embraced here.

I spent the afternoon into the evening in Getsemani, marveling at the colorful murals and enjoying the energetic buzz of the streets. Someone was selling cocktails every few steps, and the art was everywhere. I even met two women from Lake Claire, just a short distance from my Atlanta home, which brought a touch of familiarity to my travels.

Dinner was an absolute treat at La Cevicheria in Centro Histórico. The mixed seafood ceviche in lime and coconut was a refreshing delight, followed by a unique “Pulp Fiction” octopus burger with BBQ sauce, goat cheese, and roasted red peppers, served with a side of potatoes. Yum!

A row of yellow and white buildings with arched windows, potted plants, and bicycles lined up on a cobblestone street in Cartagena, Colombia, with a stone tower in the background, under a clear blue sky.

A yellow building in Cartagena, Colombia with a green door, windows with white bars, and leafy plants growing around it. A curved tree trunk is leaning against the wall.

A slice of cheesecake with yellow passionfruit topping, served on a gray plate with chocolate sauce drizzled beside it. A delicious Cartagena, Colombia dessert

A narrow street in Cartagena, Colombia is adorned with colorful umbrellas suspended above, creating a canopy between the buildings. The blue sky is visible above the umbrellas, and greenery hangs from the balconies.

A pile of ripe bananas and other fruits are on display at an outdoor market stand in the neighborhood of Getsamani in Cartegena, Colombia. In the background, there is a colorful mural of a woman's face.

A vibrant blue wall in the Getsamani neighborhood of Cartagena, Colombia features a mural of flowering vines, with two real potted plants placed in front. A white window with bars and a white door with a decorative iron grille are also visible.

Day 3: Relaxation and Reflection

February 14

After two action-packed days, I opted for a more relaxed pace on my final full day. I enjoyed another hearty breakfast at the hotel before heading back to my favorite café to catch up on some work. The passion fruit gelato I had the previous night left such an impression that I indulged in it again, this time pairing it with coconut gelato. It was so good, that I skipped lunch!

In the afternoon, I decided to check out the beach. However, it quickly became apparent that the beach wasn’t the highlight of Cartagena. With high rises as the backdrop and not much else to do, I soon headed back to the central area.

Back at the hotel, I took advantage of the indoor pool with its soothing waterfall, a perfect way to unwind. Later, I went out to watch the sunset and wander through the historic center one last time. I ended the day with a delightful Caribbean seafood dinner at a restaurant aptly named San Valentin. ❤️

Day 4: Saying Goodbye

February 15

All good things must come to an end. My last morning in Cartagena began with another delicious hotel breakfast. I couldn’t help but feel a bit of sadness as I packed up and headed to the airport. I’ll miss the deep sleep I enjoyed in my windowless room, the vibrant colors of the historic center, and especially the lively Getsemani area. Most of all, I’ll miss the little monkeys that added a touch of magic to my trip. 🙉

Conclusion

Cartagena is a city that offers a rich tapestry of experiences for both foodies and explorers alike. From the historical charm of the old town to the artistic vibrancy of Getsemani, there’s something here for everyone. If you’re inspired by my adventures, why not plan your trip and discover the magic of Cartagena for yourself? And if you need any tips or recommendations, feel free to reach out — I’m always happy to share more about this beautiful city!

A hand holding a cup of passionfruit and coconut gelato with a white plastic spoon on a sunlit street in Cartagena, Colombia lined with parked cars and buildings.

Colorful street mural in Getsamani depicting a woman with a flower in her hair and a purple face, surrounded by blooming bougainvillea on a yellow wall.

A colonial-style building with wooden balconies is in the foreground, with a brightly colored church tower rising against a clear blue sky in the background.

*Support my blog and adventures. If you choose to purchase an experience from the links below, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Leslie

I work with small businesses designing their websites and increasing their online visibility. I do this while traveling full-time! I love to travel and experience new places and try foods and drinks all over the world. My travel photos are available as framed prints, canvas art, mugs, greeting cards, and more at lesliebrashearphotos.com