As I rode the air-conditioned Bus 104 from the bus station to the city center, I caught a glimpse of this bustling market. It seemed to stretch endlessly, possibly making it the largest in Cartagena. Intrigued, I jotted it down for a future visit. On the day before my departure, I mustered the courage to brave the Caribbean heat and walked for over 20 minutes to explore this vibrant spot—and it was absolutely worth it.
1. For about 60 RMB (P1-P3), I indulged in an unforgettable lobster meal. The lobster weighed in at around half a pound, served alongside flavorful seafood rice, a fresh red salad, savory meat floss, and half a boiled banana. The meat floss, in particular, left a lasting impression with its rich taste.
2. The market’s seafood selection is incredibly affordable (P4-P13). For less than 40 RMB, I purchased nearly two and a half pounds of cleaned conch meat. If you’re staying in accommodations where you can cook, buying ingredients here could save you a significant amount of money. P13 highlights the entrance to the prepared food section of the seafood market, a convenient option for those seeking ready-to-eat meals.
3. While street barbers are a common sight, this was my first encounter with street makeup artists (P14-P15). As I strolled by, I noticed a local woman getting her eyebrows meticulously groomed—a testament to the market’s diverse offerings.
4. A delightful fresh juice shop caught my eye. A Swiss traveler from the same hostel mentioned that their prices were half of what you’d find in the old town. I tried their guava juice, which was so refreshing that I returned later to grab another to take back to the hostel. When placing your order, the friendly owner kindly asks whether you’d prefer your juice mixed with water or milk, catering to your preference. I opted for water, and the result was pure bliss.
For those planning a visit, you can conveniently take the air-conditioned Bus 104 directly to the old town for just 4000 pesos.
