Colombia 🇨🇴 Cartagena: Following the literary trails of García Márquez, immersing yourself in “One Hundred Years of Solitude” and “Love in the Time of Cholera.”
First, let’s dive into the travel guide, followed by some precautions. I’ll also share a personal story about my friend’s robbery experience in this vibrant yet challenging city. It seems even men aren’t exempt from safety concerns in Colombia these days.
🌟 **Plaza de Bolívar**: This charming little square comes alive with dancers 💃 at 6 PM, offering a perfect glimpse into local culture.
🌟 **Plaza de los Coches**: A must-see landmark, this iconic square is brimming with history and character.
🌟 **Ábaco Libros y Café**: This enchanting bookstore (Figures 10 and 11) doubles as a cozy café where García Márquez himself once lingered. On a hot and humid Cartagena day, sipping coffee while flipping through pages under the cool air conditioning is pure bliss.
🌟 **Walls of Cartagena**: Don’t miss this ancient city wall for breathtaking sunset photos. Words simply can’t capture its beauty! (Figures 1, 8, and 9)
🌟 **San Felipe de Barajas Fort**: While this fortress has an entrance fee, I skipped it since I’ve seen countless fortresses in Europe, many of which are free. 😆
🌟 **Church of Santo Domingo**: With its stunning architecture, this church is a photographer’s dream and well worth a visit.
🌟 **Convento de Santa Cruz de la Popa**: Perched atop a hill, this photogenic convent offers panoramic views of Cartagena during sunset. Weekdays are less crowded, making it a serene escape. (Figures 2-7)
Cartagena’s old town invites you to wander at your own pace, but beware—this city is riddled with scammers. Locals may aggressively try to sell you things if they sense you’re not from around here, which is why Cartagena ranks low on my list of favorite Colombian cities.
Here are two restaurant recommendations:
1. **Restaurante Coroncoro**: For just 15,000 COP, indulge in a generous plate of meat and fish, complete with soup and drinks. This price is half of what you’d pay in Bogotá—can you believe it? frequented mostly by locals, English isn’t spoken here, and service isn’t exactly stellar, but if you’re after value for money, this is the spot!
2. **Nia Bakery Coffee Shop & Cocktails**: This upscale bakery serves up delicious milkshakes and decadent desserts. Though a bit pricey, the ambiance more than makes up for it!
There’s also Gelateria Tramonti, an ice cream haven where you can sample Lulo-flavored gelato—a uniquely Colombian fruit. (Check out my comprehensive guide to Colombian fruits for more insights!)
Finally, a word about safety: My friend was stabbed in Getsemaní’s bar district (details in Figure 18). Despite police presence on both main streets, stepping into a narrow alley left them vulnerable to a group of four robbers. When they refused to hand over their phone, they were attacked. That day, I was exhausted and turned in early, narrowly avoiding the same fate. To everyone reading this: no matter how close you are to the bar district, steer clear of those alleys!
Stay safe and enjoy the magic of Cartagena responsibly!
