07/28/2026
Cartagena de Indias was the colonial treasure chest of the Americas. For Colombia, its old city is an icon of African Caribbean vibrancy with its preserved wall which protected the city from pirates. Perched on the ocean, it is also a destination for views, beaches, and an ecclectic nightlife.
The old city is filled with boutique hotels and the water front with large luxury chains. For wheelchair accessibility - Cartagena is not ready for prime time yet. However, it is genuinely trying how to juxtapose this into old structures and plan to include with new ones. It is exciting times.Cartagena is a beach and party city with the ability to find sanctuaries and beautiful cultural moments.
You can eat and drink your way through the city. Two of my meals were chef driven menus catered to my gluten-free diet and lovely. The coffee and fruit tastings underscored the biodiversity of Colombia and the science of the best bite or sip. I definitely need to up my coffee brewing techniques.
If you use common sense - be aware of surroundings, don’t flaunt wealth and refrain from solicit prostitutes and drugs 😜… your should be as safe as in many comparably sized US cities.
Trying to go to Costa Rica in peak season and can’t find a room or too expensive? Try Cartagena. If looking at a Caribbean Island with same constraints … consider Cartagena’s nearby island Baru instead or other Comombian islands such as San Andres or Providencia.
