10 Oct 2016
Sunny In Cartagena Colombia
Hello world, hope you all had a great weekend! Colombia for me was a treat for all the senses. Beautiful people, beautiful scenery and delicious food.
My decision to visit Colombia was an easy one. It was planned while sitting at my hotel in Egypt after I sent a picture to my friend Bassey. He response, “Sunny I need to travel with you again, wherever you are going next, please let me know.” I responded “haha, I’m planning a trip to South America.” We finalized this trip upon my return back to the States.
A trip to Cartagena, in Colombia, is the ultimate antidote to the been-there-done-that South America vacation. Below is everything you need to know to get in on the action
HISTORY
Cartagena de Indias, Cartagena for short, is the fifth largest city in Colombia, a hot spot for tourism, and a historical city by nature—you can find historical significance everywhere you look in this city. So, where does all this history begin?
Cartagena de Indias was officially founded and settled under the Spanish Empirein 1533, by Don Pedro de Heredia and took its name from the Spanish city of Cartagena. Before the Spanish conquest, several different indigenous groups that now have descendants in other areas of Colombia and South America inhabited this land—they had abandoned Cartagena before the Spanish arrived. When word spread that gold had been found in the tombs of indigenous leaders, many people began arriving to Cartagena, allowing the area to grow from a village to a city. After pirates started plundering the place, the Spanish began constructing fortresses and 11 km of walls all around Cartagena in 1606.The expansive project took over 200 years to complete, and ultimately earned Cartagena’s historic district status as a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
Over the years, Cartagena continued to be an important port city in the Spanish Empire. In the mid 1800s when Colombia gained independence from Spain and the nation of Nueva Granada was formed, Cartagena experienced some financial woes, as the new nation did not have the same financial funds as the Spanish Crown to maintain a royal port city like Cartagena. It wasn’t until Rafael Nuñez, acartagenero, became president that Cartagena began to receive better funding, and recuperate its status to become the beautiful coastal city that it is today.
Departed from Houston International Airport (IAH) to Colombia’s capital, Bogota.
Due to Bassey late arrival in Bogota, we missed our connecting flight to Cartagena and spent a night in a hotel fairly close to the airport.
Just a 1-hour plane ride away from Bogotá, you can find cheap tickets to Cartagena starting USD $40 and probably even less depending on traveling time.
This was my first time being in a plane with Bassey even though we explored part of Nigeria together. I didn’t know he hates being in a plane. Let’s just say he has a fear of flying! lol
I fell in love with Cartagena immediately upon arrival.
We stayed at San Lazaro Art Lifestyle Hotel, located in Cartagena de Indias. The staffs were extremely welcoming and provided service for our every need. The location is perfect. Close to castle and a modern shopping mall. Old city is a 15 minutes walk.
First meal was at the beach.
Bassey wanted to go to the mall, I took photos while he wanders around.
Our first activity was 45 minute drive from Cartagena.
El Totumo is a mud volcano near Cartagena. As the story goes, it’s a natural volcano that used to spew fire, until a local priest declared that this was the Devil’s work and turned the fire to mud by sprinkling holy water on it.
The mud is warm and thick, and very hard to navigate. There’s no perceivable bottom to the pit. It’s the density of the mud that holds you afloat. This makes for the most comfortable bed you’ll ever lie in.
The locals offers washing off the mud for a reasonable price.
The hotel is across from Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
Breakfast at San Lazaro Art Lifestyle Hotel is included. Guests can choose between a regional or American breakfast.
If you ever wonder how I look taking photos of hotels for social media, there you go, thanks to Bassey. He took this photo of me while capturing that perfect Instagram shot.
It was time to explore the old city. We spent some time wandering around the small neighborhood, soaking in the Caribbean feel of the coast of Colombia and admiring the colonial and colorful architecture.
We met this amazing soul Donald while in the mall. I was wandering around. His first statement to me “you look lost! Where are you from?” We explored Cartagena like a local thanks to Donald. H’s been living in Cartagena for five years from Miami.
He wasn’t so impressed with my huge hat. I took it off and asked for my tacky peace sign pose.
Bassey and I explored Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is a fortress in the city of Cartagena, Colombia. The castle is located on the Hill of San Lázaro in a strategic location, dominating approaches to the city by land or sea. It was built by the Spanish during the colonial era. Construction began in the year 1536, and it was originally known as the Castillo de San Lázaro, It was expanded in 1657
I couldn’t choose the right shot so I decided to post them all. Lol
Bassey rocking his recent release t-shirts collection from Bace. Check them out for unique, stylish t-shirts.
The hotel has an art gallery which I was curious to see before heading out for dinner.
Bassey and I both wanted local Colombia food for our last night in Cartagena. The hotel staffs recommended one of the authentic restaurants in the old city. The food was delicious and the interior design of the restaurant was simply stunning.
After dinner, we explored more of the old city by foot
One of my favorites encounters in Cartagena. These two men came out of no where and started rapping. Bassey was so impressed, he gave them $20 which was a lot of money in their local currency. They gave him a nickname for the highest tipper.
Cartagena is one of the most culturally rich places in South America. While Cartagena has long been a favorite escape of moneyed Colombians, the civil and drug wars of the past few decades made the city a no-go zone for foreigners, even though it was largely removed from the violence. I spent much of my time walking around the city alone and was never once hassled or felt a hint of any danger.
Cartagena’s allure isn’t all about rich history and gorgeous architecture. From the friendly and beautiful people to the lively culture, I was smitten by the city from the moment I first stepped foot onto its bustling streets. But words and pictures can’t really do it justice: You simply have to see it for yourself. I hope this post helps inspires you all to travel to Cartagena.
