Real Talk: A Three Day Guide to Cartagena

When I brought up the idea of a sisters’ trip to Cartagena in our group chat, I knew it wouldn’t be one of those sit in the chat without a response trips but instead, we were looking at an “I’m in, let’s book it!!” situation! One minute we were texting, and the next, our flights were confirmed. This three-day guide to Cartagena is all about the fun, the food, and the real talk on what we loved and what we could’ve skipped.

Day 1: VIP Check-In and Dinner Vibes

We kicked off our adventure by checking into Dreams Karibana Cartagena. As Preferred Club members, we enjoyed some extra perks like VIP check-in and upgraded adult beverages, which was a nice touch after our long morning of traveling. The staff was super friendly, and we got settled in, in no time.

Highlights:

• The warm welcome and speedy service were exactly what we needed to start our Cartagena experience on the right foot.

Considerations:

• I’ve had a few experiences with Dreams resorts before, and I’ve got to be honest: this one didn’t give the same quality as the others. The Preferred Club perks, like access to better alcohol, were nice but not a game changer as we could only access it from the preferred club lounge. The Preferred Club pool area was supposed to be exclusive, but there was no one checking room numbers, which took away from the experience, as anyone could’ve relaxed in the area. Plus, we didn’t have a dedicated butler at the pool, which was a letdown.

To their credit, the Preferred Club manager addressed our concerns quickly, so shoutout to them for that. Overall, I’d give this stay a 7/10.

Dinner at Ana’s Restaurant:
Later, we headed to Ana’s, a nice spot near the Walled City. The ambiance was cool with live music and a relaxed vibe. The food portions were huge, so if you’re traveling with friends, I recommend sharing platters. Drinks were good but a bit pricey. To be fair, the entire menu wasn’t your typical local Cartagena priced menu.

After dinner we wanted to bar hop in the area but were too tired from traveling so we went to bed early.

Pro Tip:
Bar hopping near the Old City and Getsemaní neighborhoods can be fun, but consider your safety first. Here are three tips for staying safe in Cartagena:

1. Stick to well-lit areas and travel in groups when possible.
2. Don’t get “got” by the street vendors. This can be the street rappers, dancers, shop owners. They are a bit aggressive and may start a service and expect you to pay even if you didn’t ask for it.
3. Keep small bills and carry your bags close and in front of you when possible.

Getting Around: Affordable and Easy with Uber

Transportation in Cartagena was easy. We used Uber for most of our trips around the city, and it was super affordable. Whether you’re heading to dinner or exploring the Walled City, Uber is a safe and reliable option.

Tips on Transportation:

• Download the Uber app ahead of time, so you’re ready to go as soon as you land.
• Use the security function in the app this requires the driver to enter a pin from your phone number before driving you.
• Carry small change if you need to grab a taxi, as Ubers aren’t always available in all areas.

Day 2: Mud, Music, and Old City Magic

Day two started early with a 7 AM tour to Totumo Volcano for a mud spa experience. I booked through Viator to avoid the crowds, and it was the right move. Our driver, Gilberto, was everything, sharing local history, must visit sites and local history on our 45-minute drive to the volcano.

Mud Spa at Totumo Volcano:
This was one of the highlights of our trip. The mud bath is run by locals who help with everything from holding your bags to snapping photos and giving massages. It’s their bread and butter, so I recommend using them for their services out of respect alone. Just a heads-up: the trek up to the volcano is steep with no disability access.

After the mud bath, you can rinse off in makeshift showers or head to the river, where local women will help you wash off. I highly suggest letting them help—trust me, that mud gets everywhere and you can support the local community.

We had lunch that was included with our tour at a small local spot right near the volcano. It was simple, 2 ampanadas and arepa. Cultural and gooooood.  We stayed at the volcano for around 2 hours, we headed back to the hotel for some downtime by the pool. Unfortunately, our Preferred Club experience was still lacking, with no bartender in sight. But the pool itself was a nice spot to relax.

Exploring the Walled City:
In the afternoon, we headed off of the resort to the Walled City, where the Palenque women and street performers entertain the crowds throughout the day all the way until the evening in the Old Square. It’s a really popular area, with plenty of spots for shopping, eating, and turning up. We ended the night with dinner at the resort’s seafood restaurant, which I’d rate a solid 9/10. The only downside? The service was a bit slow, and I expected more seafood variety.

Must-Try Foods in Cartagena

While we ate most of our meals at the resort, we dd check out some local menus, and in my personal opinion, food in the city and off the resort is pretty inexpensive! Here are five must-eat foods you should try when you’re in Cartagena:

1. Arepas de Huevo: These fried corn cakes filled with egg are a local favorite. They’re crispy, savory, and perfect for a quick snack.
2. Ceviche: Fresh seafood is a must in Cartagena, and ceviche—fish marinated in citrus juice—is the way to go. Each restaurant puts its own spin on it, so try a few different places.
3. Patacones: These twice-fried plantain slices are crunchy and typically served with a garlic sauce or hogao (a tomato and onion sauce). They taste more like banana chips than plantains.
4. Sancocho: A stew made with meat (chicken, fish, or beef), root vegetables, and plantains. It’s comfort food
5. Posta Negra Cartagenera: A traditional dish of slow-cooked beef in a dark, sweet, and savory sauce, often served with coconut rice. It’s rich and full of flavor—don’t miss it.

Day 3: Island Hopping and Bumpy Boat Rides

On the last full day of our trip Cartagena, we started with breakfast in our room because of the early meeting time for our tour and I must say that the room service was actually no point. Then, it was off to the docks for a five-island tour, booked through GetYourGuide. I was really looking forward to this, especially after hearing great reviews from a friend.

Island Hopping Adventure:
The tour, which we booked through Get Your Guide included Rosario, Isla Grande, Isla Marina, Cholon, and Baru. But here’s my drawback for the tour: our guide warned us about Cholon’s aggressive vendors and suggested skipping it. That was a bit annoying since I’d been excited about the party vibe at Cholon, but safety first, I guess. GetYourGuide did offer a partial refund because we ended up not going to Cholon, which was a nice gesture.

The first two islands were cool, but the local vendors were persistent. After repeatedly saying, “No, gracias,” several times they finally backed off. The real challenge of the entire tour was the ride back. If you’re prone to seasickness or hate rough waters, skip this because the speedboat was harsh. We were tossed around, and I was sore for days. Next time, I’m thinking of getting a private yacht.

Dinner and Nightlife:
Back at the resort, we freshened up and had dinner before checking out the entertainment in the lobby. Dreams Karibana gets another 9/10 for the constant entertainment—there was always something going on for adults and children. Later, we visited Euphoria, a local black owned shisha lounge, with a playlist full of Afrobeats and Amapiano. We ended the night at Monkey Bar, which played American hip-hop and had more shisha options. It was the perfect way to wrap up our girls trip.

Things I Wish I’d Done (And Will Next Time!)

Cartagena was an amazing experience, but Colombia has so much more to offer. Here are five things I wish I’d done and will definitely be doing when I return, including some must-dos in Bogotá and Medellín:

1. Explore Bogotá’s La Candelaria Neighborhood: This historic district is full of vibrant street art, colonial architecture, and some of the city’s most important museums. I’m really excited to visit the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum.
2. Visit Medellín’s Comuna 13: Known for its incredible transformation, Comuna 13 is now a hub of art, music, and culture. I can’t wait to see the murals, meet local artists, and learn about the area’s history.
3. Take the Black History Tour in Cartagena: Cartagena has a rich Afro-Colombian history, and I’m so sad that I missed a chance to dig into the history while I was there. When I go back I plan to go on a black owned Black History Tour.
4. Ride the Cable Cars in Medellín: Medellín’s cable car system isn’t just public transportation—it offers amazing views of the city and surrounding mountains. I’m looking forward to experiencing the city from above.
5. Discover the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá: Just outside of Bogotá, this underground cathedral carved into a salt mine is a unique and spiritual experience that I can’t wait to experience.

Final Thoughts: Making Travel Easy and Profitable

Cartagena was so much fun, despite a few hiccups. The best part? As the owner of my own travel business, booking this trip was so easy. I got to enjoy time with my sisters, knowing that I’ll have a check waiting for me when I get back home. I love being a product of my own business, and I’m passionate about helping others do the same. If you’re curious about how you can turn your love of travel into a successful business, I can share all my travel secrets and coach you into becoming a successful travel business owner.

For more information, visit travelagentworkshop.com and use my sponsor code TakeTheWorld to get all the free info you need to start your own travel business. Let’s take the world together!