My Trip to Cartagena: a Beautiful Wedding, and Memorable Experiences

Cartagena, Colombia—an iconic destination full of history, culture, and vibrant energy—has been on my travel list for years, and I finally had the chance to experience it this past trip. The occasion? My good friends Melissa and JD’s stunning wedding. Their celebration brought together families and friends from all over, and it was the perfect excuse for me to take a solo trip to this fascinating city. My fiancé, Ryan, stayed back at home, so I was ready for this adventure on my own.

The Flight Experience

The journey started off quite interesting. On my flight from Miami to Cartagena, I found myself sitting next to a man who didn’t speak a word of English, but that didn’t stop him from talking to me for the entire flight. I was busy watching a TV show on my phone, and he watched along with me. Despite the language barrier, we had a fun and engaging interaction. The only advice he gave me, which was translated by someone else, was to hide my necklace to avoid it being stolen. Interesting way to start the trip!

The Arrival in Cartagena

Once I landed in Cartagena, I took a car ride to Charleston Santa Teresa Hotel, where I checked in and enjoyed a delicious lunch. After lunch, I joined a walking tour—one of my favorite ways to immerse myself in a new city. Cartagena is brimming with history, and the walking tour allowed me to learn about its fascinating past.

Discovering Cartagena’s Rich History

Cartagena’s Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by imposing walls that once served as protection from pirate attacks. The city has a complex and rich history dating back to the 16th century when it was a key port for the Spanish Empire. One of the most striking features of Cartagena is its walled city—constructed during colonial times to protect its treasure-laden ships. As we strolled through the cobbled streets, I could feel the layers of history, from its early days as a major hub in the transatlantic slave trade to its status as one of the most beautiful and historically significant cities in Latin America.

Exploring Cartagena

Over the next few days, I explored the vibrant city, each moment filled with discovery. Here are some of the highlights:

• Cafe Havana: A fun place to have drinks and dance to salsa music.
  Fenix Beach Cartagena: A day trip to the Fenix Beach, where we took a boat ride and got to enjoy the beach.
• Sunset Boat Cruise: We took a sunset boat cruise along the coastline for Melissa and JD’s wedding before we headed to their villa for dinner and dancing.
• Exploring Cartagena’s Bars: The nightlife in Cartagena was vibrant and exciting, and I visited several bars around the walled city. Each one had its own unique charm, from cocktail lounges to more laid-back spots.
• La Cevicheria: Recommended by the late Anthony Bourdain, La Cevicheria is a must-visit for anyone coming to Cartagena. I had the most delicious ceviche here—fresh, flavorful, and full of zest!
• Shopping: There are so many cute shops in Cartagena selling all kind of goods. I bought a bunch of cute purses. Cartagena is also known for its high-quality emeralds. The city has a number of emerald shops where you can browse and even learn about the process of cutting and polishing these precious stones.

The Only Negative

While Cartagena is an absolutely stunning city, it does have its challenges. There were a few moments during my trip when I encountered the darker side of the city. Some friends in our group were scammed, and we had a tense moment when a group of individuals, claiming to be part of a “cartel,” demanded money. Thankfully, it turned out to be a common scam, but it was a bit unsettling. I would recommend exercising caution, especially at night. Be mindful of your surroundings, particularly when exploring areas that are less frequented by tourists. Additionally, I couldn’t shake a strange energy I felt in certain parts of the city, especially after visiting areas with a history tied to the slave trade. Traveling often brings you face-to-face with difficult parts of history, and I definitely felt that weight during this trip.

On the bright side – here are some of my favorite photos from the trip: