Colombia
Color, coffee, and caribbean coast
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My Colombia Experience
Cartagena hit me with its color, heat, and energy the moment I walked through the walled city gates. Pastel colonial buildings draped in bougainvillea, street vendors selling fresh ceviche, and salsa music pouring out of every doorway. This city is alive in a way that’s hard to describe.
A boat ride out to the San Bernardo Islands showed me a completely different side. Crystal-clear Caribbean water, tiny islands with no tourists, and some of the most peaceful days of my entire trip.
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Colombia Blog Posts

Cartagena: Colombia's Most Colorful City
Walled city walks, Getsemani street art, rooftop sunsets, and the best ceviche spots. Everything you need for 3-5 days.
9 min read
San Bernardo Islands: A Caribbean Paradise
Tiny islands, zero tourists, turquoise water, and the most peaceful days of my trip. How to get there and what to expect.
7 min read
Eating in Cartagena: Street Food, Seafood, and Where to Splurge
Arepas de huevo, fresh ceviche, coconut rice, and the restaurants worth a nice dinner.
6 min read
Best Day Trips from Cartagena
Playa Blanca, Rosario Islands, Totumo Mud Volcano, and how to get there.
7 min read
Is Cartagena Safe? My Honest Experience
Which areas to avoid at night, common scams, and why Cartagena felt safer than its reputation suggests.
7 min read
Walled City vs Getsemani vs Bocagrande
The vibe of each neighborhood, price differences, and different picks for every budget.
6 min readBefore you go
Colombia Travel Tips
It's HOT
Cartagena is 30-35 celcius year-round with high humidity. Explore mornings and evenings, siesta midday. Carry water everywhere.
Embrace the Energy
Salsa in the streets, loud music all hours, friendly strangers. Colombia rewards those who engage, say yes to the dance!
Book Boats Directly
Island trips booked through hostels are overpriced. Walk to the port and negotiate directly for San Bernardo and Rosario trips.
The Complete Colombia Guide
Everything you need for the perfect Cartagena trip - from the walled city to the islands, with every restaurant, beach, and hidden spot I found.
- ✓ Day-by-day itineraries for 1 week
- ✓ San Bernardo Islands Complete boat guide
- ✓ Best restaurants and street food spots
- ✓ Neighborhood breakdown
- ✓ Google Maps with 40+ pinned spots
- ✓ Safety tips and scam awareness
- ✓ Best Activities in the city and on the islands