Cartagena Discovered
Imagine our surprise when our niece, Sophie, called us out of the blue to ask about our travel plans. At the time, we were roaming around South America without concrete plans, so we were open to just about anything.
As we chatted with the family, Cartagena, Colombia, rose to the top of the list.
Before we knew it, we were planning a visit to this vibrant city—and the best part? Sophie and her parents, Dave and Denise, were joining us!
Cartagena is a lively coastal city on the Caribbean Sea, steeped in history and brimming with color.
Our first stop was the walled Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We stayed right in the heart of it, surrounded by cobblestone streets, bright colonial buildings, and balconies draped in flowers.
Walking through the Old City felt like stepping into another time.
Walking through the Old City, the doorknockers were impossible to miss—each one a tiny work of art. We found them quite interesting.
These ornate knockers once symbolized the status or profession of the homeowners.
Of course, we couldn’t resist stopping at local coffee shops to sip all the different types of Colombian coffee. Sophie schooled us all on the varieties. Who knew there was this many types of coffee?
It was such a nice relaxing time to eat “Columbian” foods together & enjoy the warm sun
while strolling down the streets & trying different street foods and restaurants. This was particularly tasty as since we were near the ocean there was plenty of fresh sea fish and of course, the jungle yields delicious fruit.
We loved exploring the charming buildings, each painted in vibrant colors and adorned with beautiful flower boxes overflowing with blooms.
As we explored Old Cartagena, the lively scenes of daily Colombian life caught our eye, along with the cast iron sculptures in the main plaza—timeless depictions of local culture that added to the city’s historic charm.
One of our favorite activities was walking along the old city walls at night. The cobblestone path and historic architecture added to the charm of the experience, offering a glimpse into Cartagena’s rich past.
The lights cast a warm, golden glow over Cartagena, transforming the city.
Another highlight was visiting Getsemaní, a creative neighborhood just outside the Old City.
This area has become an artist’s haven,
filled with vibrant murals, hanging umbrellas, and a buzzing energy that you can feel in every plaza.
We made a point to stop by Plaza Trinidad, home to the Iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad,
where the evenings come alive with street performers, food vendors, and music.
A trip to Cartagena isn’t complete without a beach day, so we hopped on a boat to the Rosario Islands. The snorkeling was incredible, with colorful fish darting through the crystal-clear water.
The islands were picture-perfect, and spending a day swimming and soaking up the Caribbean sun was a treat.
It was an unforgettable day, spent exploring the underwater world while snorkeling in the sunshine, and laid-back moments made for a truly delightful experience.
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Our time with Sophie and family flew by, and before we knew it, they were heading home.
We also visited the Inquisition Museum which is part of the Historical Museum of Cartagena de Indias.
But the fun wasn’t over yet—shortly after, Sharon, Rick’s sister, decided to visit! Woo-Hoo!
She arrived ready for adventure, and we dove straight into exploring the city.
It was just as fun to revisit some of our favorite spots, like the city walls, our little sloth friends in the park, and the bustling streets of the Old City.
One of the standout moments during Sharon’s visit was our yoga session on Isabela Island.
Practicing yoga in the heart of paradise, beneath the tropical sun—this is the ultimate “hot yoga” experience!
There we were, stretching under the tropical sky—how could you not feel relaxed?
We followed it up with snorkeling & swimming which was cool and refreshing!
The crystal-clear water and vibrant marine life made it an unforgettable way to unwind and connect with nature.
We also made sure to visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a fortress perched on a hill overlooking the city.
Sharon’s hat flew off in the wind, and Rick scaled the steep walls to rescue it—only to be stopped by a guard, nearly getting us kicked out of the park.
Guess I can’t take these two anywhere!
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is a massive fortress overlooking Cartagena, built in the 16th century to protect the city from pirates and invasions. Perched on the Hill of San Lázaro, it features intricate tunnels, strategic vantage points, and imposing walls.
When Sharon left, we slowed down the pace a bit.
We had moved from the old city Cartagena to the modern city overlooking the bay.
It was nice as it was only a few blocks from the ocean. Lazy days swimming in the sea became our new routine.
The water was warm and inviting, and the waves were perfect for swimming.
We often watched fishermen hauling in their nets from a day’s work at sea.
or thrill-seekers zipping across the water on hydrofoil boards.
One guy on a kiteboard even high-fived Rick as he sped past
—it was that kind of laid-back, friendly atmosphere.
We also were able to witness a baptism at the SDA church.
It is always a blessing to meet up with our brothers and sisters from a different country.
Our final adventure in Cartagena was one for the books: a nighttime boat ride to see bioluminescence. After a trip to the famed Playa Blanca, as the sun was setting, we boated out to the ideal spot. When we found the special plankton, Rick jumped into the glowing water and made “bioluminescent angels.”
While our cameras didn’t do it justice, the shimmering lights on the dark ocean were oddly mesmerizing.
Being in Cartagena brought back bittersweet memories for me.
The last time I was here in 2017, we took my mom on a cruise, and this was one of our stops.
It’s hard not to feel a little sad as I think of her.
Miss you, Mom!
Cartagena was such a memorable stop on our journey. Between the history, beaches, and family adventures, it’s a place we’d wholeheartedly recommend to anyone looking for a mix of culture, relaxation, and fun.
That was really great. So nice that you were able to share the experiences with Dave and family and then with Sharon. So many beautiful pictures and the high five was unbelievable. Nice you were able to retrieve Sharon’s hat even at the expense of almost getting kicked out of the park. Thanks for sharing.
Love this! Was Rick just swimming when he got the high 5 or was he on a board/watercraft of some sort? I would have loved to be there when he tried to sweet talk his way out of getting kicked out of the park. And I also loved his head in the guillotine. Something he only experiences in real live, not in fantasy football! Rick knows what I mean.
For the high five I was standing or treading, no board! Fun stuff, thanks, guillotine cuts are for others!