- lsktravelz@gmail.com
Back in 2020, we were all set for an unforgettable trip to Cartagena, Colombia. Then COVID-19 hit. Flight canceled. Thankfully, my Amex Platinum card ensured a full refund, but the wanderlust remained. Choose your travel reward cards wisely. Fast forward, and I’m thrilled to share that we finally made it.
When it comes to finding the best airline fares, there are options. While checking airline websites directly is one way, I tried Google Flights to compare airlines and track price changes. You can set up email notifications. For this trip, my friend zeroed in on specific dates. While her preferred flight was over $700, I found a flight for just $415 if we traveled a day earlier. Yes, we had to spring for an extra night’s stay, but the overall savings were significant.
A word to the wise. Act fast. By the time I called everyone to book, the fare had increased to $434 for my round-trip flight.
Join ConnectMiles to rack up those valuable travel rewards points. Did you know you can stop over in Panama at no additional cost? It’s a fantastic perk to add another destination to your trip. You can find more information on their website. Our flight to Colombia landed in Terminal 1, but our connecting flight was in Terminal 2. Be prepared for a brisk 20-minute walk. Luckily, we had a 45-minute layover, so we made it to our gate with time to spare. Oh, and the in-flight meal? I went for the chicken and potatoes over the pasta, and it hit the spot. I did not enjoy dinner on the return trip (chicken and rice).
As you know, I’m about maximizing my travel credit card benefits. My Amex Platinum portal listed two lounges at ORD, but be aware: Delta lounges typically only allow entrance if you’re flying Delta. Luckily, the Priority Pass Lounge (Swissport) was a gem. It’s self-service, which means alcohol is available without a bartender, and there are pre-made sandwiches, pasta salad, and veggies in convenient to-go containers in a mini-fridge. It’s perfect for a quick bite before your flight. On the return flight, we enjoyed small bites and cocktails at the Copa Club.
I redeemed 198,000 Hilton Honors points for my five-night stay. Remember, if you use points, the fifth night is free. For the extra night, I used a combination of points (25,000) and cash ($104). My original reservation was for a king bed with an ocean view. Hilton automatically upgraded my room to a king-bed executive suite with a city view. As a Hilton Honors Diamond member, breakfast was complimentary, and I also received access to the Executive Lounge. Why is this important? I saved money on meals. The restaurant had an omelet and smoothie station, and I gathered snacks and water from noon to 8:00PM in the Executive Lounge. Happy hour ran from 5:00PM to 7:00PM for pre-dinner drinks and light bites.
Our first day kicked off with a fabulous photo shoot ($50) at the Walled City. We alternated between group and individual shots, capturing some incredible memories. To truly immerse ourselves in Cartagena’s culture, we enlisted the help of a professional travel vendor to create our itinerary. We set up an installment plan, and Dartesha was the liaison for our unforgettable trip to Cartagena.
Afro Colombian Market
We truly immersed ourselves in the local culture, walking through the bustling market where the people, music, food, and vibrant colors provided an authentic look at Cartagena. We sampled a variety of fruits and even tried the local beer before heading back to the hotel.
Mud Volcano
If you’re looking for a unique experience, add a bath in a natural volcano to your Cartagena must-do list. I was a bit nervous, especially after learning the volcano was “bottomless.” Take advantage of the extras: a massage, a wash-off service, and a camera person to capture those muddy moments. Bring a swimming cap. I purchased Yogingo on Amazon and it worked perfectly.
Cooking Class at Lunatico
After visiting the market, I was so excited for our cooking class. We learned local secrets while preparing our own empanadas and red snapper, using fresh, authentic ingredients. Of course, when I saw the fish, I knew the chef had gone to the market. I highly recommend booking a cooking class with your crew. We learned knife techniques, how to open a coconut correctly, and even how to fillet fish. Yes, you’ll cook your entire meal from scratch.
Boat Trip for Island Hopping
Did you know Colombia boasts over 70 islands? We made a brief stop on one island to enjoy a cold beverage while standing at a table right in the water. We then continued to the island of Baru for lunch at Playa Blanca Beach. Oh, and we even sailed past Pablo Escobar’s former home.
We ventured back to the Walled City for this tour, making a stop at a souvenir shop. Yes, I picked up a patch for my travel jacket. Others purchased jewelry. Cartagena is the best place to buy emeralds encased in silver. During our tour, Alex Rocha joined us near the murals to explain the rich history behind the artwork. This tour is also fantastic if you want to learn Salsa.
Dine at ANA
I highly recommend ANA. I tried the Pad Thai with a Lychee Martini, and both were delicious. There’s a show at 8:00PM, and we received exceptional service right up until the power went out.
El Baron Cocktail Bar
For unique, hand-crafted cocktails in the heart of the Walled City, stop by El Baron. The beautiful Church of Saint Peter Claver is directly across the street – perfect for a photo op.
Finally, visit a cigar shop to learn the differences between Colombian, Cuban, and Dominican Republic cigars.
My unforgettable trip to Cartagena truly exceeded all expectations. It was a journey filled with vibrant culture, delicious food, incredible experiences, and fantastic company. We didn’t worry about transportation to and from the airport. We took an Uber to ANA and El Baron. By the way, LYFT is not available. You should bring tip money for the driver and tour guides. In addition, we tipped on most of the tours. For example, we left a tip for the chef at Lunatico. Some travelers exchanged money before arriving in Cartagena. Check with your bank. Overall, Cartagena is affordable with planning.
This post contains affiliate links. When you click through and purchase or sign up for a program, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from a qualifying purchase.