Cartagena, Colombia, Dec 2021

After Puerto Rico, we decided to check out Colombia once again, since we had enjoyed it so much the previous 2 times. Plan was to visit more places in Colombia this time. So, in December 2021, we flew to Cartagena where we had been before and had a very nice time. We did notice that it had become a lot more touristy with many more foreign tourists than the previous visit; and many more streets and old town neighborhoods had been “gentrified” with tons of boutique hotels (& pricy) to cater to the foreign tourists at the expense of the locals living there. In-spite of all this, the visit was still very nice.

Below are some scenes from Cartagena Old town this time around. Since it was getting to Christmas time, it was quite lively with locals and foreigners. We spent 4-5 days here staying at the Ermita Cartagena hotel, a part of the Marriott chain; and very conveniently located close to the old town area. We arrived towards evening, so had the first look of Xmas preparations and celebrations

Street entertainment

Next day, we decided to check out the real traditional Cartagena, by going to the Basurto Market; the whirlwind of labyrinthine lanes crammed tight with vendors selling everything from exotic fruits, vegetables, seafood to electronics, clothing, party supplies, household goods etc.

The market was way too busy and chaotic, so we took a taxi for a light lunch to the Getsemani neighborhood

Back in the gentrified old town, we roamed aimlessly and below are some scenes from this old town

360 degree view of the sundown on the old city walls on this windy evening

I became a millionaire for the 3rd time in my life 🙂 ; I withdrew 250 US dollars here, and got over 1M COP (Colombian Pesos). My first time was in Vietnam, and the 2nd time was in Uzbekistan. I still did not feel any different ☹ with my new found wealth 🙂 .

For dinner, we checked out this Food Truck park that had popped up

We checked out the Trinidad area of Getsemani neighborhood; which was still thankfully not yet gentrified, although we did notice that several high end restaurants had opened up; signaling the start of gentrification and the loss of old world charm. Some scenes from Trinidad area

Lunch at La Cocina de Pepina was excellent; you have to make a reservation as it is a very popular place due to the great local food. Directly opposite a Muslim mosque; which unfortunately was not open.

Lively street scene in Getsemani

Lively Plaza Trinidad at night

After a wonderful few days in Cartagena, it was time to check out the coffee growing region in central Colombia.

How did we feel about Cartagena? Cartagena is a magical and wonderful place to visit and explore. Food is great, with lots of history and nice people. The senses of sight, smell, taste were given a treat. Unfortunately, foreign tourism has increased significantly since we last visited in Dec 2017, four years ago. This has resulted in gentrification of old neighborhoods, driving out the locals due to increased costs. Prices of restaurants and hotels were also much higher. The cost of progress. But definitely still worth visiting. The Getsemani neighborhood is still not gentrified, and retains its old world charm. Visit this place soon, before that happens.

Manizales next

Our trip through Colombia so far

This entry was posted in Cartagena Dec 2021, Colombia, South America

• 2021
• Cartagena
• Cartagena Colombia
• Colombia