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

Ali: Love your comment, “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 🙂 .”
And the ceviche looked delicious.
Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks Noorallah, for the feedback; much appreciated.
So glad you are enjoying my blogs
We just returned from our trip to Latin America Columbia and Panama. Went to Cartegena and Medellin and many cities in Mexico. It was fabulous!!
Always good to see your trips and writeups.
Best,
Glad to see you are traveling; there is so much to see in this world.
Enjoy, and thanks for your feedback always
Brought back lots of memories.
Cartagena is getting busy.
We are in Punta Cana. Too many tourists here too.
How’s things in Punta Cana? Hope you are getting plenty of sun, sea and sand.
I hope you checked out my blog on Punta Cana and Santo Domingo before going there
https://alikarimtravelog.com/category/north-america/caribbean/dominican-republic-dec-2017-jan-2018/
We enjoyed our time there for sure.
Enjoy your time in Punta Cana
Really happy for you !
Take the maximum from these beautiful moments ! 🙏🏽👍
Thanks Azad; appreciate the feedback
Awesome journey and experience
Gracias for sharing 🙏
Thanks Zul, for the feedback.
Glad you enjoyed the travels
Always Great reading your blogs
Hopefully you will visit Pakistan again
Thanks Meharban, for the feedback. Glad you are enjoying the blogs
One of these days, we need to return to Pakistan.
Unfortunately, when we were last back (only Karachi), we all got very sick.
Next time, we need to avoid Karachi or be extremely careful with the food and drink
Thanks again
Great; enjoyed
Thanks for the feedback; glad you enjoyed
Hello Ali and Dilshad
Belated Happy New Year
I hope you are keeping well.
I very much enjoy reading your blogs
keep them coming 👌
Thanks, Mohammed, for the good wishes and the feedback
Happy New Year to you too
Excellent place to visit
Yes; it certainly is.
Thanks for the feedback