How I Spent A Week in Colombia 🇨🇴
Everything I did, ate, and experienced for a week in Medellín and Cartagena.
When I first told people that I was going to Colombia, they responded with "Is it safe?"
I just shrugged and told them "I think so." 🤷🏾♀️
There was a lot of mention of Pablo Escobar, cocaine, and street vendors who will harass you to death. (To be honest, I didn't think the street vendors were bad at all. I've experienced worse. 🤷🏾♀️)
If someone asked me that same question now, I would say that my friend and I felt very safe in Colombia in both Medellín and Cartagena. We were aware of the violent history of Colombia, and we considered such before we planned our trip. However, while we were here, we never felt unsafe at all. Not even a little bit.
While talking with Colombians in Medellín, many highlighted the government's effort to revitalize the country through an increase in tourism efforts, an enhancement of public transportation options, and through revitalization of public spaces. It's not perfect, but there is effort on their part.
Like all places, there will be crime. Because of this, it's always important to remain vigilant, avoid certain areas, and utilize your street smarts and intuition.
I also want to highlight that my friend and I both agree that the best part of Colombia was the people. I can't recall a time that I've traveled to a place and straight off the plane, every single person was phenomenal. Everyone was extremely helpful and easy-going, and overall, we felt very welcomed.
Medellín
Where we stayed: Hotel Lettera, located in El Poblado
Per the recommendation of a friend, we stayed in Hotel Lettera, translated in English to "The Letter Hotel", in which it's a hotel themed around letters of the alphabet. The stay here was great, and the staff were amazing (I mean TRULY amazing--I was sick the entire time and the staff offered to help order medicine for me 🥺). However, it doesn't have common amenities such as a pool or a rooftop. However, this hotel is a 20-minute walk from Barrio Provenza, a bustling tourist area filled with many restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.
Barrio Provenza
WHAT WE DID
We spent three days in Medellín. Here's how they went:
Walking Tour of Medellín and Comuna 13
Out of all the things we did in Medellín, this walking tour was hands-down my favorite activity because we received the opportunity to learn about the city while walking through it. As cliché as it sounds, seeing what you are hearing makes the experience much more memorable.
This walking tour started in Downtown Medellín and ended in Comuna 13, a neighborhood that was once plagued with crime and violence, now transformed into a place covered with resilience and vibrant graffiti that displays powerful socio-political messages.
Listening to a rap performance in Comuna 13.
Plaza Botero in Medellín and views of the top of Medellín, and oh, an arepa :)
Coffee and Horseback Riding Tour
I love coffee (iykyk) and Colombia is one of the largest coffee producers in the world. Therefore, it was only right that I took a tour of a coffee farm. Nestled ~45 minutes outside of Medellín, there lied D'Arrieros Farm. We learned the history of coffee in Colombia, the difference between Arabica and Robusta beans, and the overall process for growing and harvesting coffee. We even planted our own coffee plants. :)
In addition to the coffee tour, we rode horses through the mountains of Medellín, and although I initially was excited to do this, I ended up not really enjoying it because I was scared that I was going to fall off the horse while going downhill.
This was my second favorite activity.
Right next door to the airport is Kúa Spa, a spa located in Hotel Movich Las Lomas.
Once you arrive, you're greeted with a warm cup of tea and a few peacocks who freely roam the area. You then check in, change into your bathing suit, and begin your experience.
The vibes at night were unmatched. Me with a facial.
We purchased the hydrotherapy experience: a 2.5 hour experience that consisted of multiple saunas, cold plunges, a facial, and much more. This entire experience was only $75 USD.
Every time I go on a vacation, I find a way to try authentic cuisine, whether it's a food tour, cooking class, etc.
Colombia did not disappoint. I didn't have one bad meal here.
The food tour coordinator took us to different street food restaurants and carts that served typical Colombian cuisine/snacks such arepas, empanadas, Colombian-esque hotdogs, patacones, and more.
CARTAGENA
WHERE WE STAYED: Hotel Casa Canabal by Faranda Boutique
I did not take any photos of this hotel, however, this hotel and the staff were amazing. The hotel is located right in the heart of Getsmaní, so you can walk anywhere and everywhere.
WHAT WE DID
Palenque de San Basilio
The number one activity that I often see for Cartagena is the tour of the Palenque de San Basilio villages located just outside of Cartagena in Bolivar. In 1603, the first self-freed enslaved individuals in the Americas settled in the villages of the Palenque. This makes the villages of the Palenque de San Basilio the first place freed enslaved individuals resided in all of the Americas.
I want to note that it was difficult to appreciate the history of the Palenque because it felt more so like a sales pitch rather than a learning experience. This is just my experience based on my tour.
Photos from the Palenque.
Red snapper, rice and peas, and plantain. Some soup (I forgot the name, but it was good!)
The Volcán de Lodo El Totumo (AKA the Volcano Mud Bath)
Two hours away from the Palenque and one and a half hours away from Cartagena is the mud volcano bath. The mud volcano bath was something cool to experience, however, you have to climb to the top of the volcano entrance, step into the mud, and then pay someone to rinse the mud off of you in a lake about 200 feet away. In my opinion (and my friend would agree), this experience was giant a hassle and not really worth it.
Additionally, there are individuals here who will offer to give massages and take your all your photos. They can be a tad bit assertive in the offering of their services. There's not really any way to get around not using them because the logistics of the mud volcano is very overwhelming. (Like, who is going to take your photo while you are buried feet deep in the mud? Where are you going to rinse the mud off? There are no showers. You have to rinse your body off in a lake.)
The volcano is 7,000 feet deep. However, the view is nice.
As previously mentioned, Cartagena is on the coast, so because of this, you'll find plenty of beach clubs just outside of Cartagena proper. My friend and I went with Blue Apple Beach Club (which also is a hotel), because it was less party and more chill. We each paid $40 USD for boat transportation to the club and seating at the couches. We then spent each $60 USD for food, drinks, and gratuity. It was well-worth it and I would absolutely return.
Fish of the day, rice and peas, coconut lemonade, and plantain fritters and fish croquettes.
Getsmaní
The neighborhood Getsmaní is the place to be in Cartagena. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and clubs to explore.
My favorite place in Gestmaní that we went to was (Café) Morena, a cafe turned restaurant at night that serves Caribbean-inspired cuisine, has a DJ who plays amazing music, and has live dance performances every hour. This place is very popular (and for good reason), as their reservations are always booked up. If you go here, I highly recommend that you book your reservation in advance.
Chicken and fries + flan-inspired Tiramisu, this was $30 USD, including gratuity
I would like to say that overall, I equally enjoyed both Medellín and Cartagena. However, they are both very different with two completely different vibes. Medellín is a city, not on the coast, and Cartagena is a port city, on the coast, and as a result of that is moreso a beach town with significantly more tourism activity.
My Suggestions:
- Knowing basic Spanish will save your life as English isn't spoken as much.
- For any activities that did not include transportation, we walked or used Uber. We felt safe either way.
- Please stick to bottled water.
- Tipping is optional, but some places charged a 10% service charge that can be removed upon request.
- I recommend you bring some cash as not all places accept card. We used the ATMs in Colombia to withdraw money.
- There are a ton of street vendors who will approach you. All you have to say is no and keep it moving. Trust, they will leave you alone.
- We experienced a lot of catcalling and although it was harmless, it's still something to keep in mind.
- Medellín is very hilly, so keep that in mind when you visit.
- Colombia doesn't have seasons. It's humid and rainy all year, so I suggest bringing an umbrella.
- Oh, and please try an arepa, as there are several kinds and they are simply delicious. :)
Overall, we had a fun time in Colombia and I would definitely return in the future.
Until next time, C. <3
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