Table of Contents
Introduction
Cartagena is a perfect location for a solo traveller. After my trip to Peru, I wanted to expand my travels around South America (as I hadn’t really travelled to South America before), so I took a solo trip to Cartagena for a few extra days. It was my first time in Colombia, and I was looking forward to the Cartagena food I was going to eat. Like Peru, Colombia was another destination for the travel foodie who loves adventure and lives for colourful streets.
Here is a travel guide for Cartagena, Colombia, where I will be sharing what to eat in Cartagena, where to stay, a Cartagena itinerary, as well as some Cartagena travel tips.
You can also read: 5 Days in Cancun Mexico: The Ultimate First-Timers Itinerary (What to Do, Eat & Where to Stay)
About Cartagena
Cartagena is a vibrant city located on Colombia’s northern Caribbean coast. It is famous for its preserved colonial architecture and its UNESCO 16th-century stone walls. For me, I saw that Cartagena had such rich culture, historic architecture, and stunning beaches, the city gave me everything. And I will share with you more in this Cartagena itinerary.
- Internet: You’ll definitely want internet while exploring the city. I usually use **Airalo for an eSIM**, which allows you to get mobile data as soon as you land.
- Travel Insurance: I recommend that anyone travelling should have travel insurance, which you can get via SafetyWing here.
- The British Embassy: The Embassy is in Bogota. Here is the address: Cra. 9 #76-49, Bogotá, Colombia. You can always check your country’s Embassy on Embassies.info. You should always do this before you travel.
Colombia Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for travellers to Colombia can vary based on nationality. British, Canadian and U.S. citizens do not require a visa for visiting and travelling to Colombia. However, you may need to complete a health declaration form called “CHECK MIG”. There is a small charge to complete the form- click here for the link.
If you travel to Colombia as a British Citizen, check the ‘Entry Requirements’ section for Colombia’s current entry restrictions and requirements.
Note: Regardless of your passport, you should always look at the requirements for entering a country, even if you have travelled before because things change.
Where To Stay in Cartagena
I stayed in two different hotels and enjoyed both stays. Here are the hotels I stayed in:
What To Eat in Cartagena?
If you are looking for what to eat in Cartagena, then do not worry because that’s my speciality. You defo have to try Cartagena food it actually delicious. The food is amazing; every dish tells a story, and every bite celebrates this enchanting coastal city’s tradition, culture, and vibrant spirit. In Colombia, you should eat the Arepa de Huevo in Cartagena for breakfast, a maize dough dish with meat. (The hotels I stayed in had local food, which was great!)
I also enjoyed the Coroso juice. It has the best one at Canderestaurante. You will want to try the South American meat pie called Carimañola, a yuca fritter stuffed with cheese and meat – these are relatively small and can be quite addictive if they are your thing.
I also enjoyed the Coctel, a seafood cocktail dish with a sweet, tangy flavour. I am not the biggest fan of coffee, but I have heard many good things about it in Colombia, so if you are a coffee fan, I suggest trying it.
Finally, there is Arroz con Coco (coconut rice), which is absolutely divine. I couldn’t recommend it enough! In the itinerary, there will be more dishes at restaurants that I recommend trying in Cartagena, Colombia.
If you want a more detailed what to eat in Cartagena then read this – Cartagena Street Food Tour: The Delicious Things I Ate In Colombia
5-Day Cartagena Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Historic Wonders
- Morning: Arrive in Cartagena and settle into your accommodation. I stayed at the Maddison Boutique Hotel and loved it.
- Afternoon: I booked a tour guide with Get Your Guide and strolled through the old streets of the Walled City and Getsemani. I tasted traditional Colombian sweets and a refreshing Colombian juice called Corozo. You can book the same tour here.
- Evening: In the evening, I had dinner at elcabildogastromar, where I tried the Mojarra Frita, a fried fish with famous coconut rice. I then caught an Uber and returned to my hotel as I knew I had an early start the next day.
Day 2: Spa Day at Volcano (Volcán de lodo el totumo)
- Morning: I started the day early and was picked up from my hotel at around 7:30 a.m. I enjoyed the massage and clay volcanic mud rubbed into my skin. You can book the exact tour here.
- Afternoon: Before the tour finished, we were washed off and given a light snack and drink. I had the Carimaola, a Colombian cuisine meat pie filled with cheese and seasoned ground meat. I was dropped back to my hotel to freshen up for the evening.
- Evening: I had dinner at Hotel Casa Lola and ordered a pasta dish.
Day 3: Island Escape to the Rosario Islands
- Morning: I started early and embarked on a day trip to the Rosario Islands, a crystal-clear water and white-sand beaches paradise. I had already moved to my second hotel, so I was staying at the GHL Arsenal Hotel. This was great as I was able to walk nearby and catch my boat.
- Afternoon: Snorkel, swim, or relax on the beach. I enjoyed a beachfront lunch featuring regional seafood specialities. You can book the full tour here.
- Evening: Enjoy a sunset walk along the historic walls and dine at a local traditional Colombian restaurant, Cande Restaurant @canderestaurante
Day 4: Food Tour in Cartagena
- Morning: I met with my tour guide for a food tour at around 8 a.m. You can book your tour here. We sat out around the city of Cartagena and tried a few fantastic dishes, including:
- Chicha de arroz (rice juice)
- Arepas (maize dough)
- Coroso juice (plum juice – my absolute favourite )
- Coctel (seafood cocktail)
- Afternoon: Enjoy some lunch at Agua De Leon. Get the empanadas and seafood curried rice, and you will be delighted.
- Evening: I headed out to do some shopping for souvenirs. Colombia has varied options for hats, bags, etc. Oh, and try the ice cream at totoom.cartagena.
Day 5: Last Day for my Travel Guide for Cartagena
- Morning/Afternoon: I spent the morning walking through the city again and capturing the beautiful, colourful streets. You could finish some time packing or even buy some souvenirs to take home.
- Evening: It was time to head to the airport for my flight.
Use the map below for my fave restaurants, hotels and more:
Other Cartagena Travel Tips in Colombia
- My Instagram page has detailed reels and specifics on your travel Cartagena, Colombia.
- If you are looking for what to eat in Cartagena. Then you will find a list of restaurants that I enjoyed and ate at here.
- I went on a solo trip, so check out my post on travelling solo confidently
- Before going to any of these countries, I recommend visiting the Foreign Advice Page for U.K. travellers. Check if you need visas here.
- Book with Viator or Get Your Guide if you want specific tours for Colombia.
- I used Airlo, an e-SIM card, for data. You can purchase it here and use the code ADEBOL5279.
Conclusion – Is Cartagena Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
Is Cartagena safe for solo female travellers? I would say it is absolutely. I couldn’t say goodbye to Cartagena because I will undoubtedly return and travel Cartagena Colombia, again, as I know I haven’t done enough of Colombia.
And on what to eat in Cartagena? There is so much amazing food, enchanting streets, and beautiful beaches. If you ever have a chance to travel Cartagena Colombia, then please, please try the food and take a food tour; you won’t regret it. Is Cartagena, Colombia, somewhere you would go?
Are you a food traveller like me?
Why not grab my e-book: Taste The World: A Beginner’s Guide to Global Gastronomic Adventures.
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It’s packed with all the essentials to kickstart your own global food journey from dishes to try, destinations to visit, and tips on making the most of every bite abroad.
Speak soon,
MBV x
