Cartagena offers a number of things to do whether you’re looking for fun in the sun, fine dining or a fun night on the town. In this case, more like a fun night en El Centro.
Just (north) of the city center, Castillo Grande offers surfing, kite boarding, and jet skiis. For an hour and 30,000 pesos you can rent a surfboard and catch some great waves. Before you do though, check the surfing conditions. I happened to catch a day where the surf was 2-3 feet. I’ve been told by locals its usually flat.
Take a drive 50 minutes East of Cartagena and you’ll arrive at Volcan Tortumo. For 10,000 pesos you can play in the mud in an active volcano. Be prepared to tip the locals when getting a massage and as a recommendation, bring a bar of soap and clean yourself afterwards in the river.
If you’re looking for views of the city, check out La Popa. For 10,000 pesos you can see the most spectacular views of the city and visit the old church.
El Centro offers some of the best restaurants in town. Luxury city center offers Italian cuisine. Having visited Italy I was hesitant to try this place. After speaking with one of the hostesses who negotiated on giving us 40% off and our first drink free, we couldn’t pass it up. To my surprise the pizza tasted just like the pizza in Italy. Prices are relatively more expensive here due to the location – it’s in the heart of Santo Domingo Plaza. Very popular area with street performers and musicians.
Café de el Mar y la Casa de Cerveza are both located on the top of the “muralla” or the wall surrounding the city.
Misturo – upscale. highly recommend the beef and mozzarella appetizers.
Cusco – upscale Peruvian food. We had the peanuts for appetizers called Canchitas. It was similar to unpopped popcorn. They offered a specialty cocktail for each of the seasons – “invierno” “primavera” “verano” “otono”, with ingredients that matched each season. We opted for “verano”, which included a sparkling brut rose champagne, strawberries, lychee and strawberry triple sec. Highly recommend. A full bottle cost 110,000 and half a bottle cost 60,000. Highly recommend the beef risotto which was served in a “buffet warmer”. Very great presentation.
Crepes and waffles always has a line outside the door no matter the day of the week. This speaks volumes because the food here is to die for. The prices are very reasonable and the food is the best. Beef Strogonoff, Chicken and Mushroom, Lobster Crepe, etc. E
Alma had similar items on the menu as Cusco – but a lot pricier.
El Arsenal – Abe’s place offers artisan cocktails – recommend the mojitos and “coconut drink” (confirm with Swanny for the name)
If you’re looking for the dance scene, Club Fragma offers a great mix of Reggeaton, Salsa, Bachata and popular American music and has several different rooms for your music liking.
Tips and recommendations:
-Don’t forget to always carry spare change in the car – to tip the locals for “watching your car”
-Massages on the beach – 45,000 pesos for a full body massage
-Coco loco – rum and coconut cream/milk in a coconut, which you can eat after
-Haggling on the beach – the local vendors are very relentless and you have to be firm with them if you don’t want their products or services
- NEVER settle for the first price – usually cut that price in half! And try walking away at first – the vendors will always run after you with a better price
- Imported items such as clothes and items that are found in the US are double the cost, since you are paying to have them imported. Don’t waste your time shopping for clothes. The US has a better selection. Domestic items such as local food, drinks and all other Colombian-made items are where you should be looking to buy
- Wednesday night – check out the strip of hostels located in getsemini. Mamallena and Media Luna are the most popping with tourists all over the world. A lot of hippies. There are some bars around the area and food vendors all around the area. We went to Café Colombia.