Planning your 2020 vacations? Cartagena, Colombia, one of Latin America’s hottest destinations, should definitely be on your list. Delicious food, rich history (real pirates were known to invade this port town hundreds of years ago), and beautiful beaches make it crystal clear why the city is called the “Jewel of the Indies.” But with so many gems to find, where should you start?

Here are five experiences you don’t want to miss on your next visit:

Eat at Carmen Restaurant

At Carmen, love is in the details, which is evident the moment you walk into the intimate colonial house located downtown. You’ll savor inventive flavors in each dish inspired by local Caribbean ingredients. We recommend the five-course chef’s tasting menu or the No Me Llames Cazuela for the ultimate seafood lover.

Stay on Isla Gigi

After a few days spent in bustling Cartagena, you are likely to crave something a little more relaxing and intimate. Satisfy your desire to escape by booking a stay on a private island. Isla Gigi is a magical floating oasis just a quick 45-minute speedboat ride from the city. With three comfortable and well-stocked chalets all to yourself, you’ll live like island royalty on your own piece of paradise. Indulge in delicious fresh-caught lobster and crab, soak in the Caribbean sun, or even take a boat ride to visit neighboring Rosario Islands.

Visit Callejón Angosto in Getsemanít

You can stand under the umbrellas when you stop by this colorful neighborhood. Snap an Instagram pic and check out the fun street art lining the walls of the iconic alley.

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Feliz lunes!!!! Gracias @losviageiros with @get_repost #Repost ・・・ Feliz Viernes! ????⠀ ⠀ PÔR-DO SOL EM CARTAGENA É NO CAFÉ DEL MAR⠀ ⠀ Por estar localizado em cima da muralha que cerca o centro histórico, o Café del Mar logo se tornou o lugar ideal para apreciar o lindo pôr-do-sol ???? de Cartagena. Com uma carta de drinks bem variada e boa música, vale reservar pelo menos uma tarde para conhecer esse badalado bar.⠀ ⠀ Como o sol em Cartagena se põe no mar, ficar observando o entardecer do alto da muralha é um dos grandes programas nesta cidade. Isso pode ser feito de vários pontos da muralha, mas no Café del Mar, você pode acrescentar a esse momento drinks inspirados e uma música eletrônica de fundo bem bacana.⠀ ⠀ O bar abre diariamente das 17h às 3h, e o restaurante funciona até à meia-noite.⠀ ⠀ @cafedelmarcartagena ⠀ ????@winequaybar⠀ ⠀ #aprendaespanhol #aprendendoespanhol #cursodeespanhol #espanhol #cafedelmarcartagena #intercâmbio #losviageiros #partiucolombia #vamoshablarespanhol

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Watch the Sunset from Café Del Mar

Enjoy one of the best views in the city with a sunset sip at Café Del Mar. This high energy restaurant and bar is the perfect way to start off a night on the town or chill out after a day of sightseeing. Get there early, snag a seat near the castle wall, and order a delish cocktail or beer.

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My love, the greatest risk of all would be to never even try. I would rather fail doing what I love than hide behind the success of what feels safe. (Allie Michellel) . ????@inquietudeminha . Sextou! ???????? O Chiva Bus é um ônibus adaptado para as áreas rurais da Colômbia devido ao terreno montanhoso. Ícone Colombiano, cada bus tem uma pintura única e em alguns lugares também é usado como "party bus". No meu caso foram as rodas que guiaram minha inquietude até a cidade de Guatapé. ???? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #chivabus #piedrapeñol #guatape #colombia #medellin #paisa #bandejapaisa #backpackers #roadtrip #ride #digitalnomad #nomadiclife #solotraveller #southamerica #antiquia

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Ride on a Chiva Bus

During the day hop aboard one of Cartagena’s charming wooden buses for a historical tour of San Felipe Fort, San Pedro Church, and the “Old Shoes” Monument. Or try a Night Time Party Chiva Tour complete with a bar and a live band.

xx, The FabFitFun Team