Colombia: New Year’s in Cartagena
Visiting the unique city of Cartagena was one of the highlights of our entire trip. It was made even more special because we got to ring in the new year with friends in this amazing city.
Located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, Cartagena is one of the top tourist destinations in the country and a popular port for cruise ships. It’s sort of a mash up between Miami and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Driving into the city from the airport, its high-rise buildings overlooking the tame waters reflect the Miami skyline.
While the walk through the ancient walled city, the colonial architecture, and its centuries-old castle/fort mirrored our experience in San Juan. Although Cartagena seemed a lot nicer in its upkeep and safety than San Juan, it probably looks a lot like Cuba would if the latter were to have developed naturally without politically-imposed isolation.
We love live music, yet had very little exposure to it throughout our travels — except in Dublin. Even Spain was a let down. However, in Cartagena there were so many bars and restaurants that had incredible live performers. Parque Bolívar was one of the main hotspots at night. There were rotating groups of professional folkloric dancers cutting up the square!
While the city has a lot to offer including secluded, white sand beaches and snorkeling spots, we skipped the popular Playa Blanca in favor of walking the nearby beaches of Bocagrande and the marina in the Castillo Grande District. But, our favorite sights by far were inside the city walls at night. Every evening we meandered through the small streets filled with people, music, and laughter. The city lights up at night — figuratively and literally!
The temperature was so perfect that crowds came out in full force. Every plaza was full of so much energy. We imagine it could have been due entirely to New Year’s preparations, but something felt like this was a happening place year round. Everyone seemed to be having a grand ole time no matter the night. They were consistently hanging out in the streets, parks and plazas while enjoying the air and ambience. They even managed to put on some roudy yacht parties on the marina a few days before the new year.
Plaza Santo Domingo was chalk full of people grabbing drinks or meals. Street musicians populated the area, too. One particular violinist played the instrumental version of “Despacito” — which we got a kick out of.
Taking in all the events really works up a thirst, so we ended up at Mirador Gastro Bar — a prime location for people-watching over the Plaza de los Coches, but mostly famous for its views of the beautiful Clock Tower Monument. The Tower was shrouded in Christmas lights for the holidays giving it even more of stellar glow! Speaking of that, you didn’t have to look up to see the shooting star commanding centerstage in the Plaza de la Aduana. I really liked this square because it was bigger, less crowded, and lined by a beautiful colonial building, which gave it such an historic feel.
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is a good day trip to make sure you get another dose of history — but only early in the morning before the hottest parts of the day. There were amazing views of the newer parts of the city from this historic landmark. Not to mention patriotic photo-ops to celebrate the freedom and culture of this beautiful country.
We also found India Catalina Monument in a busy El Centro Histórico. But, dying in the mid-morning heat, we had to stop at the gorgeous Hotel Santa Clara (a former convent transformed into a luxury hotel now owned by the Sofitel) to cool off and relax. The lush courtyard transported us back to another time with its timeless beauty and jungle vibes.
Not too far away, we passed by Plaza San Diego, which provided a picture-perfect scene of las fruteras selling refreshments in square in full Caribbean regalia.
That afternoon, we took another chocolate-making class at the Museo del Cacao just for good measure. As any devout chocoholic would, I had to compare the difference between Colombian and Peruvian chocolate. And after we made more dark chocolate delectables to take home, we liked the Peruvian better. However, there is so much variation even in one country so it really depends on the grower and sub-region.
Around the corner from Old Town, we also checked out the Getsmani Neighborhood — an up-and-coming area in the city. La Plaza de Trinidad is the main square and was overflowing with people. There were a plethora of options for outdoor dining and bars strung along with the Christmas decorations. Not to forget the street art that I always appreciate, but even more so when it’s honoring literacy treasures like Gabriel García Márquez.
Last year, we booked a trip to Cartagena for Ash’s 30th birthday, but things fell through when our friends started canceling on us. It’s too bad we couldn’t have made it out then because the nightlife and energy of this city would be great to experience with a good group of friends. This year, we serendipitously reunited with a friend and her husband. Karyn and Britt were on a trip around Colombia for their 30th anniversary celebration, but took the time to join us for New Year festivities. And, boy was it quite the event for us all!
The streets were packed with tables and chairs of people dining early in the evening. Throughout the city, the streets and marina were blocked off for reserved seating while makeshift stages were set up for salsa bands and deejays playing everything from salsa to EDM. And they main aisle up to the Tower was packed shoulder-to-shoulder with people dancing, singing, and celebrating the New Year.
Fireworks on New Year’s 2018. Only one minute until we ring in the new year, and the Colombians are already pre-partying with fireworks and singing.
And, then finally the fireworks brought in the new with an even bigger bang!
To conclude our trip, we enjoyed the last sunset over the water from the sea wall at the buzzing Cafe Del Mar.
We walked along the castle wall and then though the Old Town again. Cartagena is one of few places during our trip that we would definitely go back to for a much longer time period. So many restaurants and hotels had such beautiful courtyards offering al fresco dining. Sprinkle in the live music, beautiful streets with equally enchanting balconies, good food, and great prices — it was fantastic! We also appreciate how close it is to the U.S. making a second visit to this beautiful place all-too-easy for us to do.
