Two months in par-uh-dahys, Paradise
K Tyler
I spent two months in Cartagena, Colombia, and learned some valuable lessons. At the airport, I realized my T-Mobile phone service didn’t work well in Latin America. Switching to AT&T solved the problem. Be prepared with a reliable phone service, especially if you use WhatsApp and Uber. The airport’s Wi-Fi is unreliable. When booking a hotel, beware of scams. I had issues with a hotel that wouldn’t take my credit card. So, I found another one, the Mucura. It has big rooms, a pool, and a gym. Also, double-check the hotel’s website to avoid fake Booking.com sites.
Travel Experience in Colombia: A Tale of Mistakes and Lessons
At Cartagena Airport, the author’s phone service failed. They switched to AT&T. The airport’s Wi-Fi was terrible. The staff at the Mucura Hotel asked them to pay cash upfront, which was a deceitful move. This taught them to verify bookings beforehand. Now, they’re more cautious.
The author chose Poseidon Caribbean. They picked it for its stunning view. Cartagena’s tourist area pulsed with energy. However, they preferred quiet spots. They felt connected to the city. They were eager to find its hidden gems and history, like Pablo Escobar’s old home.
It starts at 7 a.m. from Poseidon. The Five-Island Tour is an unforgettable adventure. First, explore the city center. Visit the historic Fuerte de San Fernando de Bocachica. Next, dive into the clear water for snorkeling. Then, refuel with a tasty lunch. The tour stops at three stunning beaches. They are Isla Grande, Cholón, and Playa Blanca. But the best part is the magical plankton. They glow. And don’t take our word for it – experts rave about this tour. Its warm breezes, joy, and opportunities will help you. They will help you create memories. The memories will last a lifetime.
I had a great time in Colombia, especially in Cartagena. When I arrived, I had trouble with my phone service. Use a provider that works globally, such as AT&T. WhatsApp and Uber need Wi-Fi, but the airport’s Wi-Fi doesn’t work. I booked a hotel through Booking.com, but they wanted cash, not credit. It was a scam. I found a new hotel, Muccura, which has big rooms, a pool, and a gym. Be careful with Booking.com sites – they can be fake.
I encountered the same issue at a fake hotel. The staff demanded cash only, and the room did not match the advertisement. I demanded a refund. To avoid scams, book Colombian hotels through official channels, not third-party sites. Research the website and hotel before booking. Study traveler feedback to plan a secure trip.
The Muccura Hotel & Spa is a 3-star venue. It offers allergy-free rooms and a beauty shop. It is near Iglesia Episcopal La Santa Cruz. My room was simple, but the staff made my stay comfortable. The hotel was peaceful. It had ocean views. They helped me focus on my work and studies. I could focus without distraction. I appreciated the simplicity of my temporary home and its beautiful sunsets. My stay was a much-needed escape from everyday chaos, and I’m grateful for the memories.
I stayed on the tourist side of Cartagena at the Poseidon Caribbean for its great location. From my 9th-floor balcony, I watched the sunrise daily. The area was vibrant.
Cartagena’s streets explode with vibrant balconies. Grand buildings stand tall on coral-stone foundations. Moorish columns soar, showcasing the city’s storied legacy. Every corner bursts with surprises. There are charming courtyards, brilliant murals, and bustling markets. They showcase the city’s energy. The cobblestones resonate with history. A walking tour led by an expert guide is the key to unlocking Cartagena’s secrets. They will reveal the fascinating stories. The stories are behind the stunning churches, majestic mansions, and formidable forts. You’ll venture down hidden alleys. There, you’ll uncover the epic struggle between indigenous people, Spanish colonists, and pirates. The grand architecture and local resilience have a striking contrast. It will leave you in awe. By the tour’s end, you’ll have traveled back in time.
I started my tour at 7 a.m. from the Poseidon. We took a boat ride to the city center. Remember to pack Dramamine and a selfie stick – they’re expensive on board. Our group went to Fuerte de San Fernando de Bocachica. It included couples and families. Our local guide taught us about the fort’s history. He shared stories about its role in defending against pirates. Next, we snorkeled at Isla Grande.
We stopped at Isla Baru, a party island. We anchored four times in the Cholón beach sector and had a shrimp cocktail tasting. Then, we visited the blue water sector. We marveled at the clear waters and stunning landscapes. Next, we went to Playa Blanca, where we rested until sunset. At 6:30 pm, we did the bioluminescence plankton activity. Despite my fear, I overcame it and waded into the water. Tiny organisms lit up, creating a magical display of glowing blue lights. Nature’s beauty mesmerized me. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We returned to the dock around 8 pm, ending a fabulous trip I’d recommend to anyone.