helen63

In March, we will be spending 4 days around Panama city, and in Cartagena for 3.5 days (staying Sofitel Legend Santa Clara),
When I booked this trip, I thought we would spend 2.5 days exploring the city, and one day going to islands.

I read in all travel books - El Rosario islands are a must.

Now, I am reading reports about boat trips to Rosario islands, they sound more light a nightmare, than a paradise - overcrowded boats, overcrowded beaches, not very nice snorkeling, not worth it, etc
We are a middle age couple, so we like some comfort.

Is there a way (boat operator) to do these islands a nice way?

Perhaps, we should skip the islands all together and stay in Cartagena. I am interesting in all fun activities if you could suggest - food tours (your guide recommendation), photo tours, street art, etc.

Thank you!

crellston

We were in Cartagena earlier this year for 10days or so and certainly didn't get bored. Lots to see and I don't think you need a guide as the old city, where most of te sights are located is quite compact. As for the islands, after speaking to several other people who had been, we came to exactly te same conclusion as you and didn't bother.

Getesemeni, where our Guesthouse was located, is the place for grafitti, some examples on our blog @ https://accidentalnomads.com/2016/07...lombian-coast/

In th evening street food stalls set up in the square and there is usually a lot of street art performers, at least on a weekend.

Food tends towards the expenisve when compared with the rest of Colombia, but it is excellent, both on the street and in te manupy trendy restaurants. You hotel is fantastic and in a great location. You will be able to walk out of your hotel and be in the action straight away.

helen63

Thanks Crellston! I enjoyed looking thru your blog and reading about your Accidental Nomads lifestyle. Nice!

I assume Getesemeni is pretty safe to walk around by ourselves, correct?

Is it better to explore Getesemeni during weekend? We will be in Cargagena on Saturday afternoon, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, so trying to decide where to be and when.

I did not think we need a guide either, I was just thinking of something fun like a food tour (as some people mentioned here) and a photo tour (big hobby for me).

Thank you again!

crellston

You are welcome Helen.

Getesemeni is definitely best visited over the weekend. I would head for the main square there on the Saturday evening and visit again during the day to photograph the graffiti. Getsemani is fine to walk about on your own, as is the old town within the walls and the area between your hotel and Getsemani.

We didn't do it but I imagine a food tour would be great fun - there is so much variety in Cartagena. You could easily spend an evening grazing the food stalls just around the square in Getsemani.

We did graffiti tours in both Bogotá and Medellin which were a great way of a) seeing the grafitti and b) finding out about the history of this places ( our guide in Bogotá was a mine of info on where to eat as well). I imagine there may be something similar in Cartagena.

helen63

Thank you, Clive again! We will do as you suggest then.

I've also heard they do some street dancing on some nights in the Old Town. Have you happen to see this? Just wondering where and when.

crellston

We did see some dancing in the streets in the old town in the square by the clock tower, but I am sure there is plenty going on in other square in the old town. Your concierge should be able to point you in the right directions.

One bar worth visiting for music and dancing is Havana http://cafehavanacartagena.com
It is on the way to or from Getsemeni . I think it opens at 9.00pm

helen63

Thanks, Clive again! Havana Cafe is on the list to go to

yestravel

We did a fun food tour in Cartagena. You can click on my name and find my TR,on Colombia.

helen63

Thanks Yestravel! Will check it out.