Cartagena, Colombia — The Best Place I’ve Been

A destination that changed who I am

I’ve been asked many times why I love Cartagena so much, and to be honest, the list could go on for days. Some of the obvious answers include the colorful Spanish architecture inside the historical walled city, the beautiful sunsets over the Caribbean Sea, or the gorgeous, clear-water islands nearby.

However, anyone can find this information in a guidebook, so I’d like to share the much more personal and powerful reasons why I love this city. Not only will these reasons offer a more unique perspective, but they also explain how being immersed in this beautiful place changed who I am.

Reason 1: The People

I’ve traveled to more than 30 different countries in my life and I’ve never found a place where the locals and tourists connect with each other more than in Cartagena. Whether it’s in a plaza, or a bar, or at the beach, the locals are willing and eager to chat with people from around the world about their beautiful city.

Cartageneros are friendly, fun, and full of Colombian pride. They love their city and country, and will excitedly offer recommendations to their favorite spots, or stories about their experiences there. They’re never in a rush, and will happily stop to chat in the street if you seem lost. At first, I thought they must be trying to scam me somehow, but I was wrong. Time and time again I was shown that the locals truly want to help travelers enjoy their time in Cartagena.

It’s also very common for locals to invite travelers to join them and their friends in their nightly plans. So instead of seeing groups of locals or groups of travelers out and about, you’ll see big groups that are a mix of both. Never mind the language barrier; the locals will find a way to connect and make sure you have a fantastic time with them.

Once you have connected, the kindness and generosity go even further. I stayed in touch with a number of locals that I met during my 4 days in Cartagena, and they encouraged me to return. One of them helped me find an apartment, and when I rented it on Airbnb for 4 months solid (unexpectedly), another friend gave me a free place to stay. That place was an extra bedroom in her home with her mother, who insisted on cooking me breakfast, doing my laundry, and treating me like part of the family.

Reason 2: The Culture

Clearly, the Colombian people are extremely warm and caring. In fact, in comparison to the coldness I was accustomed to in Philadelphia, the culture felt as hot as the Caribbean climate. The men are flirtatious and passionate, the women are stunning and fiery, and the culture is loud, proud, and bursting with optimism.

So it’s no surprise that an annual Gallup poll named Colombia the happiest country in the world in 2021, and many times in the past. Regardless of the fact that many Colombians live in poverty according to our standards, they still claim to be happy or very happy on a regular basis.

Rather than stressing about their problems or unmet needs, Colombianos prefer to celebrate and appreciate the blessings all around them. They always remember to greet people with a genuine “Buenos dias!” and ask everyone “Como estas?” at the beginning of every interaction, even with a cashier or taxi driver. They also thank God for their meals, and their health, and their families, and are happy to share whatever they have with the people they love.

Reason 3: Time well spent

Finally, the main reason I love Cartagena is how people spend their time. And I don’t just mean the travelers, but the locals too! These people embody the phrase “I live where you vacation!”

All over the city, you’ll find musicians and entertainers performing for the tourists. It’s obvious they prefer making a living from their passions, rather than wasting the days away in an office. At night you can find the locals dancing salsa or reggaeton in the many bars around the city, and they’re eager to teach their moves to the tourists.

Every weekend, the nearby islands are packed with locals and tourists alike, enjoying the sun, sand, and time with friends. From wild yacht parties to calm hidden beaches, from diving excursions to sunset dinners, there are a plethora of magical experiences for every type of traveler.

Spending time in this incredible destination truly changed who I am. Instead of feeling stressed, impatient and uncertain most of the time, I learned to be grateful. Gratitude is a powerful way to transform your outlook on life. Being surrounded by gratitude made it nearly impossible to ignore, and showed me that there is so much beauty and kindness in the world. While it would be nice to stay so grateful all the time, I’ve found that it’s much easier when everyone around you lives it every day.

So if you haven’t been yet, I highly recommend a trip to Cartagena! The people, culture, and way they spend their time will not only help you enjoy your trip but might even shift your perspective and entire way of life.

For another great destination, you can read about Bermuda in the article below by Crystal A. Walker. She just happened to write about her favorite place even before the Globetrotters challenge was announced. Thanks for sharing Crystal! Safe travels everyone!

Since writing this article, my experience traveling and working abroad has expanded dramatically. It has been about 3 years since my original awakening, and I now run my own spiritual retreat company, offering international plant medicine retreats that support people in awakening and ascension. We have hosted retreats in Costa Rica, Colombia, Mexico, Guatemala, and Egypt!

We also offer local ceremonies in Florida and monthly community events offering Reiki and Sound Healing, as well as private Reiki sessions and Purpose Coaching. If you are interested in learning more about my company, visit our website at https://freespiritexperiences.com/