San Basilio de Palenque

My family and I visited Cartagena in January of 2023 for a month and loved every minute of it. After taking a walking tour with a local guide, Anita, I sat down with her to ask her more about her city. I wrote this local guide with her recommendations. Included in the guide are: 🏔️ - Top Attractions 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 - Family-Friendly Activities 🍽️ - Restaurant and Bar Recommendations 🏨 - Places to Stay

Colombia wasn’t just a trip for me— it was an adventure that felt like a dozen different worlds packed into one country. I gave myself over a month to explore but even that didn’t feel like enough. It’s the kind of place that pulls you in, challenges what you thought you knew, and leaves you with stories you’ll be telling forever. This travel guide is everything you need for an incredible 3 week journey through Colombia, featuring personal recommendations, must see highlights and the hidden gems that make this country so unforgettable. Whether you’re here for the history, the landscapes, or the vibrant local scenes, here is everything you need to create the adventure of a lifetime. 📋 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝘀: 🌞 Best Time to Visit – Tips on when to explore Colombia for the best weather, festivals, and fewer crowds. 📝 My 3 Week Trip Itinerary – Detailed plans covering iconic destinations, hidden gems, and cultural experiences. ⚠️ Essential Travel Resources + How to Stay Safe – Practical advice to avoid scams, stay connected, and navigate with confidence. 🇨🇴 Cultural Etiquette – Insights into Colombian customs, traditions, and how to connect respectfully with locals. 💰 Money-Saving Tips – Budget friendly advice for experiencing Colombia without cutting corners. 🚍 Transportation Options + How to Get Around – From flights to buses and local hacks for navigating the northern coast. 🛏️ Where to Stay – A curated list of accommodations, including boutique hotels, eco-lodges, and lively hostels. 🗺️ The Best of Colombia – Featuring everything from vibrant cities to untouched beaches and lush jungles. 📍 Curated Points of Interest – Top recommendations for food, sightseeing, hiking, and relaxation across Colombia’s diverse regions. 🏝️ Day Trips + Excursions – From coffee farm tours to island getaways, plus hiking, snorkeling, and river tubing. 🏞️ Activities for Every Interest – Including salsa lessons, hiking in Tayrona National Park, exploring charming small towns, and more! 📸 Exclusive Photos and Videos – My personal collection of photos and videos to inspire your own journey. 📍 𝗜𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀: • Cartagena: A gem rich in history and nightlife. • Palenque: 1st free African-American town in the West. • Rosario Islands: White beaches and turquoise waters. • Santa Marta: A coastal hub full of good eats & charm. • Minca: Waterfalls, coffee farms, and mountain views. • Buritaca + Palimino: River tubing, and unreal sunsets. • Tayrona National Park: Hikes, beaches, and jungle. • Medellín: Colombia’s innovative and vibrant city. • Guatapé: Rainbow streets meets brilliant blue lakes. • Jardín: Colorful rural town with rich culture. • Salento: The heart of the Coffee Triangle. This guide isn’t just about where to go but how to fully experience everything Colombia has to offer. I’ve walked these streets, hiked these mountains, and swam in these waters—now, I’m sharing it all with you to help you make your trip unforgettable. Click the map icon for location pins and directions that connect directly to your phone’s Google or Apple Maps 🗺️ For more Colombia content, check out my Instagram + TikTok @taylorrblairr @taylorblairphoto 🌴💃📸