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story-the-world · 5 years

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Cartagena

Cartagena is a colorful city that combines the culture of Colombia with the influence of the Caribbean/North America. It reminds me a lot of the beach towns in Mexico before they got overrun by western tourists/college spring breakers. Based on our flight (and the number of bachelor parties) I can only hope that Cartagena can keep its charm and stay true to its Colombian roots. See my other posts on Medellin, Salento and Tayrona National Park for more on Colombia!

Must do:

1. Bazurto market

This is number 1 – and the exact reason for this blog. If you go to Cartagena and only stay in the ‘walled city’ you will miss out on all of the unique culture/food/experiences Colombia has to offer. Sure, the market is dirty and unorganized… but it has thousands of stalls where you can literally buy anything. There are sections for household goods, clothes, fresh vegetables/produce/meat/fish, and even a food court (using this term liberally). We went on a Tuesday around noon and the market was packed. I can only imagine how crowded it must be in the morning when restaurant owners go there to pick up food for the day.

Contrary to the reviews, I believe the market is extremely safe. Everyone was friendly and eager to show off what they had in their stall. There are several companies that offer walking tours of the market – which might be a good option for those that don’t feel comfortable. Note, we speak very little Spanish (probably the level of a 3rd grader) and were able to communicate with the locals and found everything we needed.

While there, we had some fresh watermelon juice (around 20 cents US), an amazing spread of seafood (around 1 USD) and a few beers in the bar area. There was dancing, singing and the locals made us feel at home. No map needed, just follow the maze of paths and listen for the music. The only reason we ended up leaving is the power went out (which it does quite often in Cartagena). A great experience for those who want to see the real Colombia.

2. One (or two) day trip out to the islands

The beaches of Cartagena are not very nice. Although the city is beautiful, there are no ‘white sand’ beaches/turquoise lagoons within walking distance. For this experience, which is a ‘must’, I would suggest taking a boat out to one of the islands. There are several tour companies and several islands to choose from. Be very careful in which tour companies you go through/which islands you book. Many can be overcrowded or filled with bachelor parties, make several stops, or bring you to tourist traps. Ideally, with a large group you can rent your own private boat and create an itinerary yourself – free from all the hassle. However, with two people, we were stuck with the larger tour companies. Below is a quick assessment:

Rosario Islands: IslaBela: This was the day trip we went on. It cost 180,000 Pesos per person. It left around 9:00am and returned around 4pm. We chose this for a few reasons… a) It is a ‘private island’ which means there will be one boat of passengers that go to/from the island per day (no people hounding you on the beach for jewelry/food…). Our particular boat had around 30 people on it. b) Because it is part of a hotel, they provide you with lunch (I had the grilled fish) and will serve drinks to you on the beach. They also have activities (we went snorkeling – but they also had paddle boards, and kayaks. c) The island is far enough into the sea where you get ‘white sand’ and ‘turquoise water.’ I would highly recommend for a one day or two day excursion.

Playa Blanca: This was our other top choice – as it is accessible via shuttle bus and/or taxi. As it is not a private beach, there might be a larger crowd and you might get people trying to sell you things.

Isla de Tierra Bomba: Blue Apple: Similar to IslaBela, however does not have as nice of a beachfront. It does have the comforts of a 5 star resort (pool, beach staff, activities). Full disclosure – it is owned by my friend Portia.

When doing our planning, we used Cartagena Connections for research. They can also be used to book excursions: https://www.cartagenaconnections.com/ Would recommend checking them out before booking a trip (as mentioned before, some tours can be quite disappointing.

3. Explore the old city (day or night)

This probably seems obvious but there is a ton to do in the ‘walled city.’ Including walking along the wall! You do not need a tour guide and do not really need an agenda (as everything is super close).

My favorite: Holy Trinity Square. Go here any night of the week for street performers, street meat, and beers. There will be ton’s of people hanging out, drinking, socializing, and generally having a good time. If you want a cheap meal/great start to your night, I would suggest going here around 9pm, grabbing something from the cart (I got the ‘grande combo’) and either bring, or buy a few beers from the local vendors. Sit, listen to music, and hang in good company.

Some other highlights include: Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas – this is a bit of a walk, and you might want to take a taxi. It is about $10 to get in and you can walk up to the top for good views of the city. Probably only worth it if you like history. Garita del Baluarte San/Clock Tower Monument good for walking by and taking pictures. Café del Mar Ltda. Best view of the sunset – but touristy, crowded and expensive. Get there before 5pm if you want a seat along the water. Cafe Stepping Stone/ Café del Mural two cool coffee shops – the first is a run with a good mission – a way for local Colombians to improve their economic situation. The second is a cool coffee shop with a million different types of local Colombian coffee. El Arsenal: The Rum Box/Alquimico Bar – cool cocktail bars. Expensive but will make you a good Manhattan. Café Havana and the other bars on Calle 30 – late night bars, good to dance the night away – beware some have covers after certain hours. Caffé Lunático/ Basilica Pizzería good tapas and good pizza. Something different and both had good atmosphere and really good food. Café/ La Cevichería/ Carmen Cartagena the ‘famous’ places. Honestly wasn’t really impressed too much by either. The food was good, but expensive and the atmosphere was all tourists.

Can Skip

Las Bóvedas Market/ Apolo Park/Baluarte de Santa Catalina

All three of these are in the same corner of the city. I found the market to be nothing but stall after stall of tourist items. All shops had the same things and nothing was unique. The park felt rundown and there was no one taking care of it (it might be interesting if you had a good handle on Colombian leaders). And the Baluarte de Santa Catalina was similar to the other castle – just another stone structure. The views are nice from the top – and it looks to be a big plaza that might have events from time to time – but when we went nothing of interest was going on.

Other notes:

-No one in our group spoke good Spanish and we were able to get by. It helps to know the basics - some verbs/vocab words ('where is' 'do you have'...), but nothing beyond that. A lot of people will have a very basic knowledge of English and if all else fails, use google translate.

- Taxis are cheap and not once did I feel the driver was trying to rip us off. They are all over the city and I would highly recommend over Uber.

- I have heard from others that there are some nice ‘all inclusive’ resorts in the area. I did not go to any of these – and if you are staying at one, the advice on the ‘beach day’ might not be needed.

#cartagena #storytheworld #travel #travelblogger #colombia

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jmegalvez · 2 years

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🫶🏻🇨🇴🎉 (at Islabela) https://www.instagram.com/p/CjEEC12JnKSXwWi5Rkv5_MLZoyPDCPZfPJXP5Q0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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dislikethinkingofuniquenames · 7 years

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Reflections

@fit4forty recommended I journal out my feelings about my trip last week, to reflect, to process, and to have to go back to in the future. This is going to be very long...

The weeks leading up to this trip were hard; my life was full of doubt, mainly sparked from my disappointment in my MSW program (academically) and a lot of triggering from my internship. This program was supposed to change everything and while it has, the reality is, life is life and its not always perfect. I was also not receiving the necessary clinical support that is required, so the triggering feelings from my counseling sessions were heavy. On top of this, my source of distraction (Bobby) was also going through a lot and was distant, stressed, and left me so unsure of what the fuck I was doing. Noted, he should not have been a source of distraction, but he was. Walking away from this trip, that’s not what he is. I don’t know how I want to communicate with him about my hardships, but I will do so in a way that keeps him in the loop. The week before our trip I honestly was terrified he was going to bail on the trip. When I realized he wasn’t, my next fear was “what if we hate each other during this trip; what if he wants to sleep all day and I have to face compromise and I have to get angry; what if, what if, what if, what if...” I opted to just go into this trip with no expectations. If we weren’t jiving, I’d do my own thing and we’d meet up for the flight home.

I forgot the moment when I knew it wasn’t going to be like that at all...I think it was on our first flight when he positioned himself to let me sleep on him. The second flight we snuck into the bathroom for some fun and just cracked up at how small the bathroom was, but we had to join the mile high club. We got back to our seats and just laughed, played battleship, and bitched about how small the seats were. We stared out the window at all the islands and he kept jotting down where we were and where he wants to go. We land, starving, and honestly it took an hour+ to get our luggage and figure out the rental car situation. We didn’t know where to stand, it was super humid, but at no point were we exasperated or anything. He played music, we joked with the airport workers and just rolled with it. Every ounce of nervousness was gone and I knew this was going to be a different and good vibing week. How good, at that moment I didn’t know...I was expecting just a regular good time. I was not expecting it to be one of the most phenomenal weeks of my life.

We found a spot on the ocean in Isla Verde, had some cocktails, ceviche, salad, and sat in awe of the blue water in front of us. As we were walking from the car to the spot, he says, “this doesn’t feel weird at all...this feels like we’re exactly where we’re supposed to be.” Over lunch, I said, “I can’t believe we’re here”. I told him I’ll probably repeat this sentiment over and over again. We finished up and walked on the sand, both our feet touching those soft grains walking to the ocean. He grabs my hand (a pattern than was repeated constantly), the ocean on our feet, we kiss and he says, “let’s go, we have to get checked in, so we can get naked and then get in the ocean.” With big smiles we drove to Dorado, got a little lost, but never frustrated with each other. We laughed at my driving (men always get nervous with me behind the wheel) and he was in love with the island immediately. After ravishing each other, we ran downstairs, got some more cocktails and soaked in the views. I had to jump in the ocean and he followed suit. We were embracing each other, smiles from ear to ear. I could feel every bit of stress or doubt in who I am dissipate. I could feel myself leaning into whatever this is. We agreed that the next day we’d be up early to go to El Yunque and crashed early.

Tuesday we were up on time and hit the road to the rainforest. We were hungry, so we found this perfect Puerto Rican bakery. Standing in line, he put his hand on my back, and wrapped his arms around me. We looked at all the treats, ordered some lunch and then he proceeded to indulge a two of these delicious pastries. Then we were off! It was gorgeous. We had a plan to go to a waterfall, but I didn’t realize it was closed. No big deal, we found an alternative plan. We stopped to soak in the views en route to our hike. The best phrase, which he would repeat throughout the trip was, “come here, take a picture with me.” This is special for me in a way he may not understand. I have very few photos with my ex-husband. He wasn’t into it and as a result, I’m so apprehensive about asking men to take pictures with me.

The smiles were unreal. We were closer than the day before (and as the trip progressed, we’d get closer every day...continuing into our return home). The hike to the waterfall was relatively easy and we took in the sights, smells, and sounds. It was humid for sure, but once you could hear the waterfall, you knew it was worth the sweat. There were quite a few people there, but we found a nice spot and carefully jumped in. The water was freezing and as you swam towards the waterfall the bottom of the pool was unknown. Yes, this was a little scary, but you know me, why not risk it. I never found the bottom and I didn’t drown...we hopped out and hiked on, discovering more pools, slipping on rocks, laughing, and quietly absorbing the beauty that sounded us. We kept talking about wanting to go zip lining...figured we’d finish the hike, eat lunch and see what we could make happen. As it turned out, the time slots would have taken up the whole day and we opted to grab some smoothies (with rum), explore a cemetery, and head back to Isla Verde to hope the weather holds up for us to jet ski. The weather did hold up and we swapped back and forth flying through the ocean. On our way back to Dorado he needed cash, and forgot his bank card in the ATM machine. This was another point where I was questioning if the vibe would change. With my ex-husband it would, whether he would want it to or not...I’m no longer expecting disaster (like I was with Alex), but I do perk up and take special note to remain positive. It was fine. Like it sucked sure, but I reassured him I had a enough money. There was a point when he was on the phone with the bank and I was talking, he abruptly told me to be quiet, that he could only listen to one thing at a time. His tone was appropriate, but sure, a little snappish. When he was put on hold he apologized. I am not asking for perfection...actually the reason I’m so attracted to him is his openness in his lack of perfection. What I would expect is the acknowledgement (from both ends) of when we’re off, or wrong. He wasn’t wrong in his response, it happens, its frustrating to lose a bank care and know you have no money far away from home...but he also knows I was only trying to help and I appreciated his apology.

There was a point during our talks where he said I give him what he needs. I know that’s space and a non-judgmental or critical perspective. I’ve learned how absolutely critical these two aspects are in my relationships. It isn’t always easy. But my major failure as a wife was how fucking harsh and mean I could be. Not all the time, but enough. I lost my temper, I couldn’t let things go, I wasn’t patient. But at the time I didn’t know this. I thought because I was sacrificing left and right, then I was right and he was wrong. That’s not the case. I shouldn’t have been sacrificing. If I had a problem, I needed to learn how to talk in a way that I could be heard. Bobby at times falls off the radar. It is hard for me...like, my need for planning and communication does not work great with this. I didn’t know if I could communicate with him how hard his behavior can be for me, but it came out effortless. I explained that I understood his need, but I just want him to know its hard for me. And he heard it fully. I wasn’t accusing him of anything, just letting him know he’s important enough to me that his actions impact me. He’s still going to fall off the radar. It is what it is and I’m accepting that’s a part of being in this with him.

Wednesday had us loading up the car and hitting the road for Ponce, Guanica, Rincon, and Islabela (south, west, and north west coasts). The drive was incredible. Bobby was driver and dj, two roles he mastered perfectly. We recorded our drive through the mountains, and soaked in the views. We found a perfect little spot to each some local food on the side of the mountain road. The amount of times he reflected his happiness in the moment warmed my spirit. I remember after I booked the trip writing out my thoughts and how much I enjoy being able to share adventuring with people who struggle to pull the trigger. We ate up, and continued on. There was no rush or pressure to get anywhere by any time. Ponce was nice, we walked along the pier, again he grabbed my hand and walked close with me. We got in the car and continued on to kayaking...

It’s hard for me to describe how in just the drive over, on these winding roads, with the incredible ocean to our right, I felt myself opening further. We turned out just to take a picture, and take pause at the beauty. We found another turn out and hopped in the water. It was water and delightful. Onward we went to kayaking...we had no reservation, but they had a double for us. Off we went with out bottle of rum. We paddled through the mangroves and then found a private beach for ourselves. We relaxed in the ocean, napping, kissing, drinking, and more...the sexual chemistry is everything I could want.

Our day ended in Rincon, with the most beautiful sunset I’ve ever seen. We found a spot, embraced each other, and again took pause. I hate rushing through life and hustling from moment to moment. While I don’t need hours to absorb, I do like how we both wanted to take in this rare opportunity. We both needed this trip so badly, and I don’t think either one of us were expecting to get so close over the week. Maybe he was....I had no idea what to expect. As I think about everything now, I still have no fucking clue what I’m doing or where i’m at. No, I do. I’m scared. I’m scared of getting hurt and I’m scared of hurting him. I’m asking him to trust me and I don’t trust me. We haven’t had any formal talk...maybe we should. I don’t want to. This is where i’m fucked up...if we talk, then its more real. If we just let it be, I have the freedom to wander in and out of it...but that’s not fair. At the very least perhaps a conversation about expectations. But no. I want to trust myself and then ask him to do this with me. A while ago we talked and set up a whole “don’t ask, don’t tell” and essentially things were left in my court as to whether we make this something committed. I want to leave things alone and not define, let life take its course...but that conflicts with the other side of me.

Back to Puerto Rico...Wednesday night, after dinner, sunsets, drinks, making out in parking lots, we found our way back to the hotel and for hours of ravishing each other in the most sensual and aggressively fantastic ways. The clock turned midnight (my birthday) with him pleasing every sensation I have. We fell asleep in each others arms...another day and night in paradise.

Rincon spoke to the both of us. Even as I type this and I’m grudgingly back in reality, I know that place was something special. Wow and fuck. I’m actually nervous at how much I’m into him. But whatever. I’ll have to live with that because to honor my feelings, well, I’m into him. I was up earlier than him and took an hour to myself. I want that hour alone on my birthday. I read and then woke him up...we got it on some more and then found food in the square in town. We walked around, he grabbed my hand, we looked in a real estate window, and took more pictures together. We longed for more time, but knew we had a drive to our next destination and went on our way.

Playa Jobos in Isabela was beautiful and offered us coconuts with rum, chickens, and some majestic coastlines. We cracked up trying to get videos and pictures of us. Laughing is so big for me. He has a video of us waiting for a wave and we’re kissing, and i can feel the closeness build between us watching that video.

On the way to our next stop an incident happened with another car who was very aggressive towards us. I was nervous. I feel like he wanted to keep fucking with this other driver and if it was the states and I was driving, I would have as well. But I didn’t want this to turn into a major incident...I talked to Bobby and maybe grudgingly he let it go. He was so tense though, as anyone would be. I was thanking him and gently rubbing his arm. Inside I was nervous. “Fuck, what if this kills the mood on my birthday...what if this is where reality comes in...okay. calm down. just be calm and don’t push your nervous onto anyone.” We got back and I said, “let’s go down to the beach for a little”. He was in and we actually enjoyed the quiet. We got back upstairs, we cuddled in bed, he ravished me once again, and then we showered to get ready for the night. The mood was restored and everything was perfect. And then I put on my dress...and he sees me and lightly laughs. “What are you laughing at?” “Every guy is going to be starting at you” (in a tone of pride)...”will you be?” “maybe” (with a smile and wink). That’s the reaction i was hoping for...and then he changed twice. Even better. The directions to Old San Juan sucked, I confused us a bit, but he didn’t lose his patience, we just re-routed, parked and walked around. Found a rootop tapas bar, drank, laughed at the ridiculous white people next to us, made eye contact, and all that wonderful stuff. He met up with someone briefly for party favors, and I had a chance to reflect on what a spectacular life I have. No, i didn’t feel ditched or insulted. I am well aware of who I’m dating and accepting of that part of him. Is there a reason this is written so deep, yes. I don’t want others to judge him or me. I wish I didn’t care, but I do.

It was in Old San Juan, after some rum, that we talked a little more about our trust issues and such. What we’re scared of, what we want, etc. By 2am we were done with the night, ready to go back to Dorado and have him and I enjoy this sexy dress I was wearing. By 5am I was crashing out.

Friday we opted to relax. I went down to the beach solo until 11-11:45am while he slept in...we got some lunch and then inadvertently napped wrapped so deep into each other. It was surreal. We finally got up and went down to a secluded part of the beach to continue napping. We snorkeled, something on the to-do list we didn’t think we’d get too, and then got frozen yogurt before dinner...because Puerto Rico. Our last night was quiet and peaceful. I fell asleep in his arms and woke up tucked in his chest. He caressed my head, neck and arms, sending warmth and security through me. Is this security a permanent thing? No. I don’t get that anymore from anyone permanently, but I’ll be open to when the feeling comes through.

We didn’t want to leave. We wanted to be in paradise for as long as possible. A place where we don’t have to deal with our stresses and life. Where we could be the best versions of ourselves, individually and together. We smoked a joint on some road by the rental car place, quietly saying goodbye to paradise. At the airport, it was a pain, but never overwhelming and in the security line, we were “that couple”. When we found out we were separated, we were both bummed. For the second flight we asked to switch and the person was kind to do so. We agreed I’d spend Saturday night with him...I was surprised. Really, he wants more time with me after a week...

Saturday night when we got back to Long Beach on our way into the grocery store, he kind of snapped at me. I guess I had been looking over at his phone when he was on it and he said that it was really bothering him a lot. His tone kind of threw me off. He said he didn’t mind me looking at him (which is HUGE because a few months ago this made him so anxious; I think he sees I’m just taking him and his presence him), but just hated that I was looking over his shoulder, it was really unsettling. I apologized, I didn’t realize I kept doing it...but I don’t know, I just got a little guarded and bummed. It would bother me too, hence the apology, but you know, it threw me. In line, he put his arm around me and gently kissed me. I got it. I got his message and what he realized. He didn’t have to apologize, but he could tell however he addressed me resulted in me pulling away and that’s not what he wanted. Sunday I intended to get up at a reasonable hour to study...well, at 10am he pulled me in close and I remained there until almost 3pm. As we were getting ready he asked if I was staying over again Sunday...I have a midterm, I have to study. We got on his motorcycle to get sushi and he says over lunch, “i’ll leave you alone so you can study for a few hours...i want you next to me.” I smiled at him and conceded...At another point over lunch I was talking about my wonderful friends from school and he says to me, “you’re my only wonderful people”. I melted. Of course I wish he had more, but he’s opened so much. We rode around and then he left me to study for a few hours. I spent Monday morning cuddling and hating my group class for taking me away from this perfect seven days. I knew once I left life would resume and all that comes with it. The stress, the distance that just happens because he works and i do school, work, internship; the making plans to see each other, rather than just being together...

Monday afternoon he asks if I’m staying over again...that he got used to me in his bed. I responded, “as long as you want me next to you, I’ll be there.” He response, “k then. be there.” I got one last night and morning with him. Sunday 3/26 through Monday 4/3, we spent every night embracing one another. I was happy and stress free every day and that is so rare. I have no idea what the future holds. I’m so unsure and anxious in relationships. I’m so fucking broken down and untrusting; he’s got a ton of his own shit. But, this is what i’m in and I’m my way to drop off some dinner we’ll hopefully eat together tonight.

I feel more human and like myself than I have in a long time.

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fabiominghetti · 5 years

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Sobre ontem #ferias #islasdelrosario #islabela #cartagena #praia #playa #colombia (em Islas del rosario,Cartagena) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs-yQfxArSG/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1c68l0zktnd6w

#ferias #islasdelrosario #islabela #cartagena #praia #playa #colombia

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francois89 · 5 years

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Sonríe! Vale la pena ser FELIZ 😊! . . . #cartagena #colombia #gotocartagena #smile #travel #timetorelax #travelphoto #gotoaventure #nature #tranquilidad #mochilazoexperience #photograpy #photography #trip #pic #paisajes #naturephotography #françois #franco #boytraveler #travelling #travellife #lovetravelling ✈️ #selfie_time #selfies (en Eco hotel Islabela) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4awFxIh3wi/?igshid=13oj42il640lf

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campfiresandsandcastles · 6 years

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The Best Beach Club in the Rosario Islands for Kids: Isla Del Encanto

We have found that Isla del Encanto, located on the very tip of the peninsula of Barú, is likely the most kid-friendly beach club in the area of the Rosario Islands. We recommend it to families because it is such a large establishment and has plenty of beach front and pools to hang out in. Plus, the resort is very organized and the staff are professional.

Lounge on the Private Beach

Isla del Encanto has its own private beach, which means there are no vendors approaching you on the beach or in the water. Instead, there are tables where a very few vendors are displaying their wares, including jewelry and hats. The beach is lined with lounges and beach beds, both right on the beach and some are tucked under a shade of trees. Plus, there is wait staff ready to fulfill your every drink and snack need. If you are an overnight guest, there is even a special designated area for you to sit that is even more private.

Dip in the Pools

The resort has multiple pools of varying depths to enjoy, which is unique to many of the other beach clubs on the islands who typically only have one pool, or maybe even none at all. This may be one of the best features of this resort. They have sprawling pool areas lined with beach lounges and even some beach beds. One of the pools has large water sprayers that kept my kids busy while they redirected the spray to soak each other. They even have a toddler pool with various climbing features, but the equipment has seen better days, so it’s best to just enjoy the other pools. Also, be aware that all of the pools are saltwater which can sting your eyes initially, but it keeps them from turning red like from chlorine pools.

Take an Excursion if You are Staying Overnight

Isla del Encanto offers many excursions that you can experience while at their resort, including snorkeling, diving, or a trip to the aquarium in the middle of the Rosario Islands. These excursions cost extra and are paid for at the resort on the day of the visit. If you are visiting the club for only the day, I do not recommend going on an excursion. The excursions just take up such a large part of your day. You tend to arrive at the club at 10am, the excursions start at approximately 11am, you return from your excursion at about 12:30pm, then you are fed lunch and have to be back on the boat by 3pm to return to Cartagena. Going on an excursion leaves only a small part of the day to enjoy the rest of the benefits of the club. But, if you are staying for more than one day, the aquarium is pretty cool, and the snorkeling trip is good too. We don’t dive, so I cannot provide comment on that.

The resort has a spa/massage area, which my friends who visited very much recommended. A small store that sells various beach paraphernalia plus ice cream treats can be found in the area of the beach too. There are also kayaks you can borrow, a ping pong table, playground, and a volleyball court.

Eat Like a Colombian

Your day pass includes a buffet-style lunch with all the Colombian fixings including baked chicken, fried fish, coconut rice, salad, tropical fruit, and a juice, water, or soda. Seating for lunch is under a large palapa with picnic tables. If you are staying overnight, there is a special area for you with a private dining experience. Plus, the overnight stay includes lunch and dinner the first day and then breakfast and lunch the second day.

We have not stayed overnight, but recently our friends from out of town stayed the night with a toddler and said the accommodations were great. The rooms are beautiful and spacious and there is even hot water in the showers (which is very unusual for beach clubs on the Rosario Islands).

Overall, Isla del Encanto just has it all figured out. They have thought of, and attend to, your every need and those of your children too. If you are looking to spend the day, or even the night, in Barú or the Rosario Islands, especially with your kids, then this is the place to go.

Helpful Hints

Location: The very tip of the peninsula of Barú near the Rosario Islands. The resort is accessed by their own private boats that leaves the main dock in Cartagena every morning.

Cost: A day pass costs $172mil COP per adult (the adult price applies to kids over the age of 10 years). Kids aged 1 to 3 years cost $61mil COP (plus the cost of lunch, if they eat) and kids aged 4 to 10 years cost $99mil COP and this cost includes lunch. Plus, Cartagena imposes a port tax of $16.5mil COP per person. This tax can either be paid when you purchase your tickets to the resort, or you can pay it at the port when you arrive. Excursion costs are: aquarium ($30mil COP), snorkeling ($45mil COP), and scuba diving ($150mil COP). (To convert the mil COP to US Dollars, simply divide the number I provide by 3 and it is a good approximation.) I do not know the current cost to stay overnight, however, I think it is actually a better deal because the overnight cost includes four meals instead of two and those meals are at a special private dining area, you have access to a special designated area on the beach for overnight guests, and you get to spend from 9am the first day to 3pm the second day at the resort.

Dock: The boat for Isla del Encanto picks you up from the Muelle de la Bodeguita, which is the main dock in Cartagena. When you arrive at the port, you show your ticket for Isla del Encanto, enter the turnstiles at the port, check in at the Isla del Encanto podium, and wait in white plastic chairs for your boat. The resort will also pick you up from your hotel in a large tour bus and deliver you to the dock.

Hours: You are to arrive at the port by 8:00-8:15am. The boats leave the port no later than 9:00-9:15am. They actually will start sending boats to the resort once they have enough people to fill a boat. At the end of the day, the boats leave the resort at promptly 3pm to return to the dock in Cartagena.

Tour guide: On the boat you have a designated tour guide who speaks English and provides a ton of safety and other information both before you leave and once you arrive at the resort. Plus, they can provide a bit of history if they choose to stop near one of the forts on the way to the resort. The guide also provides more information once you enter the resort, and they are your general source of information if you have any questions all day.

Boat ride: Isla del Encanto has their own boats. The boats are large with individual seats and it results in one of the smoothest boat rides we’ve had yet in Cartagena. The ride to the resort from the dock is about an hour. During your ride be sure to keep an eye out for flying fish that like to swim along the boats.

Bonus: Many of the staff speak English, so it is a great place to send guests or go yourself if you speak limited Spanish.

Bring: Towels if you are going on a day pass. Overnight guests receive beach towels.

Contact: Isla del Encanto has an office in the Bocagrande area of Cartagena, right on the main street of San Martin (Carrera 2). Going to their office is likely the best way to pay, especially for a day pass. Overnight accommodations are also able to be made on booking.com. It is also possible that some hotels in town have relationships with the resort, so you may be able to pay through your hotel too, but I do not know for sure. The resort also has a website, and active Instagram and Facebook pages. Our friends attempted to contact the resort to book their stay through the website, but never heard back from the hotel after an initial contact. So, we reserved and paid for their stay at the downtown location instead.

Other beach clubs on the Rosario Islands and nearby areas to check out: Islabela, Playa Blanca, Blue Apple Beach House, Hotel Tropical Inn, and Playa Linda.

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