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Colombia has been one of the trendiest destinations of 2024.
Travelers have been flocking to this South American country in record numbers, lured by affordable prices, beautiful scenery, and vibrant cities.
There’s one city in particular that should be at the top of your travel bucket list — Cartagena.
Cartagena, Colombia is the perfect destination to visit this winter. This gorgeous, colorful city provides the perfect blend of history, culture, and beaches. It was recently named one of the best places to go in 2024 by Travel + Leisure.
Here’s why you should plan a trip to Cartagena this winter.
History, Culture, And Beaches
Cartagena is a unique destination because it offers a great mix of history, culture, and beaches. The city is located right on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, and its strategic location means that it was an important port for hundreds of years.
In the walled old town of Cartagena, you’ll be amazed by the colorful colonial buildings, cobblestoned streets, historic churches, and fortified city walls.
There’s a lot to explore for travelers interested in history and culture. It’s also a great destination for foodies — you can try delicious local street food and fresh fish in Cartagena.
But in addition to the history and culture, Cartagena is also a great beach destination. Outside the old town, you’ll find beaches in the modern Bocagrande district.
However, the best beaches are a boat ride away from Cartagena. I recommend visiting the Islas Rosarios, an epic day trip from Cartagena with the most beautiful Caribbean beaches.
Caribbean Vibes For A Lower Price
Traveling to the Caribbean can be expensive. Most travelers don’t think of South America when they think of the Caribbean, but Colombia’s coast is indeed part of the Caribbean. You can definitely see, taste, and feel the Caribbean influence on Cartagena.
Colombia is one of the cheapest destinations in Latin America, so visiting Cartagena is a great way to get a taste of the Caribbean without breaking the bank.
To save money, consider staying outside the old town (the artsy Getsemani neighborhood just outside the city walls is a great choice) and eating local food instead of the pricier tourist restaurants.
Getting to Cartagena is also affordable. The budget carrier Spirit Airlines offers nonstop flights to Cartagena from Orlando, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale. There are also nonstop flights from Atlanta on Delta and New York on JetBlue and Avianca.
This makes Cartagena one of the best tropical destinations in Colombia if you’re looking for Caribbean vibes and culture.
Great For Solo Travelers
Another reason to visit Cartagena this winter? It’s great for solo travelers!
Many destinations in the Caribbean are not solo traveler-friendly, but Cartagena definitely is. There are tons of social hostels where solo travelers can stay, and if hostels aren’t your style, you can meet other travelers by doing activities like walking tours, cooking classes, or a boat trip.
Cartagena is also one of the best destinations in Colombia for solo female travelers because it’s one of the safest cities in the country.
Winter Has The Best Weather
Finally, winter is a great time to visit Cartagena because of the weather!
Cartagena has a year-round tropical climate, and there’s very little temperature variation throughout the year. Typically, the daily high is around 89° F, and the low is around 79° F. However, during the winter, it can be a couple of degrees cooler so it’s not quite as sweltering hot.
December through April is also considered the “dry season” in Cartagena. This means you’ll have sunnier weather with less rain. Additionally, it’s not as humid during the winter.
This makes winter the best time to visit by far — the weather in Cartagena can be oppressively hot and muggy during the summer, but winter is perfect!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Melissa Saxon
Monday 8th of January 2024
Visited in 2019, felt just as safe or safer than I do in American cities. Has it changed since then? Food and drink amazing and very affordable, people very friendly and honest.
Shannon
Tuesday 2nd of January 2024
Just went to Cartagena, coming back from a cruise now 3 Jan back to Fort Lauderdale. Cartegena is dangerous and you MUST travel in a group and in the daylight. We had a taxi driver who took us from the port and all the places we wanted to go, his name is Fernando. Nice guy. But travel in a group and in the day time. I got great pics.
Daniel Rodd
Tuesday 2nd of January 2024
The clickbait picture is way too filtered to measure the reality of Cartagena, second, did you hear about the latest Canadian who go stolen 4 thousand dollars there, as a resident of Bogota, I can tell you everybody hates Cartagena because of how expensive it is, how criminal it is and the severe headache you get wheb stepping foot there, you are better off traveling to Panama, Cancun, the Bahamas or any other part of the Caribbean including of course El salvador. It's not worth it, they will 1000x the normal price of a fish dish, a very dishonest scammy destination
Dorsey
Monday 1st of January 2024
You speak of Caribbean culture when it's actually Africa culture.
Vince
Thursday 4th of January 2024
@Dorsey, You must be trolling! 😂🤣
Doog
Tuesday 2nd of January 2024
@Dorsey, you must be one of those racists who really has no idea of history nor the pride that afro caribbeans have.
Jamie Romano
Tuesday 2nd of January 2024
@Dorsey, only in part. Cartagena's people are definitely influenced by African culture. To that you have to add 3000 years of indigenous cultures and 500 years of Spanish culture.
Cree
Monday 1st of January 2024
Was there 12/23. All of us female, black,and spoke little spanish. Had an amazing time despite circumstances with our airline misplacing our luggage (on the American side). Food at all locations were amazing, beautiful, and people were more than nice. Even when walking around looking like tourists. All places have bad sides, but we were aware of our surroundings and did not feel unsafe while there. It also is hot and humid there alllllll the time, but we got used to it and kept water handy. If you go have fun, be safe, y aprende un poco español.
Jamie Romano
Tuesday 2nd of January 2024
@Cree, Totally agree. I have felt unsafe in Miami, New York and South Chicago but not here.