Cartagena Travel Guide on www.thedanareneeway.com

you can find paella on just about every menu. the word derives from patella, the Latin word for pan. generally, paella consist of rice and meat cooked over an open fire in a shallow metal or clay pan.

traditionally, it’s a valencian dish, but it comes in many forms and fashions depending on what country and / or region you’re in. You should absolutely treat yourself to healthy, guilt-free serving of carbs and seafood while you’re in the country.

a perfect lowkey outing if you’re looking for something to do during the day (especially if the you’re trying to recover from last night’s turn up). most of the birds are in a “zoo” setting, but many are not—which makes for great up close pictures (if you’re not scared of birds).

the most popular exhibit is the North American flamingos.

the ticket is about 35000 Colombian Pesos (about $12 US Dollars), and there is a discount if you present a student ID. the ride to the Aviary from Cartagena is about 40 minutes. it is easiest to book through a tour company and have them drive you, wait for you there during your visit, and drive you back to Cartagena.

afterwards, we enjoyed lunch on the beach at Playa Blanca, which is very close to the Aviary.

treat yourself (us millennials are so good at this) to a day-long get away at a beautiful Colombian Beach Club, where there are fruity drinks, cheap hotel-grade massages, and beach-side cabanas.

I recommend Blue Apple Beach House, but there are many more to choose from. There is usually a set price per person (we paid about $25 USD), and a minimum each person is required to spend in food and drinks.

several tour companies offer an ‘island hopping’ package for a set price. there a also many locals that own boats and essentially run their own business by taking people Island hopping. you can easily negotiate this upon arrival, but use your best judgment! either way, the Rosario Islands have the best beaches that Cartagena has to offer—do not miss this.

the castle lies in the middle of Cartagena and dates back to the Colonial era. Castillo San Felipe makes for beautiful pictures, especially if you want to show your parents that you went to Colombia to do more than party. entry was 25 Colombian pesos.

two things you can find in Cartagena at any given moment – on the street and fresh out of the tree.

BATHE IN THE EL TOTUMO MUD VOLCANO

open your mind a little and take a dip in the natural mud volcano in El Tutumo. the drive to the volcano is about 30-40 minutes from Cartagena. again, you can book a taxi or go with a tour company, like Cartagena Connections.

once there, you strip down to your bathing suit and head to the volcano barefoot. you come out covered in mud. a group of women are ready to bathe you (yes, I said bathe you) before heading back to the changing room.

it’s a very unique (and slightly invasive) experience, and very specific to Cartagena. so, if you’re up for new things, definitely add this to your list.

visit during the day to take beautiful pictures of the street art and colorful doors. stroll by Plaza de Santísima Trinidad where you’ll see the center of the neighborhood, home to a big bright yellow church.

at night, Getsemaní comes to life. grab a bite to eat while watching street performers over the balcony, and head to Cafe Havana or the Bazurto Social Club for some dancing.