{"id":5829,"date":"2016-09-06T09:46:57","date_gmt":"2016-09-06T09:46:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=5829"},"modified":"2025-08-27T11:03:23","modified_gmt":"2025-08-27T18:03:23","slug":"get-7-days-colombia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/get-7-days-colombia\/","title":{"rendered":"A QUICK GUIDE TO BOGOTA & CARTAGENA"},"content":{"rendered":"

Colombia may have a reputation based on its history in the 70\u2019s, but do not let that discourage you from paying this beautiful country a visit. A seven-day trip is a perfect amount of time to get hooked on the coffee and Jugo de Maracuya and to get a true taste of Colombian culture. I promise it will leave you planning your next visit.<\/p>\n

\"Bogot\u00e1<\/p>\n

BOGOTA<\/h3>\n

The capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1, is a city that spoils you with so many things to see and do. Bogot\u00e1 is the perfect place to start your adventure through Colombia. Begin with a visit to Monserrate, the mountain that is visible from almost anywhere in the city. Take a taxi to Monserrate station (make sure the taxi is metered or confirm the price), where you can take the funicular up Cerro de Monserrate before noon, and a cable car after. If you are looking for lunch with a view, there are restaurants at the top where you can stop and admire panoramas over the city.<\/p>\n

Monserrate was where I first tried ajiaco, a traditional Colombian soup with chicken, three types of potatoes, a herb called guascas, and a full half of a corn ear. Topped with avocado, it is a very mildly flavorful soup. You can try this dish at most places in the city and it is a must!<\/p>\n

\"La-Candelaria-Bogota\"<\/p>\n

Not far from Monserrate is the neighborhood La Candelaria. Filled with beautifully colored buildings and street vendors selling woven bracelets and necklaces, La Candelaria is a gem in Bogot\u00e1. Definitely bring your camera and your pesos. You can buy beautiful woodwork furniture, woven hammocks (the splurge of my trip at only 80 pesos), and vibrant colored mochila style bags that are all over Colombia. You will never regret a trip to La Candelaria even if it just for a cup of caf\u00e9 con leche and to take in all of the liveliness of the neighbourhood.<\/p>\n

Museo del Oro<\/a> is another great stop in Bogot\u00e1. One of, if not the, biggest collections of gold and other alloys in the world, it is absolutely worth a visit. Each room has a different theme and everything is displayed with a Spanish and English description. And Bogot\u00e1 is also home to all different styles of street graffiti and has a famous Graffiti tour<\/a>, which is a great way to see the entire city of Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n

\"Bogota<\/p>\n

CARTAGENA<\/h3>\n

It is easy and affordable to catch a flight from Bogot\u00e1 to the coast of Colombia, which lead me to the walled city of Cartagena<\/a>. This historic city is home to beautiful colonial architecture and is surrounded by a thick wall that runs parallel to the ocean, built to keep pirates from sacking the city. Stepping off the plane from Bogot\u00e1, you will immediately feel the humidity and warmth of this city (this is a good place to note that you should bring sunscreen and bug spray and use it!). A quick cab ride from the airport will take you into the city. I stayed in the hip neighborhood of Getsemani<\/a>, filled with colorful homes, some of the best restaurants and nightlife, and beautiful street art.<\/p>\n

\"Cartagena-flowers\"<\/p>\n

Pay Less, Travel More eBook<\/h2>

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One of the most advantageous things about Cartagena is that you can walk through Getsemani into the Old Town and San Diego neighborhoods easily. Just walk towards the ocean and wander down the colorful streets. And most importantly, eat everything! You can grab a cup of freshly cut mangos, drink water out of a fresh coconut, or have an arepa for lunch! The ceviche in Cartagena is fresh and La Cevicheria<\/a> in San Diego was featured on No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain. Gelato for dessert (or a midday snack) is a must! A bar owner in Getsemani swore to my friend and I that he made the best mojito on the planet, and our last night in Cartagena we gave his mojitos a try, and he was not wrong.<\/p>\n

\"Cartagena-mojito\"<\/p>\n

PLAYA BLANCA<\/h3>\n

An easy day trip from Cartagena is Playa Blanca, a picturesque white sand beach with Caribbean blue water. A day trip to Playa Blanca can be booked through your hostel or hotel and usually includes lunch (which you can opt out of and eat at one of the restaurants on the beach if you prefer). Playa Blanca can be busy with tourists and people offering you everything from massages to drinks to jet boat rides. But down the beach it is more secluded, so pick up a drink in a pineapple on the way, and enjoy your own private beach!<\/p>\n

\"south<\/a><\/p>\n

TIPS WHEN VISITING COLOMBIA<\/h3>\n