Trip Tips - Colombia Cartagena de Indias: the perfect mix of colours, music, flavours

Cartagena de Indias in Colombia is a city that truly overwhelms the senses with its rich tapestry of art, colours, food, music, and nature. My stay in this magical place was made even more special by lodging at Selina in the vibrant neighbourhood of Getsemaní. Once a working-class neighbourhood, known for its colourful colonial houses and lively atmosphere, this area is a hub for art and culture.

The streets are adorned with stunning murals created by local artists, reflecting the community's dynamic spirit. At the centre of Getsemaní is Plaza de la Trinidad, a lively square where locals and tourists gather to enjoy street performances, music, and food. This plaza is the perfect spot to soak in the neighbourhood's vibrant energy. Additionally, Getsemaní offers a variety of bars, cafes, and restaurants, making it a great place to explore Cartagena’s culinary delights.

Culinary delights and unique tasting experiences

Cartagena’s culinary scene is as colourful and diverse as its streets. My favourite local dish was the fried Pargo Rojo, a red snapper served with coconut rice—a perfect blend of savoury and sweet. Another staple on my plate was Platano, a versatile ingredient that could be fried, boiled, or baked, always adding a comforting sweetness to the meal.

One of the highlights of my trip was the coffee and wine tasting with Jhas Experiences. 

The coffee, an organic delight from Bolívar, was grown at an unusual altitude of 600 metres above sea level. Most coffee plantations thrive at higher elevations, making this a rare and intriguing find. The aroma of the coffee was delicate and fruity, a testament to its unique growing conditions.

As a wine enthusiast, I am always eager to explore traditional and authentic local wines. The wine I tried in Cartagena was made from Corozo, also known as uvas silvestres. These wild grapes are actually a type of palm fruit. Sadly, Corozo wine is becoming rare due to the increasing replacement of these palms with African palms for biodiesel production. The wine's fermentation process, carried out in amphoras buried under the soil, reminded me of ancient Georgian wine making traditions. The resulting wine had a balanced sweetness and a pleasant acidity. I purchased a bottle to age in my basement, eager to see how its flavours will evolve over the next five years.

Exotic Fruits: A New Sensory Adventure

The variety of fruits in Cartagena was astonishing. I had the chance to taste exotic fruits I had never encountered before. One standout was the Lula, which resembles a persimmon on the outside and a tomato on the inside, offering a unique blend of sweet and savoury flavours. Fresh tamarind, plucked straight from the tree, was another highlight. Its natural sweetness was incredibly refreshing and delicious.

Nature and Literature Intertwined

A visit to Tierra Bomba Island added a serene contrast to the bustling city life. This small paradise is just a short boat ride from Cartagena, and its beauty is captivating. Yellow butterflies fluttered around me, reminiscent of scenes from Gabriel Garcia Marquez's "One Hundred Years of Solitude," where these butterflies symbolise love and memory. It was enchanting to see these butterflies not only in nature but also immortalised in the vibrant wall paintings across the Getsemani streets.