Why Cartagena Belongs on Solo Female Traveler’s Bucket List

My solo trip to Cartagena was absolutely incredible. Honestly, I don’t have a single negative thing to say about it. When I told people I was traveling there alone, many thought I was crazy because of Colombia’s reputation. Drugs, violence, all the usual stereotypes came up in conversation. But thankfully, that was not my experience at all.

I would give Cartagena a solid 10 out of 10. Except for one thing... Keep reading to find out what it is.

I was initially drawn to Cartagena because of the presence of a lot of Afro-descendants. I wanted to learn more about the local history and explore the similarities it has with several West African countries, including Guinea-Bissau. And of course, Cartagena is a coastal city, it touches the Caribbean sea, which meant that I would get to swim in it for the very first time. That alone made the trip feel special.

Palenke kreole - Mural

As a dancer, salsa was always going to be a big part of my journey. During my travel research, I found a dance school close to my hostel that offered classes, which made me even more excited. Being able to connect with the culture through dance felt like the perfect way to experience the city.

Fashion was another aspect I was really looking forward to. I have always admired Colombian women for their elegance and sense of style, and Cartagena did not disappoint.

My SWIF Travel Criteria: Does Cartagena Pass the Test?

Whenever I plan a trip as a solo female traveler, there are a few non-negotiable factors I always consider. If a destination doesn’t meet these criteria, I simply won’t go. I call it the SWIF: Security, Weather, Internet, and Food. Cartagena passed the test easily, but let’s break it down.

Security

I felt very safe in Cartagena. That said, I’m also a conscious traveler. I don’t wear flashy jewelry or constantly pull out my smartphone. I actually travel with a cheaper phone so that if it gets lost or stolen, it’s not a disaster.

I stayed in a central area of the city and felt comfortable walking alone both during the day and at night. When coming home in the evening, I often walked back by myself without any issues. If you walk with purpose and remain aware of your surroundings, it’s easy to blend in.

Weather (and Mosquitoes)

I traveled to Cartagena in September, and the weather was great. It was sometimes cloudy but always hot, which I loved. I only experienced one heavy rainy day. The streets were flooded that evening, making it difficult to move around the city (taxi drivers definitely made a lot of money that night). By the next morning, everything was cleared, so the rain didn’t disrupt my trip.

I also include mosquitoes in my weather assessment since they often come with rainy seasons. Not surprisingly, I had no issues in Cartagena. I didn’t need a mosquito net, and they were barely noticeable. The real essential here is sunscreen. The sun is intense, so you will absolutely need sunscreen, plus a hat.

Internet

The internet in Cartagena was very reliable. If you’re a digital nomad or planning to work remotely while traveling, you can confidently add Cartagena to your list. I didn’t experience any power outages or connectivity issues during my stay.

Food

The food in Colombia was amazing. I tried street food, restaurant meals, and had fresh fruits daily. The fruits alone deserves a mention. Every morning at my hotel, they served a variety of fruits, and everything was incredibly sweet and flavorful. Nothing tasted bland or bitter like the exotic fruits you can buy in North America. I genuinely loved the food scene. Mind you, I had the Typhoid vaccine: you might want to consider that if you want to drink the delicious cocktails (ice) and eat the street food.

The One Disappointment: Cartagena’s Beaches

There was only one thing that disappointed me during my stay, and it was the beach situation. Cartagena itself doesn’t really have beaches. The city is a major port, so while you’ll see beautiful boats along the coast, you won’t find the kind of beaches you might expect.

Cartagena's coast

If you’re looking for a relaxing beach day, you’ll need to leave the city and visit one of the nearby islands. In my next article, I’ll share exactly where to go to find the best local beaches around Cartagena.