7 Romantic Ways to Experience Love in Cartagena, Colombia
Gabriel García Márquez's Love in the Time of Cholera captivates romantics worldwide. Though the Nobel Prize winner never revealed its exact setting, his former home of Cartagena on Colombia's Caribbean coast is widely believed to be the inspiration. Wander the old city's cobblestone streets on a warm evening—ideally hand-in-hand with your loved one—to understand why.
Stepping inside Cartagena de Indias' seaside ramparts feels like traveling back centuries, surrounded by vibrant colonial architecture. Yet reaching this enchanting city is effortless: Delta offers nonstop flights from Atlanta in under five hours.*
Here's your expert guide to romantic must-dos upon arrival.
Trot Around Town
Horse-drawn carriages, or coches, date back to the 16th century in Cartagena. Board one for a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed old town, where drivers share historical insights. Evening rides are magical, with ochre facades, bougainvillea balconies, and plazas glowing in golden light. Don't miss the stunning Cathedral de San Pedro Claver under the stars.
Take a Beach Break
The Rosario Islands' powdery beaches and lush palms spark instant romance. Dive beneath the crystal-clear waters to discover vibrant coral forests and over 500 fish species in this protected national park. Whether scuba diving or snorkeling with your partner, it's unforgettable.
Join a scheduled boat from Cartagena for about $50 per person, or charter your own for under an hour's sail. Romantic accommodations await if you extend your stay.
Catch the Sunset
Perch on the Old City walls as the sun melts into the sea. Grab fresh limeade or coco frío (chilled coconut water) from a street vendor for the perfect pairing.
Vary it up at Plaza Bocagrande's third-floor views with dining, Cafe del Mar's music and cocktails, or a sunset cruise in Cartagena Bay.
Dance into the Night
Dancing spills onto Cartagena's streets. Sip aguardiente—anise liqueur—to loosen up, then join in salsa, vallenato, cumbia, champeta, pachanga, or bachata.
Prep with a couples' lesson at Crazy Salsa, then practice at the bar. Iconic spots: Cafe Havana for live music and Quiebra-Canto for salsa with locals and visitors. Bazurto Social Club hosts all-night champeta parties.
Eat Everything
Cartagena's cuisine fuses Spanish, African, and indigenous flavors: fresh seafood, tropical fruits, coconuts, cornmeal, cheese, rice, eggs, garlic, and onions.
If food is the path to the heart, Cartagena is the express route. Must-tries: Bazurto Market's arepas de huevos; La Palettería's lulo and tamarind popsicles; Carmen's crab cakes with plantain; La Cevichería's ceviche (a Bourdain favorite). Spot palenqueras in colorful polleras selling fruit.
Indulge in world-class Colombian chocolate at the Choco Museum or El Portal de los Dulces' alegrias, cocadas, and tamarind sweets.
Pop the Question or Tie the Knot
Cartagena's "amethyst afternoons and nights of antic breezes," as García Márquez wrote, inspire proposals—especially from the old city walls at sunset. Agencies assist with planning.
Weddings thrive here, from colonial churches to boutique hotels like 16th-century Casa Pombo. Proximity enables seamless "weddingmoons."
Pamper Yourselves
After exploring, unwind with couples' spa treatments. Sofitel Santa Clara's massages excel; Aurum Spa at Casa San Agustin offers a hammam with coffee, volcanic mud, and tobacco scrub. You'll vow to return together.
Ready to Go?
Book your Delta flight or vacation package to Cartagena for the ultimate romantic escape.
Offers subject to change; restrictions may apply. *Flight routings subject to change.
