Best Solo Birthday Trip Location : Cartagena

Did you know that the first time I went to Cartagena was ALONE? Yep and it was one of the best trips that I have ever had! 6 days in the most beautiful location, the most welcoming and one of the most affordable. I will literally suggest Cartagena for any and every kind of trip as you see I have another blog post about it AND I've planned countless trips for other people here. So let's take a look at my solo birthday trip.

Budget and Price Breakdown

6 days , 5 nights

Flights -

• MCO - CTG Roundtrip $111

Lodgings -

• 6 days waterfront - $340

• 2 nights private island $210

Excursions - $300

Transportation - $150

Food - $200

Shopping - $200

Total - $1511

Nautical Highrise AirBNB

I couldn't have selected a better place to stay on this solo trip. It's in an exclusive building in the newer part of the city. Located in a highrise complete with door man, infinity pool and right off the military base. I felt safe for going solo. Seeing the same door man, receptionist every time I left and came back felt profoundly comforting. Traveling to another country whose first language isn't English was grounding and necessary. The space was comfortable, right by the grocery store, far enough away from the partying that you can get some rest but close enough that you can get there within 6 minutes. It was the perfect pick. They had flowers waiting for me in my room even! I highly recommend staying here.

Eteka Slow Beach

I kept my AirBNB during the time I was whisked away to Tierra Bomba. A private beach just 10 minutes away by private boat with your own private butler. Eteka Slow Beach is exactly what it's called...a slow beach. They only have the space for 40 people on the island at any given time and I swear I only saw 2 other people when I was there. I felt all my stress melt away when I stepped off the small boat and was handed a welcome cocktail. All your food is included and you can add massages a la carte. I had the lavender massage and ate downstairs for lunch and dinner every night. I ate breakfast in my room and ordered one of everything because well....why not? It was my birthday! 🥳 Every level of care was tedious and detailed. I loved it , every minute. The grounds are beautiful and the beach is so quiet. Really worth the stay.

Palenque

The first free African country in the Americas. Palenque felt like home. With a mix of African and Spanish infused culture this township was founded by Benkos Bioho. This was a full day trip to the countryside and it was one of the highlights of my trip. The town was established by runaway slaves and they have been free ever since. I got to dance, eat the best food and visit the entire township. It was a full cultural immersion. Absolutely worth going for the entire day. Be sure to book with the link above as it's owned and operated by people who are from the town.

Birthday Photoshoot

I am an avid memory maker! And that should be photographed. I almost always schedule a photoshoot for my trips. Sometimes you can't capture trips the way that someone from the city can. Karmen was the absolute best photographer that I've had when traveling. She spent well over 3 hours taking me around the city to get content. She also took me to breakfast and showed me the best locations for food.

Final Thoughts

Other things I did: Horseback riding on the beach, yoga on the beach, dinner at Agua De Leon, shopping in the Walled City, making friends with my driver (seriously I've used his services every time I go and for my clients), and going for a private city tour. I had the time of my life bringing in my birthday solo. Highly recommend visiting this country solo. I was out at night and felt safe and in the daytime. Super easy to navigate!