Before traveling to Colombia, especially as an American, one question always comes up:
“Is it safe?”
The U.S. State Department often lists Colombia under a higher advisory category than many tourist destinations. But oversimplified ratings rarely tell the full story — and our real-life experience in Cartagena told a very different one.
I traveled with a group of 12, and at the end of the trip, I asked each traveler one question:
Did you feel unsafe?
Not a single person said yes.
What they did say:
They felt welcomed.
They felt energized.
They felt connected.
Safety in Cartagena: Perception vs. Reality
We stayed in Getsemaní, steps from the Walled City — full of color, music, and constant motion. If I had to describe Cartagena in U.S. terms, it would feel similar to Washington, D.C.:
Some blocks feel polished and tourist-forward.
Others shift in tone.
And like any major city, situational awareness matters.
Getting outside the central areas felt more uncertain to a few travelers, but none of that translated into actual risk or harm. Smart travel is the same everywhere: move intentionally, trust your instincts, stay informed.
The one drawback? The street vendors are persistent. Not unsafe — but persistent. It can be overwhelming if you’re not used to heavy street selling culture. Firm but respectful boundaries go a long way.
The Hospitality Reality: Where Colombian Culture Meets Business
Safety wasn’t our challenge.
Business culture was.
Some hospitality partners were exceptional — responsive, professional, and organized. Others, however, were painfully slow to communicate, inconsistent, and lacked accountability.
In one situation, unresolved issues at a hotel impacted members of my group and were not handled properly onsite. That resulted in me escalating concerns to my supplier.
That hotel will not be used again — not because of Colombia, but because service quality matters everywhere.
This trip reinforced a truth: every destination has standout providers and some that do not meet standard. Colombia was no exception.
Our Day-By-Day Cartagena & Tierra Bomba Experience
Day 1: Arrival + Private Welcome Experience
After arrival, we checked in and settled into our home base.
That evening, we hosted a private welcome event to officially kick things off.
The night included a guided mixology class, where guests learned to prepare traditional Colombian cocktails while mingling and laughing — the perfect icebreaker. Every guest received a welcome gift, and our official LDTG Insiders received additional personalized keepsakes tied to the destination.
It didn’t feel like “the first night.”
It felt like a reunion.
Day 2: Day of Choice — Culture or Leisure
Day two was built around freedom of experience.
Some guests spent the day at leisure, resting and recharging. Some chose a rum and chocolate tasting, while others explored the city in classic cars, riding through Cartagena as guides shared its history.
No obligation.
No pressure.
Just preference.
Day 3: Bazurto Market + Cooking Class
Bazurto Market is unfiltered Colombia.
Loud.
Real.
Alive.
We shopped like locals, learned about food sourcing, and prepared a completely traditional home-style Colombian meal. This wasn’t a tourist show — it was immersion.
Day 4: Palenque Village Experience
Palenque — the first free African town in the Americas — was powerful.
This day wasn’t about sightseeing. It was about understanding, honoring, and remembering history.
It was raw.
It was emotional.
It mattered.
Day 5: Site Inspections + Insider Spa + Salsa
We started with hotel site inspections.
Walking resort suites. Checking vibes. Asking the questions clients don’t think to ask.
Then the pace shifted.
LDTG Insiders only: a private rooftop spa party at my hotel — massages, soft resets, and views for days.
That night, we all came back together for a private salsa class.
Cartagena gave us the balance: business, pleasure, and culture in one day.
Day 6: Tierra Bomba Private Island Is an Escape
White sand.
Clear water.
Island calm.
Tierra Bomba delivered beauty without effort. It was a full exhale before our grand finale.
Day 7: Private Yacht + Island & Beach Club Finale
We boarded a private yacht and explored the Rosario Islands, visiting:
Rosario
Bora Bora
PAUÉ
Mangata
Each stop delivered a different mood — from relaxed luxury to full celebration.
That evening, we closed with a private beachfront farewell dinner exclusively for our Insiders, complete with a bonfire, orange-styled décor, sunset glow, and handcrafted farewell gifts — including handmade glasses and candles.
It was the perfect ending.
Final Word: Colombia Is Not the Story People Tell You
Colombia is layered.
It is complex.
It is warm, musical, beautiful, and alive.
It deserves context — not cancellation.
And Cartagena?
Cartagena gave us memories that lasted longer than photos.
Because of how powerful this experience was, we’re already planning our next return in December 2027 — when Christmas celebrations are in full bloom and the city transforms with lights, music, and holiday culture.
If this trip taught us anything, it’s this:
Colombia is not just a destination — it’s an experience you revisit.
