Cartagena trip

[bogota vet1]

[This message has been edited by bogota vet1]

Which boat trip vendor you pick can make or break your day trip in Cartagena.

There are many to chose from at he docks.

Each has there own little island they go to for a day, and then return.

Isla Rosario is made up of hundreds of islands.

Some go to small islands with a lousy beach.

Also the lunch they serve is buffet style, and you think Americans are competitve at buffets, wait until you see Colombians!

Another day trip , they cooked the small pieces of meat on a grill, and as they were ready to hand them out, this caused great problems as you had to stand around for 15 minutes with pushy Colombians , and no formal line, waiting for a 1 inch piece of meat and go back into the fray for your next piece of meat.
All in all it took 1  hour of valuable time waiting, instead of enjoying the water and beach.

Also some island still have vendors decend like flies, even though
you are out in an isalnd after an hour boat ride.

But I had one trip with a girl that was tranquil, after reaching the island, a enterpriseing Colobian would take you on his small canoe to a small private island 5 minutes away for 15,000 pesos.

[cancunhound]

... in response to Cartagena trip, posted by bogota vet1 on May 6, 2003

Yup, you definitely get what you pay for in Colombia - fortunately with conversion it doesn't cost much.  When doing these types of outings, to avoid vendor hastles I simply arrange a deal with one immediately upon arrival.  I get them to bring me a personal ice chest loaded with coke, water and beer - then settle up with one payment and a tip upon departing - works like a charm!  If you enjoyed Rosario you really should check out Santa Marta and Parque Tayrona if possible - fantastic beaches and no hastles at Tayrona.