Welcome to Blue Apple – one of the best beach clubs in Cartagena!
In their own words, “Blue Apple is an independently owned boutique hotel and beach restaurant with a strong focus on fun and also on sustainable tourism.”
Here, you can relax during the week and party and dance on the weekend. Blue Apple always has live music and DJs from Friday to Sunday, whereas the weekdays are more relaxed if you’re looking for a quieter time, maybe a horse ride or simply a delicious organic lunch and some cocktails by the pool.
Included in your day pass:
Round trip transfers in shared boat (departure from Cartagena 10am or 12pm, return from Blue Apple Beach 4pm or 5:30pm) – Make sure to choose the right schedule for you!
Cartagena is a party city. Tourists and locals love the Cartagena nightlife, but with so much choice, it’s easy to miss the best cocktails. Read on for our 2024 Guide to the Best Bars in Cartagena. From the ever popular Townhouse brunch to Alquimico and El Barón, these are the Cartagena party places not to miss.
The buzzing, vibrant city of Cartagena comes alive at night. When the heat of the day cools down, a new city emerges. And part of what makes Cartagena’s nightlife so unforgettable is its many bars. Most of the best bars are located within the picturesque walled city in Cartagena. From Instagram-worthy rooftops lined with palm trees to three-storey mansions serving uniquely crafted cocktails, Cartagena’s bars are built to impress – and they don’t disappoint. If you’re wondering where to find the best bars in Cartagena, look no further. It’s been our pleasure to try out every one of the following bars to give you the best recommendations.
Do you want to make the most of your stay in Cartagena? Contact us to rent a private luxury boat with a chef, drinks, food and DJ.
Alquimico for craft cocktails
The award-winning Alquimico is a must for any trip to Cartagena. The mixologists are true artists making craft cocktails in minutes. The menu is a treat for the senses and we love how they use local flavors and ingredients, grown on their organic farm in the Colombian countryside. They frequently change their menu, always keeping it fresh!
We guarantee you’ll never have another cocktail like this one. Colombian rum infused with borojó (a locally-grown fruit also known as an aphrodisiac), anyone? If you’re into dancing, there are two ambiences to choose from. The DJ on the first and second floors plays popular Colombian tunes and throwback classics. Meanwhile, up on the rooftop, you’ll be treated to more tropical vibes. No matter what day of the week it is, Alquimico is bound to be buzzing. Get there early to avoid the inevitable queues!
If you’re in Cartagena for NYE, get tickets for Alquimico’s partyhere.
Townhouse for Brunch
If day drinking is more your vibe, we couldn’t recommend more highly the Boozy Brunch at Townhouse.
On Saturdays and Sundays, for $30 USD per person, you can have bottomless food and drink from 11am until 3pm. Yes, you heard us right. Unlimited mimosas, Bloody Marys, beers and juices, accompanied by delicious bite-sized brunch plates to help absorb the booze. Sounds like the perfect hangover cure to us!
It also helps that the Townhouse rooftop is a super cool place to hang out, with a birds-eye view over the walled city, a cute plunge pool to cool down in, and Instagram-worthy neon signs to pose next to once the fourth mimosa has kicked in.
And if the brunch is so good it turns into sunset drinks, Townhouse also offers an evening menu. The music is always spot on. It’s the perfect place to chill with friends or pre-game at the start of your night.
Cafe del Mar, Cartagena
Café del Mar Cartagena for sunset by the sea
A trip to Cartagena wouldn’t be complete without visiting the renowned Café del Mar. Perched on top of the historic city wall and boasting some of the best sunset views, Café del Mar is a great option for groups and couples alike. This Ibiza-style upscale lounge has frequent DJ live sessions playing ambient house and Balearic beats with incredible views over the walled city. We recommend getting there early, around 5pm, to grab a good seat for the sunset, which will usually be at around 6pm. Or you can hire our concierge services, and we will make a reservation for you. Alongside delicious cocktails, liquors and local & imported beers, you can enjoy fresh seafood snacks as you watch the sun sink into the Caribbean Sea.
El Barón for artisan cocktails
El Barón, once a tiny hole-in-the-wall, has recently expanded due to its popularity amongst locals and tourists alike. This award-winning Cartagena bar boasts some of the best artisan cocktails in town. It wins the prize for some of the most visually pleasing food and drinks. Enjoy people-watching from one of its outdoor tables in San Pedro Square with a Gin Basil Smash in hand. Or head indoors after dark to peruse their extensive wine menu. We absolutely love the intimacy of this bar, which seems to have it all: great coffee and food for the daytime, and unique, avant-garde cocktails at night. They even have a Cuban cigar menu, where you can match your puro to your rum, Scotch, or Cognac, and enjoy Cartagena to its fullest.
If you’re in Cartagena for NYE, get tickets for El Barón’s partyhere.
Mirador Gastro Bar for dancing with the locals
If you’re looking for somewhere to get your boogie on, look no further than El Mirador. It’s a trendy rooftop bar with privileged views overlooking the famous Clock Tower and towards bohemian Getsemani. This bar has a great mix of Colombian locals and foreigners, which means one thing: dancing is inevitable. El Mirador is an awesome place to visit on a Saturday night and share a bottle of whiskey or rum with a group of friends. Its central location means that it is easily reachable on foot from your villa in the walled city, so you and your group can walk home without needing to split a taxi.
Don’t have your villa booked yet? Contact us, and we can hook you up with the best and most exclusive properties in town.
Movich Hotel Rooftop for the best rooftop view
The Movich Hotel has made a name for itself as another one of the best sunset spots in Cartagena. The bar of this swanky hotel is located on the rooftop. It’s open to the public as well as hotel guests. Get there early for the best table and enjoy the view over the picturesque rooftops of the walled city. This bar creates a perfect chill ambience with its soft house playlists. Kick back on the comfy lounge furniture and enjoy the soft breeze bouncing off the terracotta tiles of Cartagena. If your sunset drinks leave you feeling peckish, you can enjoy Caribbean-style bites. The menu is paired perfectly with their exquisite cocktail menu.
La Movida for the best party in Cartagena
La Movida Club and Bar is where the beautiful and elite of Cartagena hang out. Often dubbed as the “best party in town”, La Movida is a fusion of old-school American Speakeasy and Latino lounge. Make sure you come dressed to impress, as the bouncers on the door may turn you away if you rock up in flip-flops and shorts. Open Wednesday to Sunday until 3am, La Movida really starts kicking off after midnight. Don’t forget to ask your Two Travel concierge to book you a VIP table, as this small joint really fills up on the weekends. La Movida Cartagena is a unique experience, so grab a Gin & Tonic, and come and party with us in its colorful courtyard.
La Jugada Club House for the cool crowd
La Jugada is one of the tallest clubs in Cartagena’s old town, with four floors in total; three inside, and a beautiful tropical rooftop terrace. If you’re seeing a trend here, you’re not wrong in thinking that rooftop bars are big in Cartagena. There’s never a dull moment in La Jugada Club House, as they like to occasionally set off fountain fireworks from the Pink Flamingo bar on the roof. Why? Because it’s Saturday night in Cartagena, what better reason do you need? Its 1920-style art deco decoration is enchanting, and the interior filled with mirrors and wrought iron is a nod to the decadence of past decades. If you were planning a night in La Movida, you should know that they are also the same owners of La Jugada. Their impeccable taste and penchant for attracting the young and beautiful crowds will soon become clear.
If you’re in Cartagena for NYE, get tickets for La Jugada’s partyhere.
51 Sky Bar for those that like heights!
The only contender from our list outside the walled city, 51 Sky Bar is a must-see on your trip to Cartagena. This bar is on the 51st floor of the Hotel Estelar Cartagena de Indias in the modern and exclusive neighborhood of Bocagrande, Cartagena’s own answer to Miami. It boasts 360° views over the modern skyscrapers, which light up impressively at night, and further on, towards the seemingly endless Caribbean Sea. Enjoy live music and light bites such as sushi and Peruvian ceviche, but stay for the cocktails, which are perfectly crafted and well-balanced. We love to get things spicy with their tequila-based cocktail, Atrevido, shaken with jalapeños and black pepper.
51 Sky Bar operates with a strict reservations policy, so make sure you book before you go. Or let our concierge do it for you, and don’t show up late to your reservation! This super modern bar will give you a new perspective on Cartagena, and is sure to take you up to dizzying heights.
Casa Cruxada, Cartagena
Casa Cruxada for any time of day or night!
If you need to escape from the salsa music and reggaeton that you will inevitably hear in the Colombian coast, head down to Casa Cruxada. Here, you can hear live DJs play minimal techno beats and deep house. This club / bar / restaurant is in an enormous, crumbling Colonial building that feels like it is coming apart at the seams, in the best way possible. Its dark ambience and far-from-flawless decor only accentuate the perfection of its menu and playlists. But Casa Cruxada in the daytime is also a sight to behold. The light illuminates what in the nighttime becomes dark nooks and crannies, revealing the stunning architecture. The Spanish owners have crafted an incredible menu that is a gastronomical treat from breakfast to dinner. This multi-faceted bar is the perfect place for dinner and drinks, and after-midnight cocktail schmoozing, and everything in between.
Find out more about the beautiful city of Cartagena, choose a villa in centro, or contact us craft a special itinerary for you and your group. We promise you’ll get the best out of the city.
More and more foreign investors are looking to buy property in Colombia. Tourism in major cities like Cartagena and Medellín is driving up demand (and prices) for vacation rental properties. So buying property in Colombia is now considered an increasingly lucrative passive investment opportunity.
But how do you buy a property in Colombia? Two Travel are not just on hand for your vacation. We also offer property purchase and management services for foreigners who want to buy a property (turnkey, remodel, plot), gain a passive income and have a place to stay in their favorite Colombian city.
Our concierge team works hand in hand with lawyers, notaries, tax and visa experts, and have partnered with property concierges, Double Double to expand our real estate offering and expertise.
Do you want to know more and get personalized advice? Fill out the form and we will contact you to guide you through the whole process.
Here’s our Guide on How to Buy Property in Colombia.
Which Colombian cities represent the best property investment opportunity?
Colombia is becoming a more and more popular tourist destination, with direct flights from the US and Europe meaning over 4.5 million people visited Colombia just before the pandemic, and as the pandemic eases, we’re seeing those tourist numbers bounce back up again.
Most tourists spend time using Cartagena and Medellín as a base to explore the Caribbean coast and the famous coffee zone. We recommend both of these cities to people looking to buy a property as a vacation rental in Colombia. And it’s easy to offer that property at a good price for rent through platforms like AirBnB.
Is the cost of property rising in Colombia?
Yes, property values in both Cartagena and Medellin are consistently on the rise. Both Cartagena and Medellin present vibrant economies and real estate continues to show strong and consistent growth, with prices rising in both cities as they become increasingly popular tourist destinations.
Expect to pay at least $600 million pesos ($160,000 USD) for properties in the tourist zones of Bocagrande in Cartagena or El Poblado in Medellín. However, the demand for vacation rentals is high, especially during the high seasons, where you can expect to charge higher rates for accommodation in sought after locations like these. You can expect upwards of 10% return on investment if you manage and market your property well.
How do I find a property to buy in Colombia?
If you’ve visited Colombia, you no doubt fell in love with the warmth of the people and the weather. Many investors buy property having visited as tourists initially. We recommend that you visit the areas you’re interested in, and then talk to a property concierge like us to help you find a property that meets your needs.
Online property listings sites are not great in Colombia, and you’ll often find out-of-date information on these websites. Partnering with a property concierge is highly recommended, so you find properties as they come onto the market, especially in competitive locations like Cartagena and Medellín.
Once we’ve helped you find the investment property of your dreams, we can guide you through the process and be on hand to negotiate the best deal for you, even if you’re not physically in Colombia at the time of the sale.
Do you want to have access to the best property recommendations by city? Leave us your information below and we will help you in a personalized and secure way during the whole process. Your investment in Colombia is getting closer!
Do I need to speak Spanish to buy property in Colombia?
Speaking Spanish is very advantageous when doing business in Colombia, but we always recommend working with a bilingual guide and lawyer when buying property. Contracts and legal processes can be difficult to understand if you’re not fluent and a specialist in Colombian property law. The lawyers that we work with are trusted experts when it comes to foreign investment in property.
Do I need a visa to buy property in Colombia?
No, you do not. But you may be eligible for a Colombian investment visa through the purchase of a property.
What else do I need to know to buy property in Colombia?
The purchase process often moves very quickly. You could find a property and close the sale in as little as one week! Location is extremely important, and you should always ensure the legal checks on the land titles and construction rights are completed correctly. We can also advise you on requirements needed for renovation and remodelling.
The purchasing process in Colombia is completely different from many other countries. There is no title insurance and there is no Escrow. Our attorneys know the real estate laws and will do all the title and background checks to make sure the paperwork is in proper order before any contracts are signed.
You’ll need to pay some taxes and fees when purchasing property in Colombia. The fees usually amount to 1.65% of the property value. We will always inform you of all the fees involved.
There’s more information about our property purchase and property management services here, or contact us for an initial consultation. We’re on hand to help you buy and manage your property in Colombia.
Our Medellín City Tour gives you the chance to explore Medellín in a way that’s tailored to your interests. Spend the day exploring the sites and let us know in advance what interests you most – history, art, food and drink, nature, music, or a combination! Medellín is a thriving city with a fascinating history. Visit the famous Plaza Botero to see the incredible sculptures of famous artist, Fernando Botero. Take a cable car up to Parque Arvi, or a trip to the Botanical Gardens, if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Medellín. Or taste some of the local foods at the huge market at Plaza Minorista, and get away from the well trodden tourist areas. This city tour can be extended into the evening to visit some excellent bars, where you can enjoy a few cocktails too. Just get in touch and let us know what kind of tour you’d like, and we’ll help you explore the city of Medellín.
Comuna 13 is one of the most colorful districts in Medellín. It’s a must-see place for anyone visiting the city. We will take you on the famous escalators up to the barrio of Comuna 13. Here, you’ll learn about the history and regeneration of this area. You’ll be able to take in the vibrant art and atmosphere of the streets. Comuna 13 is not to be missed and is a shining example of the positive changes seen across the city of Medellín. Be ready to see some fantastic street art, inspired by this area’s history and often created by local residents. From the hill, you’ll have great views across the city. And there will be time to visit interesting shops, cafés and take a slide for the more adventurous on the way down!
Gautape is one of the most beautiful (and colorful) towns in Antioquia. It’s home to the famous Piedra de Peñol – a huge stone mountain, that offers incredible views over the lakes in the area. We’ll pick you up in a luxury van, and you’ll spend the day taking in the amazing scenery. Take a boat onto the lake, climb the 740 steps to the top of the mountain (it’s a great work out), or enjoy the scenery from a helicopter – you decide! After a delicious lunch, you’ll have time to walk the gorgeous streets of the town, lined with colorful houses depicting life in this part of Colombia. We’ll drive you back to Medellín in time for a night out – just tell us where you want to go and we’ll organize the reservations and transfer.
Colombia’s coffee is prized across the globe and the Coffee Triangle outside Medellín is the best place in the country to see how coffee is grown and processed. This day trip takes you to one of the best coffee farms in the region. Walk through the organic coffee plantations and learn how coffee is grown, harvested, dried and ground. As well as the coffee plantation, the farm has bee hives and raises animals. Take the coffee tasting experience, before exploring a little further on a horse ride through the property. This day trip is one not to be missed!
Channel your inner adventurer! What better way to see Colombia’s coffee triangle than by air? Go paragliding in Colombia for the day, and soar like an eagle over the coffee farms and countryside just 30 minutes drive from Medellín. This day trip paragliding is perfect for groups, and especially popular among bachelor parties.
Whether you’re taking a short trip or an extended visit, you’ll need a place to stay in Medellín. These five Medellín neighborhoods provide some enjoyable options for your stay! Each of these districts have thriving Airbnb communities. Two Travel works with a number of homes and villas across Medellin, so do get in touch to see what’s available. Airbnb’s are an extremely safe option for your stay, and they’ll also give you an opportunity to meet your host and experience the culture a little more fully!
El Poblado
El Poblado is well known as the most trendy and tourist-friendly district in Medellin. Here you’ll find safe streets, an active nightlife, world-class dining, and premium shopping. If you choose to stay in El Poblado, you can pick from a large selection of luxury hotels and conveniently eat at some of the finest restaurants in the city!
Laureles
A quiet and residential neighborhood, Laureles is an excellent option for first time visitors to Medellin or for those traveling with children. Here you’ll find safe, quiet streets, proximity to parks and public transportation, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Belén
Belén is considered one of the trendier neighborhoods of Medellin. Traditionally home to the working class, this district boasts strong local vibes, relatively quiet streets, a slightly edgy atmosphere, and affordable accommodations. While Belén used to be considered somewhat unsafe, it has seen an increase in popularity and safety, and is now one of the most desirable locations for visitors.
El Centro
While you won’t want to wander around El Centro alone by night, staying in the downtown district puts you in close proximity to some of the best attractions and restaurants Medellin has to offer. It’s safe to walk around during the daytime, but we recommend taking a taxi if you’re there after dark.
Envigado
Envigado is the best place to stay if you want to experience some authentic Colombian culture. Located just outside of Medellin, this quiet town has managed to preserve a small neighborhood feel and local character. While you won’t find luxury accommodations or fine dining in Envigado, the city itself is so full of traditional charm that it more than compensates for any lack of glamour and glitz! It’s also one of the safest communities in the Medellin area.
If you’re planning a trip to Medellín and need some help finding accommodation or tours, get in touch. Our local concierge team can get you great prices and unique experiences.
There is no better way to end the day in Tulum than to watch the golden sun sink into the Tulum jungle. Tulum faces east, so the only way to watch the sunset is to put yourself high above the jungle that stretches to the West. Gather at the coolest places in Tulum to watch shades of bright cerise pink and burnt orange spread across the sky as the sun sets.
Read on for Two Travel’s best Tulum Instagram sunset spots picture-perfect for your Instagram feed! And if you want to take the most out of your Tulum stay contact us!
Mateo’s Mexican Grill and Bar
Watch the sunset at the incredible sunset spot of Mateo’s Mexican grill and bar, located at the south end of Tulum Beach Road. Mateo’s has its very own sunset lounge built high above the treetops. Head to the two-level platform with hammocks, squishy sofas, and cosy nooks, including yummy food and fruity tequilas, live music, great service and an electric atmosphere.
Ciel Rose
If you are looking for 360º views of Tulum, plus amazing food and drinks with the bonus of a spectacular sunset, you’ve found it… welcome to Ciel Rosé translated as ‘pink sky’. As you are dazzled by the glorious Mexican sunset, be sure to try the pulpo (octopus), tuna ceviche tostada, washed down with a punchy margarita, and a side of zesty guacamole.
Enjoy the most spectacular sunsets in Tulum at Ciel Rose, the cosy top of the Mayan Jungle just a few steps from the beach. Located in the back of Puro Corazón restaurant, you can literally climb a stairway to the sky to spend a memorable evening with family and friends.
Azulik
Welcome to the luxurious tree house for adults, an eco-friendly hotel with a boho lux design. For evening drinks, move to the upper floor bar where the Alice In Wonderland world awaits. A maze of handmade wooden paths twist and turn in between the treetops. Push your way through wooden hobbit style doors that open up to rooms finished with polished concrete floors and walls. Step outside into the jungle and sit in the huge ‘bird’s’ nest filled with cushions: the perfect place to gaze at the Mexican sunset, cocktail in hand.
Azulik is located between the Mayan jungle and the beautiful turquoise waters of Tulum, this place will literally take your breath away from the moment you arrive.
It’s a unique, but expensive expensive like no other in Tulum, and we highly recommend sunset drinks here. This hotel is popular and booking is always recommended to avoid disappointment. Two Travel can help you with that ,-)
Tulum’s Daytime Instagram Hotspots
Make sure you don’t miss any of these daytime Instagram hotspots in Tulum. Read on for Two Travel’s top recommendations. We recommend arriving by 7-7:30AM to avoid the crowds.
Follow that Dream in Tulum
Follow that Dream sign
It’s safe to say that this is easily one of the most Instagrammable places in Tulum. There is something about this random sign on the side of the road that just screams Instagram. The Follow That Dream sign is located on the Tulum Beach Road, just in front of Lolita boutique.
Ahau Tulum
Ahau Tulum is a hotel in Tulum that has the most stunning hotel entrance, a piece of art from Daniel Popper. It is a wooden sculpture of a woman who also created the beautiful and equally instagrammable structure Ven a la Luz.
Ven a la Luz (Ahau)
Probably the most famous and popular Instagram hotspot judging by the crazy long line of girls perfecting their pose ready for their turn. A spectacular 10-meter-tall sculpture made with steel, wood, rope and greenery. Commissioned for the first Art with Me event in Tulum in 2018, the event was created to raise awareness of the sensitive ecosystem of Tulum and symbolizes our deep connection with nature. It was designed as the entrance into the pavilion area of the festival and in 2019, it was decided that the structure would be a permanent feature to the entrance of the hotel, AHAU Tulum.
Matcha Mama
Matcha Mama is one of the great places to visit in Tulum, not to mention one of the best Instagram spots. This roadside stand serves some of the best acai bowls in Tulum, topped with lots of berries and granola. Relax on the swing with your iced matcha for the perfect shot!
Casa Malca Swing
Casa Malca is a mansion previously owned by Pablo Escobar. For a classic Instagram shot, you will find the very unusual sight of a swinging sofa hanging from the ceiling located in the “lobby” of the now hotel.
Be prepared to pay for the privilege, $25 USD or buy a fancy cocktail to add to the experience.
Selina Tulum
Another instagrammable hotel entrance is the entrance to Selina Tulum. It is just a couple steps away from the other Instagram famous spots in Tulum and it’s a great place to take a photo. The circular wooden design is a great photo opportunity to snap it up and add it to your Instagram grid!
Vagalume Beach club
The most instagrammable place at Vagalume Hotel, is the wooden bridge over the outdoor pool. Why so special you ask? The bridge is held by 2 giant concrete hand structures. The bridge leads from the indoor area to the beach and has a beautiful ocean view, making for a great photo spot. The unique design and beach access attracts many tourists! A mix of Bali and Morrocon design, you will find cosy areas adorned with patterned rugs and wooden macramé’s.
I scream Bar
For the best vegan ice cream make a stop here at the ‘I scream bar’, directly opposite the Vagalume beach club. You can’t miss it with the turquoise tuk-tuk that serves as an ice cream van and the upside down cars that hang in the air above the bar.
If you enjoyed these recommendations, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for more inspiration for your next trip to Tulum or Cartagena. And get in touch if you need help in building your journey.
