READING B.1.1(fifth week)

Read the following mails which talk about Santa Marta and Cartagena you can look for more information about these cities
afrincon
Dallas
1 forum post

17 August 2008, 13:11
Hello... so I am planning a family vacation. We are all from Colombia but now live in the states and really want to go back to enjoy the beaches of Colombia. I went to both places when I was little but really can't remember much of either place... and I am sure both cities have grown and changed much in the last 20 years. So right now, I am trying to debate which city to go to... or maybe we go to both... but where should we stay longer? where are the beaches nicer? how is the transportation from Cartagena to Santa Marta? is it safe? Is it better to get a taxi or rent a car? anyway... I know I have lots of questions... but if anyone out there can give me some advice ... I would greatly appreciate it.
It is hard to plan a family vacation... I should mention that my mother needs oxygen most of the time... which city is less polluted? Thanks a million!

LBobbett
Las Vegas
1 forum post

4. Re: Cartagena vs. Santa Marta
25 September 2008, 10:25
Hello afrincon,
I have visited both Santa Marta and Cartagena and have just recently come back from the latter. Both are extremely beautiful and yes Parque Tayrona that is near to Santa Marta is so amazing BUT I see that with your mother it would be difficult to travel through difficult terrain such as jungle. Other than that National Park, Santa Marta is quite ordinary and so I think Cartagena all in all would be better because it has something for the whole family.
Having come back from Cartagena and visiting it for the second time I think I might have a recommendation for you. From Cartagena there are a group of islands called Islas del Rosario that everybody knows but a friend of mine recommended I visit a lesser known group of islands called Las Islas de San Bernardo. I went to visit this island; anotherworlduk.com/luxury/…islamucura.htm Isla Mucura and the service was excellent.
The island is pristine with perfect beaches and shallow water which was very safe for my 5 year old to play in and the accommodation was excellent. Most nights we mingled with other guests in the bar area and watched the sun go down. The other benefit I was thinking about was that on the island, although very hot under the Caribbean sun, there is a breeze that helps to cool you down a little while you're there and the air is a lot fresher and unpolluted which I know would help your mother.
I am thinking it would be a good idea to enjoy a bit of time in Cartagena then take the short hop across to Isla Mucura and enjoy some relaxation with your family there.
I hope this help :)
Lee


I'll be in Colombia in November and have the good fortunes of having a personal driver while in Bogota and the surrounding area (I plan on going to Villa de Leyva on a side trip). However, I'm interested in flying up to the coast but haven't decided on where yet. Any suggestions on either Cartagena or Santa Marta? Are both equally beautiful with nice beaches or is there a big difference? Also, would it be feasible to take a bus between the two if I wanted to see both cities? I'll only be on the coast for 3 days. I've never been to Colombia so I'm really looking forward to it! Thanks for your help.