Valeria
Josh
Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
Why Cartagena?
Cartagena was the first Colombian city that we visited on our journey to get to know every region of the country where Val was born. This magical place has a special spot in our hearts and it’s a great honor to be able to invite you to share it with us.
Love,
Valeria & Josh
Events
Beach day
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Totally optional, totally fun!
More details to come.
Welcome cocktails
Friday, February 21, 2025
More details to come.
Ceremony & Reception
Saturday, February 22, 2025
More details to come.
TRAVEL
Flights
The local airport is Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG).
It is located 15 minutes from Cartagena's old town (walled city), where the wedding will take place. There are non-stop flights to Cartagena from the United States, but you may also find flights that pass through Bogota, the capital of Colombia, or through Panama City, Panama. For best rates, we recommend comparing flights on Google Flights.
Accommodations
Cartagena’s old town is made up of small and locally-owned boutique hotels that cannot accommodate large room blocks. Therefore, we will not be having a formal room block. Please see below for a list of quality hotel options at different price points.
If you're unsure which hotel is best for you, we can certainly let you know our thoughts! Just shoot Val and Josh a text: 561-294-2165. Please note: February is a popular month for travel to Cartagena. To avoid stress, we encourage folks who know they will be attending to book their accommodations as soon as possible, as they are expected to fill up quickly.
HOTELS
The following hotels are available through various travel websites. We recommend signing in (or creating a free account) on Booking.com to access great discounts available to those with an account.
$
Hotel Casa Antigua (Centro)
Cartagena Royal Inn 100 (San Diego)
Hotel Kartaxa (San Diego)
$$
Hotel Casona del Porvenir (Centro)
Hotel Boutique Casa Córdoba Estrella (Centro)
Hotel Boutique Casona del Colegio (Centro)
Voilá Centro Histórico (San Diego)
$$$
Sophia Hotel (Centro)
Nacar Hotel Cartagena, Curio Collection by Hilton (Centro)
Hotel Boutique Casa del Coliseo (Centro)
$$$$ (Luxury)
Charleston Santa Teresa Cartagena (Centro)
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena (San Diego)
AIRBNB & VRBO
We also encourage guests to take advantage of the beautiful colonial homes up for rent through Airbnb or Vrbo. These options are particularly great for families or groups looking to stay together.
We strongly recommend guests stay in one of the following areas:
- GETSEMANÌ - Although technically located outside the walled city, Getsemaní is a trendy neighborhood with an excellent street art scene. It's the area of choice for young travelers, artists and musicians. Getsemaní is a great option for guests who lean on the adventurous side, and those who don't mind being a 15-minute walk from from the wedding venue.
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Should I Rent a Car?
Definitely not. The wonderful thing about Cartagena is that there is no need to rent a vehicle. Everything in the walled city is within walking distance — we highly recommend exploring by foot.
Are Taxis Safe?
Taxis are safe to hail, especially from landmarks. Note that taxis in Cartagena do not have taximeters, and drivers have set fares to the most popular destinations. To make sure you are not surprised, always inquire about the fare before getting in a taxi. Taxis are generally $12,000 COP ($3-5 USD) to most spots within the walled city.
Ubers are also widely available.
FAQs
Is Colombia Safe?
Yes! Cartagena is one of the most visited and safest cities in Colombia. Like any tourist destination, don't make yourself an easy target for pickpocketing. Don’t leave your personal property unattended in public and be aware of your surroundings.
Do I Need a Passport?
Yes. To enter Colombia, your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after your travel dates. Since you are traveling to Colombia in February 2025, your passport must be valid through September 2025. American citizens do not need a visa to visit Colombia. Getting through customs/immigration is as easy as filling out this form.
WHAT IF I DON'T SPEAK SPANISH?
While Spanish is the official language of Colombia, Cartagena is a major tourist tourist destination, so you can expect to find plenty of English speakers.
WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE?
Cartagena is tropical, so you can expect it to be hot! During the day, it's usually in the high 80s and at night it drops down to the mid 70s. The key to enjoying Cartagena is to explore the streets in the morning while it's cooler, and relax by the pool in the afternoon.
WHAT DO I WEAR?
For the wedding ceremony and reception, we ask that you wear formal attire — suits & ties, floor-length gowns, fancy cocktail dresses, or elegant jumpsuits.
When exploring Cartagena, we recommend lightweight, breathable, and flowy fabrics. As for shoes, the streets in the walled city are mostly cobblestone and can be hard on the feet.
May I bring my children?
As much as we love children, our welcome drinks, ceremony and reception will be for adults only. If you would like your children to experience the magic of Cartagena, we are happy to provide you with the contact information for a local childcare provider.
What's the Currency?
The local currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). It has a very favorable exchange rate to the U.S. Dollar.
We recommend that you exchange some money at your local bank or at the airport when you arrive. There are banks, ATMs, and currency exchange stores in town. Credit cards are generally accepted, but some restaurants and small shops are cash-only. We recommend carrying cash.
SHOULD I TIP?
10% is the customary tip in Colombia. Some sit-down restaurants will automatically include the 10% fee, or they might ask you if you wish to include "el servicio." Tip tour guides at least 10%. Bargaining is limited to informal trade and services, such as markets and street stalls.
Can I Drink the Tap Water?
As foreign travelers, it's best to err on the side of caution when it comes to drinking water. Bottled water and beers (cervezas) are readily available in the area. We recommend taking probiotics one week before traveling.
What Time Does the Wedding End?
Colombian weddings last quite a bit longer than American weddings — into the early hours of the morning — and ours will be no exception.
An important Note
Those who lived through the 80’s and 90’s may remember that Colombia has a dark past — one fueled largely by American demand for cocaine.
Colombia has worked hard to overcome the devastating consequences of a painful drug war that crowded out vibrant sectors of the economy and powered political corruption, armed violence, and the decimation of rural communities. We ask that you keep this in mind when making decisions about your activities, purchases, and comments.
We have zero tolerance for sex or drug tourism.
We encourage you to support local small businesses, artisans, and street vendors, and to take advantage of the incredible natural, cultural, and culinary treasures Colombia has to offer.
Things To Do
Two things to do
Val’s Pick: Stroll along the streets and visit el Palacio de la Inquisición
Josh’s Pick: Spend an afternoon snorkeling at las Islas del Rosario
Two dishes to eat
Val’s Pick: Pargo rojo con arroz de coco y patacón (Fried red snapper with coconut rice and plaintain.)
Josh’s Pick: Arepa de huevo (Grilled cornmeal cake stuffed with fried egg. Neither its name nor its description do it justice. Trust us.)
Two Fruits to try
Val’s Pick: Lulo
Josh’s Pick: Maracuyá
Two drinks to sip
Val’s Pick: Limonada de Coco
Josh’s Pick: Licuado de Maracuyá
Five Recommendations
- Don't be afraid of the street food.
- Get a gourmet popsicle (paleta) at La Paletería.
- Visit el Castillo San Felipe de Barajas to learn about Cartagena’s history and see a real-life fortress from 1536. Opt for an English-speaking guide or an audio tour.
- If it’s a beach you’re seeking, we STRONGLY recommend that you head over to one of the nearby islands as opposed to one on the mainland. The best way to do this is by booking a day trip to one of the private beach resorts on Rosario Island or Barú. Better yet, join us on our Thursday beach day if you’re in town a little early!
- Some street vendors — especially near the clock tower plaza (La Torre de Reloj) — can be as persistent as they are friendly. A simple but firm “no, gracias!” while you keep walking should do the trick.
Guide Books to Consider
Rough Guides: The Rough Guide to Colombia
Lonely Planet: Colombia
Our Story
Valeria and josh met for the first time in 2012 on a chance encounter.
Val had signed up to volunteer for the Obama re-election campaign and was so excited to get involved in politics that she showed up to the wrong field office. Josh was the first person to greet her that day and the one who officially registered her as a full-time summer fellow.
The two lost touch after 2012, only to be reunited two years later in San Antonio, TX for the Wendy Davis gubernatorial campaign. They became best friends on the campaign, laughing their way through the Texas heat and 12-hour workdays. Two months before the election, they went on a hike to see the sunrise, which they ultimately missed because Josh insisted on stopping at Taco Cabana for a breakfast taco. Neither the taco stop nor the fact that Val fell onto a giant cactus during the hike got in the way of their first kiss.
After the campaign and a subsequent month-long road trip, Val and Josh schemed their way past logistical and geographical obstacles until they ended up together in Washington DC. In the years that followed, they graduated college, pursued work they loved, traveled all over, and collected two cats and two dogs along the way.
Ten years later, they still go out of their way for tacos.
“Andábamos sin buscarnos, pero sabiendo que andábamos para encontrarnos”
-Julio Cortázar
Gallery
