More Than a Vacation, What Colombia Taught Our Family

There are trips you take because they’re easy, and then there are trips you take because they change you.

Colombia was the second kind.

We didn’t go just for the colorful streets or the warm weather, although it has both in abundance. We went curious, curious about a place that has so often been misunderstood, simplified, or reduced to headlines.

And what we found was something entirely different.

We found warmth.
We found pride.
We found people who welcomed our family with a kind of generosity that stays with you long after you’ve unpacked your bags.

This wasn’t just a spring break trip, it was a reminder of why we travel in the first place.

Getting There, Choosing What Matters

We flew direct from Fort Lauderdale into Cartagena, which meant making the three hour drive from Orlando just to catch that flight. And yes, we flew Spirit, not exactly anyone’s favorite airline. But here’s the thing, our family will always choose to save on flights if it means we can spend more on the experiences that actually shape the trip, the hotels, the excursions, the moments we’ll remember. Travel, for us, is always about prioritizing what matters most.

Tip: if you can find a direct international flight, even if it’s on a budget airline, it’s almost always worth it when traveling with kids. Fewer connections means fewer chances for delays, lost luggage, and travel day meltdowns.

This trip also came with a unique layer. We were traveling during a government shutdown, which meant TSA workers weren’t getting paid. Staffing was thin, and the security lines were unlike anything we had seen, wrapping all the way out the airport doors. Thankfully, we have TSA PreCheck, and what could have easily been a stressful start turned into a smooth one. We boarded on time, and just like that, we were on our way to Colombia.

Tip: if your family travels even once or twice a year, TSA PreCheck is one of the best investments you can make. This trip alone paid for it.

First Impressions of Cartagena

Landing in Cartagena, we were immediately met with what I can only describe as organized chaos when it came to transportation. But honestly, this is something we’ve come to expect and even feel comfortable navigating in our travels. We coordinated a ride through an app we found on Viator, and while the accommodations were a little quirky, we made it safely to our first stop, the Hilton Cartagena, where we stayed for the first three days.

Tip: I always recommend pre-arranging your airport transportation or having a plan before you land. It takes the stress out of that first chaotic moment in a new country.

We intentionally chose to stay in the city first. I always want our kids to experience the full picture of a place, not just the polished version. Our room wasn’t quite ready when we arrived, and since travel days can be unpredictable, we typically don’t over plan that first day. But this time, we booked a walking tour, one of our favorite ways to start any trip. No upfront cost, just a tip at the end, which makes it perfect for a day where timing can be uncertain.

Tip: look for walking tours that are tip-based with no upfront cost, especially on travel days. It gives you flexibility if your timing shifts.

Walking Through History

Our tour took us through the Walled City and Getsemaní, and it ended up being one of the best decisions we made. Walking tours are always our first move in a new place. They ground us, they give us context, and they help us figure out what we want to come back and explore more deeply. Colombia’s history is rich and layered, and while my girls may not fully grasp everything now, I know one day they’ll sit in a classroom and hear these stories again, and they’ll be able to say, I’ve been there. And to me, that’s a major flex.

Along the way, we stopped to watch street performers dancing traditional Colombian dances, something I will never not stop for. Cultural expression like that feels like the heartbeat of a place. Possibly also because my oldest email address has dancing queen in the name. And then, in the middle of it all, we spotted something completely unexpected. A sloth, just hanging out in the trees. One of those moments you can’t plan, and will never forget.

As the tour rolled into the evening, we got to see the city in a completely different light, literally. Cartagena at night is just as magical, maybe even more so.

We stopped for dinner and ice cream on our way back, and from that point on, getting around became part of our rhythm.

McDonald’s ice cream was definitely a highlight of the city.

For our entire time in the city, we relied on cabs. And honestly, it couldn’t have been easier. One of the best parts about staying at the Hilton was that there was always a cab waiting right outside the hotel, ready to take guests into the city center.

Color, Culture, and What Stayed With Me

Cartagena is stunning, there’s no other way to say it. The colors, the architecture, the art spilling out onto the streets and walls, it all feels alive. But what struck me most wasn’t just the beauty, it was the representation!! There were images everywhere of dark Latina women, bold, powerful, celebrated. And I realized I hadn’t seen that same level of appreciation for African heritage in other Spanish speaking countries we’ve visited. Here, it felt different. There was pride in darker skin tones. There was visibility. There was a clear honoring of identity and culture that felt deeply intentional! It moved me in a way I didn’t expect. I could have cried at the beauty!

The Mud Volcano Experience

On our second day, we did something completely new for our family, we visited the Totumo Mud Volcano. And let me just say, this is not your typical volcano experience. Instead of lava, it’s filled with thick, mineral rich mud, believed to have healing properties for the skin. The crater itself is small, but incredibly deep, and the density of the mud makes it impossible to sink. You quite literally float.

We climbed the wooden stairs, waited our turn, and stepped into what felt like a giant, warm, muddy bath.

The sensation is hard to describe. You’re weightless, suspended, unable to fully control your movement. At one point, I was just sitting there, legs floating up, completely supported by the mud. It’s strange, fascinating, and something I’ll never forget. The depth of the volcano descends to 2300 meters!

There were workers offering massages for tips, which my kids quickly declined. I, on the other hand, I took it a step further by trying the mud on my face, because if I’m there, I’m committing. Plus, your girl is down for anything that will give me a healthy glow. Well, almost anything!

After about twenty minutes, we climbed down and walked toward a nearby lagoon where women helped wash the mud off. If being touched isn’t your thing, I would recommend opting out, but it’s all part of the experience.

We were given an empanada and a drink before heading back to the bus, and while there was a moment of slight discomfort around tipping logistics, it never crossed into feeling unsafe. Just one of those real travel moments that reminds you, you’re not at home.

After feeling mud in places we never thought we’d experience, we headed back to the hotel to take a much needed shower. I will note that I made sure everyone wore suits that were already at the end of their wear. The mud is thick there was no telling if it would ruin these swimsuits for good.

We headed back into the Walled City to grab food and souvenirs, and if you have been following me for any time, you already know that I was eyeing the street art. We ate at Candé, one of the restaurants I found during my research of the trip and the food was really good. We also took a ride around the city in an old school car to see some of the further sites we couldn’t get to by foot.

Candé Restaurant

Castillo San Felipe

La India Catalina monument! Look her up!!

A Day in the Rosario Islands

On our last day in the city, we headed out to the Rosario Islands for a beach day. We had heard so much about these islands and knew we didn’t want to miss them. We rented a private guided boat for our family so we could fully customize the day, especially because not everyone in this family is eager to jump into the open ocean to snorkel, and by not everyone, I mean me. The boat was beautiful, comfortable, and exactly what we needed for the day ahead.

Tip: if you’re traveling with kids or a group, a private boat can be worth the splurge. It gives you flexibility, comfort, and the ability to tailor the experience to your family’s pace.

The ride out was about an hour and twenty minutes, and let me tell you, Dramamine saved me. The water was not calm, but it was worth every second. On the way, we passed historic forts like the Castle of San Luis de Bocachica, once used to defend Cartagena’s harbor, and even saw the abandoned mansion of Pablo Escobar.

One of our favorite stops on our tour of the islands was hanging out at the Pa’ue Beach Club. Our boat pulled up right in front and dropped us off. There was a cover and a minimum spend for each adult and child, but with lunch and a couple of drinks, the minimum was easily covered. It was the perfect place to watch the girls play in the water and relax a bit. The lunch was pretty and the drinks were yummy. There was even a staff member who kept them entertained as we watched from the shore.

The day was filled with swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and then… something I never expected.

Feeding raccoons. Yes. Raccoons. Our guides took us into a mangrove where a group of raccoons lives, and we got to feed them. It felt surreal, and slightly chaotic, especially when one of them climbed right onto our boat. We all screamed, laughed, and will absolutely never forget it.

After a full day on the water, we were completely wiped. We headed back to the hotel, skipped going out, and ordered room service instead. Exactly what we needed.

One Last Stop in the City

Before heading to our next hotel, we made one final stop in Cartagena for brunch at Nía Bakery & Cocktails, a spot I had saved from TikTok. And it did not disappoint. It was easily one of the best meals we had on the trip, one of those places you wish you could pick up and bring home with you.

Passionfruit french toast

Slowing Down at the Resort

For the last three days, we checked into the Dreams Karibana Cartagena Golf and Spa Resort, and this part of the trip was all about slowing down. No plans to leave. No agenda. Just the pool, the ocean views, and time together.

The beach was closed during our stay due to recent conditions, but honestly, we didn’t feel like we missed out. We filled our days with pool time, books, kids club, karaoke, and simple moments that felt easy and full.

Tip: building in a few slower days at the end of a trip, especially with kids, helps everyone reset before heading home. It doesn’t always have to be go, go, go.

I’ll be honest, the food wasn’t my favorite part of the resort, but the nightly entertainment made up for it. We saw another Colombian dance performance that was absolutely incredible, and those cultural moments always end up being my favorite.

There were a few things we didn’t get to do, like the Tour de Palenque, which highlights Colombia’s road to emancipation and the first free city of formerly enslaved people in the Americas. And that’s one thing I’ve learned about travel, you don’t get to do everything. But it gives you a reason to come back.

Why Colombia Meant So Much to Us

Colombia surprised us in the best possible way. It felt vibrant, welcoming, layered, and deeply human. Traveling here with our kids made it even more meaningful. They saw history not from a textbook, but from the streets. They experienced culture not as an idea, but as something living and breathing around them.
They interacted with people who may not share their language, but share their laughter, their curiosity, and their kindness. And that’s the part that matters most to me.

Because travel isn’t just about where you go, it’s about how it shapes the way you see the world. Colombia reminded us that people are not headlines. That culture deserves to be experienced, not assumed. And that when you step outside of your comfort zone, you create space for understanding!!

This trip gave us adventure, rest, laughter, and perspective. It gave us stories we’ll tell for years, and moments our kids will carry with them long after they’ve forgotten the details. And for me, it was a reminder of why we keep choosing to go.

Not because it’s easy.
But because it matters.