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Bocagrande is an upscale area of Cartagena full of tall white high-rises on a thin strip of land.
Introduction to Bocagrande
Bocagrande runs for several blocks south from the historic Old Town. It boasts some of the most expensive real estate in Colombia and exclusive residential areas with restricted access. The area is full of upscale and budget hotels, shopping, and restaurants, and ends at a quieter area called El Laguito.
Personally, I’m not a fan of Bocagrande and try to avoid it when I’m in town. To me, it’s a soulless strip of land. There’s absolutely nothing interesting about it other than a few decent restaurants and nice upscale hotels. Other than that, it lacks culture and seems to exist as a poor excuse for a beach destination. I prefer staying in the Old Town or Getsemaní, which also helps me avoid the taxi rides. Another disadvantage is having to deal with aggressive street vendors (but that’s everywhere in Cartagena!) and waving off annoying taxi drivers that run along the main streets.
The Beach
The city’s main beaches are located at Bocagrande, and they aren’t anything to write home about. They’re nothing like what you’d expect from a typical Caribbean beach. I see an overcrowded and dirty beach with brown sand and murky water. You’re better off taking a day trip to one of the many resorts on the Rosario Islands or even the chaotic Playa Blanca.
El Laguito
The southern end of Bocagrande, El Laguito, curves around a polluted lagoon and is a bit quieter than the rest of the area. It’s actually pleasant to walk on the path along the lagoon, and probably my favorite thing to do there. The Hilton Cartagena sits at the very end.
