isla grande 🏝

playa libre | free beach

when i first thought about going to Colombia, i was planning to visit a friend. i met this friend when i volunteered in Cusco, Peru back in July 2016. i also visited her in Florida in October 2016, and i haven't seen her since. we've kept in touch via Instagram and chatted about me visiting her in Colombia. unfortunately, she had to return to the U.S. before i arrived because of her visa. a U.S. citizen can receive a tourist visa for 90 days for Colombia, but she was trying to get a work visa to return for longer.

sadly, i didn't get to see her, but she gave me all the inside scoop on where to stay in Cartagena and on Isla Grande. i'm so glad she recommended i stay on Isla Grande because i love being on the beach and listening to the waves wash up against the shores.

i trusted her recs so much that i didn't even read any reviews for the places i was going to. as i mentioned earlier, i was going with the flow and learning along the way, since i was visiting so many different places. i did splurge on places to stay, and i probably could've saved more money if i stayed in cheaper accommodations. she said the island has either super cheap hostels or more expensive resort hotels, and not much in between. i looked at some photos of the hostels, and i decided on the more pricier hotels. idk if it's cuz i'm getting older and i'd rather spend more money for comfort... but i probably would've been fine in the hostels too. 🙈

hotel Cocoliso

the hotel i stayed in is called Cocoliso,  and i spent 4 nights on the island. my friend's boyfriend worked at this hotel, and when i arrived he recognized me and greeted me right away! i felt safe and comfortable to be in a place where my friend recommended and knows everyone. even though the island is called Isla Grande, it is still a small island and so another reason why she recommended i stay here was because it has several amenities: diving center, pool, boat to and from Cartagena, bioluminescent lagoon, and breakfast included. i took advantage of all these amenities!!

diving in the corals

pool

hammocks

The islands are located in the Caribbean Sea, and i love being by water or any tropical place. that's where i feel most relaxed. yah, i did feed the mosquitoes, but my friend said since it is rainy season the mosquitoes come out at this time... if i visited in December or January, they wouldn't be a problem!! BUT mosquitoes always have a way of finding me... 

sunset

oh yah, one thing i didn't realize until i was on the island was that there is no hot water on the island. it makes sense since it is so hot, and that it's on a natural reserve... but it didn't sink in until i had to take those cold showers. i think i got used to them? BUT i do prefer hot showers... what a privilege. 

National Natural Park of Isla Grande

that's one of the reasons why i enjoy traveling so much... it takes me out of my comfort and routine... and forces me to think about what i normally wouldn't think about.