Cartagena surprised me completely on this trip to Colombia

I went to Colombia with modest expectations and left completely won over, largely thanks to time spent in Cartagena. The city has a pace and character that travel guides undersell. Found a great spot for Colombian coffee on day two and went back every day after that.

Coffee Region was the big planned experience and delivered as expected. But it was Cartagena is one of the Americas' most beautiful cities that became the unexpected highlight — something I stumbled across rather than planned. 17 days was just right for getting below the surface without rushing.