Cartagena Day Trip: Aviary & Enjoy Playa Blanca By Bus – A Real Review
Cartagena, Colombia, very easily captures your imagination with its brightly painted buildings, its captivating history, its exciting dance scene, and its prime location on the Caribbean coast, so, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that many travelers use it as their base for exploring the area. You know, one of the very tempting excursions? It’s almost always the combo day trip that gets you to both the National Aviary of Colombia and the stunning Playa Blanca. What’s this review about, is that you might be asking? It’s meant to give you the lowdown on doing it all by bus. Like your wallet, very little wants to get taken advantage of. So keep reading to find out if this kind of Cartagena adventure is really something you want to actually write home about.
What To Expect On the Bus Ride to Playa Blanca
Ok, so picture this, alright? You’re settling in for that bus ride. Arguably, it’s not just about getting there. In some respects, it’s actually a piece of the whole experience. Now, don’t go thinking you’re going to sink into some super cushy, super comfortable ride. Typically, these buses? Usually they’re pretty standard tour buses. Seating tends to be what you’d maybe expect. That is, decently comfortable but, arguably, not exactly luxurious. What’s great, though? Basically, you get a chance to watch the scenery as you head out of Cartagena. Very likely, it shifts from urban scenes to views that give you a peek at local life. What might really stand out is how the landscape changes, nearly showing you sides of Colombia you wouldn’t see if you only hung around the historic center. Remember to pack a snack and possibly a travel pillow just to make sure you’re that bit more comfy for the journey!
The National Aviary of Colombia – Worth A Visit?
The National Aviary, actually, is more than just somewhere you tick off the list, right? Anyway, it is that place that will absolutely grab you if you have this appreciation for feathered creatures. And it probably should because they present the birds, that’s a fact. Just a little better, it is like stepping right into a whole different natural setup. What makes it pretty special is the sheer amount of different bird species. Basically, it’s not only the quantity but how they designed the enclosures; sometimes you get to walk among these birds in spaces created to match their own habitat. Very much that bird nerd experience! As I was saying, the Flamingo area really tends to draw a crowd, it could be because of their color or how they generally stand still, then you have those Condors that everyone kinda just has to respect given the imposing nature of these majestic birds. The harpy eagles, usually perched high and also always surveying their domain, usually just fill you with awe.
Lunch at Playa Blanca – What to Eat?
Ok, so you’ve reached Playa Blanca and the question turns to food. Right, in some respects, getting that perfect meal on this Caribbean paradise is actually part of the adventure. The thing is that most eateries around this area usually provide this offering of seafood which very likely can swing wildly in value. It almost feels like they just found whatever price out of thin air. Naturally, you can’t really say no, considering where you actually are. That could be fish, shellfish, and sometimes even lobster, grilled very simply but always boasting incredible flavors given their freshness and preparation by local cooks. I mean, be savvy! That is to say, find out the cost of dishes beforehand, and, honestly, do a little negotiation before anything actually lands on the grill. Also, it probably could be a cool idea to actually try some local juices such as the fresh lemonade – but watch out; they sometimes tend to put just that bit more sugar in there!
The Beach Experience at Playa Blanca
As a matter of fact, Playa Blanca has the power to enchant you at first sight. Clearly, its sand? Really soft. The water, in a way, does invite you for a dip. And that, truly, is before we talk about the many colors as that sun sinks somewhere beyond the horizon. And stuff, remember, you probably will be sharing this paradise with many people because this stretch is well known. That’s a fact. Usually it’s people trying to relax from the City of Cartagena itself, and what happens here is that sometimes that idyllic vibe feels kinda a bit spoiled because of how active and filled it might get. Arguably, if you stroll away further, you can always try to find these calmer spots, and try to settle there. Obviously, the vendors exist! They could well be relentless selling trinkets, drinks, massages etc but what you really need to do, basically, is just kinda master the very polite but firm ‘no gracias’. That should keep things on that mellow level, you know?
Making The Most Out of Your Day Trip
Right, here are several hacks to basically turn that trip up just a notch. Right, consider very much, first thing, to be early. Just that bit to not feel very rushed, maybe? Like your tour actually allows you that space and all that leeway and to be able to snag this decent seat on this bus. Clearly, there can be opportunities that get added in. Actually, they can cost. However, really do try to ask if what they have will justify your money. Clearly, pack all that is kinda required for some sunny adventures; hats, sunblock, that beach towel everyone kinda forgets; bringing water and small snacks kinda takes off all the stress when trying to buy these things at prices meant to just catch the tourist off guard. Oh yes, and keep a grasp on what things go for. You will soon pick up what something kinda might fetch and what it does out here, too, because sometimes folks actually jack the prices up thinking tourists don’t realize it. In short, be armed, stay sharp, actually, and the Caribbean breezes are usually waiting to kinda embrace you!