Rainbow Nelson
A travel writer for the likes of Wallpaper* City Guides and the Wall Street Journal, I branched out with a digital guide to Cartagena and the Caribbean coast in 2011.
This Is Cartagena has been keeping me at home a little more than in the past. With a team of 15 talented local experts we take care of more than 5,000 visitors to the city every year. Including the like of Emir of Qatar to founders of Facebook, Google and Yahoo.
We like to think of ourselves more as trip curators than a ‘one-size-fits-all’ agency. Through developing bespoke itineraries, built on clients’ interests and our insider knowledge, we immerse travelers into the Caribbean groove and send them home feeling like a local.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"This is Cartagena specializes in developing unique travel experiences in Cartagena de Indias and the Caribbean coast.
We’ll make your trip as seamless as possible. From the boring logistics to the fun stuff, there's always a bilingual member of our travel team at hand to take the heavy load — and translate where necessary!
Our on-the-ground team have the keys to the city and can help you make the most out of your stay. From holiday rentals, boat trips and concierge services to tailor-made tours, culinary experiences and access to one-off events, This is Cartagena is your one stop shop to living like a local in Cartagena and the Caribbean coast.
"
How did you get involved in travel?
"When I arrived in Cartagena 15 years ago, no one was writing about it. I thought it was a crime that such an amazing city existed that nobody else knew about.
I started This is Cartagena in 2010 as a guide to all my favourite spots in the city. Soon people started reaching out to me wanting to actually do all the things I was writing about. I haven't looked back since "
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"Researching for my book on Pablo Escobar led to some incredible meet-and-greets with infamous cartel legends. "
Rainbow's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Explore Cartagena’s colonial architecture by foot, partake in its rich culinary scene, and meet the local characters for an authentic glimpse into Colombia’s Caribbean culture....
Kids love Cartagena. And why wouldn’t they? As a former playground for pirates, the city has plenty to offer for active families that love to explore around. Here’s an idea for...
In nine days, explore the ice-capped summits of the Sierra Nevada to the white sand beaches of the tropical Caribbean coast to discover a range of indigenous and contemporary...