OverviewCartagena, Colombia, might not be the first destination that comes to mind for a frum family vacation, but our recent trip proved it to be a hidden gem. With its stunning beaches, rich history, and, most importantly, an incredible Chabad house, Cartagena offers a unique and affordable alternative to more traditional beach destinations. We flew from Los Angeles (LAX) to Cartagena (CTG) via Miami (MIA) using 35,000 Alaskan miles per person round trip, taking advantage of a free stopover in Miami from Friday to Sunday on the way back, all on American Airlines. Our six-day adventure included everything from exploring a world-class aviary to snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, all while enjoying delicious kosher meals prepared by the local Chabad. This trip wasn’t just a vacation—it was a mission to share an off-the-beaten-path option with fellow Jews seeking sun, sand, and a kosher experience without the crowds of Cancun or similar spots.
Fun Fact it's just 2hr 20 minute (3hrs officially but both our flights flew faster) from Miami!
Religious ConsiderationsThe heart of our Cartagena experience was the Chabad house, led by an exceptionally warm and welcoming shliach. Before we even booked our trip, I called the rabbi and spoke with him for an hour—he was so friendly and his setup so impressive that I was sold on the spot. From the moment we landed, the Chabad house became our lifeline. We coordinated meals via WhatsApp, and after touching down at 1:30 pm and clearing customs, we arrived at our Airbnb next to Chabad by 2:30 pm. A hot, fresh kosher dinner was waiting for us almost immediately—my wife and kids were amazed at how quickly we went from the plane to a delicious meal.
The Chabad house offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a flexible menu featuring omelets, shakshuka, sandwiches, and freshly baked bread and pastries that rival any bakery. The food was clean, tasty, and unbelievably affordable thanks to the favorable peso exchange rate. We ordered sandwiches to go for our day trips, and everything was prepared with care. Although our trip didn’t include Shabbat, the Chabad house is fully equipped for Shabbat observance, with minyanim and a community atmosphere. We joined a Tu B’Shvat gathering one evening, sampling exotic tropical fruits alongside Israelis fresh from miluim and other Jewish travelers—it was a beautiful, unifying experience. The Chabad’s hospitality truly makes Cartagena a viable and welcoming destination for frum families.
AccommodationsWe stayed on the 23rd floor in a 2 bed 3 bath Airbnb right next door to the Chabad house for $120 a night, which was a game-changer for convenience (the penthouse was a few dollars more but not available for the first night - so we skipped it - but great pricing). The apartment was spacious enough for our family of six and had a pool that the kids adored. Check-in was smooth - a 24/7 front desk, doorman and security guard. Check-in was officially at 3 pm, but we arrived at 2:30 pm while the cleaner was still finishing up. We dropped our suitcases in a clean corner and headed to Chabad for our first meal, returning later to settle in. Being steps away from the Chabad house meant we could easily access meals and davening, creating a seamless blend of vacation and religious observance. After busy days, the pool offered a refreshing break for the whole family.
TransportationTraveling around Cartagena was a breeze. We flew out of LAX on a Motzei Shabbos red-eye to Miami, where we had a three-hour layover. With our Platinum cards, my wife and I brought our four kids into the Centurion Lounge for free, enjoying juice, fruit, and a comfortable space (though Miami’s huge airport was a bit of a trek). From Miami, we continued to Cartagena.
In Cartagena, Uber was our go-to—reliable, affordable, and widely recommended. For day trips, the shliach connected us with a tour guide, Juan Carlos, and a van, securing rates 20-30% cheaper than what I’d found online. Juan Carlos (the rabbi's contact), who lived in Brooklyn for years, spoke perfect English and was fantastic with the kids. We paid $108 total for a 16-seat van and his services for a day trip to the aviary and Playa Blanca. For boat excursions, we hired private boats—$400 for a full day, including a captain, skipper, and Juan Carlos, complete with a bathroom for the kids’ comfort. On our departure day, we pre-arranged an Uber-XL to the airport, and the family-friendly fast lane through customs made the process quick and painless.
Activities and SightsOur six-day itinerary was packed with family-friendly fun that highlighted Cartagena’s natural beauty and history:
- Day 1: After landing and eating at Chabad, we took a quick swim at the Airbnb and crashed.
- Day 2: We visited the National Aviary of Colombia, a 45-minute van ride away. With over 80 native bird species, it was a hit—less restrictive than U.S. aviaries, allowing close-up encounters. Entry was about $5-12 per adult (free for under 3), and we enjoyed sandwiches from Chabad at the benches while Juan Carlos translated the bird shows. Later, we spent 45 minutes at Playa Blanca, letting the kids play in the sea and sipping fresh coconut juice from chairs we “rented” by buying drinks.
- Day 3: A private boat day ($400) took us to an aquarium island with fish shows, a dolphin performance, and a shark show—trained sharks were a first for me! Swimming with dolphins costs $40 per person (three of us did it), followed by snorkelling in turquoise waters teeming with fish. We ended at a private beach club, relaxing with towels and cabanas, ordering drinks and a fruit platter (with a washed knife and board, thanks to Juan Carlos help translating). Note: Leave by 2:30 pm to avoid choppy seas—we stayed until 3:50 pm and hit big waves, though our captain handled it like a pro.
- Day 4: A city tour showcased 1500s castles and fortresses, like Castillo San Felipe de Barajas (minimal entry fee), offering pirate history and panoramic views. We visited a high-end mall for lunch (delicious Chabad croissants in tow) and souvenir shopping, then explored coffee shops. San Alberto’s espresso and Epoca’s drip coffee were the best I’ve ever had—I bought 20 bags ($10-12 each) for friends at home.
- Day 5: We took a 15-minute private boat taxi ($110 round trip) to Tierra Bomba’s Blue Apple beach club—beautiful beaches, nice pools, and instant service for drinks and fruit. We left by 3 pm for a smooth ride back.
- Day 6: Departure day—straight to the airport via Uber-XL.
Costs and DealsCartagena’s affordability was a major cherry on the cake for our adventure-seeking family. Here’s the breakdown:
- Flights: 35,000 Alaskan miles per person round trip (LAX-CTG-MIA-LAX), with a free Miami stopover.
- Accommodation: Airbnb next to Chabad ($120/night).
- Meals at Chabad: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were around $5-10 per person per meal portions were big so kids sometimes shared 1 between 2, or 2 between 3—the value was unbeatable.
- Day Trips:
- Van and Juan Carlos for aviary/Playa Blanca: $108 total.
- Private boat day: $400 (captain, skipper, Juan Carlos included).
- Swimming with dolphins: $40 per person.
- slightly nicer Van and Juan Carlos for City Tour: $108 total.
- Tierra Bomba boat taxi: $110 round trip.
- Entrance Fees:
- Aviary: ~$5-12 per adult.
- Fortress: Minimal fee.
- Transportation: Ubers were frequent and cheap; you can check on your phone - but $1-3 around town and around $7-14 for the airport
- Souvenirs/Coffee: Coffee bags at $10-12 each.
This felt like a luxury trip at third-world prices—far cheaper than comparable U.S. or Cancun/Mexico experiences - and without flying all the way to say Brazil or Argentina.
Personal ReflectionsCartagena was a revelation—a Cabo/Cancun-like experience with kosher food, stunning beaches, and historical charm, all at a fraction of the cost. The Chabad house’s hospitality was the diamond in the rough that made this trip possible and unforgettable. From the fastest plane-to-plate meal we’ve ever had to the ease of arranging tours and kosher lunches, it was one of our easiest vacations. The kids loved the aviary, dolphins, and beaches, while I savored the coffee, snorkeling and history. We lived like kings without breaking the bank, thanks to the shliach’s guidance and Cartagena’s affordability. For frum families seeking a unique getaway with all the religious comforts of home, Cartagena is a must-visit. We’re already dreaming of our next trip!
Written by me - Edited (mostly) by Grok 3.
