Cartagena: Why did I not travel sooner to Tierra Bomba?

That is one thing that I really can't understand. Last year when I lived in Cartagena, many people were enthusing about Tierra Bomba, how great it is as a relaxed Sunday beach destination, and how much easier it is to get there than to Playa Blanca. All this is true, I know it now. I think I just liked Playa Blanca so much (I still do though), and when I didn't want to go far I contented myself with city beaches in Bocagrande, Marbella and La Boquilla (but they are not as nice). For some reason I didn't try out Tierra Bomba until this year on my holidays in Cartagena. But once I did, it was hard to bring me back to the mainland. 

However, my blog is not a competition between Colombian travel destinations. That, because everything is great and no place has yet disappointed me. This short post with beautiful pictures is yet another one to show how amazing this country is, and how everyday you find something new to explore.

Facts first: Tierra Bomba is a relatively big island right next to Cartagena. The beach there to go is Playa Punta Arena, and you can take a lancha from where the neighbourhood called Castillogrande starts (just ask around and you will find). One way trip costs 7500 COP/2.3€, make sure to have the exact change with you, so that they don't try to charge you more. It is the best to go there early in the morning because you may want to get back in the afternoon before the sea gets too aggressive (and lancha ride not that smooth). It takes only about 15min and there you are! 

Just after biking, lancha is my second favourite transportation mode.

Arriving to Isla Tierra Bomba and Playa Punta Arena.

I know this place looks paradisiac and even a bit luxurious, but it really is very budget-travel friendly. At Punta Arena Beach Hostel you pay 20000 COP/6€ for a day and you can use all the facilities, including a swimming pool and the large selection of hammock beds. Of course there are more expensive options if you are looking for something really fancy, but this was perfectly fine for me and my friends. Plus, on a Monday or Wednesday morning there was barely no one!

They also have an overwhelming choice of food and drink (prices were ok), but I had just a delicious jugo de maracuyà.

And then just enjoy beach life, like we did with S and A, Cartagena skyline in the background.

Selfie-masters with S, as always. Note to self: wear sunglasses or a hat. 

If you get bored, local vendors in Punta Arena offer you large variety of activities and services: massages, jet ski rides... Or you can just bring a book, pick your hammock bed and turn on your latino music playlist. That is a perfect day at Tierra Bomba. If I still lived in Cartagena (oh if only I still lived in Cartagena...), this is where you would find me every time I have a day off. When traveling in Colombia and by the Caribbean Sea, don't forget to take a Tierra Bomba picture and send it to me. I promise I will be happy for you.

​xx Emi

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