Cartagena de Indias, Colombia

Now this is my favorite spot to visit in Colombia!

Visiting Cartagena feels like going back in time, thanks to its architecture around the city, specially at the Old Cartagena Town.

During our first day, we visited Old Cartagena Town. But before entering by the main door, by the Clock Tower (La Torre del Reloj), and even when it was the middle of the day, very hot weather courtesy of the bright sun on top of us, we enjoyed a walk by the Convention Center, the Camellon de los Martires and the water front.

Few blocks away, there is a restaurant La Cocina de Socorro, very popular and a nice typical place to have sea food. Don't forget to try arroz con coco and patacones as side dishes. Yummy!

Old Cartagena town, it's a city surrended by a great wall where it used to be the main city years ago and now you can walk by its streets and enjoy every single minute of it.

By the end of the day, before sunset, take a ride by the old city in a coche (a horse-drawn carriage) while listening to some stories and history about the city. Just amazing! Later, watch the sunset at Cafe del mar listening to chill out music while having a drink. Nothing more relaxing than that!

To begin a nice night, enjoy a local beer or tropical drink at the many bars and cafe in the squares around the old town, like Santo Domingo square, with live typical music and dance every other time and vendors walking around.

By night, it's usually very windy, and most of the places are outdoors, so you might want to take something to cover yourself.

You don't need a car in Cartagena, there are taxis everywhere, cheep and easy to catch them.

During our second day, we took one taxi from the Hotel. The driver gave us a tour around the whole city of Cartagena and Manga, telling us everything we needed to know. It was fun, and we've got to know everything in the city as a private tour. So don't hesitated to ask a taxi from your hotel to give you a tour.

Weather is really hot, don't forget a hat and protection! Wear comfortable shoes since you're gonna be walking a lot. And take your bottle of water with you everywhere, although before entering to any of the sites, there are always vendors with water and even beers for refreshment. Just be careful they might charge you more of what the real price is.

On the 'taxi tour', first we went to Club de pezca a beautiful restaurant by the bay, great place to enjoy an early dinner. Then, we visited La Popa, an old monastery on top of the mountain, where you can glance the whole city from a different - and highest - view. You can see La Popa from anywhere in the city, a large white house on top of the mountain. Later, the taxi took us to Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. There are some tunnels underground, great spots for pictures, a shop on top of the castle and a nice view to the great wall.

On our way back to the old city, we passed by the statue of La India Catalina, a native woman that was sent away to learn Spanish so she can be a translator between the Indians and the Spanish colony.

Back in the old city, we made our last stop at Las bovedas. A place that used to be for prisoners and slaves back in the days, now you can buy variety of souvenirs for friends and family. Try at the local #23 where we got great presents for family and friends.

There are different places to visit and enjoy during your time at the Old Cartagena. Close to the Torre del reloj you'll find Colon Square, close to it the Hard Rock Cafe. By the Bolivar Square, take a tour at the Palacio de la Inquisicion. Other museums you can visit are The Gold museum which is free to enter; Naval Museum and The Modern Art Museum. We also went to Casa de San Pedro Claver, he was a protector of the slaves.

There are hundreds of stores where you can get gorgeous leather wallets or purses, or just a simple gift to take home.

One thing you may notice, the streets name change at every corner (inside the old city only), so it can be a little complicated if it's your first time visiting.

And remember to keep clean the places you visit! :)

Don't miss AT29's video about this gorgeous city! www.accesototal29.blogspot.com

Margarita Island

Every time I can, I visit Margarita Island in Nueva Esparta State, Venezuela.

Today, you can take a plane from different parts around the globe directly to this tropical island without stopping in Caracas.

From Anzoategui State, in Puerto la Cruz, you can go to Margarita by ferry in 3 or 4 hours (it all depends which Ferry, I recommend you to use the Express (3 hrs or less), it's cleaner, secure and faster.

I usually stay for 3-4 days and you can visit every corner of the island, plus the neighbors such as Cubagua and Coche. Naturally, you'll find lots of beaches and every one of them are different and perfect for every one. My favorite one is El Yaque (close to the airport and ferry port), although it's pretty windy but it's a great spot to practice sports such as Kite and Wind surf. From there, you can take a boat to Coche Island. At El Yaque, you can find small hotels but perfect to stay and relax, restaurants along the beach, a pizzeria, few stores. It's a small town that makes you fee away from everything. Even at night, especially during the weekends or holidays, a great party takes place by few deejays at the beach, so forget about shoes, join the party in your swimming suit! 

If you rent a car, however you can find a taxi everywhere (always try to get them from the hotel or a mall), take a trip around the island. I did it once and it was amazing to see a lot of the beaches, gorgeous views and great places to stop and take a picture. Remember how cheap the gas is in Venezuela!

Other beaches to visit, El Agua and Parguito, the party will begin at the beach during the highest season (specially during Holy week and carnival). There are very pleasant hotels by El Agua beach, plus restaurants in front of the beach, and little stores perfect to buy souvenirs for family and friends that are missing out the fun in Margarita Island!

Pampatar another place you can't miss to go. Restaurants where you can enjoy a fun time with friends or a romantic moment with that special one. Plus there's a fort where you can enjoy the gorgeous view to the bay.

Close to Pampatar, Sambil mall will invite you buy from its stores, from local to international brands. Remember Margarita is taxes free!

In Juan Griego, you'll find another fort on top of the hill, and take a walk around the stores in town. Since Margarita is located in the Caribbean sea, there are a lot of forts to visit, each one with different history.

Late in the afternoon, walk by 4 de Mayo and Santiago Mariño. Lots of stores, vendors by the sidewalk where you can find handicrafts and more from locals.

Naturally, Margarita not only brings you the best during the day, the night life is full of energy wherever you go! Visit the beautiful place of Kamy Beach (yes, right by the beach!). One of my favorite places to visit is an English pub 'The British Bulldog' at Centro Comercial Costa Azul. Live music every night with great local bands, in English or Spanish, it is a great place to hang out. If feel like going to a chill out place, I really like spending some time in Yaque Beach, where they have few lounges by the beach.

Remember to watch Acceso Total's video about Margarita and Coche Island! What are you waiting for to book your trip?? :)

Keep clean the beaches and places you visit!

Gran Sabana

FINALLY!! I was waiting for that moment a long time ago! After 4 of my friends and I decided to go to Canaima National Park for a week, I couldn't wait any longer. I've seen pictures from friends and family and La Gran Sabana looked so gorgeous that I was dying to go there. But, naturally, being there is not the same as looking at a picture or even videos. The experience of driving through those beautiful views, looking at the Tepuys so close to me, breathing nature, it was something that I have to do again and again... and again! So, when are we going again?? :)

The trip was amazing, first because of crew (great friends) and of course the whole time that we spent in Bolivar State.

We drove for about 5 hours from Lecheria, Anzoategui to Puerto Ordaz, Bolivar. The only thing we needed to worry about, was getting the gas tank full every time we could. After El Tigre, Anzoategui; there were no gas station for a long time.

There is a very beautiful part on the way to Puerto Ordaz that we felt we were in Canada or something like it. For about 15 minutes, we drove through a Pine Forest. It was something that at least in Venezuela we haven't seen before. Neither of us! Just amazing!

We kept driving and arrived at Bolivar State. How did we know? We needed to pass by the Orinoco River and the newest bridge over the river made us stop and take pictures.

One thing I have to add, the roads in Bolivar state are in great conditions! *clap clap for another state in Venezuela!* Great for road trips!

We wanted to go to La Llovizna in Puerto Ordaz, so we can add it to our Acceso Total video, but we found out that the whole city needs its own video! So anytime soon we'll be visiting that city again.

From Puerto Ordaz to the entrance of La Gran Sabana it was going to be another 6 hours. So we decided to spend the night in Guasipati, only 3 hrs away from Puerto Ordaz. A small town. We didn't like the hotel where we spent the night, but of course, we weren't waiting for a 5 star resort. It was pretty messy and from 1-5 of cleanliness, maybe a 2 1/2. But I guess all the hotels by that area were going to be the same, besides it's just to spend the night. So, don't mind about it! Just lock yourself in by night!

Next morning, we find the only place where we can had breakfast and it was good! Yummy 'pastelitos' and passion fruit juice! ;) The name of the place Joy Full, can't miss it cuz it's on the route you've been for hours! :) 

Gotta keep going on the road!

After few hours we finally arrived at La Piedra de La Virgen where they welcomed us to La Gran Sabana! (well, it was just a sign that said so) The drive from there to our next stop is the worst! I mean, the road is not damage at all, but a LOT of curves in a very narrow way. Uh, another thing I have to add, there are a lot of security (National Guards) on the way, I guess that's a good thing.

Once we were over those curves, the view in front of us was delightful! We stopped at the Soldado Pionero. From there you can have a nice 1st look at one of the Tepuys (far view, but good). That stop is not of a big deal, but just the beginning of a great trip ahead! So keep your cameras with you all the way!

On the way to Santa Elena de Uairen (the last city before crossing to Brazil), there are a lot of amazing places to stop and enjoy nature! Falls, rivers, streams, and just the entire way made us keep the cameras out to take pictures and capture great clips. Seriously, do not miss any second!

Some of the spots where we took a walk or it's just great for a picture: Kama Meru, Rapidos de Kamoiran, Quebrada de Jaspe and Soroape. Of course, there are a lot more, but hopefully next trip I'll get to know more :) (I'm not kidding, when are we going?? :) hehe)

To cross everything to Santa Elena de Uairen, it's about 3 hours without stopping, but of course you will want to stop everywhere! Just remember to keep the gas tank full! (see below to know where we pump it and we were fine!)

In Santa Elena de Uairen, we stayed at Ruta Salvaje and they even have plans for different things you can do while visiting La Gran Sabana. We went rafting with them! So much fun! We walked inside a water fall, water was cold, but worthy! And we also did with them paragliding so we can have a better view to show you at Acceso Total! and well... it's always fun to do those kind of things!

And without a doubt, you can't stay in La Gran Sabana and forget to spend some time during the night watching the stars! I think we saw about 7 shooting stars :) and even the milky way was noticeable!

In less than 30 minutes from Santa Elena, we were visiting Brazil! Well, a very tiny spot of the country. We went to the border line and took some pics with both flags and then we had lunch at the small town in Brazil. It's not a big place and it's not beautiful, but at least we ate 'churrasco' and had 'caipirinhas'.

TIPS for gas:
This is very important if you're doing a road trip to Santa Elena de Uairen.
If coming from Puerto La Cruz, at El Tigre: full tank. There's nothing until you get to Puerto Ordaz.
Pump it again in Puerto Ordaz. Doesn't matter how much you have in the tank, do it!
At Km 88 (San Isidro) after El Dorado, Pump it again! it's the last one for the next 80km ahead (or so)
At Rapidos de Kamoiran they have a gas station, plus a small place to eat. This is the only place for gas on the road before Santa Elena. 
In Santa Elena, there are 2 gas station, it all depends on the car's tag to know which one to use. But ask first because usually (or at least during high season as we went) tourists can go first. 

Enjoy our 2 videos special about La Gran Sabana only at accesototal29.blogspot.com :)

Respect the nature and keep it clean!

Merida, Venezuela

In Venezuela you can visit gorgeous beaches across the coast. You can drive to the South to go to the jungle, savannahs and see the highest fall in the world. Go to the country side and see beautiful farms. Visit the tallest and longest cable railway in the world in Merida State!

Merida is where you can enjoy nice cold weather in the country. I went from Caracas by car and it took us about 10 hours (with few stops to have lunch and rest in the country side). We stopped first at Mucuchies town. Very cold! (compared to other cities in Venezuela) Love it. It's a small place but pretty nice. It has the main square (Plaza Bolivar) with a church and gorgeous view! Everything looks as a movie set in the XIX Century. Clean and narrow streets.

Then we went to the State capital city, named after the state, Merida. There you can visit the longest and tallest cable railway. (it's been close for a year since they are doing some repairs and updates). There are 4 different stations on the way. With restaurants, stores and of course, the view of the whole city is amazing, plus you can get to play with snow on the top of it. Enjoy the 4765mts (15633 feet) over the sea level. Try to go in the morning since it can be cloudy later. (if it's open of course)

Some other activities you can enjoy while in Merida, visit 3 theme parks. La montaña de los sueños which it's about movies, tv and radio from the 50's, 60's and 70's; Los Aleros will make you feel in the XIX Century; and La Venezuela de Antier that will show you different sides of Venezuela and their typical dances, music and arts. Thanks to Alexis Montilla, the creator of the parks, you will have an amazing and different time during your visit.

Other place to see if you are with a car, Pico El Aguila, Laguna Mucubaji and Mercado Municipal de Merida where you can find a lot of typical sweets and handicrafts.

Acceso Total 29  will show you the best of Merida.


Keep the city and places you visit clean!

a weekend in Bogota

From this beautiful city I have a lot of great things to say. Every person is so nice, polite and I'm sure they are willing to do anything to make you feel comfortable! I think they were always in a good mood!

The streets are very clean! And there are a lot of places - maybe most of them - that use recycled paper and do everything possible to help our planet! *clap clap clap* :)

There is security everywhere, public transportation is great, and I think it's always on time. There are taxis everywhere plus the Transmilenio buses.

My first night in town, I went to a nearby city Chia where I visited Andres Carne de Res. A very original restaurant, very big, where you will have fun while eating. They have special events through the day and night, great food and awesome drinks :).

Another city I visited near Bogota, is Zipaquira (about 40min away) where the famous Salt Cathedral is located. Yes, SALT.. the cathedral is underground and everything is made by salt! the crosses, the statues, you even walk in salt! It's a place you MUST visit if you go there. Besides, is good for your health! You get an hour tour inside where they explain every detail about the origins and future plans.

In Bogota you have a lot of malls to visit, with local and international stores. A variety of cafes, restaurants and bars around the city. A lot of squares and beautiful gardens to walk around and relax. Plus the wonderful weather that I love, it's always cold, but a nice cold to enjoy the city. That's because Bogota is located 2600 meters (about 8,530 feet) over the sea level. And if you want to go higher... visit Monserrate, where you can go by cable car. There is a churh, some mini stores to get some souvenirs, have lunch at some of the restaurants and see the nice view of Bogota!

One of my favorite places I visited at night was the Zona Rosa where the Andino Mall is located plus a square with a lot of bares and restaurants to hang out at night. From local beers and food to an irish pub and thai food!

And don't forget to go to Downtown! Visit some of the museums as Botero (free to visit!) and the Gold Museum. Also, take a walk by the Bolivar Square in front of the Cathedral. Mine advise, take a taxi everywhere, besides you don't have to worry about where to park and there's always a taxi in front of you on time and secure!

Keep the city clean!