As a solo woman Cartagena sucks.

I will say that I visited Cartagena five years ago and it was nowhere near as bad as it is today. I don’t know if the economy has gotten worse or what happened but men are harassing and have no boundaries.

I love South America. I’ve spent months here and I’ve always felt as a Canadian obviously not as safe as I do at home but relatively well respected. There is zero respect for women here as compared to the rest of South America. I find myself constantly on edge, I can’t walk down the street for a block to the grocery store without being harassed by men. I dress modestly with long shorts and T-shirts, and a baseball cap and I am by no means standing out or making any attempt to stand out yet I’m still harassed at 45. The men here are misogynistic caveman who have zero respect for women.

I opted to work remotely here for a month and I can’t wait to get out of here, two more days and I can honestly say I will never be back. I’ve never felt more unsafe or more objectified.

Women if you do decide to come here be prepared for what you’re signing up for, if you have a thick skin and don’t mind being on edge all the time you will be fine.