Say Banana! 🍌 Join me in Cartagena, Colombia to meet the famous Fruit Ladies of the Walled City. I sat down with Beatriz and Juliana to learn more about the women behind fruit and the tireless work they do putting smiles on tourists' faces from sunrise to sunset each day. You can also watch and share this video on Facebook and YouTube.
It's hard to escape Cartagena without posing for at least one photo with the fruit ladies.
Standing on almost every street corner within Cartagena's famed Walled City, these decorated coastal Colombian women have become a staple photo attraction for tourists seeking out a few authentically Colombian Instagrammable moments.
I wanted to learn more about the woman behind the fruit so I sat down with Beatriz and Juliana to hear their story.
Beatriz and Juliana along with most the other fruit ladies of Cartagena are from a small coastal town called Palenque San Basilio Bolivar located a few hours southeast inland of Cartagena. All and all, there are about 100 fruit ladies working in the city.
Although the women work independently, or on small teams like Beatriz and Juliana, most come from the same community in Palenque.
The men and older generation of women typically work back home on farms cultivating rice, corn, as well as the fruit that they wear on their heads each day.
Beatriz and Juliana start their work day at 7am in order to catch the earliest tourists who make their way into the Walled City each morning. They pose for photos with tourists from sunrise until sunset, earning their wages through voluntary tips one photo at a time.
It's a tireless and sometimes thankless job, but they don't mind doing it. The famous fruit ladies get to meet visitors from all over the world – of which about 50/50 are friendly Beatriz said.
Personally, I couldn't think of a better job. Taking photos with tourists all day sounds like a dream – for the right price of course. Unfortunately though, not ever tourist remembers to tip.
If you find yourself in Cartagena Colombia, be sure to grab a photo with Beatriz, Juliana, and the rest of the fruit ladies of Cartagena. They're sure to put a smile on your face, and occasionally a basket of fruit on your head.
Watch more videos from Colombia
This is my first time in Cartagena, but I've spent a significant time in Colombia, especially Medellin. Watch some of my favorite videos from Colombia below:
11 Colombian New Years Traditions – Colombians have some awesome traditions for New Years! They call them – agĂĽeros – which translates in English to – omens – and these agĂĽeros are intended to bring Colombians and their families good things in the coming year. Here are 11 Colombian New Years traditions, including my favorite which I'll save for last.
Two Beaches Are Better Than One – Welcome to Cabo San Juan del Guia, a magical beach with a dual coastline, located in the heart of Tayrona Park Colombia. This is one private beach you've got to earn, as it's only accessible via a 2 hour hike from the park's entrance.
Where Do All The Flowers Come From on Valentine's Day? – Join me at “El Cultivo Casa Loma” in Santa Elena, Colombia where I discover just where exactly all those FLOWERS come from on Valentine's Day?
The Most Beautiful Stone House In The World – Join me at Casa Santiago y Gloria – a beautiful home in Envigado Colombia that was built stone by stone over the course of 32 years by a visionary man for the woman he loves most. This is a story about hard work, persistence, and true love.
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Would be helpful to know what is considered a polite tip.
I forgot the exchange rate, but in USD term… $1 – $5? Honestly I’m never sure what the right tip is in different countries. I likely over tip in some places and might under tip in others. So I’d just say whatever you feel comfortable with.