Since the discovery of America, Spain extended its colonies thus reaching the Caribbean Sea. On 1 June 1533, Don Pedro De Heredia, founded the city of Cartagena de Indias, now declared by UNESCO as a Historic and Cultural Patrimony of Mankind. This city which transports us back into history was epicenter of constant attacks by buccaneers, corsairs and pirates. These attacks were admirably protected by its walls, which is why it earned the title of a Heroic City. Within these walls, made of coral stone, is situated the old town.
Cartagena is blessed by streets and squares where the visitor can experience enormous gastronomic, handicraft, religious and socio-cultural diversity, passing by coffee shops, restaurants, bars, churches (Santo Domingo, Cathedral, San Pedro) where one can enjoy both baroque and republic styles, and five stars hotels in an entirely tropical environment.
The historic centre of Cartagena displays a unique architecture, always preserving colonial tradition in its old houses, with balconies full of exotic flowers, thus attracting many national and international investors anxious to acquire these properties in order to enjoy their delights with patios with swimming pools and tropical gardens.
The Palenque women offering fruit salads, coach rides and street vendors are the typical sites of everyday life in Cartagena. The night life of Cartagena centers on the Square of the Coaches for where one can enjoy this safe and “for all tastes” fun ride. Leaving this square, one arrives through the Clock Tower to the district of Getsemani where the Revolution took place on 11 November 1811 on the square in front of the Church Trinidad. One then arrives to the bridge Roman which is one of the points which link the center with the island of Manga, a residential district full of beautiful mansions and modern buildings. .
One encounters here also marina, port authority and Cruiselines terminal where more tan 5000 tourists disembark every month from all parts of the world to visit this beautiful city.
In front of Manga, one can observe the residential district of Castillo Grande, the tourist district Bocagrande which boasts most of Cartagena’s hotels and Avenida San Martin, which is the principal commercial and handicrafts artery Every tour includes the obligatory climb to the hill of Popa, the highest point in Cartagena (135 meters) where one encounters the Convent of Popa, boasting a spectacular views of Cartagena.
What to do?
Typical walks along historic routes such as Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, Convent de La Popa, the Catedral, Las Bóvedas edifice, the Clock Tower, Naval, Modern Art and Gold Museums. Enjoying beaches of Bocagrande, el Laguito, Marbella, La Boquilla, Bocachica and Barú.
Just one hour away of boat ride for Cartagena is the famous archipelago of Rosario which forms a national park of corals, where one can enjoy the crystalline blue waters of the archipelago, rich in diversity of both flora and fauna, and where one can enjoy water sports, such as diving and snorkeling. In short, Cartagena de Indias, known as a Caribbean Paradise, invites its visitors to live unforgettable moments and take back extraordinary memories.
Walking along the walled city or the Boccagrande streets or in the district of Laguito, one has a good opportunity to buy antiques, clothing and handicrafts form many parts fo Colombia. made of fiber, wood, cotton and wool, as well as many other objet d’art and jewelry.
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