Welcome to Cartagena!
This coastal city in northern Colombia is known for being one of the most traveled destinations in South America.
If there’s one place in the world where you can see the marvels of the past whilst still thriving for innovation, it’s Cartagena. Visitors are always enthralled by the city’s history, architecture, and delectable cuisine.
Traveling to Cartagena has become widely available among tourists, especially since the stereotype about Colombia being a hazardous country was disputed. It quickly became a tourist hotspot afterward – particularly among photographers.
With the rising interest of foreigners dating Colombian women, Cartagena has gotten well-known and continues to be on the bucket lists of most Westerners.
Best known as the Jewel of the Indies, the entire city of Cartagena is the prime tourist attraction. It was also the birthplace of Gabriel García Márquez, a world-renowned author and Nobel Prize winner in 1982, whose remarkable works were influenced by the glamour of his native land.
This port city is the ideal setting for a full-fledged getaway, making the trip well worth the time and money. It features incredible scenes in both land and seascapes, as well as contemporary and colonial sights.
The centuries-old center of Cartagena, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is where you can find the vast majority of the city’s appeal.
Most of us are not that willing to dig into a place’s long, tedious past, but in Cartagena, one can’t resist the urge to wonder how and when the famed Ciudad Amurallada or Walled City came to be.
The iconic wall that surrounds Cartagena’s historic core was built in the 16th century and has remained unchanged since. Cannons that once took part in protecting the city from invaders can still be seen and are considered part of the city’s present charm.
The massive yellow watchtower, as well as other old churches and architecture, are among the city’s best known highlights. Palenqueras, women in Cartagena who sell fruits, will consistently welcome you with wonderful smiles and a positive vibe.
Colors flourish in the city’s historic center, signifying not just the lavishness of their history, but also their way of life. Throughout this historic city, you’ll never run out of interesting and incredible places to go and see.
In addition, to provide the best accommodation for the city’s well-loved guests, the best Cartagena hotels are located just within the area.
Another infinite marvel just beyond the Walled City will amaze you.
Don’t be fooled by the vivid colors of the downtown area because it’s just a small fraction of the Getsemani neighborhood’s fascinating art.
From there, you’ll get a clear picture of how street art is a fundamental aspect of the community’s daily life.
Getsemani, much like the downtown area, is best toured by cycling. A stroll around its streets is a photographer’s fantasy and an artist’s sanctuary.
It’s kind of like heading down memory lane, yet with a more upbeat, lively feel. Brightly colored graffiti art breathes new life into the place’s century-old structures.
Anywhere along the streets, incredible mural paintings as well as live performances of the friendly local people will never fail to amuse you.
Most travelers now consider finding the best cafe in town to be a necessity. In Cartagena, you won’t ever run out of incredible coffee shops to go to.
They don’t just simply serve locally roasted coffee. You can also try their world-class espresso beans.
The Abaco Libros y Cafe, which is located inside the Walled City, is noteworthy for its excellent coffee and pleasant atmosphere. Besides the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, you are greeted at the entrance by books stacked from floor to ceiling.
The Cafe del Mural, situated this time inside the Getsemani neighborhood, is another must-visit coffee shop. It is nestled between the Getsemani street murals and is a must-see for tourists and vacationers.
During sunset, you may wonder where everyone in the old city is headed. They’ve gone to the top of the wall at its westernmost end, where they can witness the finest sunset view in Cartagena.
If you don’t get to see this beautiful sight, consider your visit to Cartagena to be incomplete. Apart from the sunset, it is along these walls where you can see almost all of Cartagena as well as the cityscapes from the other side.
Don’t pass up on the opportunity to get a decent spot on the wall before the place quickly becomes packed. From there, you can spend the rest of the evening at Cafe del Mar, the city’s lone bar that remains open until early morning.
Meeting Colombian women here is simpler because they are known to love the nightlife scene as well.
Cartagena is also capable of providing a fantastic beach vacation due to its proximity to the Caribbean Sea. While the closest accessible beaches do not have the whitest sands you would greatly expect, the scenery and hospitality still make the trip worthwhile.
Nevertheless, Cartagena beaches are among the best in Colombia. Bocagrande is one of the closest to the city where you can enjoy the finest sights and have the most memorable experience.
The beaches of Tierra Bomba and the Rosario Islands, however, are by far the most pristine of all the beaches, though they require a 15-minute boat ride from the main island. The scenery and crystal-clear waters rarely disappoint that tourists just can’t afford to miss the chance to visit these beautiful islands.
Tourist traps are prevalent in the city, as they are in other bucket-list destinations. When you stroll through the streets and corners of the historic center, you will most likely be approached by local rappers that will ask for money later on. When they do, politely refuse.
If you explore everything on foot, you will get the most out of the top tourist destinations in the city. You can go around Getsemani and the historic center simply by walking. You can also make use of the free walking tours.
In recent years, the rates in Cartagena have soared due to its increasing popularity among foreign tourists. Consequently, it would be a better option to reserve your stay outside the city center – particularly because most accommodations inside are incredibly high.
If you haven’t been to a tropical country, the intense heat in Cartagena might shock you. Bring water with you at all times. Wear comfortable clothing and never forget to bring a hat.
When going on a trip, it is not only the destination that amuses you; it’s also the people. They play a significant role in making your trip memorable. Who knows, you may not just make new friends when you go traveling to Cartagena. You may also meet a woman with whom you will share your entire life.
