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A UNESCO world heritage site for its historical colonial beauty!
Cartagena de Indias, is a historic legacy filled with colonial towns and hospitable seaside folk. A city to lose yourself amongst cobblestone streets decorated with vibrant flowers that overflow from balconies above. Enjoy the open air cafés and bars, ride a horse drawn carriage around the romantic old city or shop until you drop!
“Visitors will find a vibrant contemporary city with an intriguing history and within easy reach of superb Caribbean islands. Just bring appetite for Latin and Afro-Caribbean food and culture and you won’t be disappointed.”
This former hub of the Spanish empire — a major shipping port for New World riches, and a slave market and Inquisition center — is surrounded by massive stone walls, within which sits hundreds of gorgeous colonial homes, churches, plazas and parks. The Old Town, a Unesco World Heritage site, is filled with friendly people and harmless, if not persistent, souvenir hawkers all conducting their livelihoods, businesses and romances outdoors.
The walled Caribbean city of Cartagena rivals the old quarter of Havana with its centuries-old buildings. Cartagena is the great military place of the Spanish Americas. An old city locked within thick walls, on the basis of an immense fortress – San Felipe de Barajas- the biggest American military castle. Smalls squares, twists, and many surprises among the urban plot.
On top, the colonial balconies and bell towers, viewpoints towards the bay over the houses of antiques merchants where cultural life is alive in the streets, plazas and small squares that provide space for multiple artistic and traditional exhibitions.
Cartagena provides services for all types, and is well equipped with exquisite gastronomy, casinos, night life, and an excellent commerce, all one would look for in a top international destination and Cartagena, is considered a legendary one.
While in Cartagena you must take a couple of days to go to the popular Rosario Islands National Park. The trip by boat from Cartagena is 1 hour and ten minutes, approximately 47 km. The Island’s, coral reefs, marine sea grass, mangroves and coastal lagoons were declared as a Natural National Park by the National Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (INDERENA) in 1977, for the sole purpose of conservation, study and enjoyment.
The Park is known for its abundant diversity of more than 1300 animals and plant species that have been registered here, constituting to a valuable natural heritage for the Colombian people.
The Islands have been made of coral banks gradually built up over hundreds of years. The crystal clear waters and pure coral sand beaches are naturally filtered by the ecosystem. The beauty of the Rosario Islands offers a strong invitation to swim, snorkel and scuba dive.
The Volcán Del Totumo, Between Cartagena and Barranquilla is the Volcán Del Totumo. It is a small Volcano, also known as the ‘Volcano of mud’ due to the large quantity within it. The Volcano attracts many visitors from all over who come to soak and sit in the mud and benefit from all the minerals and healing properties it contains. Trips can be easily made from Cartagena.
Travel Tips
How to get to Cartagena
By plane - Direct flights to Cartagena are offered from Madrid, Panama, Miami and most major international airports. An easier option would be to take a direct flight to El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá and then a short 1 hour connecting flight to The Rafael Núñez Airport in Cartagena.
By land within the city - Traveling by taxi within Cartagena is the easiest and cheapest option. However be sure to ask about the fare for the ride before you get in the car because rates can vary.
Dress code - Mantaraya recommends light colored, lightweight clothing. Be sure to bring hats, sunglasses, sun-screen and comfortable shoes. The rules of etiquette in Cartagena involving restaurants and stores are no beach attire.
Shopping – Strolling around the walled city, Bocagrande and El Laguito is a great opportunity to get books, records, clothes and more prominently gold jewelry or emeralds in Pre-Colombian designs.
Restaurants - Club de Pesca; this famous restaurant set in the historic old fort of San Sebastian del Pastelillo alongside the beautiful harbor is romantic, beautiful and a must for dining when in Cartagena. Whilst looking over the marinas lights reflecting on the water, you can dine on their delectable menu, which specializes in seafood, and has a fantastic selection of wines. They often have live bands playing at night, setting an incredible magical ambience whilst dining in the warm open air.
Café Del Mar - Sit on the historic city wall overlooking the sea on one side and the old city on the other with a large cocktail, a sea breeze, and chill music at this stylish and relaxing open-air bar!
Available Sightseeing Tours
(4 hours) $74 USD *
Discover the amazing walled city of Cartagena de Indias!
(8 hours) $200 US
Take a break to enjoy a day of golf in the warm weather of the Caribbean!
(8 hours (divided into 3 days)) $205 US
Enjoy learning the exciting sport of Windsurfing in the beautiful Caribbean sea.
(8 hours (divided into 3 days)) $390 USD *
Learn how to kite surf in the beautiful warm waters of the Caribbean sea.
(8 hours) $107 USD *
Relax and discover the breathtaking ecosystem of the Rosario Islands.
(4 hours) $72 USD *
Discover the amazing walled city of Cartagena de Indias!
Cartagena Botanical Garden Tour
(5 hours) $98 USD *
Wander through the beautiful Botanical Gardens of Cartagena!
(6 hours) $98 USD *
Canoe through Mangrove tunnels and enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach!
Recommended Hotels & Accomodations
Info: 5 Stars, WIFI connection available, Breakfast: American breakfast included
Info: WIFI connection available, Breakfast: American breakfast included
Info: 5 Stars, WIFI Available, Breakfast: American, Typical or Continental
Portal De Getsemani
Info:
Hotel Casa Pestagua, Cartagena
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Destination Map
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Destination video
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Best time to go
Cartagena has an average temperature of 28 ° C. The weather is perfect to go any time of year. The days are hot and sunny while the nights are cool and breezy making it perfect to hit the beach by day and stroll around the city by night.
Throughout the year there are all kinds of fairs, festivals and carnivals such as the National Beauty Pageant (Reinado Nacional de Belleza) that is celebrated every year, around the beginning of November and the International film festival (Festival International de Cine) held in March.
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Activities offered at this destination
Cartagena,absolute paradise!I could live in this city the rest of my life!The people,the nightlife,and THE BEAAACHES! Oh, and the food!! I recommend going to “La cocina de Socorro”, excellent restaurant!
ME ENCANTÓ CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, POR LO BELLO DE SUS PAISAJES Y POR LA IMPORTANCIA HISTORICA DE LA CIUDAD AMURALLADA, MUY BUEN SERVICIO DE HOTELERÍA Y COMIDAS EXQUISITAS…Y QUÉ NO DECIR DE LA VARIDAD Y CALIDAD DE LOS FRUTOS DE MAR.ME MOLESTÓ MUCHO EL ACOSO DE LOS VENDEDORES AMBULANTES EN LAS PLAYAS Y EN LAS CALLES…CREO QUE LA POLICÍA TENDRÍA QUE RESTRINGIR UN POCO ESAS ACTIVIDADES…POR ESA CAUSA NO SE PUEDE DISFRUTAR AL MÁXIMO TANTA BELLEZA….ESPERO TOMEN MEDIDAS.GRACIAS…