• View
• Edit
• History
• Print

Cartagena Colombia Travel Guide

INTRODUCTION

Cartagena de Indias is a seaport on the north coast. This caribbean city has developed into the core of the government's efforts to improve tourism in Colombia. The city has a population of 1.2 million. The colonial wall is the city's most recognized attraction. Both the the city and the fortress were designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nicknamed the Heroic City, Cartagena is also the site of Colombia's national beauty contest.

HISTORY

Named after a port in Spain, Cartagena was founded in 1533 by Spaniard Don Pedro de Heredia. One of the most prosperous cities in the Americas 400 years ago, many pirates were interested in its treasures and riches. At one point Sir Francis Drake managed to take the city and did not leave until he was paid a large sum of money as a ransom. In the meantime however he destroyed one-fourth of the city. Today, Cartagena's importance to Colombia's government has been reduced to its tourist attractions, largely because Bogota has been the center for the goverment's investments and interests for the past 2 centuries.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Climate: Located on the north coast, Cartagena has a tropical climate, so the weather is considerably hot.

Taxi service in Cartagena has a reputation for taking advantage of tourists (even Colombians from other cities) by overcharging them for service. Fares for short distances shouldn't exceed 4000-5000 thousand pesos. This also applies to other cities on the north coast, like Barranquilla and Santa Marta.

ATTRACTIONS

Cartagena is a city full of history. The San Felipe Castel (the colonial walled city) and Bolivar's Square (Plaza de Bolivar) are just a few magical historic places. Being in Cartagena also gives you the chance to visit nearby islands like Rosario's Islands and Tierra Bomba, where you can stay at resorts or rent a small cabin.

Cartagena's International Film Festival

Ultramar Music Festival in Cartagena

RESTAURANTS

Caribbean food finds its strongest representation in restaurants like Juan del Mar Restaurante, Restaurante Mar de las Antillas, El Santisimo, and El Club de Pesca, among others. If sweets are what you're craving, go inside the walled city and head straight to the Portal del Dulce, where the most traditional candies are sold.

NIGHTLIFE

A traditional carraige ride through the city is a great way to get the nightlife started. Nightclubs and open terraces like Cafe del Mar, Leon de Baviera, Montesacro, La Tarzana, Babar, and Cafe Havana are great places to go. El Arsenal street also has many great places to go. In many cities on the north coast, there is a popular custom: partying on a chiva (a traditional Colombian bus pimped in order to serve as a rolling party). Seats, doors, and windows are removed and replaced by benches so that dancing is easier and drunks don't fall off.

LODGING

Finding a place to stay won't be an issue. Hotels such as Hotel Almirante, Capilla del Mar, Hotel Caribe, Las Americas, and Hilton Hotel are just a few options. Inside the walled city are two of the best and most exclusive hotels in town: Hotel Santa Clara and Hotel Santa Teresa. If you happen to know someone local, renting an appartment is algo a great idea. A real state paradise (a huge amount of new and exclusive appartments are built every year), finding a place to rent in Cartagena is an easy job.