Cartagena

Cartagena is a city that is located on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, in the northwestern part of the South American continent. It is the capital of the Bolívar region, which is located in the north of the country. The city has several archipelagos and islands around that are paradises for true rest. Among these are Tierra Bomba Island, Múcura Islan, and Barú Island, among others.

Cartagena de Indias brings together the charm of colonial architecture, the excitement of a vivid night life, fascinating cultural festivals, and lush landscapes. The city’s beaches beckon, inviting you to unwind and enjoy yourself in the refreshing breeze and warm waters of the sea.

This fabulous destination holds the secrets of history within its walled city, on its balconies, and in the narrow stone walkways that inspired author Gabriel García Márquez, who was received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1982.

Framed by its stunning bay, Cartagena de Indias is one of the most beautiful, well-preserved cities in the Americas; a treasure that is currently one of the most heavily frequented tourist destinations in Colombia.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena Situated in a bay in the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena has the most extensive fortifications in South America. A system of zones divides the city into three neighbourhoods: San Pedro, with the cathedral and many Andalusian-style palaces; San Diego, where merchants and the middle class lived; and Gethsemani, the 'popular quarter'.

Due to the city’s strategic location, this eminent example of the military architecture of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries was also one of the most important ports of the Caribbean. The port of Cartagena – together with Havana and San Juan, Puerto Rico – was an essential link in the route of the West Indies and thus an important chapter in the history of world exploration and the great commercial maritime routes. On the narrow streets of the colonial walled city can be found civil, religious and residential monuments of beauty and consequence.

Experiences in Cartagena

Plaza de Santa Teresa The name of the Plaza de Santa Teresa, in the southwest of the walled town, has its origin in the old convent in front of it. Horse-drawn carriages pass through this place and pedestrians can cross a small bridge and observe the sea, the dome of the church of San Pedro, the Naval Museum and the Parque de la Marina.

La Puerta y la Torre del Reloj The Gate and Clock Tower (“la Puerta y la Torre del Reloj”) can be seen at the main entrance of the walled city. Of the three open doors there, only the central one existed originally; the other two were occupied by a gunroom and a chapel. In 1874, a clock was brought from the United States, and 63 years later it was replaced by the current clock, imported from Switzerland.

Barú Although for many it is "La Isla de Barú", it is actually a peninsula, bordered by the bay of Cartagena, the Canal del Dique, and the Caribbean Sea. It is characterized by the color of its sand -white and pink- as well as the clarity of the water, which allows you to see the seabed. Nearby, there are channels with mangroves, water mirrors, and underwater gardens.

San Basilio de Palenque Cultural Space The history of San Basilio de Palenque is marked by the struggle for freedom and the preservation of ancestral traditions. In 1713, this town was recognized as the first free territory in America, where its inhabitants developed a society based on autonomy and cultural identity. Visiting San Basilio is an opportunity to learn about this rich living history that still resonates in every corner of the town.

Varied cuisine Visitors who love sampling new, exotic dishes will be thrilled by the best restaurants in Cartagena which may include many local and international eateries. Thanks to Cartagena’s rich ethnic background, local Cartagenero dishes reflect the influence of African, indigenous, and European cuisines.

For more on what to do in Cartagena, visit ProColombia.