Cartagena, Colombia, has the unique distinction of being a Caribbean Paradise situated at the coast of a continent. Full of rich history, a melting pot of culture, and the expected sandy beaches, your next vacation could be to the beautiful city of Cartagena! By way of its location, Cartagena was a vital trade hub, so there was a need to build a fortress to defend and support the wealth accumulated in the area. This excellent construct has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Keep reading to learn more about fun activities in Cartagena……
Historic Walled City
Referenced in the introduction, Cartagena is steeped in history, and one of the best ways to learn about it is a tour of the Historic Walled City. Also known as Old Town (Centro Historico), you’ll find colonial gems such as the Calle Cochera Del Hobo, Calle de los Estribos, and the Calle Don Sancho that you can learn more about during a guided tour.
Castillo San Felipe
Castillo San Felipe is the city’s historic fortress used to defend the city from its constant threats. Geographically, it sits at the top of a hill to provide the best available strategic vantage point and is supported by a sprawling network of tunnels. While a guided tour is optional, you can also visit the fort on a self-guided adventure.
Explore Getsemani
Getsemani is Cartagena’s hip, contemporary spot and home to many trendy cafes, bars, clubs, and artistic representation. Some of the best street art in the city can be found in this neighborhood, and colorful umbrella displays are present in several locations. Make your way using a self-tour, a guided tour, or even a bike tour to round out your experience.
Enjoy the Amazing Seafood
Foodie or not, you can’t miss the seafood in Cartagena, and you would be selling yourself short given the abundance. Ceviche, fried fish plates, and fresh ocean-caught fish are widely available throughout the city and run the gamut from street fare to fancy, dine-in restaurants. I hope your taste buds are ready!
Experience the Nightlife
Colombian nightlife is a well-known gem that many tourists rave about once they return to the States. One word of advice: Dress to Impress. The culture of clubbing and dancing in Cartagena (as in the rest of Colombia) is highly touted (there’s even a Cartagena nightlife tour). While there are plenty of contemporary venues, you can also find salsa at the famous Donde Fidel or Champeta (a local genre) at many locations throughout the city so make sure to bring your dancing shoes.
While you may not know much about Colombia or Cartagena, it’s certainly a worthwhile trip. The city has all your cultural and culinary needs covered and gives you access to a Caribbean paradise if that’s what you’re interested in. Dining is a large part of many vacations, and if you love seafood (or even if you don’t), this is a fascinating experience for you. Once you’ve made your mind up about visiting, schedule a consultation, and we can work together to make Cartagena the next destination for you!