Iglesia de San Pedro Claver The Iglesia de San Pedro Claver (or the Cathedral of Saint Peter Claver) is an ornate Catholic church in the heart of Cartagena’s historic old Walled City. The building is dedicated to a 17th century Spanish priest (later elevated to sainthood) who gave his life to the service of God and those in need. The building itself…
The International Hay Festival - Cartagena's “Festival of Ideas” During the last weekend of January (the 28th – 31st in 2016) Cartagena will play host to myriad thought leaders from around the globe--interesting, well-known, and controversially outspoken individuals who have left their indelible fingerprints on the world. The Hay Festival, if you’re not familiar, is a travelling show designed to promote ideas…
Dive Into the Arts with Cartagena’s El Corredor Cultural Cartagena has turned the last Friday of every month into a celebration of the local arts scene with the creation of the El Corredor Cultural—a free to the public “alternative entertainment” event. From 5PM until 7PM local musicians, graphic artists, and dancers take to the walls of Cartagena’s old Walled City to showcase…
International Stars Descend on Cartagena During the Film Festival (FICCI) Every March the Festival Internacional de Cine de Cartagena de Indias brings starring actors and actresses as well as acclaimed directors from all over the world to Cartagena. The festival (which celebrated its 55th year in 2015) has become a cultural touchstone in Cartagena and represents not only a showcase for local…
Simón Bolívar: The Great Liberator of Latin America Simón Bolívar born Simón José Antonio de la Santísima Trinidad Bolívar y Palacios on 24 July, 1783, is a national hero to millions of Central and South American people who, quite literally, owe their nation’s freedom to him. He embraced radical ideas of self-rule and led the bloody campaign to throw off the yoke…
The Plaza de Bolivar in Cartagena Colombia This cozy, shaded square sits in the heart of Cartagena’s historic Walled City and is a haven for travelers and locals alike. There are plenty of benches and places to sit under the shade of trees to escape the heat of the day while exploring Cartagena. The Plaza de Bolivar is also the perfect spot…
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas The massive Castillo San Felipe de Barajas sits atop the Hill of San Lázaro, overlooking Cartagena de Indias as it has done for centuries. Now instead of Spanish soldiers and crack-shot gunners defending the harbor and city from pirates and rival empires, the fort is full of travelers searching out the rich history of this Caribbean seaport…
Journey into the Macabre For the adventurous traveler diving into Cartagena’s colonial past can lead to some dark explorations. The Palace of Inquisition (or Palacio de la Inquisición in Spanish) is a relic from the end of the Spanish Inquisition when the Catholic Church inflicted hideous tortures and executed thousands of heretics, Jews, and other non-Catholics for crimes real . . …
Diving in Colombia's Rosario Islands Surrounded by warm, breathtakingly blue waters alive with colorful corals with shoals of fish such as queen and french angel fish, blue tang, pinfish, spadefish, snapper, cowfish, creole and barracuda among others, diving in Colombia's Rosario Islands offer some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world. Made up of 30 pint-sized islets, some of…
Mochila Bags Brightly colored with beautiful patterns, Mochila Bags are known around the world for their eye-catching designs and have become a cultural symbol for Colombian identity. Originally handmade by the women of the indigenous Arhuaco tribe of the Sierra Nevada in North Colombia, the bags were woven with natural fibers such as agave and cotton, however today tend to be made…
Colonial Architecture of Cartagena Cartagena’s rich history and heritage shines through in its beautiful architecture, which has become one of the main attributes of this charming Colombian town. Located on the southern coast of the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena’s history dates back to the 16th Century when the city was a bustling hub of the Spanish empire. Playing the role of an inquisition…
Private Luxury Home Rentals in Cartagena Offer More for Your Money than Hotels Cartagena is a Caribbean gem that’s become an incredible destination for travelers from all over the world. The Spanish Colonial architecture, rich history, crystal blue waters, and an enticing melting pot of cultures make this vibrant city a wonder to behold. But when you’re planning a vacation getaway you…
Cartagena by Plane We have compiled an overview list of basic information to assist you in your travel plans to Cartagena. This will provide you with a good guide of direct and indirect flight routes when preparing your trip. Europe If you are coming from Europe there are two major hubs. You are very likely to have a connecting flight in either…
