Planning a vacation in Cartagena can be a bit overwhelming. More and more travelers are falling in love with this Caribbean escape with every week-long vacation or month-long holiday. The problem is not figuring out why to visit Cartagena it’s what to see and do in Cartagena while you’re here.
The Naval Museum of the Caribbean in Cartagena Spanish armadas clashing with their English counterparts, pirates and privateers, lost treasures and the sad stories of millions of African slaves—it’s hard to find a single body of water that has a more storied past than the Caribbean Sea. Preserving that history and showcasing it to the world is the mission of the Naval…
Cartagena’s Palacio de la Gobernacion One of the things that entice so many people to vacation in Cartagena is the gorgeous Spanish Colonial architecture—bright colors, intricate arches, open-air plazas. One of the best examples is the Palacio de la Gobernacion —or Governor’s Palace. The building houses the current government in Bolivar, Colombia but historically it was the residence of the governor of…
Naval History Enthusiasts in Cartagena Flock to the Tall Ship ARC Gloria The ARC Gloria is a must see when vacationing in Cartagena. Cartagena was once one of the most important ports in the Spanish Empire, funneling gold, slave laborers, and precious jewels into and out of South America. That naval history has remained an important part of the culture in Cartagena…
The Fanciful Door Knockers of Cartagena Colombia Do you know the story behind the beautiful door knockers of Cartagena, Colombia? These unique icons (known in Spanish as aldabas) are more than just quirks of the Spanish Colonial Architecture you’ll find on every street in Cartagena’s Walled City and beyond. They represent a very important cultural component of life in Colonial Cartagena.
Museo del Oro in Cartagena (Gold Museum) The Museo del Oro in Cartagena offers a unique peek in Colombia’s pre-Colombian past. It’s a must-see for history buffs and, really, anyone who likes pretty things. Located in Plaza de Bolivar in the heart of Cartagena’s Walled City, the Museo del Oro (or Gold Museum) is a showcase of Colombia’s cultural heritage and one…
The Plaza de Santa Teresa Many people vacationing in Cartagena consider Plaza de Santa Teresa to be one of the most beautiful squares in the city. That says a lot because you can find gorgeous photogenic spots around pretty much any corner in Cartagena. But why is this particular square so attractive? Location, location, location. Plaza de Santa Teresa is just steps…
Avario Nacional de Colombia Near Cartagena Colombia’s natural beauty is one of the things that entices people to vacation in Cartagena. The warm and inviting Caribbean, the lush forests, the deep-rooted history and culture blanketed by the perfect blue sky—Cartagena is full of romance and wonder. And now there's one more reason to visit: the Avario Nacional de Colombia/ Colombian National Aviary.…
Historic and Religious Treasure When vacationing in Cartagena you’ll no doubt be struck by the number of beautiful and historic churches in the city. Of course there are the massive cathedrals (filled with actual saint’s bones) but the smaller churches offer breathtaking experiences as well. The Iglesia de Santo Toribio is the perfect example. It may be tiny compared to some of…
Camellón de los Mártires in Cartagena de Indias When you vacation in Cartagena one of the first things you’ll learn is that it’s known as the Heroic City. Cartagena played an integral part in the liberation of Colombia from the rule of the Spanish Empire. You can see monuments all around Cartagena to great men who stood up against foreign rule—some of…
El Portal de los Dulces in Cartagena Cartagena has becomes something of a world travel destination for foodies with dozens of international restaurateurs bringing their unique twists to traditional Colombian and Caribbean fair. But if you want something simple and traditional there’s nothing quite like a sweet treat made by hand as it has been for generations. So skip the fancy tapas…
The Plaza de la Aduana in Cartagena The largest and oldest plaza in Cartagena, Plaza de la Aduana is located partway between the Cathedral of San Pedro Claver and the Plaza de los Coches. Originally known as Antigua Real Contaduria, the plaza was once used as a parade ground and was home to Cartagena’s Colonial Era government. Visitors are often struck by…
Cartagena’s Historic Performing Arts Venue Teatro Heredia (Heredia Theater) is the premiere center for the performing arts in Cartagena. Architects infused Caribbean flair into Classic Italian style to create a venue that represents both the elegance of the Old World and the cultural heritage of Colombia’s Caribbean coast. And while the outside is beautiful the interior will simply take your breath away.…
Drink a Cocktail, Relax, and Soak up the Caribbean life Cartagena is home to any number of lovely little spots to sit with a cocktail, relax, and soak up the Caribbean life that infuses the city. But the Baluarte San Francisco Javier is a little different. This chic outside bar and lounge sits directly atop the fortified wall that surrounds the historic…
