Cartagena.
If you’ve ever wanted to be a pirate, Cartagena is the town to do it. A great colorful city and colonial atmosphere — the culture is amazing, and the exploration through the Old Town is endless. The people are helpful, friendly, welcoming. Each narrow street with colonial style balconies, colorful walls, and the feeling like you just stepped into an episode of Black Sails. Personally, Cartagena is one of my favorite cities in all of South America.
Exploring the Old Town of Cartagena.
Imagine life as a pirate…
And the beautiful skyline…
Exploring Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a fort outside the Old Town walls of Cartagena. The Battle of Cartagena de Indias was fought here against the British and Spaniards.
Thanks, Cartagena! We had a BLAST!
Next Time:
- Day trip to Isla del Rosario for great beaches
- For a real treat, stay at Ananda Hotel Boutique by Hotels Cosmos
Pro:
- Awesome city to explore – Just wish we had more time here
- Great inexpensive souvenirs and jewelry, purses, hats
- People are so helpful, welcoming, friendly
- So much history!
Con:
- Club Colombia – If you want a Colombian beer, order Aguila or Aguila Light. Club Colombia is disgusting.
- Lots of honking and traffic
Tip:
- Don’t rent bikes unless you go outside the Old Town walls. Roads are all cobblestone, narrow and congested
- Bus ride from Santa Marta to Cartagena is a 4 hour adventure in itself
- Treat yo self! Go to Carmen for a nice meal… it’s amazing!
Fun Fact:
- In 1984, Cartagena’s colonial walled city and fortress were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site – Definitely take a walk around the wall (or on the wall!) and check it out. So much history! Oh yeah, and grab a beer from the vendor to make the walk more enjoyable 🙂
