A trip to Cartagena the capital of the Caribbean, an absolute must in Colombia. The city, which also inspired the Nobel Prize winner for literature Gabriel Garcia Marquez, is a picturesque destination. Cartagena and its different districts present impressive contrasts. Cartagena is a mix between the colonial heritage of the historical centre, and the modernity of the Boca Grande neighbourhood. Outside the old town, the most striking imprint left by the Spaniards is undoubtedly the Fort San Felipe de Barajas. It is the largest Spanish fortress on the continent and a Colombian treasure. You can still walk around this building, which was used to protect the city from pirate and privateer attacks. Back into the walls, upon reaching the old town, you will pass by the Muelle de la Bodeguita. This harbour is the starting point for boats travelling to the various sites off the Bay of Cartagena.

The colonial legacy of the “heroic city”, perhaps the most beautiful in Colombia

You will inevitably cross the arches of the Clock Tower, which in colonial times served as the main entrance to the city. Within the walls of the walled city, you will be able to reach, for example, the Gold Museum of Cartagena. In addition to the pre-Columbian culture reflected in the museum’s goldsmith’s pieces, you can also visit the Naval Museum, which recounts the history of the conquests.

A little further on is the Inquisition Palace and its instruments of torture. Nearby, you can visit the Cathedral, where the pulpit was originally destined for the city of Lima but which by chance of fate ended up in Cartagena.

You should also visit the Plaza San Pedro Claver and its splendid church with various metal statuettes representing scenes from everyday life. At lunch time, make a detour to the Plaza Santo Domingo, whose restaurant terraces are alive with street shows. It is moreover on this same square that one of the works of Fernando Botero, famous Colombian sculptor is exposed.

The heat is intense in this city bordering the Caribbean Sea. Temperatures, on the one hand, does not seem to want to go below 27°. Humidity, on the other hand, does not really fall below 90%. But in the end these meteorological factors are secondary and are somehow part of the scenery. A stroll through the narrow streets of the city, where the buildings of the colonial era are set with flowers, and one quickly forgets the heavy heat.

Excursion to the Rosary and San Bernardo archipelagos

Interrupting this stay in the capital of the Caribbean by visiting the Rosary Archipelago is an excellent idea. Just 1 hour by boat, a day trip to this group of islands allows various activities (swimming, jet-skiing, snorkeling…). Finally, many choose to spend a few days in the heart of a paradisiac island to enjoy some moments of idleness. In this case, the most ideal destination remains the San Bernardo Archipelago. Located 2 hours from Cartagena, the isolation of this archipelago offers great tranquility and a feeling of being at the end of the world.

If you are interested by a trip to Cartagena, capital of the Caribbean, or any other region in Colombia