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.
Cartagena is an a Explosion of Color One of the things travelers see when they’re vacationing in Cartagena for the first time is the amazing Spanish Colonial architecture. But when they a look a little more closely they see that architecture is exquisitely accented by a floral explosion! Walk through any of the narrow streets in Cartagena’s old Walled City and you’ll…
What to See and Do Around Cartagena Planning a vacation in Cartagena can be a bit overwhelming. This city has literally been an international travel destination for centuries. Today it brings a veritable who’s who from all over the world including wealthy Colombian movers and shakers, Hollywood A-List celebrities, and the shooting stars of the global gastronomy scene. But Cartagena isn’t just…
The Graffiti in Getsemani: An Art Scene Unlike Anywhere Else The Getsemani neighborhood of Cartagena, Colombia has undergone a massive Cultural Renaissance over the course of the last decade. Historically this district was home to servants and the lower class of Cartagena. Now it is the artistic heart and soul of Cartagena which beckons artists and creative individuals from all over the…
Plaza San Diego Cartagena Plaza San Diego is yet another charming little square in the heart of Cartagena’s Walled City. It has earned a reputation as a quiet little spot where folks vacationing in Cartagena and locals alike can take a breather before venturing off to work or out to explore the wonders of Cartagena. As with pretty much anywhere else in…
Plaza Fernandez Madrid in Cartagena Named after the statue of Jose Fernandez Madrid that stands at the center of the shaded park, Plaza Fernandez Madrid is yet another one of the adorable little green zones tucked away throughout Cartagena. It’s a wonderful place to have drink, grab an afternoon meal, or simply sit and watch the live entertainment that flows through the…
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…
