The colonial pearl of the Caribbean Sea – a walled city, World Heritage Site, that breathes history and music.
The colonial pearl of the Caribbean Sea – a walled city, World Heritage Site, that breathes history and music.
Cartagena de Indias, founded in 1533 on the Colombian Caribbean coast, is one of the best-preserved colonial cities in Latin America. Its historic center, encircled by imposing defensive walls built to protect it from pirate attacks, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
Walking through the Centro Histórico means losing yourself among colorful houses with carved wooden balconies covered in bougainvillea, baroque churches and lively squares such as Plaza de Santo Domingo. The San Felipe de Barajas fortress, one of the largest Spanish military constructions in the Americas, overlooks the city from above.
Just outside the walls, the neighborhood of Getsemaní is today one of the liveliest in the city: colorful murals, multicolored flags strung between the streets, restaurants, bars and live music make it the favorite destination for experiencing Cartagena’s Caribbean atmosphere after dark.
A short boat ride from the city are the Islas del Rosario, an archipelago of coral islands with crystal-clear waters, ideal for a day of relaxation, snorkeling and Caribbean sea after exploring the historic center.
If you’re considering a trip to Colombia, Cartagena is the perfect stop to combine history, culture and the Caribbean!
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