Cartagena de Indias
"The Heroic"
Cartagena was founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredia. It was the main Spanish port in the Caribbean and the main access to the South American north. Although it was the victim of several pirate attacks where they looted the city, Cartagena continued to prosper. In 1821, it was liberated from the Spanish and baptized by the liberator Simón Bolívar as "The Heroic.” This city has a warm climate, with an average temperature of 29 °C.
Upon entering the Old Town of Cartagena, you have the impression of going back 400 years. Inside are the neighborhoods of El Centro and San Diego, and abound beautiful squares, churches, and mansions that the Spanish built. The walls of the Old Town were built at the end of the 16th century to protect it from enemy attacks. It is recommended to stroll through its streets and marvel at the pastel balconies full of bougainvilleas.
Outside the old town of Cartagena, there are several Spanish fortifications in strategic points of the city, such as the Castle of San Felipe de Barajas, the most imposing colonial fortress in South America. Also, visit the Palace of the Inquisition, a museum where the instruments of torture of the Inquisition are exhibited along with some pieces of the colonial era and pre-Columbian ceramics, and the Convent and church of San Pedro Claver, founded in the 17th century by the Jesuits, which was home to the Spanish monk Pedro Claver who dedicated himself to taking care of the slaves arriving from Africa.
Islas del Rosario
You can also make excursions to the Rosario Islands, an archipelago of 27 islands surrounded by coral reefs, located 35 km southwest of Cartagena. This is the ideal place if you want to do water sports.
Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca is one of the best beaches in Cartagena. Located on the Island of Barú, 20 km southwest of Cartagena, it is a stopping point for boats heading to the Rosario Islands.
