Are you planning to visit Cartagena de Indias in Colombia and still don’t know where to start your itinerary? Here are some suggestions about the places you have to go and what you have to do in Cartagena. Do not miss it!
1. Walled City of Cartagena de Indias
Cartagena de Indias is a city that was born within a wall (where the rich of the region lived) and grew outside the wall over time. The walled part is where most of the colonial houses are located (very well preserved) and where the best hotels, bars and restaurants are.
There are squares, churches, houses and decorated balconies, there is a lot of nightlife and, even, the university is inside the walled part. You can follow an itinerary or walk freely; In practically any hotel you can get a map of the city. Don’t forget to bring your camera to take the best photos of your trip!
Attention to the decorated balconies! Every year the city awards the best balcony with a super tax exemption! Without a doubt, the walled city is the first place you have to go when you are in Cartagena .
2. Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
San Felipe de Barajas is a fortress that was built to protect the city from invaders, at the time of Spanish colonization. Or rather, the Spanish built the fort to protect the city from other non-Spanish invaders.
The fort is the largest and safest military construction made by the Spanish in their colonies and is full of secret passages and tunnels that allow easy movement and exits, if necessary. It was originally built in 1657 and enlarged in 1732. It occupies the entire San Lázaro mountain and is about a 20-minute walk from the historic center.
But you do not have to go on foot, you can take a tourist bus that takes you from the center to there, or you can go by taxi. The entrance for tourists between 14 and 61 years old costs 25 thousand Colombian pesos; Without a doubt, a walk that is worth doing if you travel to Cartagena.
3. City Sightseeing Bus
Many people hate these tour buses that circle the city telling us stories; However, this bus in Cartagena de Indias is, without a doubt, the best way to learn about the history of the city . In addition, it has air conditioning; something that you will end up being grateful for. The price is 45,000 Colombian pesos; And trust us, it’s worth every penny spent.
4. Rosario Islands
They are the Caribbean islands with the best beaches in the region! Here you will find crystal clear waters, corals and open skies. It is an archipelago of 30 islands, which is about 45 minutes by boat from Cartagena. You can book your trip to your favorite island at one of the many travel agencies around the city or book in advance online.
5. Walk on the Wall
The wall of Cartagena is the one that delimits the historic center with the outside. You can go up in some points of the wall and observe what is on the outside; from various points of it you will have an impressive view of the Caribbean Sea. It was at these points on the wall that the Spanish army patrolled the sea against invaders, pirates, and other enemies. From there you can see the exposed canyons; and take a privileged photo of the Colombian flag.
Now that you know which are some of the most important tourist spots in Cartagena, making your itinerary will be much easier than you think.
