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Destinations » South America » Colombia » Cartagena »

Cartagena

  • The top of the cathedral of Cartagena peeks out above colonial shop buildings overlooking one of Cartagena’s many charming squares located in the old city.
  • Donna M. Airoldi

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Founded in 1533 by the Spanish, Cartagena—officially known as Cartagena de Indias—is a charming, colonial port city located on the Caribbean Sea in northern Colombia. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city features a well-preserved colonial stone wall, which encircles the old city center, historic buildings and an accompanying protective fort, El Castillo de San Felipe, built to protect the city’s shipping and slave trade.

Cartagena feels like two destinations in one. Its picturesque, historic center is a romantic step back in time: narrow, cobblestone streets lined with colorful boutiques and shops, restaurants and bars, hotels and inns, a classic cathedral and historic museums, romantic horse-drawn carriages, and a main square filled with outdoor restaurants that serves as an entertainment hub in the evenings.

Outside the old city walls lies a modern developed city with large, international hotels and all-inclusive resorts, and high-rise offices and apartment buildings.

Though Colombia has suffered from security concerns—which is finally beginning to change—Cartagena has always been a protected tourist hub and is relatively safe, provided visitors take certain precautions that would be recommended in any popular tourist destination. The charming city is increasingly being added as a stop on many Caribbean and Panama Canal cruise routes.

Articles on Cartagena

Offbeat Travel
Volcanic Mud Baths of El Totumo
by Donna M. Airoldi June 4, 2008

Our editor gets covered in mud during a cultural spa experience to the El Totumo volcano near Cartagena, Colombia.

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Top Places to Stay

Hilton Cartagena
Cartagena, , Colombia

Average Rating: 4


Class: Superior

Read more »

Decameron Cartagena All Inclusive
Cartagena, , Colombia

Average Rating: 3


Class: Standard

Read more »

 

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