Cartagena, Colombia's most fascinating city and a World Heritage Site, has great history and is a very quaint place. Cartagena founded in 1533, the great walled city of Cartagenaa de Idias on the Caribbean coast, was the main Spanish port in northern South America for several hundred years. Cartagena’s thick walls and ring of outer forts, built to protect the city from pirate attacks, are part of the unique character that makes it Colombia’s main draw and one of the finest colonial cities in the Americas. You could easily spend days wandering through its maze of narrow streets, arcaded squares, grand buildings and ruined forts. Adjacent to the old city is a vibrant modern beach resort and at night Cartagena comes alive with a mixture of life music, salsa and beachfront discos
A fairy-tale city of romance, legends and sheer beauty, Cartagena de Indias is an addictive place that can be hard to escape, the city is divided into the Old City and the New City (Ciudad Antigua and Ciudad Nueva).
The main entrance to the Old City is by the Clock Tower, which leads onto narrow streets of small cafes to watch the world go by.
The Palace of Inquisition is a must see and is now home to a historical and archaeological museum. Craft markets are held on the north side of the walled city at Plaza de las Bovedas.
Outside the Old City there is the monastery of La Popa, built on a hill that dominates Cartagena.
There are excellent beaches at El Laguito and Bocagrande, both with numerous water sports available. Cartagena is also a prime dive location, with numerous dive operators offering instruction and equipment.
When the bustling city gets too much, you can always escape to the nearby Islas de Rosario.
Flights to Cartagena with Copa Airlines Colombia
Rafael Nuñez International Airport is receiving many international and domestic flights. Cartagena is 1000 km north of Bogotá (about an hour by air), or a 2.5-hour flight from Miami and five to five and a half hours from New York City.
Copa Airlines Colombia is operatingflights to Cartagena, Bogotá, Cali, Panama and San Andres
Cartagena, Colombia's most fascinating city and a World Heritage Site, has great history and is a very quaint place. Cartagena founded in 1533, the great walled city of Cartagenaa de Idias on the Caribbean coast, was the main Spanish port in northern South America for several hundred years. Cartagena’s thick walls and ring of outer forts, built to protect the city from pirate attacks, are part of the unique character that makes it Colombia’s main draw and one of the finest colonial cities in the Americas. You could easily spend days wandering through its maze of narrow streets, arcaded squares, grand buildings and ruined forts. Adjacent to the old city is a vibrant modern beach resort and at night Cartagena comes alive with a mixture of life music, salsa and beachfront discos