Cartagena is a romantic city with a rich history still visible today. Great walls stand around the city, reminding locals and visitors of its past battles and wars. The walls, Las murallas, have protected the locals for centuries beginning with protection from 16 th to 18 th century pirates, to acting as a safe place during Colombia’s fight for independence from Spain. Even today, the walls battle against the rest of Colombia’s struggles with social, political and drug related crime.
The enchanting Old City is lined with cobblestoned streets and colonial buildings decorated with wood balconies and abundant flowers. Spend the day visiting shops that sell emeralds and leather, or climb Las murallas for a fabulous view of the harbor.
Cartagena attracts international travelers as well as middle-class and wealthy Colombians, as it is a generally much safer part of Colombia than the interior.
See & Do
Cartagena’s landscape is a sight to see, especially in the early morning. At daybreak, the sun casts a warm glow over the city highlighting the contrast between the Fortress of San Felipe and the modern glass and steel high-rise hotels along the Bocagrande Peninsula.
Fortress of San Felipe de Barajas
The fort is along the entrance into the Old City and is the largest and strongest built by the Spanish (in the colonies). Try to get there early as the hot sun beating against the rock can be overwhelming.
The Old City
The Old City is nearly enveloped by 12 ft/4m tall walls that are 60 ft/18 m thick in some places. Gaze in admiration at the walls or climb atop them and go for a walk to take in the city view. Make sure you bring your camera as you walk about the city. Every doorway, balcony and corner has a romantic presence that you’ll want to capture. There are several plazas worth exploring such as The Plaza de Bolivar, Plaza de San Diego and Plaza de Santo Domingo. Take care to avoid Getsemani, the southeastern part of the Old City, as it is not quite safe.
Zoos & Wildlife
If you’d like to venture away from Cartagena, Rosario Islands is home of the San Martin Aquarium and is one of the best in the Caribbean.
Beaches
The best beaches are on the Bocagrande Peninsula, just south of the Old City. Bocagrande and El Laguito have dark, clean sand and venders (palanqueras) are always selling fresh fruit from large bowls delicately balanced on their heads. You can also buy find t-shirts and sunglasses, or have cornrow’s braided in your hair.
High-rise hotels along the beach sell refreshments and rent water sports equipment.
La Boquilla is another beach worth visiting if you have time. It is just 30 minutes northeast of Cartagena and boasts crystal clear water and tranquility. You can get there by cab. Try to pay the driver after he picks you up, to make sure he returns for you later in the day.
Scuba & Snorkeling
Get in the water and snorkel or scuba dive at Rosario Islands. The Caribe Dive Shop at Hotel Caribe arranges day trips.
Location: Hotel Caribe Ph: 575-665-3517 Fee: $110,000 Col (snorkeling) $160,000 (scuba diving).
The Dolphin Dive School also offers lessons for novice to advanced divers.
Location: Parque Fernandez Madrid 38-08 con Calle del Curato Esquina Ph: 575-664-0814.
Shopping
Cartagena is known for emeralds. It’s true that you can buy just about any quantity or quality of emerald you want in Cartagena. The dark green stones are available everywhere.
The main emerald sellers are in the Pierino Gallo Shopping Center on the Bocagrande Peninsula. The shopping center is a two-story building with an open courtyard and some of the most reputable shops. Be aware that some shops are only open during high-cruise season. Some of the stores are Mister Emerald, Greenfire Emeralds and Adriana’s Jewelry. Clavia also offers pre-Columbian jewelry and artifacts.
Know that Cartagena offers more than just emeralds. You’ll also find inexpensive hand-painted and hand-stitched artwork. At the more informal shops, feel free to barter the price if you are buying more than one item. You can also shop at Plaza de las Bovedas, which are vaults tucked into the northeast corner of the Old City walls. You’ll also find many shops offering coffee beans, cigars, handicrafts and replicas of pre-Columbian art.
Shopping hours are 9am-6pm Mon.-Fri, and 9am-12pm Sat. If cruise ships are in port, the shops stay open later on Saturdays and Sundays.
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