Seen from the cruise ship, Cartagena's skyline, is a blend of old and new. Beyond the skyscrapers, you catch glimpses of the old town and its colonial charm.
Cartagena handles a significantportion of Colombia's trade and is a major container port. It's a crossroads for shipping routes in the Caribbean and a gateway to South America.
Booking excursions through your cruise operator may make sense if you are on a time crunch. We explored on our own. The errant hop-on-hop-off bus added to our unexpected adventure.
A short distance from the cruise port is the Port Oasis Eco Park, home to several exotic birds. Flamingos, Macaw Parrots, Peacocks, and other birds roam uncaged in this tropical oasis.
The park showcases some of Colombia's wildlife and is designed primarily as a relaxing area for cruise ship passengers. It offers souvenir shops, food vendors, and bird/animal exhibits.
Cartagena's oldest church displays weathered beauty. Its tilted bell tower is a testament to its past. The popular attraction is in a plaza surrounded by small museums and hotels.
Centenario Park, a vibrant green space within Cartagena's historic walled city, commemorates Cartagena's independence from Spain.
Standing as a symbolic gateway to Cartagena's history, the Clock Tower dates back to 1631. Its majestic clock face and archways offer a portal into the city's rich history.
The beautiful 17th-century church, monastery, and museum complex is named for Saint Peter Claver, the patron saint of slaves. It boasts a serene courtyard .
Built in the early 17th century in the Getsemaní neighborhood, the church and the plaza around it are gathering places for locals.
Built by the Spanish in the 16th century on San Lázaro Hill to protect the port, this castle is one of the major attractions of Cartagena. Unfortunately, we didn't have the time to explore its beauty.
Symbols of the city's Afro-Caribbean heritage, the banana women dress in vibrantly colored traditional attire and carry bowls of fresh fruit on their heads. Take a photo with one.
Cartagena's street art often reflects the city's vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture, depicting dancers, musicians, and scenes of everyday life. You'll also find powerful social messages in the murals.
Cartagena boasts a surprising and unique form of street art – metal sculptures! The best place to see these quirky creations is around Plaza de San Pedro Claver, in front of the Museum of Modern Art.
Club Colombia is the best-selling beer in the country and is an iconic brand, beloved across the country.