Cartagena, Colombia
Trip Start
Nov 21, 2009
1
Trip End
Dec 06, 2009
Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Cartagena is the jewel of Colombia; a true vacation paradise on the shores of the Caribbean Sea that invites visitors to revel in its scenic and cultural splendor. The city is divided into several regions, each with its own unique character and charm. You will most likely be spending the majority of your time in the downtown area, home to the Walled City, the Puerta del Reloj, the beautiful Plaza de San Pedro, as well as many museums and fine restaurants. The San Diego region of Cartagena is home to the Escuela de Bellas Artes (School of Fine Arts) as well as some superb vistas of the expansive Caribbean Sea. The Getsemani neighborhood is the site of many picturesque churches, including the glorious Iglesia de la Tercera Orden.
Cartagena was founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredia. Several years later, the Spanish empire decided to protect their new land from English, French, and Dutch pirates by constructing a walled fortress around the Old City. The remains of this fortress are still intact, but in the 16th century, it did little to deter invaders. Attacks by the French and British prompted the Spanish Empire to further fortify the city walls. Cartagena flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries as a major South American slave port, but today tourism is the backbone of the local economy.
However, in recent years, Cartagena has seen far fewer tourists pass through its port. In general, political upheaval in Colombia has prompted many prospective travelers to look elsewhere for an ideal Caribbean cruise destination. Yet throughout the turmoil, Cartagena has fared tremendously, and the city is still a scenic and safe haven for all international travelers. If you are planning on exploring the surrounding regions of Colombia, be sure to speak with knowledgeable guides before doing so. If you confine your stay to seaside Cartagena, you will enjoy Caribbean vacation life at its finest.
top Arrival Information
Docking in Cartagena
Cruise ships dock at the Port of Cartagena (tel. 05/660-7781), located at Colombia Manga at the Termincal Maritimo. Taxis and buses will be available at the port to take you to your destination in the city.
Local Transportation in Cartagena
Cartagena is a fabulous walking city, therefore, you might find that the majority of your time here is spent on foot. You can take advantage of the city's affordable and prevalent taxis as well. If you can't hail a cab from the street, stop by one of the city's many hotels, and they'd be happy to call one to pick you up. In addition, you can rent a car while in Cartagena. Contact Hertz Rent-a-Car, located in the Hilton Cartagen (tel. 05/665-0661) at Avenida Almirante Brion.
top Local Interests
The Museo del Oro (tel. 05/660-0778), located at Centro Carrera 4, No. 33-26 in the Plaza de Bolivar, is a fascinating museum that specializes in the works and study of the Sinu culture, the original inhabitants of the Colombian coastal region. The museum specifically brings to light their great advancements in agriculture, social organization, and metalworking. The Museo del Oro is open from 8:30 to noon, and from 2-4 Monday through Friday.
If you are a veteran history buff and would like to study the colorful past of Cartagena in great detail, you will love a trip to the Archivo Historica de Cartagena (tel. 05/664-7381), located at Centro Carr era 3, as well as the Biblioteca Bartolome Calvo Diaz (tel. 05/660-0777), located at Centro Calle de la Inquisicion No. 3-44. The Archivo Historica de Cartagena contains rare manuscripts and priceless photographs that take you back to Cartagena life during colonial times. Biblioteca Bartolome Calvo Diaz was named after Bartolome Calvo Diaz, a writer and poet who lived in Cartagena. It is a world-class research library containing many fascinating books and manuscripts, as well as beautiful stained-glass artwork inside the impressive architectural structure.
Puerto del Reloj, located at Avenida Venezuela, is a famous clock-tower gate that signifies the entrance into the Corralito de Piedra (Old City). It is a tremendously popular meeting place with locals and tourists alike, who come here to marvel at the beautiful 16th and 17th century architecture and shop amongst the throngs of craftsman and local merchant kiosks.
