Telephone Code: 5
Altitude: Sea Level
Population: 900,000

Foreboding fortresses, narrow streets, hidden patios and enchanting colonial houses characterize Cartagena, a vibrant city rich in history and Caribbean culture. The city sits on a stretch of coastline extending from the Darién Gap to Guajira, a route lined with banana and palm plantations and swamplands. Frequent trade winds temper the heat, bestowing Cartagena with pleasant weather and an abundance of tropical fruit all the year round.

Often referred to as one of the most beautiful cities in South America, Cartagena has plenty to offer travelers in the way of sites and sounds. One of the best ways to enjoy this intriguing city is to amble along its historic streets (head to the small plazas centered near the San Diego quarter), exploring its nooks and crannies and savoring its small surprises. Orientation may be difficult, as each block has a different name, but you’re sure to stumble upon something interesting no matter where you turn.

The city’s modern history began in 1533 when Pedro de Herdia declared the area Cartegena de Indias. The core of the city was built on an island which was separated from the mainland by natural barriers, marshes and lagoons. For years, it served as a storage point for items sent from Spain, and for treasure extracted from the Americas. A series of massive forts and city walls protected the city and its commercial enterprises. In 1811 Cartagena threw off the yoke of Spanish rule, but was forced to bear the imperial burden when royalists ascended to power in 1815, under the surveillance of Pablo Morillo. The city declared full independence in 1821, thanks to the support of heroic patriots. A series of stone-walled forts spread throughout the city stand as ominous reminders of Cartagena’s colonial past. Among the many forts to see are San Fernando, Fuerte San José, San Sebastián, San Lorenzo, and Castillo San Filipe de Barajas, the largest Spanish fort built in the Americas.

The old walled city is divided into two sections, though little remains of the physical wall. Artisan classes once lived in the outer city where many colonial buildings still stand today, along with a number of budget hotels and restaurants. The adjacent downtown sector, La Matuno, is dominated by street vendors and a few sporadic middle range hotels. High officials and nobility occupied the inner city, while the middle class spread across the San Diego district. Today these sections are less crowded and dotted with hotels and restaurants.

A few of the sites in the inner and outer sections include the church of Santísima Trinidad, Monastery of San Francisco, Plaza de la Independencia, Museo de Arte Moderno, Museo del Oro y Arqueológico, the Cathedral, Plaza Santo Domingo (lined with delightful pavement cafés and restaurants, a popular spot to spend the evening), and the church and monastery of Santa Clara de Assisi (now a charming hotel). The ramparts of walls around Plaza de la Bóvedas provide a spectacular view of the city, and a lighted underground passage and drawbridge lead from here to the fortress of La Tenaza, occupying a formidable spot at the water’s edge.

Daytrips abound from Cartagena, including excursions to the Fortress of San Fernando and the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, across from the Puente Heredia. Spectacular views of the city can be had from the top of La Popa hill, where the church and monastery of Santa Cruz and restored ruins of a convent dating back to 1608 are found, along with a well-preserved image of Virgin of La Candelaria, whose festival is celebrated on February 2. Further outside the city there are a few noteworthy beaches, including Bocagrande, Marbella, Playa Blanca on Isla Barú, La Boquilla, and Islas del Rosario, where you’ll find Parque Nacional Corales del Rosario. If beaches aren’t your bag then head to the clay baths at Volcán Totumo, reportedly over 500 meters deep.

Crespo airport is located 1.5 kilometers from Cartagena, and a number of national and international flights can be arranged to and from the city.