Welcome to the captivating world of Cartagena, a city with history and culture around every corner. In this article we invite you to explore the wonders that this Colombian destination offers you. Get ready for an unforgettable trip discovering the most important historical and cultural aspects, as well as our recommendations to make the most of your stay. Discover the best places in Cartagena with our tourist agency Cartagena Tours.
Discover the essential historical and cultural places of Cartagena
Cartagena is a very popular tourist destination in Colombia. The city offers many historical and cultural places to discover. Among them stands out the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a fortress built by Spain in the 17th century to protect the city from pirate attacks . It is a unique place that is worth visiting.
Art lovers should also visit the Santo Domingo Church and Convent, a 16th-century Baroque building that houses notable works such as the solid gold statue of Christ by Francisco Antonio Guerrero Marín .
Finally, for those who wish to immerse themselves in the characteristic colonial atmosphere of Cartagena, a tour of Las Murallas is a must: this complex system was built between the 16th and 18th centuries to protect the city from land and sea invasions. This walk also allows you to admire a magnificent collection of religious sculptures from the 19th century and typically colonial buildings such as La Torre del Reloj or El Palacio De La Inquisición .
The essential tourist attractions of Cartagena
Cartagena is a very popular tourist destination, which offers the visitor numerous attractions to discover. These are the main attractions that you should not miss on a trip to Cartagena.
We will start with the essential tourist attractions for which Cartagena is internationally known. Next, we’ll guide you through the hidden gems and well-kept secrets for a once-in-a-lifetime experience off the beaten track.
Among the many tourist destinations in Colombia, Cartagena de Indias is undoubtedly one of the most popular. This historic city, located on the country’s Caribbean coast, offers a unique blend of culture and natural beauty that attracts thousands of visitors each year. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the best places of interest that you should not miss during your stay in Cartagena.
Walled city
First of all, it is impossible to talk about Cartagena without mentioning its ancient walled city. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 , this historic area is packed with majestic colonial churches and other buildings dating back to the 16th century .
Among them is the Palace of the Inquisition, which now houses a museum about the dark but fascinating history of the ecclesiastical court charged with eliminating all forms of heresy in the region. Also nearby is Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, an imposing fortress built in the 17th century to protect the city from attacks by pirates and foreigners.
islands and parks
So, if you want to make the most of the tropical charm of this beautiful Colombian port city while discovering the natural riches that surround it, you have several options! Nearby are the paradisiacal Rosario Islands and the San Bernardo Archipelago, where pristine beaches with crystalline waters and abundant coral reefs await you.
For lovers of flora and fauna, the Parque Nacional de Los Flamencos is a must: this vast protected area is home to a wide variety of animal species, such as flamingos, pelicans, and sea turtles .
Lastly, for those who wish to immerse themselves further in local history while enjoying a stunning view of Cartagena, a visit to La Popa convent is highly recommended. Perched on a hill overlooking the city, this 17th-century monastery offers an impressive panorama and a peaceful setting in which to recharge your batteries.
The Old City of Cartagena
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old City is home to colonial and baroque buildings dating back to the 16th century. The cobbled streets are lined with colorful houses and the city center is full of fun activities for all ages. Discover what places to visit in the historic center of Cartagena de Indias…
Naval Historical Museum
This museum is located in the Plaza de San Pedro Claver and presents a varied collection of objects related to Colombian naval history and its unique maritime heritage in Latin America .
San Felipe de Barajas Castle
Built by the Spanish in the 17th century to protect the city from pirate attacks, this imposing San Felipe fort is a must-see for any visitor wishing to explore Colombia’s military past.
Bocachica Beach
Located right in front of Castillo San Felipe, this beach offers vacationers an idyllic setting to enjoy the tropical sun and take a dip in its crystal clear turquoise waters.
Located near the Caribbean coast of Colombia, Rosario Island is home to several nature reserves that protect various marine ecosystems, some of which are considered privileged places to observe different types of rare aquatic animals.
The Totumo Volcano
The Totumo Volcano is a mud volcano located in the Caribbean coast region of Colombia, near the city of Cartagena de Indias. Visitors can climb to the top of the volcano by following a trail and then descend into the hot mud , rich in minerals and considered beneficial for the skin.
The place is very popular for being a unique and relaxing experience. Visitors can soak in the mud, cover themselves from head to toe, and receive a massage from the locals who work there. After soaking in the mud, visitors head to the nearby lake to wash and rinse.
Hidden treasures of Cartagena: tips for a unique stay
Cartagena is a Colombian coastal city with many hidden gems to discover. Travelers looking for a unique vacation will not be disappointed with what Cartagena has to offer.
The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , is a must-see for history and culture buffs. Here you will find preserved colonial buildings dating back to the 16th century and cobbled streets that are reminiscent of the Spanish colonial past.
In addition, the region is also home to a wide variety of natural attractions, such as paradisiacal beaches and exuberant tropical jungles where you can spot wild animals such as capuchin monkeys or enjoy water sports such as surfing and kitesurfing on some of the secluded beaches .
To make the most of Cartagena’s rich cultural heritage, visitors are encouraged to take a stroll through the historic center to gain a different perspective on the spectacular and colorful colonial architecture that abounds in the city.
Especially at night when some of the buildings light up to create a magical atmosphere! Finally, to complete your unforgettable expatriation to Colombia, head to Isla del Rosario to admire its beautiful seascape of fine white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters.
In summary, Cartagena de Indias is full of tourist attractions as diverse as they are exciting.
