Cartagena, Colombia is a Perfect Getaway

Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel on Unsplash

While cities in Colombia such as Medellin and Bogota might have more name recognition, the Caribbean city of Cartagena is a destination that will show you a whole new side of this South American country.

Cartagena is located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, which gives the city a warm and tropical climate, as well as stunning beaches. But Cartagena isn’t just sun and fun–it also has a fascinating history and is full of colonial architectural gems.

The center of Cartagena’s old town is walled, which protected the city from pirates and invaders during colonial times. The charming old town has a variety of beautiful colonial-era buildings as well as shops, restaurants, churches, and hotels.

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Also located in Cartagena is the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, a beautiful 17th century castle and fortress located near the downtown area. Visitors can explore the tunnels and fortifications that protected Spanish military and royalty in the past here.

Cartagena isn’t just about its history, however. It is also home to some of South America’s most stunning beaches. Located a 45-minute ferry ride from Cartagena is Tierra Bomba, an island that has picturesque white sand beaches.

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Closer to the center of the city, you can also check out the calm and relatively untouristy beach of La Boquilla.

So, if you’re looking for a destination with a mix of sand, sun, and history, choose Cartagena!