Visit Cartagena - Colombia

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Cartagena de Indias, or simply Cartagena, is a friendly Colombian city bordered by the Caribbean Sea, where the charm of the past centuries reigns without giving way to the modernity of the present day. The place has a strategic location, so it was the seat of an important port during the colonial period and, consequently, the region developed and became a constant target of pirate attacks.

The Walled City is the heart of Cartagena; it is the old part of the city, which concentrates most of the tourist attractions in the region. Built as a way to protect Cartagena from the attacks it suffered, the wall, in addition to being one of the best walks in the late afternoon, preserves charming alleys, churches, squares, restaurants, museums, bars and colonial architecture buildings with flowery balconies that are pure beauty!

When planning your trip, it is mandatory to set aside a good amount of time to explore the historic center, divided into four small neighborhoods, and walk without compromise through its streets, always full of fruit sellers, artisans and artists. Don't miss the Cathedral, the Palace of the Inquisition, the Church of San Pedro Claver and its square, the Bolivar Park and the Clock Tower - built as the main entrance to the wall and which, by the way, is close to the Portal dos Doces, with an incredible variety of typical Colombian sweets. Hard to resist!

Whether day or night, Cartagena is super excited. With the sun in full swing and high temperatures (which are not uncommon), there is no shortage of tours, sights and shops to discover; at night, the city is adorned with its retro lamps and carriages, which for a brief moment convey the feeling that we have gone back in time.

Do not think, however, that traveling there you will find that Caribbean paradise as shown in the movies. Urban beaches have clear water and very dark sand; therefore, to see those beaches with transparent waters, you have to go a long way from the center, on boat trips.

There are two areas in Cartagena where hotels are concentrated: Bocagrande and the Walled City, which is divided into four small neighborhoods - Centro, San Diego, Matuna and Getsemani.

Bocagrande is the modern area, with large hotels and a structure that offers the best value for money in the city, in addition to being close to the beach and some famous designer stores. The Walled City is the old part of Cartagena, with many sights and cool restaurants; It is an area where you can see a lot by walking.

If the idea is to enjoy the old atmosphere of Cartagena at all times and stay close to the tourist area, don't think twice and choose a hotel in the Walled City, especially in the downtown and San Diego neighborhoods, with the best location. There you will find the famous Hotel Santa Clara, considered one of the best in the city, and also more economical options, such as San Pedro Hotel Spa, Casa La Fe and Casa Glória Boutique.

If you prefer a region with contemporary airs, go to Bocagrande, which is close to the beach and allows you to get to the Center easily, without having to pay exorbitant amounts. In the neighborhood you will find hotels such as Hilton, Capilla del Mar and Atlântic Lux, which offer good structure without weighing so much on your pocket.

Our tip for those who want to know a lot about the historical sites is to stay in the center and surroundings, and avoid distant neighborhoods like La Boquilla, which will need a transport every time you want to go to the central area of ​​Cartagena.

Whether on foot, by bike or on a carriage ride, take time out of your schedule to discover the Walled City. The wall surrounds the old part of the city and concentrates some of the main tourist attractions, such as the Clock Tower, the Palace of the Inquisition, churches, squares and museums, in addition to the wall itself with its bastions (perfect place to watch the sun go down) . A little outside the center, but not least, are the unmissable (and impressive!) San Felipe Castle and the Santa Cruz de La Popa Convent, with a spectacular view.

Not just buildings and historic buildings make up the day of the tourist who visits Cartagena. A day at the beaches or strolling through the islands of the Rosario Archipelago, with clear waters, is a common practice. Playa Blanca, with a lot of movement, is beautiful, but it is always crowded; therefore, one of the archipelago's private islands is the ideal choice to enjoy a serene place with the Caribbean sea in the background.

When night falls, Cartagena does not lose its balance and remains full of attractions. The movement of people on the streets is intense and there is no shortage of restaurants, bars and clubs to enjoy the nightlife. If you want to listen to some regional music and eat a good dish, go to La Vitrola, a famous option for Carthaginian nightlife.

It is hot all year in Cartagena and this is not a problem when planning the trip - on the contrary. Regardless of whether you travel in winter or summer, be prepared to face the heat. The annual average temperature is around 27ºC, but the thermal sensation goes beyond that, due to the humidity. It's so hot that we even recommend avoiding some walks around noon.

Rains and cloudy days appear more frequently between the months of May and November; the rest of the year is considered dry. The city with rain doesn't look very nice because, in addition to the outdoor walks being harmed, the streets can be filled with water. Fortunately, we know that the weather is fickle and, even traveling in the rainy season, you will be able to enjoy beautiful sunny and very hot days.

Cartagena is a very tourist destination, with several events, which welcomes visitors throughout the year. Travelers come from different countries and especially from other areas of Colombia.

Holiday periods, such as late December, January and mid-July and August, are usually busy in the city and have higher prices for accommodation. Even in the low season, which includes alternative months such as April, September and October, it is possible to find a lot of people on the streets, especially on weekends.

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