Colombia’s First UNESCO World Heritage Site
The city of Cartagena, known in the colonial era as Cartagena de Indias is a major port founded in 1533. Located in the north of Colombia on the Caribbean coast, it was the main trading point between Spain and its overseas empire. After a relaxing few days in Parque Tayrona, JJ and I went to explore Cartagena’s old walled city.
DAY 14 – FRIDAY
Cartagena is a unique city, with two very different neighbourhoods – the modern high-rise packed Bocagrande and the old city. The old city, hidden within colonial walls, is a maze of colourful Spanish-style architecture. We chose to stay in the older part of town for its interesting history and aesthetic.
The hotel I booked was Townhouse, a relatively new boutique property with an awesome looking rooftop bar. Due to an issue with their reservation system, our booking was lost so Townhouse arranged for us to stay in a nearby apartment. I’ve looked everywhere for the listing of the apartment but couldn’t find it – such a shame because it was lovely and pefectly located (close to Parque Fernández de Madrid).
After dropping our bags, JJ and I set off to wander the streets and get our bearings. The brightly coloured buildings and Palenqueras (fruit sellers) made for a really vibrant atmosphere.
That evening before dinner we decided to check out the rooftop bar at Townhouse for pre-dinner drinks. I highly recommend the view, cocktails
We ended up eating at Pizza en el Parque which was pretty touristy, but close by and the food was tasty. Throughout dinner, we were continuously interrupted by street vendors. Usually, that would annoy me but after a couple of cocktails at Townhouse, I was feeling relaxed. It was kind of entertaining to be in the thick of things for one night.
SATURDAY – TUESDAY
We spent 4 days in the Caribbean archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina before returning to Cartagena. Read the post all about our time on these paradisiacal islands here.
DAY 19 – WEDNESDAY
When JJ and I arrived back at Cartagena Airport, we were met by a driver from Hotel LM. After a short 15 minute journey, we were back in the city’s historic centre.
As it was one of our final nights in Colombia, I decided to treat us to Hotel LM’s superior junior suite. The bathroom was the most luxurious aspect of the room, with its hydro-massage tub and fresh water cascade. We seemed to be the only guests in the hotel as we had the dining room and rooftop terrace all to ourselves – win!
Once we’d checked in, we walked across to Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. The 483-year-old fort is situated outside of the city walls in the Getsemaní neighbourhood. The walk took us about half an hour and we hurried straight for the fort’s underground tunnels to escape the afternoon heat.
In the evening we popped into Townhouse again for cocktails, before heading back to Hotel LM for a delicious dinner. We decided to avoid the street vendors and horse-drawn carriages
DAY 20 – WEDNESDAY
After breakfast, we chilled on Hotel LM’s rooftop until it was time to
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Colombia, and Cartagena in particular, are high on my bucket list! Both of the hotels you mention look fabulous and I love roof top bars!
Thanks for reading Laura! Cartagena is a fun city, I hope you get to check it out soon.
Columbia is attractive but I have not been there. I have very limited knowledge of that country. Do you consider it us safe for a family trip with a small kid?
Hi Mijia, I definitely consider Colombia safe for families. A friend of mine recently visited with her 4-year-old daughter and had a wonderful time. It’s a beautiful place, I would recommend!
I am hearing a lot about Colombia these days. Heard a lot of good things as well as how unsafe can it be sometimes. But if you are not vigil, danger will chase you at even the safest place. Would love to visit Colombia one day.
Exactly, pickpocketing is rife in Paris but no one considers France an “unsafe” country. You always have to be careful wherever you go that’s unfamiliar, but I honestly never felt in any danger in Colombia.
Cartagena is so picturesque and beautiful. Photographs just can’t go wrong here, I guess. Frankly, I learnt a bit about Cartagena from the popular series Narcos. But that has never deterred my wish to visit it. And if I ever plan a trip to Colombia, Cartagena will be on the top of my list. Can’t miss Colombia’s first UNESCO site.
Great, I hope you make it soon Soumya!
From a safety standpoint how would you rank Colombia? I have always wanted to go, but as a solo travel female, have heard so many negative things regarding safety. What’s your take?
Hi Kate, I get a lot of questions about the safety of Colombia. I can honestly say that at no point did I feel threatened or unsafe in any way while travelling in Colombia. There are still areas you shouldn’t go to but do your research and you’ll be fine. Most of those unsafe areas wouldn’t be on any travellers list to visit anyway. Colombia is beautiful and the people are lovely, I say go for it!
It looks like a place full of history. I love the buildings!
Thanks for reading Kelly. Cartagena is very photogenic for sure!
I fell in love with this beautiful town in Colombia. I hope it safe now to visit. From where I live, this place looks like an exotic location. I loved the colonial buildings and the yellow Ochre colour on the facade is awesome!
Glad you enjoyed the post Arv! Cartagena is very safe to visit, it’s popular with tourists from all over. I hope you visit someday 🙂
Gorgeous photographs of this colourful and interesting city. Thanks for sharing these.
Thanks Carol!