Overview
Take a trip to Cartagena on your Colombia Vacation
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most incredible old towns in the Western Hemisphere, Cartagena is a large port city on the northern coast of Colombia, a must-visit on Colombia vacations.
Spanish conqueror Pedro de Heredia founded the city in 1533 on the site of the Carib Indian settlement of Calamari. It grew to become a major port in the Caribbean and was viewed as the gateway to South America. This caused the city to garner a great deal of attention from pirates forcing the Spanish to build up a series of forts around the town.
Cartagena continued to flourish and during colonial times, it was the most important location in the Spanish empire outside of Spain and was influential in Colombia’s history. It was one of the first places to declare independence from Spain leading the way for other cities throughout the country. The city has continued to expand and is the country’s largest port making Cartagena a major industrial centre.
While the city has modernized, the old walled town has changed very little over the years. In 1984, UNESCO named the city a World Heritage Site for having the most extensive fortifications in South America. Rich in history and romance, Cartagena is considered Colombia’s top honeymoon destination. It also provides excellent opportunities to enjoy nearby coral reefs and beaches as well as water sports activities like swimming, snorkelling, surfing, sailing and more on Colombia vacations.
Languages
SpanishCurrency
Colombian Peso (COP)What do the experts say?
You should try a Zen meditation session. Imagine slipping into a silk kimono for the day—carefully tied by an expert dresser, every fold precise, every colour chosen to suit the season. It’s a ritual that feels as personal as it is timeless.
What do I love about Japan? In a word - EVERYTHING. The incredible contrast that Japan offers - new/innovative vs old/traditional, the warm and welcoming people, the incredible rich culture, the culinary wonders awaiting around every corner, the cleanliness, efficiency and safety. It's one of the best places to visit in Asia in my opinion.
Pub Street in Siem Reap, Cambodia, is a local favourite with very inexpensive drinks. It's also a great place to try the local delicacy, BBQ frog.
I love how laidback and relaxed Laos is compared to other countries in Southeast Asia. It's like the best of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand all rolled into one, and then sent back in time 20 to 30 years.
The Festes Majors are summer festivals held in the villages of Andorra. Each festival is unique to the village, with its own distinct style.
Travel Stories
Get Inspired About Your Trip to Colombia
Unlock more by subscribing to our newsletter.
With our newsletter, you’ll get access to regular communications that inspire you and help you explore the world your way.