Cartagena, known since the colonial era as Cartagena de Indias, is a city and one of the major ports on the northern coast of Colombia in the Caribbean Coast Region. Cartagena's past role as a link in the route to the West Indies provides it with important historical value for world exploration.
What did we do?
A free walking tour of the Walled City with Beyond Colombia. Our tour guide met us outside the walled city where we were given headsets. It makes such a difference when there is a large group and lots of people around.
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| Monumento Torre del Reloj |
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| Entering the walled city |
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| Plaza del Reloj |
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| Plaza del Reloj |
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| Hector, our tour guide |
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| Estatua de Pedro de Heredia |
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The wall was created with
Coral and shells |
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MONUMENTO CRISTOBAL COLÓN
Christopher Columbus Statue |
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| Plaza de la Aduana |
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| Santuario de San Pedro Claver |
Metal sculptures located in the San Pedro Claver Plaza
We finished our tour with a stop at 18 Karats Jewler an emerald store. Colombia is one of the top countries for emeralds and we were so impressed with this store we went back and purchased more jewelry! I am a lucky lady!
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| I look like I know what I'm doing |
We took an Uber to the Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa, the highest point in Cartagena. Originally built in 1607.
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| Up we go |
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| Courtyard |
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Main altar of the
Convent of La Popa |
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| Old Telecommunications Dish |
The views of the city were spectacular
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| I got a little braver |
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| Look at me no hands |
We walked through the artistic Getsemani Neighborhood and climbed the outside wall.
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Calle de Las Sombrillas
Umbrella Street |
San Felipe de Barajas Fort - The castle was built in 1639 and is located on the Hill of San Lázaro.
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Statue of
Blas de Lezo y Olavarrieta |
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| Only 1 person allowed |
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| Up we go |
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| A tunnel |
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| Sentry Box |
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| More tunnels |
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| That's a hot mess |
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| Ohhh where does this go? |
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| Another tunnel |
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| I need some new poses |
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| At least we are going down |
Did you know? In 1984 the castle/fortress was designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Centro (Walled City) The walled city is made up of pastel colonial buildings lined with flowers, cobblestone streets, horse carriages, and plenty of restaurants and boutiques. Our next visit to Cartagena we will stay within the Walled City.
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Iglesia de Santo Toribio
Catholic Church |
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Palacio de la Proclamación
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| Statue in Plaza |
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Catedral de Santa Catalina
de Alejandría |
You knew there were going to be some doors:
We didn't spend much time on the Beach. The waters were not the beautiful Caribbean blue and it was very busy.
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| Colombians know how to party! Each tent had its own music going (full volume!) And lots of shots being poured. |
Pool Time
Sunsets
Random pictures
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| Doesn't take much to |
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| entertain me 😁😅🤣😂 |
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| Big Foot |
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| Colombia Pesos |
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| Monument of the Pegasus |
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| Me crashing a private event |
Restaurants / Bars
One of the problems with having Lounge access is spending so much time in the lounge.
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| Me sporting some of my new bling! |
After our walking tour, we were hungry so we went to Benitto Italy. Definitely a great choice.
Margarita di Bufala
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Make our cheese nice
and gooey |
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| Before slowly pulling apart |
Manglar Bar de Selva y Mar
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| Seeds to start |
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| Ceviche |
I definitely recommend Restaurante El Burlador 👌 😋 😋
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| Bread & olives |
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| Surtido De Tapas |
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Croquettes, huevos rotos,
spanish omelet,
truffled & aged manchego, |
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Serrano Ham reserva, spanish
chorizo, Iberian sausage,
parmesan regiano 15 months |
The service was excellente!
When we visited La Cevichería the power was out when we first arrived. The few little windows they had were opened but it was hot and the street performers would annoy anyone sitting at the window.
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| Chips with Aioli |
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| Gin & Tonic |
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Anthony Bourdain ate here
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Can you guess what this
sign is for?🤔 |
Restaurante Nami
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| Seabass Ceviche |
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| Tuna |
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| Tuna |
We arrived "home" one night to find fruit, cheese, crackers and water.
Where did we stay? Due to being nervous about visiting Cartagena, I chose the InterContinental Cartagena de Indias. Thanks to my IHG status (as Rob says, "Platinum Elite double Plutonium Cryptonite Ambassor status) we received an upgraded room. This was probably been the biggest suite we have ever had and was actually two rooms on the top floor with an amazing Carribean view.
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The tub was amazing and
there was also a separate
shower |
Not pictured was a half bath located in living room.
How did we get there? Our AirBnB in Medellin arranged for a driver to the airport. We flew from Jose Maria Cordova International Airport to Rafael Núñez International Airport. 🛫🛬
When did we visit? March 23 - April 1, 2025
“Every journey begins with a single step.”
