Old Walled City (The Murallas of Cartagena)
The Old Walled City, called La Ciudad Amurallada in Spanish, is a part of Cartagena that looks like it stopped back in time. The 16th century architecture and surroundings within the fortress have been properly preserved in order to keep the magic and spirit alive of a city that has seen many conquistadors, battles, changes, and cultural events. Surrounded with massive forts which were used as protection from invaders during the colonization epoch, it is currently filled with super-chic hot spots and cozy hidden romantic restaurants and shops. Spend the day here taking a ride on a horse drawn carriage, have lunch in one of the yummy bistros or restaurants, or stay your whole trip in one of the luxurious hotels this beautiful part of town has to offer.
Stay at: Hotel Sofitel Santa Clara
Originally constructed as a convent in 1621, the Hotel Sofitel Santa Clara in the Old Walled City of Cartagena charms guests with its modern chic atmosphere that’s reminiscent of a romantic past. Two types of room views are available, either the Caribbean ocean view or the Old Walled City colonial view. Its two restaurants, El Refectorio and El Caustro, serve some of the best examples of French and International cuisine. The bar called El Coro, Spanish for “the choir”, used to be the place holding precisely what it’s named for, and it’s a great place to sip on cocktails and catch live music Thursdays to Saturdays.
Hotel Sofitel Santa Clara
Calle Del Torno 39-29 Barrio San Diego, Cartagena, Colombia
Ph. (+57)5/6504700 – (+57)5/6648040
www.sofitel.com/es/
Gold Museum
This Caribbean region of Colombia has been inhabited by diverse settlers and cultures for the past 11,000 years. The agricultural and goldsmith community known as the Zen began to settle in this area around 200 BC. The Museo del Oro will let you catch a glimpse of history here while you awe over the majestic and intricate gold pieces created by the Zen culture, who were responsible in making Cartagena one of the most sought after places during the era of colonization. The museum is located within the Walled City, right in front of the Palacio de la Inquisici�n. It was completely renovated in March of 2007. The museum is open every day except Monday.
Museo del Oro
Centro Cra. 4 No. 33-26
Plaza de Bolivar, Cartagena, Colombia
Ph. 660 0778
www.banrep.gov.co/museo/eng/expo_cartagena.htm
Los Zapatos Viejos (The Old Shoes)
You can’t go to Cartagena and not take a picture with one of Colombia’s most famous sculptures, the Old Boots. These huge pieces of footwear can be found behind the Castillo de San Felipe. This unique work of art pays tribute to Luis Carlos López and his most famous poetry piece, Mi Ciudad Nativa (“My Native City”). Luis Carlos López was a poet and journalist, born in Cartagena in 1879 and died in 1950. He published many poetry books and was heavily involved in politics as a writing collaborator for various magazines and newspapers. The Castillo de San Felipe is located in a part of town called El Cabrero and is accessible to anybody free of charge.
Stay at: Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa, Cartagena
The Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa perfectly balances traditional and contemporary elements that Cartagena has to offer, surely to make your experience as a guest unforgettable.
Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa, Cartagena
Carrera 13 # 31-23 Centro Plaza de Santa Teresa
Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
Tel (57)(5) 6649-494 or 664-9547
Islas del Rosario
Islas del Rosario are a definite stop on your visit to Cartagena. This tiny cluster of islands nestled in the Caribbean, hold various luxury top-end hotels, as well as more wallet-friendly options. Even though most beaches are private and only accessible if you are a guest at one of the hotels, there are several options for day tours which will let you enjoy the views, food, and attractions the enchanting Islas del Rosario holds. The only way to get here is by taking a 2 hour ride on a boat, leaving from the Bay of Cartagena. You will also come across a great variety of restaurants and even attractions such as an aquarium. Lounge on the beach, swim, snorkel, and scuba-drive all day long!
Stay in: Hotel San Pedro de Majagua Hotel San Pedro de Majagua, located in the Islas del Rosario, a couple of hours away from Cartagena, Colombia, is the best choice to really wind down, relax, and enjoy a tropical paradisiacal getaway. Only holding 17 rooms, the hotel is designed to maximize guests’ privacy and relaxation time. Specially designed with a minimalist French Polynesian feel, the bed linens are 300 thread count, there’s fan air conditioning in each room, and healthy exotic meals served fresh at the restaurant. Guests may enjoy diving and nautical activities, ecological walks, canoeing, bicycle rides, canoe night rides, bird watching, an aquarium, and massages. Hotel San Pedro de Majagua
Toll Free reservations (within Colombia) 01-8000-972-525
www.hotelmajagua.com
Day tours: Hotel Isla Pirata
Day tours to the Islas del Rosario include: assistance at dock prior to departure, transportation to Hotel Isla Pirata via speedboat, coffee and fruit, lunch break at hotel, and panoramic tour around the archipelago. Prices for tour range from $35 for kids, up to $50 for adults.
Tour contact: Excursiones Roberto Lemaitre
Bocagrande, Calle 6#2-26, Local 2, Edificio Granada
Ph. (+575) 665 29 52 / 665 56 22
Cartagena, Colombia
www.hotelislapirata.com
Iglesia Santo Domingo
The Iglesia de Santo Domingo, the oldest church in Cartagena, and its convent began to be constructed in 1551, and remained under construction until 1698. This colonial gem of architecture has undergone many attacks throughout history and is home to many stories of miracles, according to popular tradition. During its early stages, the convent was built out of straw (previously located in the Plaza de los Coches), which burned to the ground during a disastrous fire which consumed the entire city. It was later relocated and rebuilt where it still stands today.
Take a stroll inside to catch a glimpse of the baroque altar and the view of an image of Christ carved in 19th century wood alongside an image of the Virgin Mary crowned in gold and emeralds. The church has been recently restored.