Guide to visiting historic Cartagena from a cruise ship

Posted on 09. Feb, 2011 by admin in Cartegena

The attractive old city of Cartagena is a very calm introduction to the wilds of Colombia, and after some time here you’ll wonder what all the negative publicity was about.

Here you can plunge in the town’s gruesome history concerning pirates, conquistadors and cursed gold or even shop until you drop at a glut of classy boutiques.

Ancient forts, palaces and cathedral fill the walled town with fine 16th century colonial architecture. And soft white beaches and world-class snorkelling are close at hand as well. Some first class restaurants offer delightful waiter service in Cartegena and worry not about security; highly visible and friendly tourist police peddle push bikes around the main attractions all hours of the day and night.

Cartagena also is a regular stop on the way to Panama’s picture postcard San Blas Islands and great for stocking up on supplies before hitting countless sandy palm tree-covered inlets.

Cartagena’s colonial fortress and walled city were declared an UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. There are only a few places in the world with such a rich and varied history, and countless people come into this magical South American port every day. Without doubt everyone who arrives here leaves utterly enchanted by its bewitching splendor.

Where ships dock in Cartagena

The port of Cartagena offers a free shuttle bus service for the 20 minute trip towards the old town.

Getting around Cartagena

On foot: getting about Cartagena is simple on foot and there are plenty of free tourist maps available to keep visitors on the right track.

By hire car: major hire car operators operate from the town if you would like to explore the surrounding countryside. Although, with so much life to experience in the old town, it is unlikely you will have sufficient time to make it worthwhile.

By taxi: fast and efficient metered taxis are on hand all over Cartagena. Be sure the driver puts the meter on immediately, however.

Shopping in Cartagena

All sorts of curios, souvenirs and trinkets can be found in the town, from ‘designer’ watches to traditional handicrafts. The main square boasts lots of budding artists hawking pencil sketches of ancient buildings or portraits for very reasonable prices – but be ready to haggle hard. Near the city walls are more reputable boutiques doing a superb line in reproduction colonial artefacts of varying quality.

Bars and nightlife in Cartagena

Cartagena offers a good range of nightspots ranging from quite sterile local bars, trendy lounge pubs with live music and the more seedy ‘hostess’ variety of establishment. There are also young places aimed at backpackers and NGO volunteers which keeps on partying until the wee small hours. Calle del Arsenal has the most to offer visitors to Cartegena including Mr Babilla, which is the most famous nightclub in town with great ‘crossover’ music.

Beaches by Cartagena

La Boquilla is the most convenient beach to get to and lies around eight kilometers north of town.

Ten minutes further down the coast is the well-maintained Manzanillo Beach, which is popular with families.

Playa Blanca is without doubt the prettiest beach in the surrounds. Take a boat, bus or taxi 22kms south of the old town.

The Rosario Islands have good snorkeling and fine sand if you fancy taking a tour 30kms south of town.

Where to eat in Cartagena

There are a few decent Cartegena restaurants by the harbor, but otherwise many people just sit out in the old town and dine under the stars while listening to live music. There are Italian, French and especially local Creole dishes to try and prices are reasonable on the whole. Just head for anywhere which looks busy.

Main sightseeing attractions in Cartagena

Naval Museum: This attraction within the old walls has permanent exhibits on the military history, Universal Navigation and the Colombian Navy.

Church of San Pedro Claver: Built at the start of the 17th century by Jesuit priests. There is also an archeological museum here.

Fort of San Filipe de Barajas: Completed in 1789 to guard against pirates. The city was placed under siege five times during the 1500s.

Inquisition Palace: Constructed in 1770 for the Spanish Inquisition, this is one of most important examples of civil architecture in the city.

Swamp of the Virgin: The unique plant and animal life of this mangrove swamp is fascinating to explore by an organized tour.

The Gold Museum: charts the history of the conquistadors and their oft ill-fated quest for all that glistens.

Cartegena’s ‘seaside resort’: is filled with bars, good quality hotels, shops and restaurants. It is a magnet for international tourists and holidaying Colombians alike.

Activities in Cartagena

Scuba diving: is very popular with lots of unique reefs and wrecks to be explored. PADI courses are very cheap too if you’ve a few days to spare.

Partying: not many places in the world do a party quite like Colombia! Salsa until dawn whilst sipping on mojitos and daiquiris.

Relaxing: the Rosario Island chain is a designated national park richly adorned by coral reefs.

Taking a ride on a chiva: these colorful buses made wood have become an iconic symbol of the country, with historical scenes, festive designs and even biblical imagery. Nowadays they’re used for city tours or bar on wheels.

Travel tips

What to enjoy: sinking a cool beer in the Plaza de Bolivar.
What to avoid: begging and some of the seedier bars.
Language: Spanish.
Essential info: temperatures stay around 90˚F all year with April, May, and October, November the wettest months.
Money: Colombian peso, although US dollars are sometimes accepted.
Fact: Colombian novelist Gabriel Garcia Marquez set his book, Love in the Time of Cholera, in the city.