Anthony & Sergio
Things To Do
Rosario Islands
The Rosario Islands is an archipelago located off the coast of Colombia, about 45 minutes by boat from Cartagena. It is one of the 46 Natural National Parks of Colombia. The waters that surround it are much more vibrant & blue than the waters in Cartagena. Group or private boat tours are available from Cartagena that depart in the morning & return in the early evening hours, which makes it an exciting yet relaxing day-trip. Aside from sunbathing on its beaches, activities include swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, & fishing, amongst others. Accommodations are also available.
Ciudad Amurallada Cartagena
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the walled city of Cartagena is the most preserved & complete fortification in South America, & one of the best walled cities in the world. Built to keep enemies away, today the Walls are a symbol of Cartagena, inviting travelers to enter a city full of history, unique character & romance. Small enough to stroll through by foot, or on a horse drawn carriage. It’s streets are lined with colorful colonial buildings, restaurants, bars, shops, & plazas. Amongst them are palenqueras, who wear vibrant ruffled dresses and carry bowls of tropical fruit. Popular things to see include one of the city’s gateways - Monumento Torre del Reloj (clock tower); Santuario de San Pedro Claver (church), & Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría (cathedral). Watching the sun set over the Caribbean atop the city’s walls is a must.
Barrio Getsemani
Just outside the walls of Cartagena’s historic city centre lies the neighborhood of Getsemani. Forbes magazine has named it one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world. You’ll find that the area has a youthful, art-focused vibe. Getsemani is mixed with block after block of picture-worthy unique street art & vibrant colonial homes, best seen during the day. Take a picture at Calle de Las Sombrillas and enjoy a bite or drink in Plaza de La Trinidad at night. There are many types of accommodations available to book in Getsemani as an alternative to the historic city centre.
Castle San Felipe de Barajas
The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is a fortress in the city of Cartagena. The castle was built in 1536 & is located on the Hill of San Lázaro in a strategic location, dominating approaches to the city by land or sea. It was built by African slave labor under Spanish supervision during the colonial era. The fortress was involved in several battles between the late 17th to early 19th centuries between European powers. Tickets available for purchase to explore inside the fortress.
Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa
Situated on a 492ft hill, the highest point in Cartagena, stands this convent. The views are outstanding & stretch all over the city. The convent's name means the 'Convent of the Stern,' after the hill's similarity to a ship's back end. Founded by Augustine fathers in 1607, it was initially just a small wooden chapel, but when the hill was fortified two centuries later it was replaced by a stouter construction. A beautiful image of La Virgen de la Candelaria, the patroness of the city, is in the convent's chapel, & there's a charming flower-filled patio. There is also a chilling statue of a speared Padre Alonso García de Paredes, a priest who was killed along with five Spanish soldiers while trying to convert indigenous peoples to Christianity. There's a zigzagging access road leading up to the convent (not accessible by public transport) located about 1.8 miles from the city’s walls. Visitors discouraged from walking. Take a cab instead. Tickets are available for purchase on site.