Once a highly sought-after port inside The Spanish empire, today Cartagena is bursting with life and vibrancy that entices visitors to be a bit louder. It is located on the Caribbean coast. The city enjoys an all-year round tropical climate which makes it the perfect spot for a beach vacation. A weekend spent in Cartagena will be everything you require to see the highlights of this Colombian treasure.
The traces that are reminiscent of the Colonial Spanish influences can be observed in the deteriorating Walled City, which was constructed during the 16th century to deter pirates. It is now the city's heart. Cartagena is brimming with stores, restaurants and nightlife. Explore more of cartagena by booking Cheap Flights from Miami to Cartagena.
Saturday: Beaches and Entertainment
Set out for a quick breakfast since you'll be leaving early for a day trip in Playa Blanca on the nearby Baru Islands. Cartagena is set up to attract tourists and there are numerous tour companies at the majority of hotels and in travel agencies across The Walled City.
The majority of beach excursions consist of a standard lunch comprising cooked fish, rice, and salad, along with a drink. There will be plenty of time to lounge on the shore and take a paddle in the warm, clear ocean of the Caribbean ocean.
You'll often be contacted by individuals selling treatments, oysters fresh from the ocean, and many more. They may offer a free sample, but beware that they could ask for the payment afterward. Jet skis and boats can be available for rental at the shoreline.
The tour is scheduled to end around noon and the tour guide will likely take you to the Clock Tower in the Walled City in the Walled City, which is a hot place to book trips and tours. At night, you'll see street arepas (cornmeal patties) being served in pop-up food carts, and musicians playing improvised instruments while dancers dance on the side.
Sunset Views and Salsa
Once you've changed to your evening dress You'll then go back for The Walled City for an unmatched panoramic view from the rooftops in El Baluarte. Happy hour is from 5pm until midnight. A live band will entertain you while you enjoy the sun's gradual descent to the ocean.
The next stop is The Crazy Salsa's monthly Crazy Rumba dance lesson and party that starts at 7 pm and features live music. It's possible that you'll be exhausted in the midst of two hours of wagging you tail, but in the event that you are able to pull off some Saturday spin, take a stroll to the nearby Alquimico for a drink on their rooftop bar as well as two rounds of Billiards. The name of the restaurant is "alchemy," and they're famous for their cocktails made by craft.
Sunday - Fortress and Graffiti Tour
Enjoy a traditional Colombian breakfast with savoury sweets along with coffee from Mila, a 24-hour bakery and dessert restaurant close to Cartagena's cathedral, which is the Walled City. If you haven't worked it out, it's the central point of cultural activity in Cartagena and is where the most well-known bars, restaurants and stores are located.
Then, you can stroll or take a short taxi back to Castillo San Felipe Fortress for an excursion through it. Unesco World Heritage site. The fortress was constructed around the middle of the 17th century, when Cartagena was a frequent destination for pirates as well as political rivals.
The advancements in technology for military made the fortress inoperable following Battles in Cartagena de India and the Colombian government seized it as a national monument in the latter part of the 19th century. For the most part, abandoned for over a century, significant improvements to the fortress were carried
out in 1928. The fortress is open to the public all day long and offers a spectacular view across The Walled City. By taking the tour directly following breakfast you'll avoid the majority of the heat in the afternoon.
Graffiti and cheap meals in Getsemani
Explore the raunchy and delightful neighbourhood known as Getsemani It is almost unrecognisable from the adjacent Walled City. You'll be able to tell you've arrived as you walk along streets that are lined with vibrant streamers. Enjoy all the art on display, snap silly photos at the statues in Trinidad Square, and pause to take a breather in this relaxed spot in the bustling city of Cartagena.
Getsemani is located a bit away from the tourist route, which means there are less expensive restaurants and less hustlers from the locals. It's easy to find an ice or food cart for fast food at the convenience of your own home or to purchase ingredients to prepare your own meals at home. If you're ready to eat and eat, you can make a cheap menu del dia, or menu that day's menu' at any of the many family-owned restaurants in Getsemani.
Shopping
After lunch, you'll traverse the border invisible to the Walled City and browse the art galleries that are located beneath the wall. You'll find emerald jewellery makers and local artists selling their products and typical souvenirs like magnets, t-shirts and keychains.
Cartagena is a vibrant and beautiful city. You're likely to encounter others who stop along the colourful alleyways and walls to take informal photo shoots. Locals often use this as a way to earn extra money and cost tourists for taking pictures with them.
This might seem like fraud however, you'll be able to appreciate the lure when you see stunning women wearing vibrant dresses with bowls of tropical fruits balancing elegantly upon their heads.
