Built by the Spanish in 1533, Cartagena is a tropical port city of swaying hips and bustling squares.
Its narrow cobbled streets are studded with churches, monasteries and colourful 18th century townhouses decked with bougainvillea. Horse-drawn carriages rattle through the streets, men huddle around chessboards in parks and palenqueras in flowing skirts pedal fruit from bowls balanced on their heads.
Cartagena also lays claim to some of the best luxury hotels in Colombia, including fabulous converted mansions, replete with shady courtyards, rooftop pools and gifted bar staff.
Take off in a private boat towards the Rosario Islands for a day of island-hopping and snorkelling off the Caribbean coast. Back in the city, try your hand at some salsa before heading out to our favourite live music venues.
For the early-birds, we strongly recommend a morning visit to Bazurto market for a fascinating window onto the lives of Cartagena’s locals.
Few Caribbean cities are as richly emblematic as Cartagena. Get in touch with our Colombia experts to start planning your luxury trip to Cartagena.
Field Notes
Follow the music to Santiago de Cali, the home of salsa.
Many of the delights of Colombia are found off the beaten track. Take in the Marquezian charm of Mompox, the biodiversity of the Amazon, the wild beauty of El Chocó, the quaint cobbles of Barichara, or the vast wetlands of Los Llanos.
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