Erik and Diana

Cartagena is a city that is located on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, in the northwestern part of the South American continent.

If you are wondering where is Cartagena in Colombia, it is located in the north of the country and is the capital of the Bolívar region.

The city has several archipelagos and islands around that are paradises for true rest. Among these are Tierra Bomba Island, Múcura Islan, and Barú Island, among others.

Cartagena de Indias is known, brings together the charm of colonial architecture, the excitement of a vivid night life, fascinating cultural festivals, and lush landscapes, to bring you the perfect vacation experience.

The city’s beaches beckon, inviting you to unwind and enjoy yourself in the refreshing breeze and warm waters of the sea.

But that’s not all Cartagena has to offer— the city also has excellent cuisine and a thriving hotel and tourist infrastructure.

This fabulous destination holds the secrets of history within its walled city, on its balconies, and in the narrow stone walkways that inspired author Gabriel García Márquez, who was received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1982.

Framed by its stunning bay, Cartagena de Indias is one of the most beautiful, well-preserved cities in the Americas; a treasure that is currently one of the most heavily frequented tourist destinations in Colombia.

Erik and Diana know that traveling to an unknown country is not easy so here are some good tips:

1. To travel to Colombia as a tourist you don't need to have a VISA but only a valid, not expired passport.

2. Most Colombian's now speak English, especially in Cartagena.

3. As for right now, you don't need a COVID vaccine or negative test to enter Colombia.

4. As for now, to re-enter the USA we all need a negative COVID test.

5. Colombians are very friendly and love to talk to tourists just to hear their accents.

6. Cartagena is a very safe place to visit, but at all times while you are in Colombia don't leave your items unattended. For taxi, we recommend always having the hotel call to schedule. Like anywhere, such as south-side Chicago or parts of every big city, try to learn the bad parts and stay away. 

7. The Colombia currency is the Colombian peso and for $1 dollar you can get today $3,900 pesos, which will buy you an empanada. 

8. Flights between Colombian cities are very inexpensive. They can cost $50.

9. Try all the Colombian food you can, you will love it.

10. Use a traveling-based credit card that does not have exchange fee; exchange fee is different than exchange rate. It is almost always best to pay for all bills in the native Colombian currency the Peso to avoid additional fees. Your credit card company will automatically convert. If you have the merchant convert, you likely will get a worse exchange rate. 

1. Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
This impenetrable fortress illustrates Spain's strength during its colonial reign in Colombia. Tour the network of tunnels to see how they served as a means of defense and communication.

2. Centro Amurallado
Completed in 1796, the 19-mile defensive city wall envelopes the old town and its myriad of architectural gems. You'll see why so many fall in love with Cartagena.

3. Plaza Santo Domingo
The oldest church in the city from 1539 and a bronze statue of a corpulent, naked woman named "Gertrudis," the creation of Fernando Botero, are the focal points in this square.

4. Convento de la Popa
Originally built as a small wooden church in 1607, the convent at the city's highest point houses the chapel of Cartagena's patroness: La Virgen de la Candelaria.

5. Las Bóvedas
Known simply as "The Vaults," these 27 storerooms once held Spanish armament and provisions in the 18th century and later they served as jail cells.

6. Teatro Heredia
Named after the city's founder, the theater with Italian design and Caribbean flair dates from 1911. The sculptor above the stage is India Catalina, who was Heredia's translator.

7. Rosario Islands
It's an hour by boat from Cartagena's La Bodeguita Pier to this archipelago of 30 islands. Snorkel or dive in the coral reefs, then enjoy a copper-colored sunset on the beach.