I was excited to journey to a place I had never been before. I was there in just over two hours from Miami! The spirit of Cartagena, Colombia greets you like a joyous song. Situated on the unspoiled Caribbean Sea, the colorful city is the perfect mix of old and new.
Cartagena was one of the jewels of the Spanish empire in the Americas and is an incentive destination awaiting discovery. Deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, the colonial walled city and fortress is an impressive window to the past.
Today the vibrant city is easily explored on foot while taking in the history, architecture and fabulous cuisine. I noticed immediately the genuine kindness amongst the locals. While shopping for artisan crafts on the streets, I was never hassled and the goods were exquisite. Make sure you have plenty of room in your suitcase to bring home these treasures!
Colombians are very proud of their country and this feeling overwhelms visitors. From the zealous guides speaking 2-3 languages to the restaurant owners taking pride in their contribution. Foodies will love the culinary scene with fresh seafood and farm-to-table cuisine.
Views of the Caribbean Sea from San Felipe Barajas Castle located just outside the Walled City, make this a must see during a city tour or for an evening event. The historical sites in city of Cartagena are accessible and readily available for private evening events.
“Our venues are exquisite where guests will dine at historic sites offering remarkable views from the top of the walls to San Diego Square. The options are limitless,” said Marc Glatigny, Owner of Colombia en Colores DMC.
Strolling the streets in the evening of Cartagena the city has a festive and romantic glow. For an after dinner treat, the historic Havana Club with authentic Colombian music and drinks will truly make you feel as if you’ve gone back in time.
There are fantastic Hotels in the heart of the Old City. The Sofitel Santa Clara is housed in a former monastery with the chapel of the hotel turned into a one of a kind function space. Another hotel worth your consideration is the Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa with stunning rooms surrounding an open courtyard. For larger groups that need a bit more space the newly opened Intercontinental Cartagena de Indies with spectacular view of the sea and modern large guest rooms.
The colors of Cartagena must be experienced from the blue of the Caribbean Sea to the extraordinary architecture which shoots through the sky as you wind through the old city. These colors shine through in the people, music and food. For a truly unique experience come experience Cartagena before it is discovered by the world!
Brittany Rustman is Vice President of Exclusive Destinations. For more insight into her amazing journey, please contact brustman@edestinations.com