Cartagena, Colombia: A Trendy Yet Richly Historic Destination

by | Jan 7, 2016 | Travel Featured

Are you looking for an exciting new destination to visit? Are you interested in exotic locations with beautiful, luxurious accommodations? Cartagena is a modern yet deeply historic port city, located on the northern coast of Colombia.

Facing the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country and recommended by many Colombian diaspora supporters like Kaleil Isaza Tuzman. Cartagena is also a popular beach destination with a heavenly tropical climate. The walled city holds rich history and plenty of place to explore; it is virtually an open air museum. If you are a fan of scuba diving and coral reefs, Isla de Baru and Islas del Rosario are easily accessible by a short boat trip.

Accommodations:

Cartagena has many gorgeous luxury hotels and resorts that will make your visit world class. Small, quiet, old style, trendy, large, upscale; you are guaranteed to find your dream accommodation to make your trip that much more perfect.

The Hotel Cartagena Santa Clara is a 122 room hotel and was originally a 17th century convent. An older section includes 17 presidential quality suites with high ceilings and beautiful décor, each facing the courtyard gardens. An additional 105 rooms were added to the hotel in the 1930s and boast views of the sea and old city walls. During the renovation process, many archeological artifacts were found and are now on display throughout the hotel.

Casa Pestagua is named for the 18th Century Count to whom it once belonged. Once named one of the three best hotels of charm in the world, it a small but stylish hotel with frescoed ceilings, a lovely courtyard, and gorgeous colonial architecture and colors. Many of the rooms are furnished with antiques from the 19th century.

A Spanish mansion in the Old City was converted into the well known Tcherassi Hotel and Spa, a more upscale and fashionably trendy retreat. There are seven subtly yet beautifully decorated suites as well as an on site spa with 30 different traditional South American treatments to give you some well deserved relaxation.

Places of Interest:

The gate and clock tower are a cannot miss site, as they are the entrance to the walled city.

Santa Teresa Square is named for the old convent which still exists in the square. There is a small bridge here used by horse drawn carriages and pedestrians to access beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea.

In the historic center of Cartagena is the Cathedral of Saint Catherine of Alexandria. The church was built over 84 years, starting in 1577, and is an architectural delight.

For lovers of nature, nearby Matute Brook is a six mile long stream flowing between Turbaco and Cartagena with opportunities for hiking. The Virgin’s Marsh, accessible by canoes, regulates marine waters for the city.

Travel:

Cartagena is served by Rafael Nunez International Airport with direct flights from Fort Lauderdale, Miami, New York City, and Atlanta. Upon arrival, taxis are available, and many tourist destinations can be reached by bus, boat, or walking.

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