Cartagena, located on Columbia's sparkling Caribbean coast, is an absolute gem of a Latin American city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is charming with cobbled alleyways, winding streets, distinct piazzas, weathered colonial buildings, and an infectiously vibrant atmosphere. The sight of horses pulling carts down narrow streets, massive wrought-iron balconies brimming with bougainvillaea. And seemingly endless groups of people flashing ever-present smiles makes it difficult for first-time visitors to dismiss the notion that they have just discovered the most agreeable city on the entire South American continent. Colombia, one of South America's best-kept secrets, is colourful and captivating, with atmospheric towns and a magnificent backdrop of verdant rainforest and the soaring Andes mountains. With warm, welcoming people, beautiful architecture, and dramatic landscapes, you won't leave Colombia once you've begun your Holiday! Wander around vibrant Bogota, tasting delicious Colombian food and drinking local coffee, be inspired by Medellin's turbulent history, or get lost in romantic Cartagena's cobblestone streets. Outside of the cities, there are jagged mountains, misty cloud forests, lush coffee plantations, and jungle-fringed beaches to explore. Discover the mysterious megalith statues of San Agustin or hike to the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida), explore the vast tropical grasslands and wildlife of Los Llanos, or embrace Colombia's passion for music; in Cali, the fiesta capital! This fascinating destination will get under your skin no matter where you go. Columbia's northern coast has a typical Caribbean climate; there is never a wrong time to go on Cartagena holidays. There are no direct flights from the UK to Cartagena; most British visitors arrive at Rafael Nunez International Airport by flying from London to Bogota, Panama, or Miami and connecting to an onward flight. Cartagena's centre is a pedestrian paradise, so walking is the best way to explore the city. Travellers who want to explore the entire metropolitan area can use taxis and private buses any day or night. Capital: Cartagena International Airport: Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) Population: 1,071,000 Currency: Colombian pesos Time: Bolivar, Colombia (GMT-5) Driving Side: Right Main Electricity: 110 V Official Language: Spanish Religion: Catholic
Cartagena has a rich history and plenty of places to explore and is known for its brightly painted buildings, cobbled streets, and Caribbean coastal location. Wander through the rainbow-coloured streets of Cartagena's Ciudad Amurallada (Walled City) to get a sense of the city's history. Residents must seek permission to paint their houses differently because the historic Spanish colonial buildings here are so well preserved. Pay attention to the knockers on the doors to determine who lived there: fish or other sea creatures denoted a member of the sea merchant community, lions denoted a member of the military, lizards denoted high society, and hands denoted a member of the clergy. Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, 40 metres up San Lázaro hill, is a Spanish colonial fortress behemoth. It was the largest fort in South America for 150 years, spanning the 17th and 18th centuries; you can't miss it. Explore the eerie, complex warren of tunnels beneath, which were built so that noise travelled along with them, making it easy to communicate inside – and to hear any intruders.
