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Cartagena, Colombia IN THE CITY Colombia's Caribbean jewel and one of Latin America's favorite cruise and vacation destinations… Wander the cobblestone streets of the inner-walled Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Start with a stroll through Plaza de los Coches, past the historic Torre del Reloj (clock tower) to the Portal de los Dulces, where you can savor traditional Colombian sweets. Outside the old city, visit the roughly 500-year-old Spanish fortress El Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas—it's one of the world's greatest military wonders. Copa http://destinationsguide.copaair.com/en/CTG/ Although Old Town is easily toured on foot, hire a horse-drawn carriage for the most romantic views of the historic city center… Hop on a chiva—a colorful open-sided wooden bus that makes the rounds at local bars and discos. It's one of the best things to do in Cartagena to catch some local flavor. http://destinationsguide.copaair.com/en/CTG/ Weather in Cartagena is tropical—the sun can be blazing hot during the day, though strong winds and rain can occur at any time. http://destinationsguide.copaair.com/en/CTG/ Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the Venice of Colombia and the country's most romantic city, with one of the most impressive old towns in the Western Hemisphere. With just the right mix of sun, sand, and colonial charm, it's likely to be the highlight of your trip. Cartagena's tourism infrastructure is more developed than anywhere else in the country, so unlike most Colombian destinations, it's a pretty easy place to visit. In fact, with the 300,000 cruise-liner passengers who stop in Cartagena, it might be the only city in Bogotá you actually see any foreigners. A walk through Cartagena's inner walled city feels a bit like stepping onto the set of a 16th-century telenovela, complete with cobblestone streets and grandiose balconies overflowing with flowers. http://www. frommers.com/destinations/cartagena Whether you come to Cartagena to splurge on its many fine hotels and restaurants, to explore its 500 years of history, or to sunbathe on its popular beaches, you'll discover an enchanting place you're unlikely to forget. As Colombia's top honeymoon destination, the city is full of romance, five- star hotels, and excellent dining options." http://www.frommers.com/destinations/ cartagena Old Town: Inner walled Old Town, "offers a wealth of colonial architectural gems and churches. There are also several excellent museums and 400-year-old plazas… In 1987, Cartagena's Old Town was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and its almost perfectly preserved colonial-era mansions, churches, and ornate balconies are the reason why. Where else in the Western Hemisphere can you sit in 16th- century plazas, walk along the walls of a 300-year-old fortress —one of the most impressive architectural feats of military history— and stay at a colonial-era hotel?" "Enter the city through the historic Torre del Reloj, one of Cartagena's most recognized architectural sites. From there, you'll find yourself in the Plaza de los Coches, where you can buy traditional Colombian and Cartagenian candy and sweets at the Portal de Los Dulces. Next, head down Calle de la Amargura, past La Plaza de La Aduana (stop here if you're looking for tourist information) to La Plaza de San Pedro, where you can visit the Iglesia/Claustro/Museo San Pedro Claver, constructed in 1580, as well as the Museo de Arte Moderno, a decent modern- art museum right off the square. Walk down Calle San Juan de Dios to the Cartagena Naval Museum, where you can take in antique naval instruments and objects. Walk past La Plaza de Santa Teresa, up Calle de A. Ricaurte (which becomes Calle Santa Teresa) to Plaza de Bolívar, where you can visit the free Museo del Oro as well as the Palacio de La Inquisición and La Biblioteca Bartolomé Calvo, once Cartagena's most important libraries. Be sure not to miss Cartagena's much photographed Catedral, built in 1586, destroyed by English pirate Francis Drake, and recently remodeled and opened to the public. Now walk up Calle Nuestra Señora del Carmen before arriving at the Plaza de Santo Domingo, one of Cartagena's most popular and vibrant plazas. Be sure to visit the Iglesia/Claustro Santo Domingo, a lovely 450-year-old church. Take a break at Plaza Santo Domingo for a light lunch or snack at one of the plaza's many outdoor cafes, where you can enjoy the colonial atmosphere." http://www.frommers.com/destinations/ cartagena/attractions/overview OUT AND ABOUT Nature and Outdoor Tourism: Many tour companies offer day trips to islands and beaches, snorkeling, kiteboarding, etc.: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_ Products-g297476-zfg11867-Cartagena_ Cartagena_District_Bolivar_Department.html Catch a boat from the Muelle Turístico to spend the rest of the day snorkeling and sunbathing on Isla de Barú, a pristine neighboring Caribbean island. – Copa Las Islas del Rosario, "a national park popular with tourists, is famous for its coral reefs, crystalline waters, and beautiful beaches. The islands are about 45km (28 miles) from the city and can only be reached by boat." http://www.frommers.com/destinations/ cartagena/attractions/overview Pirate's Island: Located 50 minutes from Cartagena; part of the Rosario Islands archipelago nature reserve. "It measures over 80,700 square feet… visitors are detached from the world as they sunbathe on the beach or walk among the coconut trees. The island, which has hotel facilities, is ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling in waters protected by a barrier reef." http://www. colombia.travel/en/where-to-go/caribbean/ cartagena-de-indias/activities/pirates-island "A Perfect Port for Sailboats: Cartagena is geographically privileged as it's located outside the hurricane belt. This makes it a safe harbor for small boats traveling the Caribbean. Here, sailboat and yacht navigators have access to a wide range of moorings and services." http://www.colombia. travel/en/what-to-do/caribbean/cartagena- de-indias/experiences/sailing-cartagena Boat tours "will most likely take you to the Acuario San Martín on the Isla San Martín de Pajarales, where you can enjoy a dolphin show and observe other marine animals. Another choice on Isla San Martín de Pajarales