Places to Visit in Cartagena, Colombia, America

Places to Visit in Cartagena, Colombia, America

Cartagena is sited on the north Coast of Colombia is the capital of Bolivar Department. Economy of the Cartagena is based on maritime and petrochemicals industry and tourism and is the second largest region in the department after Barranquilla.

Cartagena has total area of 221 square miles (572 square kilometers) and located at an elevation of 7 feet (2 meters) above the sea level. Cartagena is surrounded by Cartagena De Indias, Turbaco, Turbana, Granja Frutera Coloncito, Ballestas and Juan Congo and positioned at the distance of 1,050 kilometers from Bogota, capital of Colombia. Coordinates of Cartagena are 10.4000° N, 75.5000° W.

History of Cartagena:

Puerto Hormiga Culture people settled in the region around 4000 BC and the region was first established in the year 1533, by Pedro de Heredia, a Spanish commander. Spain constructed several forts and walls to protect the region and during the 17^th century, Spain appointed major European military engineers to build fort in the region. For more than 275 years, the region was under the control of Spanish rule and in the year 1811, Cartagena got independence from Spain.

Places to Visit in Cartagena:

Downtown:

Downtown area of Cartagena has distinct architecture colonial style and Italian style buildings and there is a church by name Saint Peter Church where body of the Jesuit Saint is kept, is one of the must visit sites in Cartagena.

Castillo de San Felipe:

Castillo de San Felipe is a fort constructed in the year 1657 by Dutch engineer Richard Carr to protect the city from attacks of pirates while shipping gold out to Europe. Castillo de San Felipe fort is open from 8 am to 6 pm every day.

La Popa Hill:

La Popa Hill is the 150 meter high hill located near the 17^th century San Felipe fortress provides stunning sights of Cartagena and the harbour area. Santa Cruz monastery constructed during the 17^th century is located in the area.

Iglesia de San Pedro Claver:

Iglesia de San Pedro Claver is one of the historic churches constructed in the city was constructed in the admiration of Priest St. Pedro Claver, who was the first Saint of the New World.

Other places to visit in Cartagena:

La Catedral
Iglesia de Santo Domingo
Walled city
Palace of the Inquisition
Cartagena Gold Museum
Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
Las Bovedas

Best time to Visit Cartagena:

Cartagena faces tropical wet and dry climate with rainy season from May to June and October to November and summer season from November to February. Best time to visit Cartagena is from November to February.

How to Reach Cartagena?

Cartagena is served by Rafael Nunez International Airport situated around 9 kilometers receives domestic and international flights from cities like Panama City, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, New York and Canada and few other cities. Cartagena bus terminal receives buses from neighboring cities frequently and number of intercity buses ply in Cartagena city. Cartagena port is the major port with good connectivity between Colombia and Panama countries and tourists can find number of private boats operating from Cartagena port.

Where to Stay in Cartagena?

Cartagena offers inspiring oceanfront accommodation and world-class service at one of the most pleasing and expedient position in Cartagena and most of the hotels are situated at the front of the ocean with wonderful amenities like room service, restaurant, banquet facilities, gym, swimming pool, shops, excursions, high-speed internet, business center, 24 hour reception, dry cleaning and host of other services. Some of the hotels in Cartagena are listed below: