Welcome to Cartagena de Indias. This city has almost 500 years of extraordinary history and is one of the most beautiful cities in Colombia. Cartagena was named after Cartagena, Spain, which takes its name from the ancient city of Carthage. Cartagena is an eclectic mix of old and new. One of the first things that will strike you when you arrive is the vibrant modern city filled with skyscrapers, cruise ships, and commercial activity and the contrast it makes with the colonial city and its charismatic present bathed in a nostalgic charm from the past.
The city, with its close to one million inhabitants, serves as one of the central ports of Colombia; it hosts many international cultural events and is home to some of the leading banks and businesses in Colombia. However, it is the walled colonial city (La Ciudad Vieja) that is the heart of Cartagena. Here tourists wander through old streets filled with vendors peddling their wares among pastel colored buildings. It is packed with churches, monasteries, plazas, and noble mansions with overhanging balconies and shady patios. Just a stroll or a carriage ride through the old town is definitely worth your time. Walking the Old City allows you the enjoyment of some of the highlights such as the Palace of the Inquisition, the Cathedral, the “Castle of Saint Philip”/Fort of San Felipe, and Las Bovedas–just to name a few.
The culture of Cartagena differs markedly from the interior of Colombia. Los Costeños – the people of the coast – are known for their relaxed easy-going nature and this attitude permeates
the city giving it a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.