cartagena

The UNESCO World Heritage listed city of Cartagena on the Caribbean coast is oozing with history and is a major destination for tourists within Latin America.

The city was founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredia who fought and defeated the local Indians in the area and then claimed the land for himself.Tours in colombia Cartagena became the first major Spanish settlement on mainland South America shortly afterwards. The city soon prospered as the main export point for the gold and silver being looted in Peru and as the major slave port in the Americas, this gave the city a reputation amongst the European pirates of the time.

Many pirates and privateers invaded Cartagena including Sir John Hawkins and the more famous Sir Francis Drake. When Drake invaded Cartagena,Travels in colombia he burned one quarter of City to the ground and in response to this Spain started to pour millions of Spanish dollars in to a defence system for the city. The outcome was a fantastic fortified city which can still be seen today. The fortification of the city amounted to an incredible 11 km of walls with more than 20 mini forts and batteries to accompany the impressive fortress ‘San Felipe de Barajas’.

Many of the old colonial buildings within the cities walls have been restored to their former glory and just wondering around the narrow streets enchants every visitor.

Cartagena has it all, from the history of the old city you also have the newer and up market Bocagrande area. This is where you will find the beaches, shopping malls and skyscrapers.

On top of this you have the amazing 1 day excursion to the Rosario Islands. A fast boat will take you out through the islands and past more fortress’ before continuing on to a sea aquarium and the paradise beach of Playa Blanca.

Truly amazing are the best words to describe this region of Vacation in Colombia.