Cartagena de Indias, the best tourist destination
Would you like to meet the jewel of the Caribbean? Cartagena is a destination with paradisiacal landscapes and colonial architecture, preferred by foreigners and tourists who decide to visit it for its colorful streets, gastronomy and unparalleled sunsets.
By continuing within the publication you will find reasons to discover and connect with the splendid island.
5 Reasons to visit Cartagena de Indias
The Caribbean jewel has become a favorite destination that motivates foreigners and tourists to visit it, due to the following reasons:
Architectural heritage
This Walled City has a colonial design of colorful cobblestone houses that make the streets attractive and charming.
In addition, you can take a tour of its different interesting sites such as: Museums, San Felipe Castle, Barrio de Popa and Getsemaní that connect with squares and restaurants.
Each of the places, stands out for its incredible ancient architecture that connects with the ancestors of Cartagena de Indias and highlights its Andalusian qualities.
Surrounding nature
Known as a jewel of the Caribbean for its beaches and paradisiacal archipelagos that make the area a place of luxury and adventure.
It should be noted that the most famous Rosario Islands have relaxing crystal-clear waters that are ideal for practicing magical water sports. Going by boat to the archipelago is a magical experience that every visitor to the city should know.
Art and culture
Cultural meetings and events are planned in Cartagena. To this end, throughout the year competitions are held with the participation of artists.
In addition, literature conferences or meetings are organized with a Nobel Prize winner or recognized figures depending on the type of fair and guests are invited to share during the celebration. The Hay Festival is the largest literary event of the year, which brings a lot of Latin American and international talent.
Another date on which musicians or celebrities are invited to participate is during the celebration of the Hay Festival. Cinema (FICCI) or even during international competitions that invite you to taste desserts or sweets.
Delicious gastronomy
A coastal destination with gastronomic diversity, focused on traditional foods produced in the region such as: coconut, cassava and banana.
Also, combinations of international flavors are incorporated, which conquer the palates of foreigners who They visit the beautiful Island.
Enjoy the rest
By finding countless spas and relaxation therapies offered in colonial shopping centers located in the historic center.
Also, you can choose between staying in private colonial houses, or boutique hotels that include massage services or walks. on yachts to the beach.
5 Things you should know before visiting Cartagena de Indias
Although you can enjoy Cartagena at any time of the year, you will have to plan or keep some tips on hand to help you organize to have fun and have a wonderful experience in a splendid destination, among some tips this:
Take a walking tour
Keep in mind that you can take tours without requiring local transportation. It is advisable that you take an exploratory tour, for example to Plaza Bolívar and if you do not know any route, take a map or ask questions to people who live in the town.
To For those curious about colonial history and culture, you can organize a private tour with a bilingual guide that will take you to all the important historical points of the Historic Center and its surroundings.
Request prices before receiving massages
If you want to receive a massage on the beaches of Cartagena, it is advisable to check the price first and avoid any unnecessary charges for the care you receive.
It is advisable to organize a massage session directly at your hotel, so you can enjoy maximum privacy and peace of mind, and guarantee a standardized fixed price.
Avoid unfair charges for gastronomy consumption
You will have multiple options to choose between exquisite national or international dishes, tailored to tastes and budgets. However, during the visit to the Isla del Rosario and Barú, you will find that the food sold can have a high cost because it is a service in remote areas with difficult access.
Therefore, carry out any questions to avoid receiving excessive charges for food and beverage services.
Try typical food
If you prefer, make a checklist of the delicacies and food traditions of the area. It is traditional to try coconut sweets, fresh ceviche, sancochos, and international food that are prepared with unmatched Colombian seasoning.
There are numerous quality restaurants in the Historic Center, with varied budgets, festive atmospheres and cozy, and captivating colonial designs.
Visit nearby islands
When choosing between beaches and even islands that stand out for the presence of white sand and crystal clear waters. For example, the Rosario Islands are a tropical archipelago of 28 islands, where the sea is 7 colors and hosts an impressive fauna and flora.
There are alternatives for day trips and stays in different properties on the islands.
Frequent questions
It is likely that during or before your visit to Cartagena, you will have a couple of questions that you need to answer. To do this, we propose a checklist of questions with their respective answers that will serve as guidance and guidance.
What is the official currency of Cartagena?
You will have the option to select between the locally used ones known as Colombian pesos. In the case of foreigners who use dollars or euros, they can make changes in authorized offices, depending on the rate that is handled daily.
What is the best time to visit and sightsee?
Colombia is a country with 2 seasons known as summer or winter. Therefore, it will be convenient to choose sunny times to fully enjoy the adventures and architectural and charming landscapes of the Caribbean jewel.
What type of transportation should you use to get to Cartagena?
There are 3 alternatives, among which you can select depending on the place or how many kilometers you are located, among them:
Plane
When taking a direct flight from Europe, Latin America or cities near Cartagena. At this point it will be adjusted to the budget or economic availability.
Bus or Sea Route
Ideal for those foreigners who love to visit on cruise ships or if you are miles away or in a nearby area, a bus will help you get there in just hours. Therefore, it is important to define and choose according to the visit plan within the Island.
Where to stay in Cartagena de Indias?
You can choose to book at Alba Group Hotels, a renowned hotel group in the historic center of Cartagena with 4 elegant boutique hotels with colonial essence and high-end service:
Casa de Alba
It has an emerald pool in the central patio, surrounded by hanging gardens that bring freshness to this colonial house from 1586. Its location, the luxury amenities in each suite, marble floors, and balconies overlooking the Cartagena cathedral that lies in its full front, are one of the reasons that make this mansion an ideal option for stays in the Historic Center.
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Leones de Alba
It stands out for its imposing façade covered by colorful flowers on its numerous colonial balconies. Its patio with a 24k gold leaf pool and its rooftop with jacuzzi, bar, and 360-degree viewpoint of the city will leave you with lifelong memories.
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Sol de Alba
Completely remodeled in 2023, this republican and colonial mansion has 4 floors of elegant interior design, modern amenities such as an elevator and illuminated onyx marble bar, and a viewing lounge to enjoy the best sunsets. Its rooms have king beds, minibar, and Smart TV for a comfortable stay in the heart of the Historic Center.
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Palmas de Alba
It is our new hotel that has just opened in San Diego, the quietest area of the Historic Center. Its spacious patio adorned with a turquoise pool is ideal for enjoying refreshing mojitos on hot Cartagena afternoons. On a cool night, the rooftop lights up with its onyx marble bar to enjoy high-quality Caribbean cuisine designed by our executive chef.
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