Cartagena de Indias
Colonial Pearl of the Caribbean Coast
Cartagena de Indias used to be an important stop for the silver fleet in the sixteenth century. The colonial heart of the city, with its impressive city wall, has been perfectly preserved over the years. Stroll through the beautiful city centre and dine at a good restaurant on one of the many beautiful squares.
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Discover the life of Gabriel Garecía Márquez
At the University of Cartagena de Indias, the career of the world-famous Colombian writer Gabriel García Márquez began. Want to know more about this writer? Then let us arrange a special culinary tour for you. During this tour, you will visit important locations from the life of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and get to know stories of people who know Gabo and his work.
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Sunset
In the afternoon, when the temperature drops, the city comes alive. Start with a delicious cocktail in café del mar on the old city wall while the sun disappears into the sea. Afterwards, stroll through the centre while looking for a good restaurant on one of the many beautiful squares.
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Getsemani
Until a few years ago, this historic district outside the city walls was very impoverished. Drug use and crime were rampant here. However, the neighbourhood has made a huge resurrection and is currently considered one of the nicest places of the city. When the evening falls and the humid tropical heat of the day gives way to a warm sea breeze, it becomes crowded around the Trinidad church and the square with the same name.
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Spend the night in Casa Lola
Casa Lola is located in the district of Getsemani in a historic plastered building. As soon as you walk into the hotel you will find yourself in a trendy environment. Many old elements of the building have been used for the interior, but because of the combination with a lot of art and greenery the hotel has a modern look. On the roof terrace you have access to two small swimming pools and a fantastic view over the city.
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Staying overnight in a former monastery
Originally, in 1621, the Santa Clara Hotel was a monastery, which is located in the heart of the historic city of Cartagena de Indias. From your balcony you can enjoy the view of the patio, the beautiful architecture of the old town and the Caribbean Sea.
The Cartagena of Gabriel García Márquez
Cartagena de Indias was founded by Pedro de Heredia in 1533. The city was an important stop for the silver fleet in the sixteenth century. The colonial heart of the city, with its impressive city walls, has been perfectly preserved over the years. It is therefore understandable that this part of the city was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1984. The city has a vibrant Caribbean atmosphere. Every year, a number of festivals dedicated to film and classical music take place here. We recommend staying in one of the many beautiful small boutique hotels within the historic centre.
Gabriel García Márquez
The career of the world-famous Colombian writer Gabriel García Márquez began at the University of Cartagena de Indias. He studied law when he started writing for the local newspaper El Universal. He won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1982. Cartagena de Indias was, in terms of atmosphere and special history, very inspiring for him. Many of Márquez's books have a direct or indirect link to Cartagena de Indias and/or other cities in Colombia. Think of 'Love in times of cholera', for example. The writer died in Mexico at the age of 87. However, a part of his ashes has been brought back to the place that was so important to him; Cartagena de Indias. In La Merced, the colonial monastery of the city and part of the mentioned university, his ashes are preserved. A beautiful bronze statue of the writer can also be found here.
Travel through Colombia?
Would you like to make a tour through Colombia yourself, including a visit to Cartagena de Indias, and are you curious about the possibilities? Then take a look at the tours that we have put together for inspiration. You can book these trips directly, but we also like to create a personal program based on your wishes and ideas.
Do you have a question? Feel free to contact us. Call +31 73 610 62 04 or send an e-mail to info@sapapanatravel.nl. We are happy to help.