Cartagena is the most visited city in Colombia, and for good reason. It’s a well preserved city with plenty of sights and attractions to occupy any kind of visitor: Those who want to delve into the history of Spanish colonisation, the slave trade in Latin America, or those that want to experience the beauty and natural wonder of the Amazon or the Caribbean Sea.  The gateway to Colombia, Cartagena is situated on the North coast of the country. It was once a port city busy with trade in coffee, precious stones and slaves, but these activities also made it a prime target for pirates invasions by foreign forces from Great Brittan, Holland and France.   Today, it is the first port of call for tourists cruising the Caribbean and has plenty to offer in the way of colourful colonial style architecture, a great nightlife scene and a warm tropical environment.  The city itself is divided into two parts: the Ciudad Antigua (Old City) and the Ciudad Nueve (New City). The old city was once surrounded by 10kms of walls, built to fortify the city against invasion from foreign explorers and Caribbean pirates. As a result, much of the old city is very well preserved, yet little of the original walls remain.    There are plenty of things to see and do in Cartagena. Here are the highlights:  

 El Castillo de San Filipe  

The most impressive of the handful or so of the old forts built in Cartagena by the Spanish in the 17th Century to protect it against invasion. It was built by African slaves with concrete and red bricks and was finally completed in 1789. Open daily. Hire a guide to show you around. The underground tunnels are definitely a highlight!   El Convento de La Popa

A monastery, more than 400 years old, built on the top of a 150m hill, offering a fantastic view of the city below. Its name comes from the strange shape of the building, like the stern of a boat (Popa in Spanish). The site holds some beautiful statues and artwork dedicated to the Virgin of Candelaria, the patron Saint of Cartagena. On February 2 every year she is honored with a spectacular candlelit procession up the hill towards the convent.  The Palace of the Inquisition  

Completed in 1770, the palace was once home to trial and torture. Crimes of magic, witchcraft or religion other than that of the Catholic Church were punishable by torture and death in the 17th and 18th Centuries. The inquisition was set up to find and punish the accused, but most likely it also had a lot to do with the confiscation of valuables and land of those that were victimised.  Visit the museum which includes a good mix of torture instruments and written historical accounts of torture methods and some of the people put to death.   The Museo de Oro (Gold)  

Opposite the Palace of the Inquisition, the Gold Museum has an impressive collection of pre-Colombian gold artifacts. Everything from jewellery to elaborate masks and other body adornment. There are more than 30,000 pieces of gold on display, some dating as far back as 500BC. The Museum also has an extensive collection of some of the oldest pottery items ever found in the Americas.  

The Chruch of San Pedro Claver  

Named after a Jesuit monk who cared for the victims of the slave trade during the 1600’s. His efforts earned him the name The Slave of The Slaves. This complex includes a church, monastery and museum. Visit the well in the shady courtyard where thousands of slaves were baptised by San Pedro, or the church where his coffin is protected by the High Altar shrine.   The Plaza de los Coches  

The area of town where the centre of the slave trade was focused. Slaves would be brought here to be branded and then sold to customers, waiting in their horse drawn carriages.  you can rent one of these carriages today to tour the old part of the city.  

La Puerta del relog  Or clock tower gates was the original entrance to the city and is a good place to begin a walking tour of the old town.   Plaza de San Pedro  A pretty square in the old town with sculptures. Its the place to find some of the citys best restaurants and also the entrance to the Naval Museum of Cartagena.  El Teatro de Cartagena  A beautiful building and home to the citys centre of performing arts. You can enjoy a ballet, dance or acting performance there depending on the season. 

Plaza de Santo Domingo   Arguably one of the citys prettiest plazas, and a great starting point if you are interested in shopping for antiques. While you are there, visit the oldest Church in Cartagena- the Santo Domingo Church, built from 1570.  

Day trips from Cartagena  Having made it all the way to the city of Cartagena, it is definitely worth your while putting aside some time to take a couple of day trips and explore the natural beauty of the area. 

Islas Rosarios  A group of small islands about 2 hours boat ride from Cartagena, located in a National Park to protect the beauty of the crystal clear waters, coral reefs and lush vegetation. There are plenty of tour operators in Cartagena who can organise sea kayaking, snorkeling, SCUBA diving and other water sports.  While you’re there, visit the Oceanario Islas del Rosario for an educational experience including a guided tour of a purpose built walkway along the reef, and the Museum of Marine Life.    

Playa Blanca  The “White Beach” is only about 2 hours journey south of Cartagena, and features fine white sand and turquoise waters, fit to rival any postcard location in the Caribbean. Go for the day or choose to rent a hammock for an overnight outdoor adventure. There are places to eat but no hotels on Playa Blanca.  El Volcán de Totumo  Just 66kms from Cartagena, a visit to the Volcanic mud pool of Totumo is a must do. You might even be lucky to experience the mud baths alone if you arrive early enough. Said to be good for the skin, you can climb the side of the small crater (about 20 meters high) and wallow in the mud for a relaxing thermal mud bath. Theres a lagoon nearby for you to rinse off in, and you can enjoy a massage from one of the locals for a small fee. Its worth your while paying your tour guide or one of the attendants to watch your belongings while youre in the mud.