This is a nice view of the high rise buildings common in Cartagena from our room at the Hyatt Regency in Boca Grande.
The walled city of Cartagena is one of the best preserved Spanish colonial cities in South America.
The Castillo de San Felipe is a large fortress the Spanish built to protect Cartagena from pirates and invading armies.
The fortress is so large and has many tunnels too where soldiers could easily get into position to ward off attacks.
The Castillo de San Felipe is pictured here along with the typical vendors who are all over the city trying to sell hats and bottles of water.
The Colombia flag flies above the fortress. Boca Grande is in the distance. That is a very nice beach and upscale community.
The walled city is really colorful at night.
Juan Valdez Cafes are like the "Starbucks" of Colombia, but their drinks are way better!
We stayed at the Hilton too. I am getting a foot massage by a local vendor while drinking a pina colada here on the private day beds at the beach. Cartagena is hot and humid pretty much year round.
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Cartagena, Colombia is a
historic city on the Caribbean coast of Colombia in the department
(state) of Atlantico. Once known for cartels, the city is now a
popular tourist attraction with the walled city from the Spanish
colonial times as well as the Castillo de San Felipe, a large fortress
the Spanish built to protect the city from invaders. I recommend
staying in the Boca Grande area at the Hyatt Regency or the Hilton by
El Laguito. The walled city is a must visit during the day or at
night. I also recommend going to an Argentine steak house called
Quebracho. One must get a coffee at the Juan Valdez Cafe too.
Beware of vendors who are all over the city trying to sell you
water, hats, or other souvenirs. Colombia is still a developing
country so there is a large wealth disparity.