Cartagena, Colombia

San Felipe Fortress

In Cartagena there was an enormous amount of wealth belonging to the Spanish king Ferdinand. Moreover, it was one of the main ports of the Crown. In the 15th century, the city suffered from numerous pirate attacks. Therefore, it was decided to build the Fort of San Felipe, for the construction of which it took about 200 years and 245 million gold. By the 17th century, San Felipe had become the largest fortress in Spain’s colonies. It resembled a labyrinth, from which only the fortress’s residents could find their way out. San Felipe stood on a hillside, and getting up to it was practically impossible. In 1741, the fortress withstood a two-month siege by English troops, who still were unable to capture it.

Clock tower

The Clock Tower is one of the main symbols of the colonial city of Cartagena. The tower is a surprisingly beautiful and well-preserved fortified structure dating back to the 16th-19th centuries, built in the traditional colonial Spanish style. It is located in the Old Town. Several centuries ago the tower was part of an entire system of city fortifications, namely its main gate. By the way, even today the gates in the tower are the main entrance to the historic part of the city. Incidentally, on both sides of the tower there is an ancient low stone wall as well, which is also excellently preserved.

Palace of the Inquisition

Thrill-seekers are in for the Palace of the Inquisition, home to the Torture Museum. The palace was built in the Baroque style and is under UNESCO protection. It is one of the most beautiful historic buildings in the city. It once served as the headquarters of the Holy Inquisition Tribunal. Inside, there used to be a prison and torture dungeons from which no one ever emerged. The Inquisition in Cartagena operated until 1821, when it was finally abolished. The horrifying instruments of torture, the scales for weighing sins, and the instructions for interrogators on how to identify a witch using tricky questions-all of these items are genuine!

Beaches

The main beach of “mainland” Cartagena - Bocagrande. Here you’ll find a wide sandy shoreline, a sufficiently gentle slope into the water, and everything needed for a comfortable beach holiday. Punta Arena Beach on the island of Tierrabomba is famous for the excellent quality of its sand, clear sea and elegant palm trees bending over the water. There are many seafood restaurants here, and you can enjoy a wonderful view of the port of Cartagena. Bocachica Beach on the same island is interesting not only for its decent sea, but also for its restored fort. There are also small restaurants and cafes where you can grab a bite during the day. La Boquilla Beach is less crowded and known for its secluded lagoons with mangrove groves. At La Boquilla you can taste dishes made from freshly caught fish.

Rosario Archipelago

The Rosario Archipelago is the only underwater park in Colombia and consists of 38 islands of various shapes and sizes, many of which are privately owned. The islands are covered with mangrove forests, and along their shores stretch white sandy beaches. Along the coastlines of many of the islands, there are also coral reefs; they host more than 120 species of algae, 52 species of corals, 215 species of fish, 31 species of birds, and a huge number of crustaceans and mollusks. Head here for untouched nature and seclusion-this is where, on Barú Island, you’ll find the best beach in Cartagena, Playa Blanca, with fine white sand and plenty of hidden spots where nothing will get in the way of enjoying the stunning scenery.

Tayrona National Park

This place is one of the most beautiful Atlantic coastlines in Colombia. Within its boundaries there are tropical jungles, enormous white cliffs, breathtakingly beautiful bays and beaches, mangrove thickets, coral reefs, archaeological sites, and magical ancient trails of the indigenous inhabitants-Indians. At the moment, Tayrona is one of the country’s most important national parks. More than 100 species of mammals live here, 200 species of birds, 50 species of reptiles.

El Totumo Volcano

A pleasant surprise awaits spa enthusiasts in Cartagena: they will have the opportunity to take a trip to the dormant volcano of El Totumo. The volcano is not very high; you can climb up to its crater via a specially equipped staircase. Here, at the top, visitors will find a real treat - a deposit of healing mud, which has been converted into a true wellness center in the open air. Guests can enjoy healing mud baths in an atmosphere of complete comfort while simultaneously admiring the panoramic view from the top of the volcano.

Panoramic Tour of Cartagena

Cartagena is a wealth of colonial-era buildings. The Old Center of Cartagena, declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, is home to the walled Centro Amurallado (“Old City”)-the heart of Cartagena, brimming with colonial buildings, shady squares, churches, and women’s convents; the beautiful pedestrian area in the Getsemaní area (“Outer City”); the fortress of San Felipe de Barajas, dominating the city; the Gold and Archaeology Museum on Bolívar Square; the Palace of the Inquisition; the Cartagena Cathedral; the city’s oldest church-Santo Domingo Church (1536); the former Las Bóvedas prison (16th c., now it houses market stalls); the convent of La Popa (16th c.), which is more like a fortress, with its Historical Museum and the Virxen de La Candelaria chapel in honor of Cartagena’s patron saint.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can view it after booking your cruise in your “Client Personal Account”.