A city where the past is never forgotten and the present is constantly celebrated.  A Historic and Cultural Heritage of Humanity as declared by UNESCO in 1984. Cartagena de Indias is Colombia’s main tourist destination, a first-class Caribbean port and the preferred venue for important diplomatic, governmental, industrial and commercial world summits, conventions, congresses and meetings.

In Cartagena de Indias it has been possible to achieve a magical combination of ancient historic spaces and the needs of modern life, always respecting its superb Spanish colonial architecture, offering the visitor unique environments that are unequaled in the Caribbean region.  Behind its famous stone walls, you will get the feeling of peace, romance, history, fun and also an unbeatable business environment; the city is a strategic meeting point because of its convenient location. 

History  

Founded in 1533 by the Spanish conqueror Don Pedro de Heredia, Cartagena became the beginning and the end of the galleons route between the Iberian Peninsula and the New World.  With the purpose of protecting the city from pirates and corsairs, the most imposing belt of walls and fortifications of America was built around the city, consisting of 21 bulwarks, 11 km of walls, 7 forts, 13 batteries, 3 breakwaters, 14 cloisters, churches, colonial convents, 7 museums and 15 plazas and historic parks.  In 1984 the city was declared Historic and Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.                                     

Nature 

Cartagena is a remarkably attractive city not only for its history but also for its natural wealth. Just 40 minutes away by boat, the city features 50 exotic islands, 6 ecological reserve areas and 18,000 Has. of marine and submarine natural parks, in addition to its extensive beaches.  It is a pleasure to explore the rich Caribbean vegetation at the Botanic Garden, visit any of the crocodile and caiman farms or enjoy the healthy effects of a mud bath at the Totumo vulcano. 

Gastronomy and night life 

Cartagena is a privileged place for its gastronomic diversity.  It features a whole range of fusion cuisine resaurants and cafés with breathtaking views located either by the Bay or on colonial plazas in the open air, on top of a fortress or in the modern city.  Inspired on the Caribbean flavors, the gastronomy includes traditional combinations such as the coconut with rice, exquisite patacones (fried plaintains) and succulent seafood. The fusion of this spectacular cuisine with that of other cultures as the Arabian, just to mention one,  results in a gastronomic diversity that impresses and delights the visitor.  In the night, you can enjoy a number of prestigious bars located in ancient ruins, bulwarks and historic plazas or at the modern neighborhood of Bocagrande. 

Shopping 

Cartagena features several strategic shopping areas for your convenience: there are local and international shops along Avenida San Martin or at La Mansion shopping center in Bocagrande.  There is also a great deal of handcraft and artisan shops downtown, and the new and modern Caribe Plaza Mall at Avenida del Lago in the Pie de la Popa neighborhood, with excellent air-conditioned facilities. Also, inside Hotel Las Americas you will find a shopping arcade with nice shops like the Maretta Boutique where you can get spectacular bathing suits and accessories to wear in the beach; the Cielo Mar Handcraft Shop with a beautiful selection of handcrafts souvenirs and gifts, and Emerald Center which offers a lovely assortment of fine jewelry.

Sports 

Cartagena offers tennis courts, golf and minigolf courses, and nautical sports including diving, water ski and windsurf.   Family activities are also available, like visiting the Rosario Islands, an exotic archipelago 40 minutes away from Cartagena, where you can enjoy the marvelous submarine world and a great dolphin and shark show at the Aquarium.