Colombia Part 18 - Arriving in the capital of the caribbean side: Cartagena de Indias

After my adventures in the south and center of Colombia it was time for some beaches! I missed the clima already, so I was really looking forward to check out the caribbean part of Colombia.

Kathi and I booked a very cheap flight from Medellin to Cartagena and left the next day. The airport in Medellin is very close to the city, so we took a cap.

Most of the people fligh, because it is so much faster and the road has many curves!

The flight was really short and nice. They even serve drinks and a little snack at their inexpensive airlines, which is awesome! We even got a good view over the city while landing.

We enjoyed a beautiful sunset arriving at the gate while we where reserving our next night in Cartagena on hostelworld, and then went on to grap a taxi and go there.

The first thing we felt arriving in the caribbean was the high humidity! You literally go out of the taxi and a wall of humid air slaps you in the face. For me it felt like home, because I lived 3 years close to Cancun, Mexico, but for Kathi it was totally new and she got really exited about it :D

When we arrived at the hostel we instantly could see that now we where at the touristy part of Colombia. Hostels here are way bigger, the prices three times more expensive and people are more interested in party, drugs, beaches and nightlife then in culture, nature etc. (at least at the hostels).

We decided to do a walk through this colonial city and enjoy the vibe and colonial architecture a bit , before we would move on to a less touristy spot the next day.

The city of Cartagena de Indias is a major port founded in 1533 located right at the caribbean sea. It was strategically located between the Magdalena and Sinú rivers and became the main port for trade between Spain and its overseas empire, establishing its importance by the early 1540s. During the colonial era it was a key port for the export of Peruvian silver to Spain and for the import of African slaves under the asiento system.

That´s also why people here speak a different spanish accent, that reminds me more of the accent of Cuba, Gran Canaria or other places, that where important for trading at that time and that now have Creol influence.

With about 900 thousand inhabitants, Cartagena is jow the fifth-largest city in Colombia. Economic activities include the maritime and petrochemicals industries, as well as tourism. - Most of the city are modern buildings and hotels now... the colonial part is just existent in the city center but totally worth a visit.

The city was founded on June 1, 1533, and named after Cartagena, Spain, which in turn was named after Carthage in Tunisia. There where already ingenenous people living in the area from 4000BC. on.

During the Spanish colonial period Cartagena served a key role in administration and expansion of the Spanish empire. It was a center of political, ecclesiastical, and economic activity. In 1984, Cartagena's colonial walled city and fortress were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The most visited sites in the city apart from the historical center with its colonial architecture with andalusian style are the Steps of La Popa mount, the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, The Walled city of Cartagena, the Cartagena Gold Museum, the Palace of the Inquisition and the Clock Tower.

Unfortunately we didn´t have the time to visit them. But we enjoyed one last walk through the historic center going to the bus terminal.

I imagined Cartagena way more romantic and small, but as often when tourism arrives at a spot, things change. The historical center still hast the colonial vibe though, people sing in the streets and bars at night, and the style of the quarters reminded me a lot of havanna. - But still, prices are way more expensive then in the rest of Colombia and a lot of program for tourists are provided (AI day -tours, entertainment, etc.)

For us it was just not adventerous enough so we left towards less touristy spots at the Caribbean ;) - More about that soon.

As always I hope you enjoyed reading my post and I am grateful for every Upvote, Resteem and Comment, as you are supporting my travels with it!!

Cheers,
Liz

Colombia Part 1: Bogota D.C. - A city full of history and culture!

Colombia Part 2: Guatavita Lagoon, The Muisca Civilisation and The Legend of "El Dorado"

Colombia Part 3 - The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá (Fotos + Video)

Colombia Part 4 - Adventure time at the Natural Pools of Guejar River in the Jungle (Photos + Videos)

Colombia Part 5 - Flying to Macarena National Park being a Copilot

Colombia Part 6 - The Rainbow River at Macarena National Park

Colombia Part 7 - Riding Motor Bike and Chilling in the Pools of the Tatacoa Desert

Colombia Part 8 - Enjoying civilization in Cali!

Colombia Part 9 - Living with the president of the orchids club,helping her out at the green house

Colombia Part 10 - Hiking and Feeding Hummingbirds in the middle of the impressive Flora of Montanitas

Colombia Part 11 - Visiting the typical colonial city of Salento

Colombia Part 12 - Learning how to make coffee at a real coffee farm in Salento

Colombia Part 13 - Horseback riding to a waterfall and hiking at Cocora Valley

Colombia Part 14 - Swimming at the hot springs of Santa Rosa de Cabal

Colombia Part 15 - Doing an adventurous Graffiti Tour through the Favelas of Medellin at Commune 13

Colombia Part 16 - Ziplining, hiking, blow jumping and jet skiing at the lagunas of Guatapé

Colombia Part 17 - Paragliding over the city of Medellin