Holidays in Cartagena

Nestled perfectly on Columbia's sparkling Caribbean coast, Cartagena is an absolute gem of a Latin American city. With its cobbled alleyways, winding streets, distinctive piazzas, weathered colonial buildings and infectiously vibrant atmosphere, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is without doubt an incredibly easy place to fall in love with. The sight of horses pulling carts along narrow streets, massive wrought iron balconies overflowing with bourgainvillea and seemingly endless groups of people flashing ever-present smiles makes it hard for first time visitors to dismiss the notion they have just discovered the most agreeable city on the entire South American continent.

Cartagena holidays: Travel essentials

Columbia's northern coast is blessed with a typical Caribbean climate so there is never really a bad time to jet away on Cartagena holidays. There are no direct flights to Cartagena from the UK so most British travellers reach the city's Rafael Nunez International Airport by flying direct to Bogota, Panama or Miami from London and then catching an onward flight. The centre of Cartagena is a pedestrian paradise so foot power is by far the best way to explore the city. Travellers who are keen to explore the metropolitan area in its entirety can call upon the services of taxis and private buses day and night. The time in Columbia is five hours behind that of the UK (GMT-5).

Cartagena holidays: Highlights

Exploring the old town part of the city on foot is the highlight of any visit to Cartagena. The whole ambience of the city, generated primarily from the brightly coloured Spanish-era buildings and relaxed open-air cafes, is so romantic and beautiful that even getting lost while strolling around is a genuine pleasure. Evenings are just as enjoyable as the days in Cartagena as the plethora of high-quality restaurants and friendly bars and clubs scattered around the city are some of the finest on the continent.