Cartenga is one of the most admired tourist destinations in Colombia. Cartenga beach is divided into two main parts: The Antigua (Old City) and Ciudad and the Ciudad Nueva (New City).
Cartagena was a popular place for the privateers of the Caribbean (the most famous being Sir Francis Drake).
The pleasant Ciudad Antigua is enclosed with walls that are over 10km long and was built in 1533 along a beautiful Caribbean harbour. It’s utterly enjoyable to stroll down the narrow streets; take in the stylish colonial architecture.
What to See and Do at Cartenga Beach:
A good place to begin your explorations of the old city is Casa de Marques Valdehoyos, on Calle Factoria. This building exemplifies old Cartagena, and the tourist office inside offers maps and information.
Cathedral in Cartagena, with its massive exterior, simple interior and fortress appearance was begun in 1575, partially demolished by Sir Francis Drake's cannons, and completed in 1602.
Iglesia de Santo Domingo on Calle Santo Domingo, little changed from colonial days, is the oldest church in the city, and like the cathedral, was built to resist invaders.
Enjoy the excursions to the following destinations:
Santa Marta is a deep water port, the oldest Hispanic town in Colombia. Museo Arqueológico Tayrona exhibits a collection of Tayrona gold and pottery and a good model of the Lost City. The close Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino is the estancia where Simon Bolívar died.
Another interesting site is Parque Nacional Tayrona, a scenic mix of white sand beaches (rough currents make swimming dangerous,) coral reefs, jungle slopes, and the steep peaks of the world's highest coastal range. Admired with trekkers, hikers and campers, the park also has an ancient Tayrona village, called Pueblito, under excavation.
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