Since the discovery of America, Spain has expanded it's colonies giving way to a territory in the Caribbean, where Don Pedro Heredia founded the city of Cartagena de Indias on June 1 1533. Today Cartagena is declared a historical and cultural world heritage site from UNESCO.

This city transfers us back to history when it was the epicenter of regular attacks from pirates and buccaneers.  To defend against the attacks walls were created which form the "Corralito de Piedra".  For resisting attacks against its walls with admirable heroism this city earned the name "La Heroica", and within these walls you will find Old Town. 

Cartagena is filled with distinct streets and places, where visitors can enjoy a variety of culinary delights, local artistry, religion and social culture.  Strolling along one can observe baroque and colonial architecture in the many restaurants and cafe's, the 5-star hotels with tropical ambiance, and the churches such as "The Cathedral", "Santo Domingo", and "San Pedro Claver".

The historical centre of Cartagena fascinates with its unique architecture.  In keeping with the colonial tradition the terraces are kept full of exotic flora.  Local and foreign investors buy these properties where they enjoy enchanting patios, pools, and tropical gardens.

"Las Palenqueras" (traditional street cart vendors) offering their fruit salads, horse carriage rides, and street vendors are the typical daily picture on Cartagena's streets.  The nightlife, which is concentrated around the “Plaza de los Coches”, is safe and offers an exceptional variety of entertainment for every taste.

Leaving the "Plaza De Los Coches" through the "Torre del Reloj" takes you to the district of Getsemani.  In Getsemani's "Plaza De La Trinidad", Cartagena's cry of independence was heard on November 11, 1811.  Connecting the center to the peninsula of Magna is the "Puente Roman".  Magna is a residential district well known for both it's beautiful mansions, and modern buildings.  Here you will also find the commercial harbor district, two marinas, and cruiser docks where more than 8,000 visitors come to this beautiful city every month.

Across Magna's bay, you will find the residential town of Castillo Grande, and the tourist district of Bocagrande.  In Bocagrande one can find the majority of hotels and beaches. San Martin Avenue, also located in Bocagrande, is considered a hot spot for commerce and art.

A one hour boat ride from Cartagena takes you to the famous archipelago "Islas del Rosario" embedded into a natural coral-bank where you can enjoy crystal clear water full of a great variety of flora and fauna.  There you can also practice water sports such as scuba diving, and snorkeling.

Summing it up, it may be said that Cartagena de Indias, paradise of the Caribbean, invites its visitors to live unbelievable moments, and take with them an unforgettable memories.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Location:	Latitude: 10° 26' North Longitude: 75° 33' East
Height:	2 metres above sea level
Relative Humidity :	+90%
Sunny Days Per Year:	300 Days
Total Area :	609.1 km2
Population:	ca. 1.200.000 people
Language:	Spanish
Currency:	Peso colombiano (COP)
World Time :	GMT-06:00 hours
Telephone Prefix:	57 (country) 5 (Cartagena)