by Gordon Hoey

Created on: January 16, 2009   Last Updated: January 28, 2010

Cartagena is Colombia's best kept secret.

Situated in splendid isolation on the Caribbean coast it offers a cultural and culinary experience par excellence. Historically rich and diverse, Colombia's second oldest city boasts the only walled city in South America. Built in various stages from the 16th to the 18th century by the Spanish colonials as a protection against European pirates it is said that it took 200 years to complete with the blood of many millions of black slaves being spilled. Today, it's a traffic free paradise of a unique nature, being home to local residents, restaurants, hotels and shops. There is a horse driven taxi ride, touristy for sure but not to be missed.

If you can afford it, stay at the hotel Santa Clara. The hotel is a tastefully converted former nunnery which retains many of the original features. There is a very beautiful enclosed courtyard, within the confines of the hotel, which is lush with vegetation and even has toucans flying around, reasonably tame, and keen to share your breakfast. Just walking around the streets is a pleasure and a visit to the Plaza Santa Domingo to view Fernando Botero's Fat Lady Statue should be on the agenda.Sit and watch the beautiful people, touch the Fat Lady on the buttocks, as everyone else does, strange I know, but it feels good at the time, relax and soak up the atmosphere.

Walking along the top of the city wall is also a must. The wall can be followed for most of its length, one side will be the old city and on the other the Caribbean, stunning views and vista's are to be seen.

One should also remember that Cartagena is on the stop over port list for many of the cruise ships plying their trade in the Caribbean.This is great for the economy of Cartagena however,the town is crowded with tourists for the duration and some local people will try to benefit from this. Beware of inflated prices during these periods. Cartagena's port is also a busy commercial hub with many container vessels calling here on scheduled routes. The main exports are Ferro alloys and tiles. Coffee is now exported from a different port.

There are many other places of interest to visit in Cartagena, to mention but a few; the Theatre Heridia is famous for the excellent local ballet troupe, bull fighting if you are not squeamish is also hugely popular, the main arena is just outside the city, by the football stadium. The naval museum is interesting, Colombia has a proud naval history, there are plenty of good beaches to relax on and the food of course is fantastic. My only restaurant recommendation would be La Vitrola. This is a great restaurant with an excellent menu and wine selection. There is live Cuban music every evening which will have your feet tapping, it is not cheap but well worth making the effort. It is recommended to book in advance as it is well frequented.

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