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Published: 26-01-2022
The fascinating history and culture of Cartagena as well as its melting pot of local people make the city an excellent destination to visit on your Colombia vacation.
Cartagena sunset
Possibly the best way to experience this mind-blowing city is to immerse yourself in Cartagena culture for an authentic taste of the city’s vibrant flavours, sights and neighbourhoods.
This is fully represented with the iconic “Palenqueras”, the brightly dressed, Afro Caribbean descendants of the first freed slave settlement in the Americas and the home of a completely distinctive language. The women of these communities can be found selling fruit in Cartagena’s plazas – are internationally recognized as a symbol of the city.
Palenquera fruit seller
Cartagena was once the site of colonial conflict and even piracy, when the Spanish arrived to its coastal region. Cartagena has however preserved its unique cultural identity despite the arrival of the Spanish. A day trip to Palenque is an excellent day trip or explore Cartagena by bike, cook traditional Colombian Caribbean dishes in a local home or learn the history of the city’s fascinating neighbourhoods.
Colourful Cartagenan bus
Of course, no itinerary would be complete without visiting the Unesco world heritage walled city.
A tour of Colombia’s Caribbean coast is an excellent choice for the chance to experience Cartagena through the eyes of a local.
Beach sellers
You can learn all about the city’s heritage, how its community has developed since its foundation, and even sample a few local delicacies and types of rum on a guided street food tour.
Colombian fruit store
Just off shore, you can sail out to The Rosario Islands, take a boat ride along the Magdalena River, trek through the rainforest in The Tayrona National Park, or discover the historic town of San Basilio de Palenque, the options in this area are endless!
Rosario Islands
