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Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena's walled old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved colonial cities in the Americas. The thick defensive walls built to repel pirate attacks now provide a spectacular walking circuit with views over the Caribbean and the modern city. Inside the walls, the historic center is divided into Centro and San Diego, both filled with colorful colonial mansions, churches, and plazas. Bougainvillea cascades from wrought-iron balconies above cobblestoned streets where fruit vendors balance huge bowls on their heads. The Clock Tower gate marks the main entrance from the modern city. Getsemani, the neighborhood just outside the walls, has transformed into a vibrant area of street art, boutique hostels, and nightlife centered around Plaza Trinidad. The Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, the largest Spanish fortress in the New World, sits on a hill overlooking the old city. The Rosario Islands, a short boat ride away, offer Caribbean beach escapes.
explore by interest
Cartagena is hot and humid year-round — walk the old city in the morning or late afternoon, carry water, and use the shaded colonnades and air-conditioned cafes for midday breaks.
December through March offers the driest weather and most comfortable temperatures, though Cartagena's colonial architecture and Caribbean charm are captivating in any season.