Day 7
Cartagena is situated on the northern coast of Colombia on a sheltered bay facing the Caribbean Sea. It boasts one of the most extensive and complete systems of military fortification in South America.
We flew into Cartagena from Medellin reaching at around 10am. Temperature was close to 90F and humid. We checked into our hotel which was conveniently located within walking distance of all the attractions in the walled city. We wandered around the city looking for a place to have lunch after which we returned to our room and rested for a couple of hours, since we were too hot and sweaty to do any site seeing.
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas – Sitting on a hill called San Lázaro, and built in 1657, this fort is regarded as one of the greatest forts the Spanish ever built in the new world. It’s complex tunnel system and overall design, triangular in shape, made it unique among Spanish forts. The design of the tunnels took into consideration acoustics, which allowed the Spanish to hear even the slightest noise created by anyone trying to approach. In 1984, UNESCO included the fort on the list of World Heritage Sites.
This fort was a 10 min walk from our hotel which we walked up to after 4:30pm, the temperature was still in the mid 80’s and humid. We spent about 2 hours at the fort and watched the sunset before heading back to our hotel.
In the night after dinner we visited Plaza de la Trinidad. The church in the plaza, Iglesia de la Trinidad was decorated for Christmas. The plaza was festive with Christmas around the corner and crowded with people and street vendors were selling all kinds of food.
Day 8
We did a self tour of this walled city today. We got an early start to the day, since we wanted to cover as many attractions as possible before it became unbearably hot.
Walls of Cartagena – The walls of Cartagena were constructed with the aim of defending the city from continuous pirate attacks and it was a project that took almost two centuries to complete in 1796. The walls run 11 km and is a World Cultural Heritage Site.
Our next stop was at Torre del Reloj and Plaza de los Coches. Many people arrive at the walled city through the Torre del Reloj, the grand gate to the old city. It’s easy to identify by the huge yellow clocktower, which rises from the top of the gate.
Just inside the wall, Plaza de los Coches is a large, triangular-shaped square, frequently filled with people milling about with no real purpose except to admire the centuries-old colourful buildings. You can also take a horse drawn carriage ride through the walled city from here or anywhere in the old city.
Plaza Santo Domingo – The Iglesia de Santo Domingo dominates one side of Plaza Santa Domingo, but one the most famous features of the square is the reclining female statue by Colombian sculptor, Fernando Botero. It’s a tradition to rub the statue for good luck.
Plaza Bolivar is located in front of the Palacio de la Inquisicion (Palace of the Inquisition) in the old city. Park benches surround an equestrian statue of Simon Bolivar and huge trees provide relief from the sun.
Across from this plaza is Cathedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandria. This church is one of the most photographed buildings in the old town of Cartagena. You can see it from throughout the old city as you wander along the streets. The building dates from 1612 and has recently been completely restored. The inside is impressive too with towering arches supported by massive columns.
Sanctuary of St. Peter Claver – This Sanctuary is a wonderfully preserved church dating from 1580, housing the bones of Saint Peter Claver. The church is a cool and quiet escape from the daytime heat of Cartagena. Small metal sculptures are spread around the square, and restaurants set up tables here after sunset.
Day 9 – Rosario Island
We had booked a day trip to Rosario Island through our hotel. The port from where we were to take off to the island was a 10 min walk from our hotel and we were given instructions to arrive there at 7:45am. After registration, we were taken to the island on a motorboat. The ride was about 45 minutes long.
It was beautiful on the island. Sparkling, turquoise blue water all around. We were welcomed with champagne. We then selected a bed, all of which were in the shade overlooking the sea.
At 10am, we went on a panoramic ride around the island which was included and optional. Lunch was included too. We did the usual relaxing, swimming, walking, drinking, and eating. At 3pm, a motorboat brought us back Cartagena.
The whole trip lasted 6-8 hours. We paid $300 for the 2 of us. Although the island was beautiful and we had a relaxing day, the price was a bit much as you can experience beautiful islands for far less in many other places around the world.