Cartagena This former hub of the Spanish empire — a major shipping port for New World riches, and a slave market and Inquisition center — is surrounded by massive stone walls, within which sit hundreds of gorgeous colonial homes, churches, plazas and parks. The Old Town, a Unesco World Heritage site, is filled with friendly people and harmless, if persistent, souvenir hawkers  all conducting their lives, business and romances outdoors.

The walled Caribbean city of Cartagena rivals the old quarter of Havana with its centuries-old buildings. Colombias little-known Pacific coast is rugged and heartbreakingly beautiful, with islands that, like the better-known Galapagos to the south, are full of ecological wonders”.

“Visitors will find a vibrant contemporary city with an intriguing history, within easy reach of Caribbean islands. Just bring appetite for Latin and Afro-Caribbean food and culture, you wont be disappointed.”

Cartagena is the great military place of the Spanish Americas. Cartagena is an old city locked in thick walls, on the basis of an immense fortress - San Felipe de Barajas- the biggest American military castle. Smalls squares, twists, and many surprises among the urban plot. On top, the colonial balconies, bell towers, viewpoints towards the bay over the houses of antiques merchants. Cultural life is intense, streets, plazas and small squares provide space for multiple artistic and popular tradition exhibitions.

All types of services, good gastronomy, casinos, night life, and an excellent commerce, all the usual on an international vacancy destination well equipped, and Cartagena is consider a legendary one.

Hotels

We count with great hotels in the city starting at Us $ 60 per night. PLease Contact us for a quote

THE MOST SEE IN CARTAGENA

Want to to visit some of the following CartagenaTourist destiantions?

Contact us and we will arrange a city tour in private tourist transportation, including english speaking guidance, trip insurance and transportation to your desired spots, starting at Us $55 per customer.

When you are in Cartagena you must take a couple days to go to the Rosario Islands Natural National Park.

The Islands, coral reefs, marine sea grass, mangroves and coastal lagoons were declared Natural National Park by the National Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (INDERENA) in 1977, for the sole purpose of conservation, study and enjoyment. The Park is known for its great diversity since there have been registered more than 1300 animals and plant species, constituting a valuable natural heritage for the Colombian people.

The Islands are coral banks, gradually built up over hundreds of years. The clear waters and fine white coral sand beaches are naturally filtered by the ecosystem. The beauty of the Rosario Islands offers a strong invitation to swim, snorkel and scuba dive.

HOW?

WHAT IF YOU ARE IN CARTAGENA AND WANT TO ENJOY KAYAKING FOR 1 DAY?

Mantaraya has arranged a 3 hours kayaking trip having fun paddling and watching amazing flora and fauna, while enjoying the beautiful ecosystem of the Cienaga de la Virgen in the:One Day Cartagena Kayalking Tour.

What’s included?

• Sea Kayaking: Easy paddling in the calm waters of the “Cienaga De la Virgen” The Swamp of the Virgin while crossing a variety of mangrove tunnels (Around 3 hours), perfect for the whole family.
• Ecological Guide: Which explains everything about the diversity of the fauna and the imposing mangroves that oxygenate the waters.
• Lunch: With Tropical fruit salad and sandwiches with a variety of preparations all served in a near beach. 
• Transportation: From Hotel in Cartagena to “Cienaga de la Virgen” and back.

The Cienaga de la Virgen is considered the lung of Cartagena . This Cienaga is bigger than the Cartagena bay and has a diversity of flora and fauna that can be represented by the birds that inhabit the region such as the Fishing Martin, the white Heron and pelicans among others.

While at the tour we will cross a wide variety of mangrove tunnels, in which you can see a wide variety of multicolor crabs and fishes. Locals explain the name of the Cienaga by the emergence of a Virging that blessed the fishers with the never ending birth of fishes that then will end up in the sea.

There, you will have the choice to journey in between islands on a classic sea kayak expedition along the Caribbean coast of Cartagena and The Rosario Natural Park.

Price? Starting at Us $ 55 pe person.

THE SWAMP OF THE VIRGIN

The Cienaga de la Virgen is considered the lung of Cartagena. This Cienaga is bigger than the Cartagena bay and has a diversity of flora and fauna that can be represented by the birds that inhabit the region such as the Fishing Martin, the white Heron and pelicans among others.

While at the tour we will cross a wide variety of mangrove tunnels, in which you can see a wide variety of multicolor crabs and fishes. Locals explain the name of the Cienaga by the emergence of a Virging that blessed the fishers with the never ending birth of fishes that then will end up in the sea.

THE "JARDIN BOTANICO" THE NATURE PARADISE (5 Hours)

Includes: Natural park visit,transportation, Guidance (With outdoor activities knowledge), hiking and Lunch.

1 Hour away from Cartagena by car lies one of the most beautiful hidden treasures of Cartagena. An spectacular visit to a tropical forest just some miles away from the beach. You can see amazing huge trees, walking through paths where you can see monkeys and bears in their natural habitat. Afterwards lunch in a tropical Cabaña and back to Cartagena.
Starting at Us $55 per person

BARU SNORKELING TOUR (5 Hours)
Includes: Snorkeling, Guidance (With outdoor activities knowledge), Fruit Salad and lunch.

!No previous experience required!

This tour go to the Cienaga de los Vasquez (1 hour boat trip) where there are 2 amazing snorkeling spots.

The climate is tropical, humid, and averages 27 degrees Celsius. The mangroves, coral reefs, and sea flora constitute one of the most diverse and productive ecosystems on the planet.

The coral reefs have the environment with the greatest variety of species in the marine world. Colorful fish with beautiful shapes live over the delicate bottom of the coral reefs. For example we may find Queen Angels, Butterfly fish and many more.

Starting at Us $75 per person