Cartagena is the Jewel of Colombia

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Cartagena de Indias is a beautiful tropical city on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. It is filled with passionate music, sexy latinas, and interesting sights that reflect their rich culture, history, and tradition. The weather there is perfect. The climate is warm but there is always a refreshing ocean breeze.

The city pulses with life. It has been an important sea port since it was first founded in 1533. Gold and silver left the country bound for Europe, pirates looted the city, and a walled fort was built to protect shipping and trade. Today, many tourists come to enjoy the sights, the weather, and the wonderful lifestyle.

There are colonial mansions, the Castillo de San Felipe, the Cerro de
la Popa monastery, many excellent restaurants, and historic plazas. All kinds of music can be heard. The
Miss Colombia beauty pageants and festivals make Cartagena even more exciting. Nightclubs keep the people dancing. But this busy city of more than a million people also has a quiet side with its scenic laquito, sandy beaches, and Islas del Rosario.

The fame and wealth attracted a lot of pirates and thieves. The city then strengthened its defenses, but this was not enough. The Spanish decided to approve the construction of castles, forts, and walls. This building program took over 200 years. There are about 11 kilometers of walls surrounding the city and the charming Centro Historico district.

For more than 250 years, Cartagena was part of the Spanish colonies. On November 11, 1811, they declared their independence. Spain was unable to conquer the city and finally gave in several years later to troops led by Simon Bolivar.

Bocagrande is the most modern part of the city with many hotels, shops, restaurants, nightclubs and art galleries. On the bay side
of the peninsula is a spectacular sea walk.

There is so much to see and do. Plan to stay for several days and enjoy it all.