Weekend in Cartagena (Final Plan and Itinerary)

I will hold a Zoom meeting on Tuesday, August 10th at 7:00PM, for those who desire to travel to Cartagena. At this meeting, I will discuss details such as the final travel itinerary and schedule, as well as other important details necessary for the excursion. I will also answer any questions and concerns from those who attend so that everyone can make an informed decision regarding the trip.

**The date for travel to Cartagena is from Thursday, September 16th, to Monday, September 20th.

Zoom Passcode: Y9UJ1B

Review of Cartagena

Cartagena is a historic colonial city located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America. Cartagena is well known for its combination of Latin and Caribbean culture and cuisine, its historic Spanish architecture that date back over 500 years, beautiful and populated beaches, and its plentiful and lively nightlife.

Points of Interests in Cartagena

The Walled City is the original settlement of Cartagena that was built by Spanish colonizers and is surrounded by a massive wall reaches over 11 kilometers long and is about 20 meters thick. Though the city is over 500 years old, the city is a thriving business and tourist district and contains numerous shops, restaurants, hotels, open-air markets, and other spectacular sights. Also contained inside the Walled City is the Torre de Reloj, Las Bovedas Market, Museo de Arte Moderno, and points where tourists can walk on top of the wall.

Castillo de San Felipe is a large fort and fortress that was built in 1536 and finished in 1763. With a collection of large tunnels, bunkers, and watchtowers, the castle was built by the Spanish for the purpose of defending the city and reaches a height of 165 feet above sea level.

Convento de la Popa is a historic convent founded in 1607 and sits on the highest point in Cartagena at 150 meters. The convent contains numerous historic artifacts, works of art, and a view of the entire city of Cartagena and the Caribbean Sea.

Bocagrande Beach and Castillogrande Beach. Both beaches are in the Bocagrande and Castillogrande neighborhoods, two modern tourist areas populated by high-rise hotels, restaurants, malls, shops, casinos, and other tourist ventures. The area also includes kayaking, jet skis, and boat rides.

The National Aviary has over 2,000 birds and 190 species from Colombia and Latin America located on over seven hectares of land. The birds are split among three ecosystems (tropical rain forest, desert, coastal zone) that can be seen in a massive walking trail in wilderness setting that contains 21 exhibits.

Playa Blanca is located near the National Aviary on the Caribbean Sea and is one of the most popular beaches in Colombia. The beach contains fine white sand, clear blue water, numerous eateries and beach bars.

Hope to see you there!