Understand

Cartagena, the first Spanish colony in the Americas, holds a special place in Colombia's history. It served as a sanctuary for formerly enslaved African people, making it an important cultural melting pot. Located on the northern coast of Colombia and overlooking the stunning Caribbean Sea, Cartagena has become the country's most visited city by tourists. The city experiences its highest influx of visitors during the December holidays and the holy week. During these times, the city becomes bustling with activity as Colombians take their vacations. Cartagena offers two main areas of interest to tourists: the walled colonial city, known as "ciudad amurallada," which is truly awe-inspiring with its charming architecture, fancy restaurants, clubs, and hotels. The other popular area is Bocagrande, a long strip of hotel towers and condos located along the beach. For a more exclusive experience, visitors can explore the neighborhood of Castillogrande, which boasts modern condos, jogging spots, and a tranquil beach for sun-soaking.

Popular Foods

Bandeja Paisa: This hearty platter is a staple in the Colombian cuisine and typically consists of white rice, red beans cooked with pork, ground beef, chorizo sausage, morcilla (blood sausage), plantains, avocado, ground meat, and a fried egg. It's often served with an arepa, a corn-based bread, on the side.

Ajiaco: This traditional Colombian soup is made with chunks of chicken, corn, potatoes, avocado, and guascas (a type of herb). Served hot, it is typically accompanied by a portion of white rice, capers, heavy cream, and an avocado slice. The unique taste comes from the combination of the herbs and spices used in its preparation.

Arepas: These versatile, round corn-based breads are a staple in Colombian cuisine. They can be found everywhere, from street vendors to restaurants. Traditionally made with pre-cooked corn flour called masarepa, they come in a variety of flavors like plain, cheese, or sweet ones with coconut or cinnamon. Arepas can be served warm, either halved and buttered, or split and used as a pocket bread filled with tasty ingredients such as meats, cheeses, or vegetables.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing