Tours of Cartagena De Indias
Tours of Cartegena experience the city's history and culture by exploring the old town. There are numerous cobbled alleyways, churches, plazas, boutique shops, emerald shops and a variety of other tourist attractions throughout the old town. Many tourists choose to tour Cartegena by horse drawn cart, a very romantic way to see the city.
Cartegena de Indias: Beaches
Cartegena itself is not a beach vacation destination in Colombia. There are no real beach resorts to speak of - if you're looking for a beach resort in Colombia, San Andres Island would be more suitable. Cartagena's beaches are, quite frankily, awful. Due to the high number of beach vendors, it's quite the opposite of a relaxing vacation, especially if you visit in the peak tourism season. The beaches are pretty dirty (you won't see your feet). Thankfully, there are many excellent beaches just outside the city of Cartegena. Boat trips can take tourists on a day tour to nearby Isla de Tierrabomba or Playa Blanca, both of which have good beaches suitable for a relaxing vacation. Better still are the beaches at the Rosario Islands, which can also be visited on a day tour. The Rosario Islands also have many excellent hotels that can be booked (two nights suggested).
Cartegena Hotels
Cartegena has hotels to suit a range of tastes and budgets. If at all possible, try to book a Cartegena hotel in the old part of town, which is the most pleasant area in which to stay on your vacation. Budget hotels in the old town are usually found in the Getsemani area. Tourists can also choose from hotels in the new town / beach area of Cartegena (called Bocagrande) which has numerous high rise hotels, such as the Hilton hotel, that overlook Colombia's Carribean coastline.
Old Town Cartegena Hotels
Hotel Santa Clara - the best hotel in Cartegena, this is an elegant and peaceful place to stay. The Santa Clara Hotel has had many famous guests in the past.
Casa Del Arzobispado Hotel Cartegena - a peaceful, historical hotel that used to be the house of the archbishop. This boutique hotel has 10 spacious rooms surrounding a central courtyard.
Casa del Curato Hotel - an attractive 18th century mansion hotel, there are 10 rooms and a sunny roof terrace.
Casa la Fe Hotel - a small friendly hotel with 12 rooms and a lovely garden patio.
Casa De Helda (Hotel De Ingles) - a small hotel is run by Colombian-English family and is found in Cartegena’s beautiful Old Town. There are just 7 rooms in total at this lovely hotel.
Casa Quero Hotel - a colonial-style small hotel located in the San Diego area of Cartegena, the district next to the old town. It has just six rooms and there is a small swimming pool and Jacuzzi.
Charleston Santa Teresa Hotel Cartegena - The Charleston Hotel is a finely restored 17th century convent decorated with antiques, and is located in Cartegena's old town. There are 90 attractive rooms which face either the Carribean or the old city. Each of the Santa Teresa Hotels rooms have air-con, which very important in Cartegena. Facilities at the Charlestown Santa Teresa include a swimming pool.
Agua hotel - a small, colonial hotel that is also found in the historical part of the city. The Agua hotel has a luxurious feel throughout.
Cartegena Hotels in Bocagrande
Capilla Del Mar - a modern, high-rise hotel in Bocagrande, facing the city's long, narrow beach. There's 200 rooms in total at this hotel.
Caribe Hotel - an elegant hotel also in Bocagrande, there's 300 rooms in total.
Hotel Da Pietro - a very good budget hotel in Bocagrande. This hotel is very good value, has air con and very friendly staff.
Cartegena Hilton Hotel - a business hotel situated at the far end of Bocagrande - the modern beach area of Cartagena. The Hilton has all the leisure facilities one would expect from a first class luxury hotel.
Cartegena Flights
Cartegena in Colombia is well served by flights from most Colombian cities. Flights to Cartegena are common from travel hubs such as Bogota, Medellin, Cali and San Andres, in addition to Panama City.
