CARTAGENA
THE OLD TOWN.
We are very excited to have our wedding in Colombia’s coastal gem, Cartagena. A UNESCO world heritage site, this city is one of South America’s greatest cultural treasures. By the sea is the walled Old Town, founded in the 16th century, with squares, cobblestone streets and beautiful, colorful colonial buildings.
We have some recommendations but the best way to experience Cartagena is to walk and explore it for yourself by getting lost in the maze of narrow streets and luscious green plazas. Find a place to stay within the Old Town so everything can be at walking distance. Constant live music on the streets, great restaurants and quirky bars, are only a glimpse of the magical wonders of Cartagena.
MUST SEE:
TOP THINGS TO DO IN CARTAGENA.
1. Castillo de San Felipe: The Castle of San Felipe, the fortress that protected Cartagena in the 16th century when it was the largest port in Latin America. This amazing fortress is one of a kind, built in 1657 during the Spanish colonial time. It is really worth a visit!
2. Islas del Rosario: If you are planning to stay in Cartagena for more than a couple of days, we recommend you explore the Rosario Islands. You will encounter beautiful white beaches with warm crystaline waters, and if you are up to it, you can also visit the aquarium and perhaps snorkel with the fishes! These tours usually can be organized with the hotel staff where you are staying.
3. Parroquia San Pedro Claver: This church (and its convent) is located at the heart of the walled city. It was built between 1580 and 1654, and at its altar lie the remains of Saint Peter Claver, who died in 1654 in Cartagena, after devoting practically all his life to evangelizing and redeeming the black slaves of New Granada (back then Gran Colombia). The church is surrounded by beautiful plazas, restaurants, bars, and shops. Make sure you take lots of photos!
4. Aviario Nacional de Colombia: This beautiful and very organized aviary is the home of hundreds of Colombian bird species. "We are a conservation organization that through a modern and representative exhibition of avifauna, promotes knowledge about Colombian diversity, its sustainable use and responsible management through the use of animal welfare practices".
5. Getsemaní: If you want to listen to local music "champeta", you will not want to miss the usual walk around Getsemaní. Put some casual clothes on, a pair of tennis or flip flops and dive into the narrow streets of this other side of the city.
BEACHES:
TOP ISLANDS TO VISIT
1. Fenix Beach Club: This spot is located in Tierra Bomba, an island right in front of Cartagena. Fenix is a restaurant/bar/hotel with a beautiful view of the walled city.
2. Media Luna Hostel Barú: This one is 50 minutes away from Cartagena.
3. Agua Azul Beach: Located in a private beach 45 minutes away.
RESTAURANTS:
OUR FAVORITE ONES
Located in the same house, Carmen offers "contemporary cuisine inspired by local Caribbean ingredients like crab, lobster, red snapper and pork belly ‘chicharron’"; while Moshi "is an ode to Japanese cuisine with a unique Caribbean twist. Fueled by a deep passion for Asian gastronomy."
CARMEN AND MOSHI
Interno restaurant is inside the San Diego prison. It is attended by women deprived of their liberty and it is an example of reconciliation, re-socialization and second chances.
INTERNO
"We are the essence of traditional cuisine that has the force of history, exuding their indigenous, black and Spanish sides with a mixture of flavors that goes beyond the fantasy of a Caribbean sunset hallucinated music and romance in a Carthaginian colonial balcony"