The charming port city of Cartagena, located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, opens a door to an adventure of magical city walks that take you through streets filled with colorful murals, amazing architecture, and historic buildings. The colonial cultural heritage of Cartagena’s old walled city, founded in the 16th century, is extraordinary enough to be a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city’s beaches are also popular spots for tourists who want to take advantage of the tropical climate. Those willing to venture offshore have the Rosario Islands and Isla de Baru as alternative options that are reachable by boat.

Explore the eye-opening cultural quarter of Cartagena’s coolest barrio, Getsemani, where stories are told through stunning graffiti paintings that depict tropical scenes, palenqueras, and local flora and fauna. Stroll across the Plaza de Bolivar, which many consider the beating heart of the city, and step into the Zenu Gold Museum to explore the collection of beautiful gold, silver, and ceramic pre-Colombian relics on display. History buffs will no doubt find the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas and its tunnel system worth a visit. Known as the greatest fortress ever built by the Spaniards and the site of many historic battles, the structure still dominates part of Cartagena’s cityscape.