Located in the northern coast, the historic city of Cartagena in Colombia is built on several islands of the Caribbean. Its majestic bayside view coupled with the stunning architectural structures that grace its vicinity make the city a favourite tourist and resort destination of people from across the globe.  The center of economic activities in the Caribbean, along with its stunning traditional colonial structures, the lovely city features ultra-modern luxurious residential and commercial skyscrapers, sprawling shopping malls, and contemporary high-rise business centers. The endless possibilities that the city offers makes the city a wonderful travel destination not only for romantic souls but for the high-spirited adventurous young backpackers as well.  Its remarkable islands, majestic topography, interesting structures, and night spots offer a myriad of fun and exciting activities that will feed an indomitable spirit. 

Things to do.   Begin your exploration of the city at Casa de Marques Valdehoyos which is a tourist office and will provide you with maps and information very valuable to your visit. Wander aimlessly through the winding cobble stone streets of the walled city, Ciudad Amarullada, and step back in time as you gaze at impressive colonial structures with jutted balconies cascading with lovely blooms overlooking a magnificent park.   Here you will likely come across Las Bovedas,  Monumento a la India Catalina, Puerta del Reloj , and Muelle de los Pegasos. A side trip will lead you to Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas that sits on a lovely hill overlooking the city. This fort is only one of the many fortresses built during the Spanish colonial times in order to protect the city from philanderers. Another interesting elevated site to visit is the Convento de la Popa with its flowered patios, museum, and the chapel of the Virgin of Candelaria.  Perched in a high hill, the structure which also served as a fortress long ago now offers a breathtaking view of the city particularly at sunset.The outskirts of the city serve as excursion sites for backpackers.  La Cienega features an extensive mangrove forest teeming with wildlife and rich greenery.  Canoeing thorough the deep pristine waters alongside the sprawling mangrove treats you to a sight of kingfishers, pelicans, and if lucky crocodiles. A must visit place is   Volcán del Totumo which is about an hour outside town.  At the top of the volcano is a pool of lava mud about two meters high.   Don your scariest and funniest  look by taking a dip at the wonderful slimy mud.  You don't have to walk around town wearing such weird outfit because there is a wonderful river downstairs where you can wash off. Nearly surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena is blessed with wonderful beaches that extend around the peninsula. Enjoy the sun, the cool breeze, and the scenic beauty of the Caribbean through island hopping.   An island set in splendid white sand beaches and breathtaking scenic landscape, Playa Blanca is a perfect place to strut your stuff and get that envious wonderful tan.  This island is remote and features some amazing restaurants but no hotels.  Less than two- hour boat ride away from the city is the wonderful beaches of Rosario islands. The pristine waters, scenic views and variety of good hotels and restaurants offer a perfect place for swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, canoeing and even surfing. The island is the site of the impressive water aquarium home to tropical reef fauna with all kinds of stunning marine life such as giant turtles, sharks, and dolphins. Another island worth visiting is the Island of Baru.  Its white sand beaches, sparkling turquoise waters, and scenic landscape make it a future tourism development area.   The popular day trip island of Bocachica features Spanish fortresses built to protect the harbour from pirates.  Swimming, relaxing under a palm tree, and lunching on seafood cooked the local way are some of the activities here.

Night Life. The musically inclined city comes alive during the night.  Party the whole night and at the same time see the stunning views around by taking Chivas Bus tour.  This wonderful bus will take you to the different parts of the city complete with drinks, dancing, and a live band.  The in-house DJ will treat you to a wonderful collection of sultry Latin melody to frenzy modern music. Eat, drink, and be merry at Bocagrande's beachside bars.   Explore your passionate side with the hot Latin music and surrender your indomitable spirit to the frenzy contemporary tones.  The sea breeze refreshes every aching muscle and boozed-influenced state, so no worry about lying unconscious under the starry Caribbean sky while the good time is still at its peak.  The walled city also has its own night activities.  More subdued and less vigorous but still lively, the El Centro features lounging in open air bars, Latin music, and lots of delectable cuisines.  The same scene is happening in Calle de Arsenal.  More upbeat than the activities in the walled city and a bit less frantic than Bocagrande, the partying here lasts at the wee hours. 

The Dangers. The heavy influx of tourist from all over the world lends the city vulnerable to sex tourism.  While prostitution is legal in the country, sex with minors carries a heavy penalty. Male tourists are usually the targets of young women on the streets.  Most hotels in the city check IDs of suspiciously looking minor checking into a hotel room with a male tourist.  Don't every put yourself into such embarrassing situation.  And also, while the fun is exciting till it lasts, unprotected sex might also bring along serious consequences.  So check those surging desires and just enjoy the city. Like any city in the world, Cartagena also has its fair share of peril.  The streets of the city are generally safe but still it is best to take precautions anytime, anywhere. There are certain rules that a tourist must follow and it takes a certain level of common sense to remain unscathed in the streets of Cartagena.  Wearing of excessive jewellery, expensive clothing, display of valuables such as pricey cameras, changing money on the street, and walking unaccompanied on dark streets will attract vultures and opportunists.  Another precaution is never to take a taxi on the street rather call a taxi directly to the company from your hotel room.  A scenario might happen wherein the taxi that you hailed takes in another passenger , then rob you of your valuables and leave you in a remote place. A backpack at your back is perfect giveaway. Tourists are usually approached by persistent vendors to buy their goods.  Simply be persistent also in saying no then give your biggest smile.  They will take the hint and move on to the next possible client. 

The Hostels in Cartagena.  The Caribbean city welcomes tourists the whole year round.   Many of the city's accommodations are located in strategic places offering perfect locations for tourists' convenience.   Upscale bed and breakfast lodging to low cost accommodations are mostly concentrated in the historic colonial Centro and Getsemani area.  There are luxurious hotels, medium priced guesthouses, low cost hostels as well as apartments that cater to individuals, families, tour groups, or large congregations.  Get expert advice from travel agencies or make hassle free reservations online and you're on your way to the beautiful city of Cartagena in Colombia.