Our trip to Cartagena in pictures

If you are like me, and travel for architecture, food, culture and fresh air then Cartagena de Indias is undoubtedly a place you should go.  The main attractions of this city is enclosed within a fortified wall built around the 1530's to protect the city from pirates who seem to be more than interested in the gold existing in ancients tombs as well as in Cartagenas's strategical trading location.  We were expecting a devastating heat while we were there however the weather was perfectly comfortable.  Sunny everyday but also breezy and very little humidity in particular during the late afternoons when the sun is setting.  Between admiring the colonial architecture and trying out the ceviche we had a very memorable Christmas and I highly recommend it.

The Churches throughout Cartagena are stunning and also a chance to get to cool off while safeguarding yourself from the sun.

Calle Cochera de Hobo is one of the most beautiful streets in the City.

The typical straw hats being sold on practically every street. 

My hubby always doing silly things.

There are horse carriages you can stop and hop on everywhere in the city. 

Plaza de San Pedro Claver

 

Restaurante Donjuan was my favorite for lunch.  Not only for the beautiful ambiance and decor but also for the good food. 

Restaurante Vera at Tcherassi Hotel + Spa, owned by the most well known Colombian designer, Silvia Tcherassi, was the best for dinner.  (picture above is from Bon Appetit)

We stayed at Sofitel Legend Santa Clara.  Located in an old monastery, the setting and decor couldn't have been better.  The service is excellent as well. 

They offer a full buffet breakfast and/or a la cart.  Colombian soft note coffee is so far my favorite coffee and when French pressed it is even better.

Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas is outside the walled City, it's as hot as hell and you basically get to walk outside on the structure where the sun seems to bounce all over the place.  I don't really recommend a visit here, unless you are really-really into it!. 

This is Mateo.  A permanent resident Toucan of Sofitel Santa Clara.  Everyone who goes there expect to see him and get acquainted with him quickly!
We decided to hop on a speedboat and spend one day and night at the beach.  Our first choice for Hotel didn't have any availability but everything works out for the best.  We got to spend a wonderful time in San Pedro de Majagua bathing under the sun, sipping mojitos and munching fish and lobster.  We couldn't ask for more. 

The Hotel has suites with outdoor spaces with hammocks where we went late afternoons tired of doing nothing.  

Now, when are we going back again?

All pictures taken by me with the exception of the Vera Restaurant.