Cartagena
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CARTAGENA DE INDIAS - COLOMBIA
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Cartagena de Indias is a city without comparison; no other city in the
Caribbean offers so much to visitors. It is a city, which dazzles with its
imposing military architecture of walls, forts and castles, of which they form the
most important examples in the Americas. The Spanish Colonial style
architecture, beautiful beaches, the paradise coral islands of the Rosario Islands,
and
the enchanting picturesque bars and cafes found in the small squares of the
city come together in a totally captivating way. Thanks to its history and
its monuments UNESCO has declared the city a World Heritage Site. Cartagena de
Indias is a beautiful city; hospitable and friendly, that opens its arms to
visitors from all over the world.
The average temperature is 28°C (80°F).
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What to do:
Opportunities for visits to historical sites include the castle of San
Felipe de Barajas, the Convent of the Popa, the Cathedral, the House of the
Inquisition, the handicraft area of the old vaults, the Clock Tower, the museums of
Modern Art, Gold and Naval Museum. These can easily be visited on your own,
but English speaking guides are also widely available. Beaches can be found
at Bocagrande, Marbella, La Boquilla, Bocachica and Barú.
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The coral reef
Rosario Islands are a centre for diving, and also include the outdoor aquarium and
marine conservation centre. Trips to the Botanical gardens, and the mud
volcano at Totumo, a short distance from Cartagena, also make for interesting
excursions.
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What to Eat:
Cartagenan cuisine, with its seafood specialties, offers the visitor the
opportunity to enjoy an exquisite variety of dishes with a special touch.
Options range from first class restaurants, to typical local eating-places all of
which offer guests a wide range of options at good value for money prices.
Typical dishes include rice cooked with coconut, plantain fritters, and fish
such as Bocachico and Red Snapper. Fresh fruit salad is sold every where
including on the beach, and fresh fruit juice stalls offer a chance to stop and
relax with a wonderfully refreshing drink, made to order and full of natural
goodness. There are also many opportunities to eat international dishes.
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What to Buy:
Walking in the walled city or in the areas of Bocagrande and Lagito is a
wonderful opportunity to buy antiques, clothes, and handicrafts from all over
Colombia. Gold jewelry is a specialty, with pre-Colombian designs, filigree
work from the city of Mompos, and pieces set with Colombian emeralds offering a
chance to take home a special memory. Other handicrafts include hammocks,
traditional earth black ceramics, appliqué wall hangings, and woven bags and
hats.
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COLOMBIA CURRENCY
The Colombian currency is the Peso. Normally purchases are made in pesos,
however, some hotels accept dollars. Credit cards are widely accepted, and
traveller’s cheques can be changed in banks and hotels. ATM machines are
widespread and are probably the easiest way to withdraw cash, using cards that carry
the international maestro, Visa, Mastercard or cirrus symbols.
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ARRIVAL TO COLOMBIA
There are direct international flights to Cartagena from Miami (USA) and
Panama. Otherwise all the major international airlines fly to the International
airport Eldorado in Bogota. There are direct international flights to Cartagena from Miami (USA), Panama and Madrid by the airline www.airmadrid.com.
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Cartagena de Indias
