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CartagenaColonial History
Mixed with Modern Luxury . . .
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Spanish Kings and Caribbean Pirates
In many ways, the pirate
attacks and heroic defenses of the city have forged
the identity of Cartagena. Many famous men fought in
these heated battles, from Sir Francis Drake and John
Hawkins to General Blas de Leso. As a result, the most
identifiable feature of the city is the antiquated colonial
neighborhoods and the various forts, castles and 300-year-old
protective walls built to defend from invaders. These
secure battlements took over 100 years for the Spanish
to complete, making Cartagena one of the most fortified
cities in the new world. Ironically, within 25 years
of finishing construction, the Spaniards lost Cartagena
to independence in 1811. Nowadays, the historic walls
provide a splendid place for tourists to enjoy an afternoon,
shopping at cute little boutiques, eating at restaurants
overlooking the bay, or soaking in a sunset walk. Allow
Medical Tourism Solutions to introduce you to the sultry
tropical elegance of Cartagena, Colombia. |
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Activities in Cartagena
Remember: If here for medical tourism, patients must consult with
their physician as to appropriate tourism options. |
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Castillo de San FelipeNot one of the countless invaders and attackers of the
city overtook el Castillo de San Felipe – The
grand Spanish castle sitting at the entrance to the
bay of Cartagena. When lit a night, the Castillo de
San Felipe is one of the true beauties of the Caribbean.
Be sure to experience the tunnels that line the interior
of the structure. They were purposely constructed with
a low ceiling, so the taller invaders would not be able
to catch the local defenses.
Puerto de Reloj (Clock
Tower Door)As Cartagena was also a slave port, this square was
originally constructed as a slave market. |
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Now it is an open-air
plaza filled with wonderful restaurants, discos, and people
out for a stroll. An evening
in the plaza will fill your soul with romance and the necessity
for a return trip to Cartagena.
Plaza San Pedro de Claver
San Pedro de Claver was a Spanish priest dedicated to developing
the rights of the local populations of colonial and independent
Cartagena. Both the plaza and church are dedicated to his
memory. There is a small museum inside the church that describes
the story of de Claver’s struggle for human rights.
Las Bóvedas (The Vaults)
Originally built as a storage area for munitions by the
Spanish, these fortified rooms were converted to a jail
for dissenters when Colombia gained its independence. Contemporaneously,
the Bóvedas have been converted to beautiful artesanias
boutiques, where locals sell extravagant Colombian hand-made
crafts and souvenirs, inspired by the culture of Cartagena. |
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Plaza Santo
Domingo
This busy square is full of restaurants and live entertainment
at night. Fronting the elegant Santo Domingo church, one
of the original architectural monuments of the city. Allow
yourself to be immersed in the ambiance of Colombian dancers,
sensual Caribbean smells, culinary delights, and warm
Cartagena evenings.
Barrio San DiegoThis was originally the upscale neighborhood
of the old city, which can be seen in the doorways of
the houses. In Cartagena one can determine the status
of a household by the size of the nails in the doors.
Stroll by the house of Gabriel García Marquez,
the famous Colombian author, or pass the hours wandering
through the many cobblestone side streets, enjoying the
fine restaurants and contemporary fashion and artistic
boutiques surrounded by centuries of colonial history.
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Plaza San Diego
This small vibrant plaza in Barrio San Diego is fronted
by the famous Hotel Santa Clara. This hotel was originally
a Spanish Cathedral and has been converted into a stunning
five-star hotel. Be sure to walk through the courtyard
where one can see the resident toucan. Lining the plaza
are numerous restaurants to dazzle the taste buds, and
local artesanias sellers to tempt your cultural fashion
senses.
Boca Grande
For those looking for the beach life, Boca Grande is the
place to be. Here one will find numerous high-rise hotels
and apartments lining the white-sand beaches. Enjoy a
swim in the ocean or a cold beer sold by one of the local
vendors while watching the sunset. Fast becoming the new
“South Beach, Miami” of the Caribbean, take
in the luxury of what Cartagena has to offer.
Islas Rosarios
Take a day-trip or spend the night at these lovely Caribbean
islands. Composed of 27 islands, this Colombian National
Park offers an aquarium, snorkeling, and a day in the
sun for those who take the 45-minute boat ride. Medical
Tourism Solutions has the resources for any kind of excursion
you may need and has negotiated agreements with only the
finest providers of Topical Caribbean luxury and eco-tourism.
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Restaurants
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Shopping
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While visitors come to Cartagena
for its colonial history and beautiful beaches, one will
rarely leave without having done some shopping. The historic
cobblestone streets are lined with countless boutiques offering
the best in high fashion and personal attention. Find labels
such as Dolce & Gabanna, Prada, or Gucci to revamp your
wardrobe, or browse from the many quality Colombian brands
of beautiful Caribbean linens and silk to compliment the
incredible ambiance of romantic Cartagena. A stop at one
of the many fine jewelers is also worthwhile to look at
emeralds, Colombia’s signature gemstone, or a tour
of the local hand made crafts to inspire your love of Colombia.
Whatever your shopping pleasure, Medical Tourism Solutions
can guide you there.
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Transportation
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From airport to hotel,
around Cartagena and back, Medical Tourism Solutions will
ensure the ease and comfort of your visit. From the moment
you arrive in Cartagena, a personal assistant will be ready
to escort you to your hotel and through any supplementary
excursions you may choose to add. Private transportation
can be arranged by talking to your Destination Director,
or an air-conditioned taxi can be provided upon request.
Also, luxurious and quite romantic open-air horse carriages
are available for rent, a very popular way to pass an afternoon
while seeing the sites.
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Further
Info on Cartagena
Cartagena is the tourism
capital of Colombia and the information provided above is
just a sampling of what there is to offer. Please contact
Medical Tourism Solutions with any questions for further
information.
Links for additional reading:Cartagena
Wikipedia
Cartagena
Travel Guide Wikipedia
Cartagena
Weather
Cartagena
Tourism Website
Cartagena
Maps
General
Colombia Tourism
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