Cartagena
Colombia
Cartagena is Colombia’s most visited city. Its remarkable collection of colonial architecture surrounded by a stunning crystal-clear ocean make it an incredible place for tourists. The city’s historic walled old town as well as most houses, churches, and fortifications, like the San Felipe Castle, have been fairly untouched in 500 years. The Spanish invested heavily to protect Cartagena from pirates as most of the gold and silver from South America passed through the city. Thus, it benefited from trade and immigration, turning it into a cradle for multiculturalism.
That being said, Cartagena has also changed in recent years. Beachfront hotels, condos, massive shopping malls, and hundreds of tourist boats going back and forth to the nearby coral reefs and powdery beaches can be observed daily. The tourism boom also provided the city with the best Spanish learning infrastructure of the country. So, if you were still unsure, Cartagena is the place to go!
Why learn Spanish in Cartagena?
Most developed infrastructure for language learners in Colombia.
One of the finest examples of civil and military architecture of Spanish colonial times.
Learn how to salsa in dozens of salsa schools!
Even if you are generally not interested in architecture, Cartagena’s cobblestoned streets and pastel-painted houses with wooden balconies will delight you.
Language Schools in Cartagena:
Raíces: Spanish and Culture is a school that focuses on experiential Spanish, offering courses that mostly take place outside of the classroom and in the real world, with a focus on community involvement instead of the typical touristy side of Cartagena.
Enforex Cartagena offers classes of an international standard that help its students to improve their Spanish while introducing them to the attractions in and around Cartagena in the process.
Travel
tips
When
Go year-around but avoid the crowds during December and Easter holidays.
FYI
Coral stone was used for building the old city making each wall look like it belongs to a natural history museum.
Meet
Cartagena’s most famous resident is La Gorda Gertrudis, a massive reclining statue made by famous sculptor Fernando Botero. It is located at the former slave market during colonial times, and is the old town’s most important landmark.
One of the best ways to discover Cartagena’s old town is by riding a horse-drawn chariot. They are usually driven by people who have been doing it for so long that they eventually become local celebrities.
See
The imposing San Felipe Castle is the city’s must-see attraction. Built almost 400 years ago, it is a massive and remarkable example of colonial military constructions and offers one of the best views of the city.
Nearby Volcán del Totumo is a mud volcano which, as bizarre as it sounds, is an unexpected highlight for any visitor in Cartagena.
Taking a boat tour to Playa Blanca, the area’s most beautiful beach while seeing Cartagena from the ocean should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Do
The Cartagena Film Festival, the oldest film festival in Latin America, takes place every February and/or March and features Spanish and Latin American films.
Valledupar (7-hour bus ride or a connecting flight away) gets filled to the brim by over 150,000 people every year who attend the Vallenato Legend Festival, celebrating 5 days of traditional Colombian folk music.
Literature takes over Cartagena during the last week of January for the Hay Festival, the most important literature event in the country.
Eat
The typical Cartagena dish is fried fish with coconut rice, fried plantain and salad. Expect big portions and cheap prices!
Buy
Emeralds are reasonably priced, authentic, and readily available all over the old town.