3 Activities to Kick-Start Your Leisurely Holiday in Cartagena, Colombia

Still deciding on what to do after you've checked in at your hotel in Cartagena, Colombia? With these activities on your holiday checklist, you'll be sure to make the most of your stay in this Caribbean city.

1. See attractions
With its port, fortresses, and group of monuments declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cartagena has a lot of historically relevant and visually appealing destinations to offer first-time visitors. South America's most extensive military fortifications were built in the city between the 16th and 18th century. Religious sites, such as the church and convent of San Pedro Claver, church of Santo Domingo, and what was once the monastery of San Diego give wonderfully preserved samples of architecture from the colonial period. You can also visit the former Palace of Inquisition, which is now being used as a historical and archeological museum and Palace of the Government, and Plaza de las Coches, an open area where slave auctions were previously held.

2. Hit the beach
Bocagrande can't claim to have the best beach in the city but an afternoon spent here will give one enough insight as to why it deserves to be called the Copacabana of Cartagena. The beach is a busy place during high season and weekends mainly because of the influx of people on their way to luxury hotels and entertainment establishments in the area, such as Hotel Almirante Cartagena. Aside from people-watching and dancing to electronic music in the clubs, this beach is also a perfect spot for indulging in a soothing massage and witnessing a spectacular sunset. If you find Bocagrande a little too crowded, you can try the beaches of Bocachica, La Boquilla, Islas del Rosario, Isla Baru, Tierrabomba, and Playa Blanca.

3. Sample the local cuisine
Cartagena's confluence of cultures can be best experienced by tasting the its cuisine. Start your day with a hearty breakfast of arepa, a dish made of ground corn flour and topped with cheese, sour cream, hot sauce, or guacamole. The best varieties of this tasty treat can be bought near Calle del Pozo, Getsemani, and Exito Supermarket. For lunch, you can head to Cartagena en la Olla where you can eat your fill of traditional dishes. You can cap an exciting day by taking a trip to Plaza de la Santisima Trinidad and sampling the street food sold there around midnight. Should you wish for familiar tastes during your stay at an accommodation in Cartagena, Colombia, you'll be happy to know that there is no shortage of restaurants that specialize in international dishes in the city.

Five Cartagena Hotels for Great Family Vacations

A historic city known for its colonial streets, architecture, and hotels, Cartagena in Colombia is one destination couples and families will surely enjoy. Aside from the beautiful spots, the city also has a number of fancy restaurants, plazas, and a beach. To help you plan your holiday, here a 5 family-friendly hotels you can check before flying to Cartagena.

1. Hotel Casa San Agustin

A trio of colonial buildings in the heart of the “Old Town” makes Hotel Casa San Agustin an excellent choice for families who want to experience the classic Cartagena. Here, the centuries-old wood-beam ceilings, original frescoes, and windows are preserved. The hotel has 24 spacious guestrooms and 6 suites that blend the authentic Colombian style to modern amenities that include air-conditioning, flat-screen HDTV, and Wi-Fi access. Apart from the pleasing accommodations, the hotel offers babysitting services upon request.

2. Casa Pestagua Hotel Boutique – Spa

An acclaimed boutique hotel in Cartagena, Colombia, Casa Pestagua Hotel Boutique – Spa showcases its grand accommodation inside a Spanish colonial mansion. Families can enjoy a delightful holiday inside 11 elegant, high-ceiling rooms with spacious living rooms and amenities such as an LCD TV, independent air-conditioning, and private bath. Couples can feel more relaxation by requesting for the spa services while children can enjoy a dip in the swimming pool by the courtyard.

3. Sofitel Legend Santa Clara

Sofitel Legend Santa Clara was a former convent filled with numerous archeological artifacts. Its magnificent setting has been used by Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez in one of his novels. Today, guests can stay inside a luxurious accommodation and view these artifacts on display. The hotel boasts 122 rooms and 19 suites, all equipped with modern amenities. Families finding a hotel in Cartagena, Colombia can request for connecting rooms and also video games for children.

4. Hilton Cartagena

A relaxing beachfront accommodation for the family can come courtesy of The Hilton Cartagena. This 341-room hotel has a number of facilities that everyone in the family can enjoy. Children can play all day long at the colorful playground and toboggan swimming pool, while their parents can try the sauna or a soothing massage. When it's time to take a break and grab a bite, kids can choose from a special children’s menu and adults have 5 restaurants to choose from.

5. San Diego 974 Suites

A creative display of colonial and modern architecture, San Diego 974 Suites has 13 fully-furnished suites designed with a kitchen, living room, and terrace. Each spacious accommodation has amenities that include a cable TV, Wi-Fi Internet access, and mini-bar. Families in their first visit to the country will feel at ease with the hotel's monitored security. Plunge in the swimming pool located at the roof deck or view the “Old City” from above. This hotel in Cartagena also has airport transfer services to make it more convenient for everyone.

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