Cartagena (Colombia)

Wonderfully preserved, Colombia's Cartagena (officially "Cartagena de Indias") is a major port city and also one of the country's oldest settlements. The Cartagena cruise port is a popular port of call, especially on Panama Canal transition itineraries. The city has a total area of 572 km2 (221 ml2) and a population of around 1 million inhabitants.

During the Spanish colonial period, the city played a key role in the expansion of the Spanish Empire (1492-1975) and was also a center of political and economic activity. In 1984, the city was listed as a UNESCO Site. Cartagena is one of South America's most impressive colonial cities featuring cobbled streets, well-preserved fortifications (including 7 shoreside forts) and stone-made city walls. Castillo San Felipe de Barajas (1639-built) was the biggest Spanish fort in the Americas. The historic downtown is marked by narrow streets, grand colonial buildings and arcaded plazas.

Best-known buildings include Palace of the Inquisition, Cathedral, Gold Museum (all located around Plaza de Bolivar), several churches and monasteries (including San Agustin, Santo Domingo, San Francisco, Santisima Trinidad). Tourists can also explore the Islas del Rosario's surrounding coral reefs or take a mud bath close to El Totumo volcano.

Currently, the RCCL-Royal Caribbean's subsidiary company Pullmantur Cruises has around 50% market share of Colombia's cruising market. Pullmantur started operations here in 2014. As of 2019, Colombia is company’s 3rd largest market (after Spain and Brazil) operated year-round with 1 liner (Pullmantur Monarch). The ship is homeported in Cartagena and Colon Panama for round-trips to Southern Caribbean port destinations. Colombia is currently ranked South America's 3rd largest market - after Brazil and Argentina.

Cartagena cruise terminal

Cartagena tours, shore excursions, hotels

City Tours and Shore Excursions

• Walled City (guided tours, including on bicycles)
• Bocagrande (leisure and shopping area with galleries, clubs, cafes, shops)
• City Trolley Excursion
• City Sightseeing Excursion
• Totumo Volcano Excursion
• Organic Mud Bath Excursion
• Native Fishing and Cooking Excursion
• SCUBA Diving (Boat Excursion)