Church and Yellow Colonial Building, Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena

Founded in 1533 by the Spanish conquistadores, Cartagena de Indias, the queen of the Caribbean coast, became one of the most important ports in South America, where much of the plundered jewels and gold from the continent was shipped to Spain, the mother country.

The essence of Cartagena’s old city is immortalised behind the robust fortresses and thick walls constructed to defend it from pirates and plunderers alike during the 17th century. It has now become one of Latin America’s great cities, well known for its friendly people and vibrant nightlife. It is a captivating city crammed with enough restaurants, museums, galleries and colonial churches to willingly lose time over.

San Pedro Claver Church, Cartagena, Colombia
Colombia

Highlights of Colombia

Combine a host of Colombia’s cultural highlights, spending time in vibrant cities, peaceful mountain villages and fertile coffee growing valleys, topped off with time on the coast.  

15 days

from £4,695 pp

UN SDG - 14 Life below water logo UN SDG - 17 partnerships for the goals logo

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Salt production, Guajira Peninsula, Colombia
Guajira Peninsula, Colombia

Off-the-Beaten-Track in Colombia

This Colombian adventure unveils some of the nation’s most offbeat locations, while still taking time to privately tour the galleries and architectural highlights of the cosmopolitan capital.
An extraordinary trip for intrepid visitors to “the gateway to South America”, it traverses both the Amazon Rainforest and the Guajira Peninsula.

18 days

from £5,465 pp

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Colonial Buildings, Cartagena, Columbia
Colombia

A little more about Cartagena

Board a horse and carriage or wander aimlessly through the Puerta del Reloj, the old entrance to the city, and along the narrow cobblestone streets flanked by well-preserved colonial mansions and their overhanging flower-filled balconies. Sample delicious sweet delicacies sold along Portal de los Dulces and explore the beautiful yet grisly Palacio de la Inquisicion (Palace of the Inquisition). Taste tropical fruit juices on the Plaza de Santo Domingo and contemplate the twisted bell tower that looms above the city’s oldest church, Santo Domingo, which according to local folklore was sabotaged by the devil.

Experiences

What do you really love doing? We’ll tailor your itinerary to suit you.

Church and Yellow Colonial Building, Cartagena, Colombia

Discover Cartagena

Explore the beautifully preserved old town and UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its vibrant colourful colonial homes, churches and balconies shrouded in bougainvillea.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Rosario Islands, Colombia

Explore the Rosarios Islands

Take a boat trip to the beautiful Rosarios Islands, a national park made up of coral islands, beautiful beaches and mangroves.

Cartagena Bolivar, Colombia

Sunset over Cartagena

Sip cocktails as you watch the stunning sunset from Cafe del Mar, a bar set atop the ancient city walls.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Where to Stay

Every captivating tailor-made itinerary needs a perfect base. Our team has handpicked this collection of properties to give you luxury options in styles to suit any adventure.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

John Faithfull

Colombia is a firm Latin favourite with John, who’s most memorable moment in the country included an exhausting hike through the wild (and lawless) Darien Gap with The Times journalist Martin Fletcher.

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