Cartagena

Cartagena in Colombia is one of the hottest luxury vacation destinations in South America. It's not that surprising in truth as this old Spanish colonial city – with Unesco World Heritage status – has rather a lot going for it.

The pace of life is slow in Cartagena; it feels bit like Spain and a lot like the Caribbean, although it’s unmistakably Latin America. It’s the kind of place where you can don a Panama hat and enjoy a cigar as you stroll the waterfront: walking past old fortifications and cannons that once defended the city from pirates.

On a luxury vacation to Colombia with Lightfoot Travel, you’ll want to spend some time in the charismatic Old City of Cartagena. Clock Tower Gate marks the start of the Old City. Walking underneath its arches and you come to the city’s main square, Plaza de los Coches. Its old-world ambience makes it feel like you’ve just stepped back a century or three; colonial-era buildings stand beautifully preserved at its edges, and there’s a brass statue of the conquistador who founded Cartagena.

From here horse-drawn carriages await, ready to take you through the winding narrow streets, through bustling markets with street food vendors and leafy tropical parks. Along the way you’ll discover grand Spanish churches and cathedrals like the 16^th century San Pedro Claver. Later you can dine on fresh seafood dishes like the famous cerviche.

Isla Barú is an idyllic island just an hour's drive from Cartagena. The island is famous for its white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters. As well as watersports and laid-bck island living, visitors are drawn to the protected Corales del Rosario National Park, with its vibrant coral reef and underwater life.

Cartagena and the surrounding Caribbean coast is the place for sun-kissed relaxation, history, culture and for enjoying a little of the Caribbean-spiced way of life. Not to mention plenty of salsa! When booking a luxury vacation to Cartagena with Lightfoot Travel, you’ll receive impartial expert advice on the most suitable boutique or colonial-style accommodation for your needs.