The “old town” district of Cartagena is a beautiful Spanish Colonial walled city consisting of impressive fortresses, magnificent cathedrals, large plazas and quaint cobblestone streets lined with balconied homes. The more modern and wealthier district, Bocagrande is adorned with high-rise condos, hotels, and an abundance of shops and restaurants.

Until recently, tourism in Cartagena had been largely dominated by Latin Americans on holiday, but with the arrival of the Spirit Airlines providing direct service through Fort Lauderdale,Fla., Cartagena is breaking into the mainstream as a viable option for vacationing Americans.

Safety concerns that may have once existed in this country are becoming increasing diminished, with Cartagena emerging at the helm as one of the safest places to travel within Colombia.

Taxicab pickups are the most common method of transportation and can be arranged through most hotels in the area. It is also common to flag down a taxi on the street, although visitors should try to negotiate prices before getting into the cab, since not all drivers will use their meters. Walking the city at night is a primarily safe means of transportation, although, naturally, one should always use common sense when venturing out in a foreign town.

With its proximity to the equator, the city is hot and humid most of the year. Nights can bring in some cool breezes; ideal for strolling the streets and outdoor squares. The dry season runs from January through March, while the rains arrive in October and November. Cartagena’s Independence Day falls on Nov. 11th, commemorating its independence from Spain.