A vibrant setting filled with history and experiences
Cartagena: explore the city from La Gran Vía Hotel
We strive to bring you closer to the best that Cartagena has to offer. At La Gran Vía Hotel, we provide bespoke assistance and trusted recommendations when it comes to planning tours that will let you explore beaches, historic landmarks, and soak up local experiences. This ensures you make the most of your time while enjoying a well-rounded and unforgettable tourism experience.
Cartagena de Indias
Cartagena, on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, has made a name for itself as Colombia’s most visited tourist destination. Its charming, colorful streets are a gateway to South America and a host of islands and archipelagos, offering the perfect setting for an unforgettable vacation.
The city, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984, has no shortage of colonial gems and historical sites. A must-see tour takes in the Walled City, with its flower-filled balconies and cobblestone streets, the vibrant street art of Getsemaní, the magnificent San Felipe de Barajas Castle, and the 16th-century San Pedro Claver Convent. The sunsets are breathtaking, and the cuisine in the historic quarter will make your mouth water.
On top of that, enjoy lively nightlife, colorful cultural festivals, and beautiful, lush landscapes. All with a stunning bay as the backdrop, making Cartagena de Indias one of the Americas’ most beautiful and well-preserved cities.
Crystal-clear beaches
Discover the exclusive, paradisiacal islands that make this destination a favorite for nature lovers, snorkelers, and divers alike. The Rosario Islands offer protected marine life, crystal-clear waters, and white sandy beaches.
What’s more, in Barú, you can enjoy the expansive beaches (Playa Blanca), a vibrant party scene, and no shortage of water sports. All with the Caribbean Sea as a backdrop, enriched by Colombian warmth and cheerfulness.
Another option is Playa Morena, renowned for its golden sands and relaxed vibe, where you can enjoy the sun and sea, and visit the San Fernando Fort; Colombia’s only castle located in the middle of the sea.
Cuisine
Cartagena’s cuisine is a vibrant blend of Caribbean, African, and Spanish flavors, offering a truly flavorful experience for each and every visitor. It has everything from fresh seafood, coconut, and local ingredients, creating iconic dishes like seafood casserole, coconut rice, egg arepas, not to mention fried fish served with fried banana slices and salad. You can also get tucked into street food delicacies such as mote de queso and peto. All this is accompanied by traditional confectionery such as cassava bread, coconut candy, or manjar blanco.