Don & Kully's World Cruise on Viking Neptune

Cartagena was founded in 1533, making it one of the oldest colonial cities in South America. It is believed that indigenous people may have settled the area around 4000 BC. During the Spanish colonial period Cartagena played a key role in the administration and expansion of the Spanish Empire. Cartagena’s large natural harbor was and still is a major shipping port for Columbia. The old part of the city is a restored walled city with many narrow streets with beautifully decorated balconies. The City’s most famous site is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fortress San Felipe de Barjaras. Construction of the fort began in 1536 and took 121 years to build. The fort once served as a major defense against pirates and any other potential invaders of the city. 

We were only in port for half a day today, so time to explore was very limited. The cruise ships dock in the commercial port and isn’t within walking distance of the Old Town area or any other tourist areas, so we took the Viking included Panoramic Cartagena tour. The tour was a driving tour of the city with only two short stops. The first stop was at the San Felipe de Barajas for pictures only and the second was at the dungeons within the old walled city. Originally built to store ammunition and other provisions for the military, today it houses a handcrafts market selling Colombian handcrafts and souvenirs.

From there the tour drove around the perimeter of the old city where the guide pointed out many or the beautiful narrow streets, churches and other local landmarks. We then drove through the scenic Bocagrande area which is a chic and modern beach area filled with deluxe apartments, condos and hotels. From there it was back to cruise terminal. 

For future cruisers, this is a good tour if you want a very quick general overview of the city. But if I were to do it again, I would walk to the cruise terminal and arrange for a taxi or local guide to take me to the old town district. Another good option might be the old town walking tour offered by Viking.

The best stop of the day was actually at the cruise terminal on our way back from the tour. Adjacent to the terminal is a small Aviary, wild life area, nice gift shop and coffee tasting area. We spent about an hour there observing the beautiful tropical birds before walking the rest of the way back to the ship.

Tomorrow we will be in Colon, Panama.