Day 5: Cartagena, Colombia

I am going out on my own today with a local guide, Dora the Explorer and her team Diego (driver) and Emma (guide).  I found her online, and she had fabulous reviews.  I am actually joining a group that she had but we are only 3 people total so that will be nice!  I usually stick with cruise ship tours because if your tour is late; they will wait, but today I am taking a chance.  Some fun facts from Dora as we drove to our first stop:

• Discovered by Spaniards in 1533
• Slave port in colonial days
• Weather is consistent at mid 80° with 90% humidity

At 7:30am when I got off ship the weather was 86° with 90% humidity.

First Stop:  Convento de la Popa (La Popa Monastery)

Beautiful chapel and monastery with great views of the city from the highest point in Cartagena.

Our ship is on the left; seems so small.

Next Stop:  Castle San Felipe de Barajas

Spanish colonial fortress built in 1536 one of oldest and most important in the Americas.  I was happy it was just a snap a photo stop and not hike to the top stop.  

Then:  City Wall and Dungeons

The city was walled with 11km to protect the city.  It was named a UNESCO site in 1984.  Now the walls and dungeons are filled with handcraft shops of local crafts and crap.  I did have my first Colombian coffee.  It was coffee.

 

Next Stop:  walk around old town 

The vendors were everywhere . . . it was a bit annoying but they left you alone when you told them no thanks.

Final Stop:  Church of San Pedro Claver

Church is dedicated to Saint Peter Claver who dedicated his life to serving slaves in Cartagena in the 17^th century.  He advocated for their humane treatment and baptized over 300,000 slaves.

   

Quick Stop:  Getsemani

We took a quick walk around the area which is a vibrant neighborhood full of restaurants and very artsy colorful streets.  It was a bit dead during the day but they said it is hopping after dark . . . not sure I would go there at that time!

It was back to the port with plenty of time to enjoy the Port Oasis Eco Park.  It is sanctuary for animals before some are released back to their natural habitat after rehabilitation.  It is at the cruise port and has over 700 animals of 74 species.  It was pretty cool to walk around and see all the critters.  I was amazed at how close you could get to them.  Of course crazy people were trying to pet them.  I did notice a first aide station so apparently dumb tourist people have been injured and needed treatment.