TRAVEL
Cartagena de Indias, Colombia – A Timeless Blend of History and Coastal Splendor – by Carlos Lander, Caracas, Venezuela Carlos is a self-taught amateur archaeologist, author, programmer, and statistician with over 25 years diving experience.
preserved coral reefs, lobster, crabs, turtles, and fish that navigate between shipwrecks and corals. Cartagena's sub- merged heritage includes underwater sites like Salmedina , just 20 minutes away by boat, where you can find anchors and cannons from sunken galleons. Another example of a sunken ship is Pedro Heredia, the biggest wreck in the zone, which lies at a depth of 40 me- ters. Another exceptional experience is the Pavitos Islands cliff. This site features gentle slopes that drop to 40 meters. It boasts populations of barrel sponges, whip corals, and a wide variety of reef fish. It is also ideal for drift diving. One unique trait to diving these islands are the very prim- itive nature of development. Many small islands have little to no development, and a few offer open air, waterside cafes. These islands are truely lost in time and reminiscent of remote Fijian islands, but a mear couple of hours from Miami!
Planning Your Group Trip History blends interesting geographical sites, exploration, piracy, and ambitions; Cartagena de Indias highlights these at- tributes like no other in the New World.
Cartagena is filled with fascinating history and controver- sial figures that, for some, are heroes and, for others, vil- lains - like the Englishman Sir Francis Drake, who raided the city in 1586. As mentioned, it has a captivating history due to its location in the Caribbean. It was one of the prin- cipal ports on the route to the West Indies for all kinds of goods, but it was well-known as a collection center for gold, silver, and emeralds. It served as a crucial entry point for European goods and enslaved Africans, playing a central role in the empire's economic and social systems. Cartagena was founded in 1533 by the Spanish com- mander Pedro Heredia. Due to his wealth and reputation,
Cartagena was a constant target of pirates from England, France, and the Netherlands. This strategic importance made the city a cultural epicenter for the Spanish Empire. The tourist can step into the past by visiting stunning architecture within the Walled City, including Las Mural- las, El Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, several churches and sanctuaries, such as Saint Peter Claver, squares, and balconies. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, Cartagena is a fascinat- ing blend of traditions. A unique fusion of European, African, and indigenous cultures that gives birth to distinctive expressions of art, music, and spirituality. Although Cartagena is a coastal city, diving in Cartagena is a jour-
With an extensive list of dive spots among Barú, Salmedina, Tierra Bomba, and Rosario Is- land, the best way to visit all these places is by contacting a dive center. Cartagena Divers is one of the best, offering diving and other land and beach sports activities like kitesurfing, kayak- ing, or visiting the aviary. They ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all travelers.
Amazing Historic Wrecks off Cartagena
There is a wide range of hotels and prices. Still, these are the best: Casa del Puerto Hostel & Suites, Hotel El Marqués De Manga, Casa La Condesa, Holi- day Inn Express, Cartagena Manga by IHG, Casa Ramona, Casa Román, and Hotel Bahía. All of these hotels have a strong relationship with dive centers. Starting at US$100 per night, promotions for large groups may be available depending on the season, with an average
ney through history. A 45-minute boat ride takes you to Rosario Island and Isla Barú, where you can explore well-
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