First time visitors arriving at Cartagena de Indias are immediately impressed with the beauty, cleanliness and safety of our city. They enjoy themselves and promise to return as soon as possible. Cartagena is truly enchanting.

Nearly 500 years have passed since the Spaniard Don Pedro de Heredia, founded Cartagena. Today, our historic central city is a treasure-house of the past, surrounded by more than six miles of ancient stone walls enclosing incomparable civil and religious architecture. Large houses with flowered over hanging balconies, narrow streets, leafy green parks, and majestic churches all combine to form an impression inviting contemplation, resulting in sincere admiration, and a feeling of belonging.

Cartagena de Indias also boosts a modern tourist sector with sky scraper offices, hotels, Caribbean beaches, lively casinos, world class restaurants and trendy shops. Boca Grande is the most modern tourist area in Colombia. Tens of thousands of national and international tourists return to Cartagena each year, to enjoy their perfect holiday on the Caribbean.

Our City is lucky. In addition to our much admired, walled Colonial City, and our modern waterfront tourist area, we are the custodians of a marine sanctuary-an archipelago made up of more than 25 pristine islands. Only an hour near, are the Rosario Islands, with innumerable species and colors of marine life in an atmosphere which invites all to join in harmony with nature. Our City is the main seaport of Colombia with its modern container facilities and ability to accommodate, with ease, several mega sized cruise ships. Our Industrial Zone hosts businesses engaged in local, national, import/export trades.

In 1984 Cartagena de Indias was declared by UNESCO, as a Historical Patrimony and Cultural Site of the Humanity, a recognition of our spiritual values.

The waterfront, Cartagena Convention Center, is a modern facility which regularly hosts prestigious Business, Government, Religious, Educational, Sports and Entertainment events on a grand scale-no event is to large!

The City, however, faces challenging problems, for which my Administration continually seeks effective solutions. We are dependant on tourism as the provider of many jobs. Our citizens and City employees stand ready to assist and support this vital industry. Cartageneros are truly friendly people, who welcome all visitors. You honor us with your presence.

A holiday in Cartagena should be the goal of every person longing to become part of a unique city. If you join us once, we are sure your will return again, and again.