Cartagena Columbia

Of all the countries along the Gulf of Mexico that I have visited, Cartagena is my favorite. This was my second time here.

I love the lively energy this city brings, enhanced by its rich history and beautiful colonial architecture. On my first visit, I didn’t have time to explore the famous San Felipe Fortress, so I made sure to do it this time.

The San Felipe de Barajas Fortress is the largest and most impressive Spanish colonial fortification in the Americas. Built on the strategic San Lázaro Hill, it was designed to defend Cartagena—once one of Spain’s most important Caribbean ports—from pirates and foreign invasions.

The fortress offers stunning 360-degree views of the city below. Here are some photos from my visit to the fortress and from my walks through Cartagena’s Old Town.