Visiting Cartagena Columbia – Ten Day Cruise through the Panama Canal

If you’re looking for things to do in Cartagena, Colombia, you’ll love the old city tour we took on our ten day cruise to the Panama Canal!

To me, Cartagena felt like a beautiful mix of Spain, St. Augustine, and South America. We chose a bus and walking tour that took us into the Old City.  As a lover of city centers and old European influenced architecture, I found it very enjoyable.  And bonus, we had time to try some of the local food and shop.  Yay!

After driving through the newer part of town from port, we arrived at Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, also known as the San Felipe Fortress.  It was a beautiful Spanish constructed fortress built on the top of a hill.  Buyer beware – lots of inclined walking on this one.  Perfect for earning a good lunch later!

The gentleman in uniform livened up the atmosphere with his horn – he could play any country’s anthem on demand.  It was quite impressive!

We weren’t the only ones from our cruise group to choose this tour.  We had the pleasure of sharing our day with Erin of Dinner, Dishes, and Dessert and Sandra.  Erin’s the sensible one posing in a doorway, and Sandra’s the one who will do literally anything for a good picture.  Including giving us all heart attacks!  I do wonder how that shot turned out.

Before leaving the museum we enjoyed a short show with traditional music and dancing.  I’m going to be totally honest.  I was skeptical when we first sat down, and a little eager to be on our way to the next place.  I’m so glad I didn’t sneak out though, because the artists were super talented and I really and truly enjoyed the show!

Next up was Cartagena’s Cathedral we had to sneak in quietly because mass was going on, but the altar and stained glass work were so beautiful, it was worth a stop even if we didn’t stay for long.  I took a really really lot of pictures because I looooooove stained glass.  But I’ll only bore you with a few.  Hah!

Cartagena’s Cathedral is one of the largest in a series of fortresses with a massive exterior and simple interior. Partially demolished by Sir Francis Drake’s cannons, it was completed in 1602.

Some of the folks on our tour were put off by looking at a church while mass was in session, but I can say as someone who has visited many churches around the world, this is totally normal and fine so long as you’re quiet and respectful.  (Other folks were just glad to get a reprieve from the heat!)

San Pedro Claver Sanctuary was our next stop, and while it was beautiful in its own right, the patio was also being decorated for a wedding and it had an extra air of romanticism that I just could not get enough of.  What I did get more than enough of though was people complaining about the heat and asking for air conditioning.  Here’s a pro tip – don’t take a walking tour in South America if being hot makes you miserable.  I know, sounds obviously right?

This is my face when I hear someone complain about the heat for the eleventy billionth time.  Hey folks, we’re practically on the equator.  Get you some shaved ice and calm down.

As much as I loved the tour (and I really did!), my favorite part of the day was sneaking off with Wesley, Sandra, and Erin to do a bit of exploring on our own.  We tried arepas from a street cart, chocolate tea from a local cocoa shop, and sausage empanadas at a gorgeous little bakery. And best of all we wandered and took in all the beautiful architecture, vibrant colors, and unique culture.

The bright colors you see throughout the Caribbean, Central, and South America  make everything look so joyful and happy.  I could take pictures of the gorgeous buildings in Cartagena all day and not get bored!

I also find the culture of sales and bartering so intriguing.  The ladies with fruit on their head would offer to take a picture with you for a dollar.  There were vendors lined up and down the streets and sidewalks with everything from spices, to jewelry, and clothing.  If we had more time in Colombia, I would have gladly spend a full day collecting treasures to bring home.

But mostly, mostly it was the colors.  And I can say this (and did say it above already), the splendid colors throughout the city just made me so happy.  And it made me want to come back and paint my whole house.  Be gone beige!  It’s aqua, and yellow, and red, and allllll the colors!!!

Have you been on a cruise before?  This was my eight cruise (I know!), and I fall in love with cruising more each time.  Only having to unpack your bag once.  Never having to search for a place to eat lunch or dinner, and having all the amenities right there, moving from location to location with you.  I’m a junkie.  That’s all there is to it.  Call me Mama Loves Cruises from now on.  Hah!

But seriously, I love cruises, and Princess Cruises knows how to do them right as rain.  If you’re thinking about maybe taking one, be sure to check out the itineraries and specials available on Princess!  I’m really hoping to go to Europe next.  Have I told you Wesley’s never been!  I feel like we should remedy that STAT!

YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: