For those looking for an exotic tropical vacation, the choices have never been more plentiful. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway at one of the many Jamaica all inclusive resorts and luxury hotels, or exotic Couples Resorts lingering in the warm coastal waters of the Caribbean, vacationers may find it overwhelming to choose. Hopefully this can be made easy with one small suggestion—Cartagena!

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Not far from Jamaica is the Colombian city of Cartagena where will be pleasantly greeted by the warm, Caribbean breeze that delicately blankets the city. There is no offseason for this city, which enjoys a pleasant and comfortable tropical climate for most of the year. It’s quite funny actually to see people arrive with jackets on because their home countries are going through the winter season. And once you arrive in Cartagena, things are only going to heat up from there.

Boredom in Cartagena simply is not a possibility when you consider just how many things there are to see and do. Just as in any beach-front city, the Caribbean coastline and pristine beaches that line Cartagena are a major attraction for many tourists and locals alike. On any given day, you can find an active social scene simmering at the beach at Bocagrande—Cartagena’s main beach. From there, the fun only continues with guided tours around the city and historical districts. Or if you are seeking a more intense form of action, there are plenty of islands nearby that offer some of the best scuba diving around. Other popular attractions and entertainment include:

–          La Popa: a monastery that lies atop a mountain.

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–          Museums: Cartagena is home to three great museums—a gold museum, a modern art museum, and a naval museum.

–          Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas: no trip to the navel museum would be complete without a visit to one of the largest fortresses that South America has to offer.

While the daytime in Cartagena can be rather exciting, the nightlife here can offer just as much. One of the main attractions that bring out the more nocturnal visitors is the poker table; the casino action in Cartagena is pretty intense. If you’re not much of a gambler, but still looking for a good time, keep in mind that Cartagena is home to various nightclubs that offer an exciting clubbing scene on any given night. Avenida Arsenal is one of the more popular nightclubs in Cartagena. If a night of gambling and clubbing is not what you had in mind, then there are also several local bars and pubs that offer up good drinks anytime; plus, you don’t have to worry about losing your money at the blackjack table.

Some of the more popular bars and clubs that can be found in Cartagena include:

–          LeBlon Lounge

–          Indiana

–          Café del Mar

–          Tu Candela

–          The PleyClub

Just as with any good city, Cartagena does offer a number of fine shopping opportunities as well as a diverse variety of eateries. In fact, shopping in Cartagena is like that of no other, as there are so many shops, stores, and malls throughout the city offering everything from mainstream apparel to cultural oddities. Caribe Plaza is just one example of great shopping. Here you will find around 200 different stores, all in one place, offering just about anything once could desire. As far as eating goes, Cartagena has a restaurant to suit any palette, from fine dining to casual to ethnic, and everywhere in between. For those seeking an extravagant meal that will definitely suit the appetite better than it will the wallet, Club de Pesca is the place to go. Not only does this fine restaurant sit on the waterfront, but it also sits adjacent to a pristine yachting club as well.

If a trip to Colombia is in your future, you should make it a point to check out Cartagena, even if only for a day. There are literally hundreds of things to do, places to eat and shop, and a nightlife scene like no other. Even a few hours on the beach, enjoying the sun and warm Caribbean breeze, make a trip to Cartagena worth every minute. Furthermore, hotels and transportation are scattered about the city so finding accommodations and a mode of transportation will be easy.