The Enchanting Cartagena Coast of Colombia

• HelloHola
  [oh-la]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lamento
  [pair-dohn/lah-men-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh es-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glays]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh en-tee-en-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [may goo-stah-ree-ah ver el meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [may goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gar, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [es-toy pair-dee-doh/ah]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [es-toy en-fehr-moh/ah]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [may goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prar]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh es-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [es-toh es deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-har el preh-see-oh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah es]
• It's one o'clockEs la una en punto
  [es lah oo-nah en poon-toh]
• Half past (10)Son las diez y media
  [sohn lahs dyehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está un/el...?
  [dohn-deh es-tah oon/el]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal es lah dee-rek-see-on]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (en el mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh es el proh-kshee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

Cartagena de Indias was founded on June 1, 1533, by Spanish commander Pedro de Heredia. The city quickly became a strategic port for the Spanish empire due to its location on the northern coast of Colombia, providing a crucial link between Spain and its colonies.

During the Spanish colonial period, Cartagena flourished as a major port city. It became a central hub for trade, especially in gold, silver, and African slaves. The city's wealth attracted pirates and privateers, leading to repeated attacks and the need for formidable fortifications.

To protect against pirate attacks, the Spanish Crown commissioned the construction of massive walls around Cartagena. Starting in the late 16th century and completed in the 18th century, these walls and fortresses, like Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, stand as testaments to the city's strategic importance and architectural prowess.

Cartagena was a significant player in Colombia's fight for independence from Spain. The city declared independence on November 11, 1811, becoming one of the first cities in Colombia to do so. This act of defiance earned it the nickname 'La Heroica,' or 'The Heroic City.'

Cartagena has a rich African heritage, a legacy of the transatlantic slave trade. African slaves brought to the city contributed significantly to its cultural fabric, influencing music, dance, cuisine, and religious practices. Palenque de San Basilio, a nearby village, is a UNESCO-recognized site where African traditions have been preserved.

Following independence, Cartagena played a central role in the development of the Republic of Colombia. The city underwent modernization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with improvements in infrastructure and the establishment of educational and cultural institutions.

In 1984, Cartagena's historic center, including its walls and fortifications, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition helped preserve the city's colonial architecture and historical significance, making it a top destination for tourists worldwide.

Cartagena has inspired many writers, most notably Gabriel García Márquez, the Nobel laureate in literature. His works, such as 'Love in the Time of Cholera,' feature the city's vivid landscapes and rich history, cementing Cartagena's place in literary history.

One of the most important cultural events in Cartagena is the Festival of the Sea, held annually in late July. This celebration showcases the city's maritime heritage with parades, water sports, and concerts, reflecting the vibrancy and diversity of Cartagena's culture.

Cartagena is accessible by air, sea, and land. Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) is the main gateway for international and domestic flights. Direct flights are available from major cities in North America, South America, and Europe. Cruise ships also frequently dock at Cartagena's port. For those traveling by land, buses connect Cartagena with major cities in Colombia, including Bogotá, Medellín, and Barranquilla.

Within Cartagena, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available and relatively affordable. For a more local experience, you can use the Transcaribe bus system, which connects various parts of the city. Renting a bicycle or scooter is another popular option for exploring the historic center and nearby neighborhoods. Walking is often the best way to navigate the narrow, cobblestone streets of the Old Town.

The official currency in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and street vendors. ATMs are plentiful, especially in tourist areas, but be cautious and use machines located in secure places like shopping malls or banks.

Cartagena is generally safe for tourists, but it’s important to exercise caution. Avoid displaying valuables and be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like the Old Town and markets. Some neighborhoods, such as La Popa and parts of the outskirts, have higher crime rates and are best avoided after dark. Stick to well-lit, busy areas and consider using registered taxis or ride-sharing services for transportation at night.

In case of an emergency, dial 123 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Rafael Núñez International Airport has a medical clinic for travelers. Major hospitals in Cartagena include Hospital Universitario del Caribe and Clínica Medihelp. It’s recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably but modestly. Light clothing is recommended due to the tropical climate, but avoid overly revealing attire. Religion: Do respect religious customs, especially when visiting churches. Wear appropriate clothing and keep noise to a minimum. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Avoid eating and drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a simple 'Hola.' Colombians are generally warm and friendly. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like ceviche and arepas. Avoid drinking tap water; opt for bottled water instead.

To experience Cartagena like a local, visit the Bazurto Market, where you can find fresh produce, local cuisine, and unique souvenirs. Take a stroll along the city walls for stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Engage with locals—Cartageneros are known for their hospitality and are often willing to share tips and stories. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a sunset from Café del Mar, a popular spot on the city wall.