In this travel guide you will find everything about Cartagena de Indias, the capital of the department of Bolivar on the Caribbean coast. The addition “de Indias,” is to distinguish the city from the other Cartagena, in Spain. During the Spanish colonial period, the port city was one of the most important cities in South America. Its forts, castles, city walls and historic center, have been named a World Heritage Site by Unesco. The city with over 1 million inhabitants, is the most touristic city in Colombia. Cartagena is so much more than its historic center alone. The city is a fascinating mix of old and new, touristy and local. Cartagena is a convenient starting or ending point of a tour of Colombia’s north coast, where you can travel to Tayrona National Park, Minca, Ciudad Perdida, Santa Marta and La Guajira. Look here for travel itinerary tips and quickly read on about what to do in Cartagena + tips on transportation and the nicest hotels and restaurants.