Cartegena

Next was Cartagena (car-teh-hay-nah), one of the exotic places we have always wanted to visit. To get there you drive along a narrow isthmus.

There are poorer villages out along here, and they were slash burning which is a challenge to see how long you can hold your breath for while driving.

Its not too often you see an anteater crossing sign.

Coming into the city you get a glimpse of the ancient walls of the old city.

Then you need to navigate the narrow crowded streets.

This place is very picturesque, from the clock tower to the statues, to the beautiful facades of the buildings.

The Plaza de Bolivar is a popular meeting place and there is also a small free gold museum (air con!)

We walked some of the old city and of course stopped for Palettes.

Walking on the old walls you get a good view to the see the fort and the city.

The night views are also cool.

We did visit the Castillo de san Felipe to see the panoramic view of the city, explore the fort and all the tunnels.

We were lucky driving here and while we stayed, because it was partly cloudy which helped with the heat and humidity that can be horrible here.