Upon arriving in Cartagena, we docked at Club de Pesca Marina, uniquely located within the historic Fort San Sebastián del Pastelillo—one of the city’s former Spanish forts. Our exploration began with the nearest neighborhood, Getsemaní, just a 10-minute walk from the marina, crossing the bridge that links Isla de Manga to the city center.
Once a working-class district, Getsemaní has transformed into the creative and cultural heart of Cartagena, home to artists, musicians, and artisans. The area is full of vibrant street art, colorful colonial facades, and charming balconies draped with flowers. The architecture, with its intricately carved porticoes and pilasters, is a delightful mix of historical elegance and artistic expression. The streets pulse with life—street musicians, open-air cafés, and bustling plazas create an intoxicating rhythm that invites you to wander for hours, always discovering something new.
At the heart of Getsemaní lies Plaza de la Trinidad, a lively square where both locals and visitors gather, surrounded by small bars, restaurants, and street vendors offering delicious local snacks like arepas and empanadas. The district is also known for its affordable boutique hotels and lively nightlife, making it a hotspot for travelers.
Just beyond Getsemaní, we visited Parque Centenario, a green oasis where iguanas, monkeys, and sloths roam freely—an unexpected urban wildlife encounter! Nearby, the Pegasus Pier (Muelle de los Pegasos), adorned with grand statues of winged horses, offers stunning views of Cartagena’s modern skyline, with its towering skyscrapers contrasting sharply against the colonial charm of the old city. From the waterfront, we could even spot our yacht, Oceanolog, nestled at the edge of the marina, completing the picture of our arrival in this remarkable city.
