We arrived in Cartagena at 5am. Pitch black outside, but the skyline was all lit up and looking very moody — one of those moments where you think I should take a photo but also I’m still technically asleep.
The port was pretty industrial, which is standard for cruise stops — we got the usual scenic blend of shipping containers and cranes. I did get a decent view of the city though… and a cargo container being unloaded. Peak travel.
We’d booked a ‘Panoramic Cartagena & Shopping Time’ excursion via the cruise line, which essentially meant getting carted about on a coach while being told mildly alarming truths about Colombian politics. Our guide was great — super proud of her country, very knowledgeable, and only slightly scathing about the government. You know, light bus banter.
The Morning city skyline, iPhone. Sorry.
Port container operations running 24×7
A fortress fit for a fight (that we didn’t go in)
First stop: Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. It’s this massive fortress built in 1639 that basically dominates the city — strategically plonked on a hill to give a full view of anyone trying to sneak in by land or sea. We didn’t actually go in (tight schedule, naturally), but we admired it from the outside and got some photos, including one of General Blas de Lezo.
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
General Blas de Lezo
Blas was a Spanish admiral and an absolute unit of a human. Over the years, he lost an eye, a hand, full use of his right arm, and a leg — and still managed to outwit the British navy.
A view and a very good excuse for air con
After the fort, we headed to a viewpoint over the bay — a solid panorama moment. Then we drove to a shopping area, where we made a beeline for La Serrezuela Mall.
Now, I don’t usually wax lyrical about malls, but this one’s a bit special. It’s been built into a former bullring and still retains a lot of the original features. There’s a big central space that’s just begging to be photographed (and yes, I did). Also: it was air-conditioned, which in 30-degree heat basically makes it a cultural experience. We picked up a Starbucks mug for my sister with a drawing of Blas-Mediohombre (half a man) on it. I’m sure that will help the morning coffee go down a treat!
Central area of La Serrezuela Mall
Inside of La Serrezuela Mall
Nature Walk, Unexpectedly
Back on the coach and back to the port, but the bus dropped us a little way from the ship. Normally, this would spark a minor mutiny, but instead we got a walk through a lovely little nature reserve hidden in the port area. Totally unexpected. Peacocks (aka drag-chickens), parrots, greenery — it was like someone had installed a tropical garden in the middle of a shipping yard. I took some photos but honestly, you’d have to see it to believe it.
Unexpected parrot
Flamingos! We were surprised
Final thoughts
Would I go back to Cartagena? Absolutely. But next time I’d like to walk the walled city or visit the historic centre properly. And maybe give Blas de Lezo the time he deserves by going inside his fort. For now though, it was a solid introduction.
