On November of 1811, Cartagena declared independence from Spain. It was the first area of modern day Colombia to set up a truly functioning, independent government that rejected Spanish rule. However, the city had been a […]
Every November, the city of Cartagena, Colombia holds a carnival in celebration of the city’s declaration of independence in November 1811. Featuring a parade, a beauty pageant, and tons of dancing in the streets, the […]
From hipster backpacker hostels, to boutique bed and breakfasts in majestic colonial houses, to beachfront high-rises, there is a wealth of options of places to stay in Cartagena. I’ve lived in Cartagena since 2011 and […]
In the Spring of 1741, a massive British force led by Edward Vernon attempted to take Cartagena, Colombia. He hoped to deal a crucial blow to Spanish power and trade in the Caribbean. Outnumbered by […]
The largest colonial Spanish fortification on mainland South America, the Castillo San Felipe Fortress in Cartagena, Colombia has a rich history. First built in the 17th century, the fortress fell once to the French but […]
Located just a short cannon ball’s throw outside of Cartagena’s historic walled city, the Castillo San Felipe Fortress is hard to miss, and it is certainly a can’t miss activity during a visit to Cartagena. […]
From June to October every year, humpback whales travel north from the Antarctic to the warmer waters off of Colombia’s Pacific coast to mate and give birth. By traveling to the area, visitors can get […]
This Sunday August 26, 2018, Colombians will take to the polls to vote in an anti-corruption referendum. While, there’s a bit of snickering that people have to vote at all against corruption, the referendum proposes […]
If you are live and work in Colombia, you are entitled to a pension. You and your employer are required to contribute to the pension fund in Colombia. Read on for a guide to pension […]
If you are employed in Colombia, you have a legal right to cesantías, a form of bonus/unemployment insurance. While the system is somewhat difficult to wrap your head around at first, it’s fairly simply once you […]
Every year, August 7 is a holiday in Colombia. This date celebrates a decisive patriot victory over Spanish and royalist forces during Colombia’s struggle for independence. What happened on August 7, 1819, and why is […]
If you are an expat, living and working in Colombia, it’s worth understanding your paycheck. In this guide to Colombian paychecks, I will explain what may appear on your paycheck, including what is deducted from […]
The walls and fortifications of Cartagena speak to its importance as a coastal trading port during the Spanish colonial era. A visit to the Naval Museum of the Caribbean in Cartagena will give you some […]
The Gold Museum in Cartagena displays examples of the lovely and intricate goldsmith work of Colombia’s indigenous peoples. Visiting the Museo del Oro in Cartagena will give you a glimpse of these ancient gold artifacts […]
The Spanish Inquisition conjures visions of witches, torture, and religious persecution. As an important seat of Spanish colonial power, Cartagena housed an office of the Inquisition. Today the Palacio de la Inquisición in Cartagena doubles as a […]
