Cartagena, Colombia | Overseas Haven Report

Cartagena’s principal attraction is its Old City, particularly the inner walled district, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. The Old City is full of colonial architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and homes with overhanging balconies and shady patios. Wandering leisurely and enjoying the street life, as well as the many plazas, shops, restaurants and bars, is the best way to experience the Old City… walking these streets could make a romantic out of just about anyone.

Cartagena is chock full of history, which gives the city an Old-World beach lifestyle. However, the city also has many modern amenities, including a growing number of high-rise condos with spectacular water and beach views in addition to modern shopping centers.

As a beach destination Cartagena also boasts many water activities, including boat trips to nearby islands (particularly the Rosario Islands, an archipelago of 27 islands), scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, and so on. Being a tourist destination, you’ll find countless good restaurants featuring cuisine from around the world.

Cartagena is a relatively mature tourist market, so property investors in the city aren’t gambling on an unproven idea. Tourism is growing rapidly in Colombia, and Cartagena in particular has an active rental market.

Where Cartagena really shines is when you compare it to other Caribbean locations. The lack of hurricanes, and the low prices caused by today’s exchange rates make it a very attractive alternative when compared to the rest of the Caribbean.