· Cartagena de Indias · San Andres · Santa Marta · Introducing the Colombian · pacific Coast
CRUISE DESTINATION CRUISE DESTINATION
· Cartagena de Indias · Archipelago of San Andres · Santa Marta · Colombian Pacific Coast
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Rosario Island, Cartagena de Indias.
Cartagena de Indias host of the 20th Annual FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show September 30th- October 4th 2013
Cruise ship, Cartagena de Indias
Experience firsthand one of the most diverse countries in the world. Colombia’s rich past has permeated throughout its historic monuments and landmarks; the country’s incredible natural biodiversity has been acclaimed and appointed in 58 protected reserves; and modern-day buildings speak of the country’s economic progress. Colombia is a place where magical festivals and public festivities are celebrated throughout the year bringing to life the exquisite gastronomy from every region. We believe that visitors alike have said it best: “Colombia is magical realism at its finest”. Colombia is located in northwestern tip of South America, bordered by Venezuela and Brazil to the east, by Ecuador and Peru to the south, the Caribbean Sea to the North and by Panama and the Pacific Ocean to the west. This prime geographic location allows its destinations to be a great port of call through the Panama Canal and any Southern Caribbean itineraries.
COLOMBIA: ONE NATION, COUNTLESS MEMORIES
Our cruise destinations offer unforgettable experiences with a wide range of options. Visitors can venture in the vibrant contemporary city of Cartagena de Indias and bask in its captivating history or fully relax in Santa Marta considered the oldest city in the American continent, a magical place where native heritage commingles with the amazing display of landscapes and beaches. San Andres, Providencia and Santa Catalina Islands are also the picture-perfect location to unwind while relaxing in its unique landscapes. These virgin sandy beaches, which blend with its exotic vegetation in the background, are yet the best-kept secret known to man. Colombia welcomes the cruise industry displaying a magnificent array of natural and exotic destinations that have become the quintessential choice for biodiversity and ecotourism lovers.
FACTS Currency: Colombian peso
Weather: Tropical and isothermal
Time Zone: UTC - 5
Signature Souvenirs:
Coffee, emeralds, sombrero vueltiao, coconut candies, cana flecha, filigree , among others.
Cartagena de Indias, declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
CULTURE AND HISTORY
explore the Caribbean in a city filled with magic Cartagena de Indias is an attractive and convenient hub to service South America and Central America due to:
The city was built with an unrivaled architectonic design in mind; a great surrounding wall that was erected to protect it from pirate attacks. These were the largest military structures built by the Spaniards in the American continent and today have become one of the most iconic skylines which represent heritage, authority and charm portrayed by this beautiful colonial city. UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) named Cartagena de Indias a World Heritage Site in 1984 because of its rich historical significance.
• Its central geographical location in the Americas • There are no visa requirements for regional countries • It has direct connectivity flying from/to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Panama City and New York City. • There are daily flights every hour from Bogota with AviancaTaca. • Its hotel infrastructure: From new beachside hotels and resorts to boutique hotels that once were abbeys transformed into luxury locations brimming with history. • Presence of renowned Hotel brands such as Hilton and Sofitel Accor and other new Hotels such as Marriott, Sonesta, Radisson, Holiday Inn Intercontinental, Sheraton, and Hyatt. • Its close proximity to city and all amenities and services • Worldly events such as the International Music Festival, the Hay Festival, the International Movies Festival and the National Beauty Contest. • Exquisite seafood centered cuisine, tropical fruits such as coconut, passion fruit and guava, and a vibrant culture
Cartagena de Indias is home to more than 1 million people and 94% of its territory is considered urban. It is considered the safest city, the leading tourist destination, and the fourth-ranked industrial city in the country. It has established itself as a leading cargo and cruise port in Colombia, and one of the largest in the Caribbean Sea and the northern coast of South America.
Cartagena de Indias offers a wide range of hotels, restaurants and an exciting nightlife that can be enjoyed during a pre or post embarking experience to a 7-day cruise itinerary from Cartagena to any Caribbean destination on any Royal Caribbean and Pullmantur cruise ships equipped with on-board services for the whole family.
Just 2 hours away from Miami, the city of Cartagena was first discovered by Rodrigo de Bastidas in 1503 during his exploration of the Atlantic coast of what today is known as Colombia.
CARTAGENA DE INDIAS
CARTAGENA DE INDIAS:
The Castle of San Felipe de Barajas, the largest fortress built by the Spaniards in South America. The walls around the Old City (Las Murallas), with its 7.5 mile long of solid rock built the city to protect it against the constant pirate attacks during the colonial era. The underwater wall across Bocagrande built approximately in 1771 and 1778, it sits between the forts of San Jose and San Fernando.
SPANISH COLONIAL BUILDINGS The Palace of the Inquisition: Cartagena was the third and final site of the Spanish Inquisition in the new world. In this place, considered a typical example of the civil architecture of the 18th century, hundreds of witches and other heretics were tortured and executed. Every church in Cartagena is worth visiting: the Cathedral, San Pedro Claver, and Santo Domingo are among the most visited. The Convents of Santa Clara and Santa Teresa: Formerly abbeys, today serve as five star hotels. Las Bóvedas Quarter (Old Dungeons): This Military Quarter was used as a lodging site for the troops, for storing military provisions and local stores. Currently, it is a market with handicrafts from all over the country. The Clock Tower: Built in the 18th Century. This tower rises today as one of the most emblematic monuments in Cartagena de Indias. Adolfo Mejia Theater: Built in 1911 and today it serves as a center for the arts and cultural events. La Popa Monastery:: Founded by the Agustinos Descalzos Recoletos group in 1607. It is located in the highest vantage point of Cartagena and currently it is a site
of devotion and pilgrimage with breathtaking panoramic views of the city. The Monument to the Old Shoes: a beautiful landmark of Cartagena. The different plazas around the Historic Center: you will be at the heart of colonial buildings where you can enjoy a cup of coffee, read your favorite book or enjoy the fabulous cuisine the city has to offer. Do not forget to watch the spectaculars sunsets by the beach with a refreshing handmade tropical cocktail. Tour all these monuments onboard a horse-drawn carriage or just enjoy the old city in a walking tour.
GET CLOSER TO NATURE Rosario Islands: Just 45 minutes away by boat, visit one of Colombia’s most prominent underwater natural reserves. A 23-island archipelago of turquoise-colored waters and one of the most important coral reefs on the Caribbean coast for scuba diving, a relaxing day on the beach or a close encounter with nature. Totumo Mud Volcano: Just 45 minutes away from the city, this volcano has built-in stairs that were constructed by the natives and today can take visitors up to the top of the ridge where they can swim in the deep therapeutic mud and then allow it to air-dry. Sightseers can then bathe in the waters of the Totumo swamp or go on a carefree adventure canoeing in the area’s mangrove swamps. The bay where pirates once sailed: See the city skyline right from ocean and take in the panoramic view of what the Spanish saw and painted on their galleons 500 years ago.
CARTAGENA DE INDIAS
A GLIMPSE OF WHAT TO DO
Walls, Cartagena de Indias
CARTAGENA’S FORTIFICATIONS
PORT OF CARTAGENA A Cruise ship terminal which is located in a large, well-protected bay with a depth of 45’. An access channel is 150 meters wide, clearly marked and lighted. 8 docks with no size restrictions; capable of accommodating all current cruise vessels. Several types of services including but not limited to drinking water, waste disposal, provisioning, and bunkers. The Cruise Ship Terminal is located less than two miles away from the old city, five miles from the Rafael Núñez International Airport, and near the major tourist attractions and main shopping areas. Also available at the port: Duty Free Store and shopping area, a Juan Valdez coffee store, a restaurant, an information booth, independent city tours, telephones, and internet access. The Port provides 24-7 365-day services. Recently acquired two catamarans that can hold up to 120 people independently, an alternative that is sure to entertain passengers alike
Port of Cartagena de Indias
The Port of Cartagena is managed by the Sociedad Portuaria Regional de Cartagena (Regional Port Society of Cartagena). With over 12 years of experience and strategically located within the urban area of the city, the port provides cruise lines with the latest technology and readily available services for inland logistics including:
NAUTICA MILES TO CARTAGENA DE INDIAS PORT CARTAGENA Cartagena
NA
Santa Marta
108
San Andrés
452
Puerto Limón, Costa Rica
452
La Ceiba, Honduras
812
Belize City, Belize
901
Veracru-z, Mexico
1.536
Kingston, Jamaica
483
Miami, Florida
1.127
Ft Lauderdale, FLorida
1.143
Tampa, Florida
1.327
Mobile, Alabama
1.474
New Orleans, Louisiana
1.492
Houston, Texas (Galvestone)
1.638
Panama Canal (Colon)
244
Aruba
346
Cozumel
606
Curaçao
458
Tayrona National Natural Park.
Santa Marta's beautiful beaches were chosen by the readers of SmarterTravel as one of the world Top 10 Beach Destinations for Summer 2011.
SANTA MARTA
CULTURE AND HISTORY Located in the northeastern part of the Caribbean coast of Colombia and at the foot of the highest coastal snow peaked mountain range in the world; travellers can visit La Sierra Nevada or the “Snow peaked mountain range”. Santa Marta has a dry climate with an average temperature of 82°F, a population of 410,309 friendly locals that are eager to welcome visitors and an outstanding beauty that can only be provided by Mother Nature. Founded in 1525 by the Spanish conqueror Rodrigo de Bastidas, it is the first city in Colombia and second in South America after Cumaná in Venezuela (1521) to be established. With the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in the backdrop makes this city one of most diverse locations in the country. It offers a mix of history, Native cultural heritage, amiable people, and an extraordinary diversity of landscapes and beaches along one of the most beautiful bays in the American continent. Its endemic species have attracted many visitors who are looking for an up-close personal experience with nature at its purest state.
Ciudad Perdida, the "Lost City"
An 18th century hacienda where the liberator Simon Bolivar died in 1830. Today it is divided in three main tourist attractions: The main house, the Bolivarian Museum of Contemporary Arts, and the Tayrona Museum. The CathedralA national monument built in 1766.
A 14th century city built high in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, at 18,942 feet is one of the largest preColumbian towns discovered in the Americas.
This is the oldest house in America, built in 1530. Today it hosts the Tayrona Museum.
Madame Agustine House A jewel of colonial times. Visit the parks and the old town with its beautiful colonial and republican architecture.
Tayrona National Park A virgin paradise is found near Santa Marta, where more than 7,500 acres of land and astonishing shoreline sits at the bottom of the Tayrona Park.
Tayronaka Close to the valley of Don Diego, its museum reveals the ancient civilization that has lived there ever since, and who discovered water activities such as kayaking in the Don Diego River. Come closer to the Colombian heritage and visit present-day indigenous settlements.
Pueblito Also known as Chairama, it is one of the 200 pre-Hispanic cities discovered near the Sierra Nevada and where the direct descendants of the ancient inhabitants still reside.
Quebrada Valencia A majestic waterfall emerges in the middle of the rain forest.
Taganga A typical fishing town at the foot of a bay. It has earned a reputation of remarkable scuba diving experiences.
Tour Santa Marta’s magnificent nature locations by land or by boat on a scenic journey, or visit the aquarium and sea museum or adventure in a 4 wheel-drive extreme eco-experience. Regardless of the way you choose to get closer to nature, you will find yourself in a location that has never been touched by civilization, in the heart of imposing mountains, striking green vegetation, and crystal-clear waters like in Cinto, Bahia Concha, or Gairaca beaches.
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, Santa Marta
La Casa de la Aduana (Customs House)
Taganga, Santa Marta.
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
SANTA MARTA
A GLIMPSE OF WHAT TO DO
Port of Santa Marta, Magdalena
PORT OF SANTA MARTA
The Santa Marta Maritime terminal is managed by the Sociedad Portuaria de Santa Marta S.A (The Port Authority of Santa Marta LLC). The port provides cruise lines with the latest technology and excellent services for inland logistics such as:
• Location within the urban area of the city, walking distance from downtown, and places of interest. • • The Terminal is located in safe deep waters with depths of 60’. • • It offers 7 docking sites available with prime conditions with no size restrictions and able to receive any cruise vessel. • • It offers drinking water, waste disposal, provisioning, and bunker services. • • Also available at the port: A Duty Free Store, restaurants, city tours, telephone and internet access, 24-7 services.
NAUTICA MILES TO CARTAGENA DE INDIAS PORT CARTAGENA Cartagena
108
Santa Marta
NA
San Andrés
520
Puerto Limon, Costa Rica
526
La Ceiba, Honduras
782
Belize City, Belize
883
Veracruz, Mexico
1.353
Kingston, Jamaica
421
Miami, Florida
927
Ft Lauderdale, FLorida
984
Tampa, Florida
1.095
Mobile, Alabama
1.391
New Orleans, Louisiana
1.413
Houston, Texas (Galvestone)
1.595
Panama Canal (Colón)
344
Aruba
255
Cozumel
560
Curaçao
209
San AndrĂŠs and Providencia consist of an archipelago of islands about 480 miles north of Colombia and 140 miles east from the Central American Caribbean coastline. San Andres is the main island in the archipelago. Providencia and Santa Catalina are located 60 miles to the north, enclosed by an extensive barrier reef system, some 22 miles in length, making it the third largest coral reef in the world. It has been theorized that Christopher Columbus first discovered the islands during his fifth voyage in 1502. For 200 years, the control of the islands has changed hands several times, falling under the domain of Spain, Britain, France, and The Netherlands in various occasions. Pirates often visited the islands, among them the English pirate Henry Morgan who used them as an operations base and according to legend, it was a hideaway for his much-acclaimed treasure. This mix of cultures created a new and unique culture that is captured in the magic of the Caribbean by the warmth of the Colombian people.
SAN ANDRES Archipelago of San Andres, Providencia and Santa Catalina
CULTURE AND HISTORY
SAN ANDRES
A GLIMPSE OF WHAT TO DO • Dive and snorkel in several locations
• “El Hoyo Soplador” or Blow Hole
Calm undercurrents, mild temperatures, and nearly limitless underwater visibility make it a prime attraction.
is the end of a tunnel that runs from the Ocean and up to the surface with a geyser exploding effect.
• Shopping area
• La Cueva De Morgan or Morgan's Cave
San Andres is considered a shopping paradise, where the value added tax has not established and therefore not charged to the final consumer.
The famous pirate Henry Morgan was resident of this archipelago and from here he planned various assaults on galleons laden with gold destined for Europe. It was said that his treasure was hidden in Morgan´s Cave, a small deep lake within a cave of coral rock. •
Archipelago of San Andres, Providencia and Santa Catalina
• Adventure & Sports Swimming, horseback riding, wind surfing or relaxing by the beach. •
• Blue Wall and Blue Hole
• The aquarium
an unspoiled natural location perfect for fish-watching.
• La Loma
vertical walls that tower 300 ft. deep, where visitors can see the spectacular coral reef and countless marine life.
a tiny village where traditional everyday island life is found.
• Johnny Cay
• The botanical garden
• white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, local music and tropical vegetation that represent the essence of San Andres.
come closer to beautiful local vegetation.
• Archipelago of San Andres, Providencia and Santa Catalina
SAN ANDRES PIER • San Andres offers a Pier of aApproximately 1,475 lineal feet. • City Tours are offered just outside the pier. • Tour guides and most locals speak fluent English.
NAUTICA MILES TO SAN ANDRES PORT CARTAGENA Cartagena
452
Santa Marta
520
San Andrés
NA
Puerto Limón, Costa Rica
173
La Ceiba, Honduras
343
Belize City, Belize
464
Veracruz, Mexico
996
Kingston, Jamaica
391
Miami, Florida
787
Ft Lauderdale, FLorida
813
Tampa, Florida
919
Mobile, Alabama
1.136
New Orleans, Louisiana
1.138
Houston, Texas (Galvestone)
1.237
Panama Canal (Colon)
250
Aruba
683
Cozumel
595
Curaçao
737
Bahia Malaga Courtesy of Alejandro Ceballos.
CULTURE AND HISTORY
PACIFIC COAST
If Colombia had to be described in one word, it would be found in the dictionary under “diversity�. This is what makes Colombia a unique destination. It is considered the most diverse country in the world per square meter. Examples of this diversity and its intact locations are its golden beaches and its vast rainforest that crash into the ocean forming bays and small inlets. The combination of water resources, topography, geography and historical wealth make it an unrivaled spot for bird watching, first-class eco-tourism, and historical insight. Every year in these Colombian pacific coast locations, from July and October, huge humpback whales arrive from the poles to mate and give birth to their calves. These displays of nature can spark an interest to those exploration vessels that are seeking to see wildlife up close. Bahia Solano is a strategic point 170 nautical miles away from the Panama Canal with a privileged depth of about 262 feet/80 meters, a length of 6.2 miles and a width of 0.75 miles (1,500 meters), that will welcome cruise ships and passengers to the magnificent sanctuary called Colombia.
• Bird watching, humpback whales and wildlife. The Pacific Coast is teeming with life and it is the ideal destination for those who are looking to take in nature with all their senses. • • For those who dare, a thrilling experience is visiting the waterfalls in the heart of the jungle. • • The botanical gardens, where tourists can learn about the great diversity of plants, its medical uses and the symbiotic relationship of the indigenous culture with the local plants and animals. • • World-class sport fishing in astounding settings. You can find incredible underwater biodiversity. • • Local guides can lead you through an Eco tour where in a matter of minutes you will be in the heart of the jungle, walking through the lush vegetation and see innumerable species plants and local species. • • Utria National Park is a beautiful setting located in the center of the Pacific Coast. There, you may walk through the middle of the mangroves reserve, snorkel at the incredible coves abounding with fish, scuba dive, snorkel, kayak or spend the night at the nearby Eco lodges. • Come in contact with local friendly communities, enjoy their exquisite local cuisine and hear their fascinating music originating from their African and indigenous Colombian ancestors.
PACIFIC
WHALES SEA AND NATURE SANCTUARY
Whale Watching.
WHAT YOU CAN'T MISS
CONTACTS Proexport USA
Port of Santa Marta
COLOMBIAN GOVERNMENT TRADE BUREAU
SOCIEDAD PORTUARIA DE SANTA MARTA S.A.
CONTACT: miami@proexport.com.co Tel: 305-374-3144, ext. 147 Fax: 305-372-9365 www.proexport.com.co www.colombia.travel
CONTACT: Ana María Orozco Email: aorozco@spsm.com.co Tel: (57) (5) 4217970 Fax: (57) (5) 4382993 – 4382980
601 Brickell Key Dr. Ste 801 Miami, Fl. 33131
Cra 1a. N.º 10A-12 Santa Marta – Colombia
Port of Cartagena Sociedad Portuaria Regional de Cartagena
Manga Terminal Marítimo - A.A. 7954 Cartagena – Colombia CONTACT: Liliana Rodriguez Commercial Manager - Cruise Ship Terminal Email: lrodriguez@sprc.com.co Tel: (57) (5) 6502209 Fax:(57) (5) 6502477 www.puertocartagena.com
San Andrés Secretary of Tourism Gobernación Departamental de San Andrés Avenida Newball, Edificio Coral Palace Cartagena – Colombia
CONTACT: Lidonel Bent Email: lidonelbent@gmail.com Avenida Francisco Newball, Edificio Coral Palace San Andrés Isla Tel: (57) (8) 5130801 Fax: (57) (8) 5123466
Tourism Colombia site www.colombia.travel Cartagena’s Government site www.cartagena.gov.co Santa Marta’s Government site www.santamarta-magdalena.gov.co San Andres’ Government site www.sanandres.gov.co Tourism Cartagena site www.cartagenadeindias.travel Tourism Santa Marta site www.santamartaturistica.org