Book excerpt: The Cartagena Travel Guide is the most up-to-date, reliable and complete guide to this wonderful city. Travelers will find everything they need for an unforgettable visit presented in a convenient and easy-to-use format. Includes quick information on planning a visit, navigating the city, experiencing Columbian culture and exploring the beauty of Cartagena. Also includes a Spanish phrasebook to help you communicate with the locals. Cartagena is a port city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. By the sea is the walled Old Town, founded in the 16th century, with squares, cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings. With a tropical climate, the city is also a popular beach destination. Reachable by boat are Isla de Barú, with white-sand beaches and palm trees, and the Islas del Rosario, known for their coral reefs.