Walk beneath Cartagena's pastel-colored mansion

Even the most jaded traveler can't help but be swept up by the magic of Cartagena.

Oozing romance, the old city is a warren of cobblestone streets that meander between pastel-painted mansions.

Each turn of a corner reveals bougainvillea-covered balconies, sun-bleached walls and the sounds of cumbia or vallenato crackling from old radios.

Impossibly beautiful women flutter past with flowers tucked into their hair while young men whisper emerald deals in the shop fronts.

There is no doubt that Cartagena is a tourist town and you must go there with the knowledge that prices are inflated and everyone has something to sell, but if you can get beyond that it's a truly magnificent place to explore for a few days.

Spending a few pesos more than your usual allowance will make a big difference in your perspective on the city.

Base yourself in the pricier El Centro and enjoy a decent meal at one of the candlelit old city restaurants. There are some great open-air cafés around the Plaza Santo de Domingo.