Attractions and Places To See in Bolívar - Top 20

The Port Oasis Ecopark is a free, 10,000 m² park and mini-zoo located directly at the cruise terminal. It houses over 700 animals, including parrots, flamingos, monkeys, and sloths, in a tropical environment. The park serves as a conservation area and is ideal for a short visit. It is located right at the terminal, just a few steps from the ships. Animals on display include free-roaming peacocks, flamingos, various parrot species, monkeys, and iguanas. There are shaded paths, small waterfalls, souvenir shops, and a café. Admission is free for cruise guests. The park is dedicated to the recreation and protection of animals brought here by environmental authorities. It is the perfect place to relax briefly after an excursion or to observe exotic animals in a short amount of time.

The Plaza de Bolívar is a green oasis in the heart of the historic center of Cartagena de Indias. It is considered one of the most important and symbolic places in the city, offering a cool retreat from the Caribbean heat through its many tall trees and fountains. In the center of the park stands an equestrian statue of Simón Bolívar, the "Liberator" of South America. The bronze statue was inaugurated in 1896.

Construction began in 1577 and lasted until 1612. It replaced a simple church made of wood and reeds. In 1586, still during the construction phase, the English privateer Sir Francis Drake attacked the city. He bombarded the cathedral with cannons, causing severe damage to the load-bearing pillars, which significantly delayed construction. The building is constructed in the Spanish Renaissance style (Herrera style). Its striking tower and dome were only added in the early 20th century by the French architect Gaston Lelarge.

The statue "La Gorda Gertrudis" (also known as Reclining Figure 92) is a famous bronze work by Colombian artist Fernando Botero. Fernando Botero (1932-2023) is world-renowned for his style called "Boterismo", characterized by exaggerated, voluminous forms. Botero donated the sculpture, weighing around 650 kg (1443 lbs), to the city of Cartagena in the year 2000.

The city walls of Cartagena de Indias (Las Murallas) are one of the best-preserved Spanish fortifications in South America. They surround the historic center of Cartagena and have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984. The walls were built over a period of almost 200 years (approx. 1586 to 1796). Construction was commissioned by the Spanish Crown in response to constant attacks by pirates and enemy fleets - such as the raid by Sir Francis Drake in 1586. Protection of the strategically important port, where gold and other treasures were stored for transport to Spain. The entire belt is about 11 kilometers long.

The Iglesia de San Pedro Claver (also Santuario de San Pedro Claver) is one of the most historically significant churches in Cartagena. It is located on the square of the same name in the historic city center, was built between 1580 and 1654 by Jesuits, and is considered an outstanding example of Spanish colonial architecture. The church is named after the Spanish Jesuit Peter Claver (San Pedro Claver), who lived in Cartagena in the 17th century. He dedicated his life to the care and evangelization of slaves arriving from Africa, baptizing an estimated 300,000 people. Beneath the church's main altar lie the mortal remains of the Saint.

The famous Torre del Reloj (Clock Tower) is considered the city's landmark and is the main entrance to the historic center. The tower stands on the original main entrance of the city fortifications, which was built in the 17th century (between 1601 and 1631). At that time, it was known as Boca del Puente (,,Bridge Mouth"), as a drawbridge connected the old town with the Getsemaní district. The structure is about 30 meters high and was completed at the end of the 19th century in the neoclassical style above the old archway.

The famous Torre del Reloj (Clock Tower) is considered the city's landmark and is the main entrance to the historic center. The tower stands on the original main entrance of the city's fortifications, which was built in the 17th century (between 1601 and 1631). At that time, it was known as Boca del Puente (,,Bridge Mouth"), as a drawbridge connected the old town with the Getsemaní neighborhood. The structure is about 30 meters high and was completed in the late 19th century in neoclassical style over the old archway.