Cartagena is the fifth largest city area in Columbia and serves as a port city for the Northern part of the country. The city has a population of more than 1.2 million people. It was founded in 1533 by Don Pedro de Heredia and is named after the port of Cartagena in the Murcia region of Spain. It was one of the major centers of the early Spanish settlement in the Americas. It developed rapidly after becoming the de facto Capital of the New Granada Viceroyalty. At present, it is the one of the most important centers of economic activity in the Caribbean. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations.

Tourism is one of Cartagena's major industries. Several tourist attractions are found here including the Islas del Rosario, Steps of La Popa Mount, El Castillo de San Felipe, India Catalina, El Cartagena Gold Museum, and the Palace of the Inquisition to name a few.

Cartagena is also home of the Walled City of Cartagena that has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city's architectural landscape is a mix or traditional Caribbean and modern architecture represented by newly built skyscrapers. As a hub of economic and tourist activities, the city is serviced by several transportation facilities.