Museo Naval del Caribe
Cartagena
Copyright: Kamilokardona/Wikimedia CommonsMuseo Naval del Caribe
Housed in a beautifully restored Jesuit school building from 1612, the Museo Naval del Caribe covers in some detail the 500 years of Cartagena's maritime history. You'll find sunken ships, cannons, ship's bells, muskets, and other treasures here. The descriptions are in Spanish, so it's a good idea to get a guided tour.
Do & See
There is a great deal of things to do in Cartagena, even if simply taking a stroll through the city's beautifully preserved Old Town with a distinct colonial flare. Some of the highlights include an obligatory visit to the imposing Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a walk along Cartagena's defensive ramparts, a trip to the chilling Inquisition Palace (which still contains the original torture devices used to extract "confessions"), and a deep dive into the incredibly hip neighbourhood of Getsemani, teeming with eateries and bars where locals mix and mingle with guests from far and wide.