Princess Leonor visits Cartagena and Santa Marta: two jewels of the Colombian Caribbean on the royal itinerary
This weekend, the waters of the Colombian Caribbean will receive a visit of honor: the training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano, of the Spanish Navy, carrying Princess Leonor, heir to the Spanish throne, will arrive at the ports of Cartagena de Indias and Santa Marta. Cartagena de Indias and Santa Marta. as part of its tour of Latin America. The trip has included stops in countries such as Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, Peru and Panama, and now Colombia is added as one of the most outstanding destinations in this historic itinerary.
The arrival of the princess to two of the country’s most emblematic cities not only represents a gesture of diplomacy and tradition, but also puts the rich heritage, history and natural wealth of the Colombian Caribbean coast in the international spotlight.
Cartagena de Indias: living history and strategic port
Founded in 1533, Cartagena de Indias has been a gateway to the American continent for centuries. Its port, one of the most important in the Caribbean, has connected Colombia with Europe since colonial times, when it was key to trade, the defense of the Spanish empire and the gold route. Today, it continues to be a hub for international trade and cruise ship tourism.
In addition to its strategic relevance, Cartagena is fascinating for its historic walled center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. World Heritage Site by UNESCO, where every street, church and colonial façade narrates centuries of history.
Cartagena combines the elegance of its colonial architecture with a first class hotel offer, such as the restored houses that are part of Mustique Hotels.
The city is also one of the main cruise destinations in Latin America, with modern port terminals that welcome thousands of travelers every year. Its air and maritime connectivity makes it an unmissable stopover for those exploring the Caribbean and South America from the sea.
Santa Marta: exuberant nature in front of the Caribbean Sea
After passing through Cartagena, the royal ship will dock in Santa Marta, another key city in Colombian history, cradle of unparalleled natural wealth and known as the most beautiful bay in the Americas. Founded in 1525, it is the oldest city in Colombia and one of the oldest in South America.
Today, Santa Marta is known for its privileged access to the Tayrona National Natural Park, a paradise of pristine beaches, tropical rainforests and ancestral indigenous communities. This mix of biodiversity, culture and spirituality makes the region a must-see destination for nature lovers.
In addition, its tourist port has grown in recent years, receiving cruise ships that seek to combine history with ecotourism. The visit of the princess highlights not only the beauty of the city, but also its potential as a meeting point between tradition, sustainability and exploration.
An honored stopover in the Colombian Caribbean
The presence of Princess Leonor in Cartagena de Indias and Santa Marta reinforces Colombia’s role as a cultural, historical and natural destination of the highest level. Two cities with distinct identities, but united by the legacy of the Caribbean Sea, welcome European royalty with the hospitality, color and depth that only this region can offer.
From the majesty of Cartagena’s walls to the ancestral energy of the Tayrona landscapes, this visit is also an opportunity to rediscover what makes Colombia a unique place on the world tourism map.
