Cartagena de Indias, Colombia

Why go?

Founded by the Spanish in 1533, Cartagena was one of the main Caribbean ports from where the colonisers funnelled the riches of the New World back to Europe – and the need to protect this wealth has left it ringed with fortifications including the colossal Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas and 12km of stone ramparts. Granted UNESCO World Heritage status for its historic importance, Cartagena’s also a popular beach stop with a spirited nightlife.to get your bearings head up to La Popa, a 150m hill crowned with a convent that offers a fine city views.

Don’t miss: The walled Centro Histórico with its lattice of cobbled streets and flower-filled plazas where you can relax in the shade nibbling cocada

de guayaba (guava with coconut) sweets. Visit the Museo del Oro Zenú for a glimpse of the glistening gold treasures the Spanish were seeking and the Palacio de la Inquisición to see how they brutally maintained their power.

Local flavours: Like coffee? Rum? Chocolate? Ice cream? Cartageneros adore their food and drink and you can learn about all of these and more on a half-day tasting tour with Cartagena Connections (cartagenaconnections.com). Or join a cooking class to make typical dishes such as crab carimañolas (stuffed yuca fritters) and cassava-coconut cake.

Our tip: Colombia has the greatest bird diversity in the world. A convenient way to appreciate this natural splendour is at the Aviario Nacional in Barú, a 50 minute drive south.the seven hectare aviary is arranged in three ecosystems with 190 species to spot (aviarionacional.co).

Colonial Cartagena (clockwise from top) The centre of the slave trade during the Spanish colonial period, the Plaza de los Coches is now lined with arcaded sweet shops; ladies in colourful dresses, expertly balancing bowls of tropical fruit on their heads, are known as palenqueras; Cartagena’s Old Town sits next to the modern Bocagrande area