The best night views from “La Popa”

Cartagena is beautiful and admire it from above is a pleasant and incredible experience. Appreciating the city from the best points is something that captivates both locals and tourists.

One lovely night of July I visited the highest elevation of Cartagena de Indias, the Santa Cruz Convent, located on the top of the “Cerro de la Popa”. More than five curves of an extensive road led me along a completely paved way to the top of that natural landscape surrounded by thick vegetation. As the car rolled by, my perception was that the best views of Cartagena are obtained from this hill. When the city “dresses of night” it looks more beautiful because it shines with intensity. I stand by my words; the best panoramic views of Cartagena are accomplished from “La Popa”. With its night lights and the perfect layout of each place, they seem drawn and ready to be appreciate every night: Bright, radiant and formidable.

Already 148 meters above sea level and after making a tour around the convent and the temple, I got to see that the visual field is 360°. And, even though the haze presaged a not very clear night, I charged myself with patience and the perfect moment arrived at 7:30 in the evening when the stars joined, and, before my eyes the charming panorama opened completely. Suspended in the splendor of the lights, the night makes Cartagena feels fine!

After 6:00 in the afternoon the entrance to this place is not allowed, but thanks to a permission given by the parish priest of the church, I stayed at the top of the hill until I finish my wonderful adventure, around 8:30 at night.

From above Cartagena radiates romanticism and at night, with the “Cerro de La Popa” at our feet, it shows itself cozy and even more charming. The cinematographic panoramics cover the Caribbean Sea, “La Boquilla”, “Crespo”, “El Cabrero”, the Historical Center, the touristic sector of “Bocagrande”, “Castillogrande” and “El Laguito”, “Pie del Cerro”, “Pie de La Popa”, Manga, the “Bazurto” market sector, “Martínez Martelo”, “Pedro de Heredia” Avenue, “Ciénaga de las Quintas”, Port Society, “Avenida del Lago”, “El Bosque”, “Alto Bosque”, the industrial sector, and surrounding neighborhoods. As well as the Southeastern zone and the neighborhoods located at the bottom of “La Popa”, such as “Loamador” and “La Quinta”, among other places of the city. The landscape I like the most from this height is located towards the Historical Center. It allows us to appreciate the sectors of “Pie de la Popa”, “Pie del Cerro”, downtown, and the Caribbean Sea, without anything that obstructs our vision. The churches domes, and especially the one from the Santa Catalina de Alejandría Cathedral, that dazzling tower that draws attention from any other viewpoint in Cartagena, just as each emblematic corner of this colonial neighborhood that every tourist wants to visit, make up that landscape that remains engraved forever.

From this height we can also appreciate the best views to the prettiest buildings of Bocagrande, Castillogrande, El Laguito and its beautiful bay. Manga neighborhood with its impressive bay and the Cartagena’s Port with its colorful containers and the lights of the cranes, complement this beautiful nocturnal landscape. Towards these angles, privileged views are achieved. The travelers that come to “La Popa” will have an ideal place to contemplate an unparalleled view of Cartagena and to admire a charming sunset… Another great experience for the nights of Cartagena that fascinates with great night photographs from 148 meters above sea level.