A tip is expected so to be honest it’s not really free.To see where those colorful palenqueras hail from, visit this village which is located just 35 miles (56 kilometers) from Cartagena.One of the first towns in the Americas made up of escaped and freed slaves, it’s the birthplace of popular Colombian musicians and genres of music like champeta and palenque.The language and customs here are unique, though tourism is slowly starting to become a part of their local economy.You can take the bus here or organize a tour that’ll walk you through town, visit with locals, and teach you all about Palenque’s history, from slavery to present day social movements to insights into their clothing styles, folkloric dance, and cuisine. L’HISTOIRE. One of the most gorgeous, romantic, and colorful cities in the world, Cartagena is packed with history, friendly Colombians, and of course, tourists. Avec 3 000 ans d’histoire, il y en a à voir! La région entourant Cartagena était autrefois … Check out Quiebracanto for incredible music and views of the plaza below, or if you need lessons, head to Crazy Salsa.Really, just stroll into any joint that looks hoppin’ around town and you’ll likely find a local who’ll show you the ropes.Take a walk along the walls of the old city while in Cartagena to see its well-preserved canons and lookout posts.There are several areas with steps to get up and down and you can navigate around the city with views of the sea on one side and neighborhood streets on the other.Check out the sunset here by grabbing a couple of beers from the street vendors along the wall next to Cafe del Mar if the restaurant itself isn’t in your budget.Or if you’re feeling traditional, check out how amazing the city looks (especially at night) with a horse carriage ride around town.Rides last about an hour, they’re pretty cheap, plus you’ll get to explore the city in truly romantic way.This area of the city used to be a little less picturesque than its neighborhood counterparts of Centro and San Diego, but new hotels and restaurants are popping up every day.Getsemani still retains its rough charm though, and you’ll see crumbling buildings, local homes, kids playing soccer, and an absolute ton of amazing street art here.Take a graffiti tour to learn all about the meaning behind the murals, the artists, and the political and social movements they represent.There are some truly beautiful works by skilled artists here, and Cartagena Connections or Streetart Cartagena can lead you to the best ones.This might sound a little tacky (and it is) but lots of tourists visiting from Colombia and other parts of South America love taking part in this fun nighttime activity.Hop on board a chiva or colorful, rustic party bus complete with music, dancing, and an open bar.There might even be a live band playing as you drive around the city living it up and making stops until you’re finally dropped off at a nightclub.Hostels and tour companies will arrange these for you – be sure to check exactly what’s included.You’re sure to make friends, and they’re a great way to see the city all lit up at night and experience a quintessentially Colombian good time.If you can’t make it out to the Islas del Rosario or Playa Blanca then head to the beach in the city.This neighborhood is filled with more tall apartment buildings and condos than pastel colonial homes, but it’s still worth a look.It’s got the longest and most accessible beach in the city, and along the the main avenue you’ll find big hotel chains and casinos reminiscent of Miami.The beach is a great place to relax if you’re capable of saying no to the constant vendors and women offering massages.It’s not a picture-perfect Caribbean beach as the sand is dark, but the water is clear and there are plenty of restaurants where you can grab a bite or rent a beach chair.In Colombia, you’ll find lots of interesting fruits that you won’t find at home, including lulo, maracuya, and granadilla.Pick some up from streetside vendors or even better, grab a few cups of fruit from the colorfully dressed ladies selling them in the streets of the old city.Known as palenqueras, these iconic women will accept a tip for a photograph or you can just buy some of their delicious mangos or pineapples, and they’ll let you snap a pic.Originally from the village of San Basilio de Palenque, they’re known for their traditional Caribbean dresses as well as their ability to balance heavy bowls of fruit on their heads.Colombia is known for its emeralds, and in Cartagena you’ll find a museum dedicated to the precious gemstone and the jewelry that’s made with it.Learn all about how the stone is discovered and mined, and see one of the largest emeralds ever discovered in the country.There are also exhibits detailing the goldsmithing techniques of indigenous cultures as well as the ancient myths and legends surrounding gold and emeralds.There’s a chamber of beryls and gold too, and you can take a peek into a portion of the Caribe jewelry factory.The museum is free, but of course it ends in a jewelry store specializing in all sorts of emeralds.If you’re going to visit one church in Cartagena, make it this one.The sanctuary contains a museum featuring religious artwork from the colonial period, a lush courtyard with a baptismal font, and the church where the remains of St. Peter Claver lie.He was the patron saint of slaves, fighting to make their conditions more humane, working toward abolition, and baptizing them in colonial times.The exterior of the church itself is beautiful, visible day or night from many parts of the city, and it’s a great place to learn more about this part of the city’s past.As a popular tourist town, Cartagena is filled with tons of shopping so you can take home whatever it is you’re looking for.If you can’t find it on the streets, check out Las Bovedas, the little shops built into the walls of the city with alcoves and columns all around.They house everything touristy, from cheap trinkets to clothing, original artwork, and hammocks.You can find higher end boutiques and shops by local fashion designers like Silvia Tcherassi selling strappy sandals, bags, and dresses, as well as home decor shops like Casa Chiqui.You’ll also be spoiled for choice when it comes to jewelry stores specializing in emeralds and gold pieces featuring indigenous designs and wild animals.La Boquilla is a little fishing village located on the outskirts of Cartagena where its poorer streets and shacks stand in stark contrast to Cartagena’s old city.You’ll get an authentic glimpse at life here, meet a few friendly locals, and eat some of the freshest fish you’ve ever tried at one of the restaurants on the beach known as El Paraíso.Be prepared to have lots of people try to entice you into their place of business!