Professional photographer Matt Garceau shares his experience of photographing Cartagena, Colombia.
"The nearly 500-year-old walled city of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, comprises a compact series of neighbourhoods that are surrounded by enormous Spanish walls and fortresses. Pressed right up to the Caribbean sea, the melange of aged buildings inside are painted brilliant colours of blue, yellow, orange, and green. Amidst an enticing labyrinth of architectural attractions, vibrant pink bougainvillea spills over the cracked and peeling paint in the tropical savanna climate."
"Within this setting, the artefacts, history, and people can make for a photographic tableau. Colourful ladies with bowls of fruit on their heads bob pass teenage boys selling cigarettes and sweets. Neighbours leaning out of their open windows to chat with passers by. People dance in the streets and stray cats mingle amongst the street food vendors. The scents of the streets are intoxicating and very intriguing to explore."
Planning your dream trip to Colombia? Don't miss our guide to the best things to do in Colombia.
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You can see more of Matt's photography here. Explore more of Colombia with the Rough Guide to South America on a Budget. Compare flights, book hostels and hotels for your trip, and don’t forget to purchase travel insurance before you go.