24 Hours in Cartagena The Ultimate Way to Spend the Day in Cartagena - A 24 hour guide to Cartagena

Take in the 17th century Spanish ramparts en route, walking along the old city walls to grab a beautiful view of the Caribbean.

If you're not an early bird and have been clocking up too many late finishes then grab another hour in bed before heading straight to a delicately fresh breakfast at Hotel Casa San Agustin.

Bask in the early-morning sunshine in Alma Resturant's alfresco open air courtyard, tucking in to delicious local fruits and renowned signature pastries. 

Take plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. If you don't suffer from claustrophobia explore the network of tunnels throughout the 17th century fortifications that defended Spanish loot from the best efforts of British buccaneers to expropriate the riches in the name of the Queen.

If you're in the mood you can delve straight into a chapter of Gabriel 'Gabo' Garcia Marquez's Love in the Time of Cholera, one of his most famous books based in Cartagena while enjoying one of the city's most generous interior spaces.

If you've worked up an appetite for something sweet - you're on holiday so what the heck - head for Gelateria Paradiso for deliciously decadent icecream. Try the chocolate for a sinfully rich treat or Mora for something lighter.

Famed for its tiraditos - thin strips of fresh tuna or sea bass cured intiger milk (Peruvian marinades with a Capiscum or yellow chilli kick) or Nikkei variations that incorporate Peru's strong Asian gastronomic ties - La Perla has managed to stay one step ahead of the Andean pack by freshening up its menu at least once a year.

For the classic favourites, try the classic Ceviche Corvina (sea bass ceviche) or the Lomo La Perla, a sirloin steak served with a Roquefort-laced sauce served on a bed of creamy mushroom rice.

The owner's passion for cocktails comes through in La Perla's impressive selection of Caribbean creations. Standout tragos include  the Mojito Mango Biche made with green mango or a Pisco Sour Maracuya, given a little extra zip with lashings of Passion Fruit citric goodness.

With hundreds of emeralds of differing qualities and tones, Lucy and her affable team pride themselves on being able to find visitors 'the right emerald for the right price'.

Her bilingual staff also help cut through the mystery and pitfalls of selecting that special stone for that special someone.

Located a precious stone's throw from Plaza Santo Domingo, Lucy's luxurious store is every bit as eye-catching as her glittering merchandise.

Our favourites include the intricate filigree works by nimble-fingered masters from Mompos and the emerald and diamond encrusted chokes that will leave your peers feeling green with envy.

For this evening's threads, you can head to Italian yachting, polo and designer sportswear label Paul & Shark.

Late afternoon is the best time of the day in Cartagena and it's to be savoured - the hour as the sun plunges into the sea illuminating the sky into a hazy blush pink.

Head to Marea by Rausch at the Convention Centre just near the Muelle de Los Pegasos - an exceptional seafood restaurants that not only boasts a sensational sea view, but also deliciously refreshing cocktails. Enjoy afternoon snack made from the finest ingredients -  French bread with sun-dried tomatoes and costeño cheese, as well as divine French desserts - pretty much everything on the dessert menu will satisfy sweet-toothed visitors.

This superior haunt for lovers of fine dining and fine design is a must for any visiting gourmand. Go with the grilled Octopus or the seafood risotto, just two of the killer dishes picked up by this Don Juan in an apprenticeship very well spent in Spain's Basque region.

Kick off your evening with one of 17 different types of mojitos (the Corozo is a must) and get your "juma" on to the sounds of the bar's namesake, Israel 'Cachao' López.

Lovingly restored to revive the grand colonial-style mansions of Cuba's pre-Castro sugar barons, Cachao's walls pay tribute to the guarachero greats whilst the traditional red and white parquet-tiled courtyard is the perfect place to get into a spin or just kick back with a Cohiba and admire the view.