Cartagena, Colombia (named after Cartagena, Spain) is a quick 4.5 hour flight from New York City.   The best part of Cartagena is the colorful colonial

walled portion which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.  You can either walk or ride a bike on top of the walls around the city.  Stop by at Cafe Del Mar to watch the sunset.  Stay in one of the many 6 to 10 room boutique hotels where the architecture has been preserved on the outside but all the comforts of the modern world (wifi!!!) have been added on the inside.  Although it is on the Caribbean Coast of South America, the beaches near the city are a waste of time.  For beautiful beaches, take a day trip out to Rosario Islands (https://vacayhack.com/2015/09/05/pablo-escobar-was-here/).