The mangrove tunnels of nearby La Boquilla are an easy day trip from Cartagena. Guided tours will often combine a visit to the beach (one of the Playas De La Boquilla) with a boat or canoe tour of the mangroves, passing through Cienaga de Juan Polo and the Cienaga de la Virgen lagoons. Some tours will also include a closer encounter with local fishermen and offer insight into their craft. La Boquilla is an area of contrasts: the district of upscale hotels — Morros — borders on humble neighbourhoods populated by workers. When sitting down to tuck into no-frills seafood dishes served up by local eateries, make sure you're clear about the price of each item ordered from the get-go, as there have been reports of "surprise" bills amounting to several hundred US dollars.

Housed in a beautifully restored Jesuit school building from 1612, the Museo Naval del Caribe covers in some detail the 500 years of Cartagena's maritime history. You'll find sunken ships, cannons, ship's bells, muskets, and other treasures here. The descriptions are in Spanish, so it's a good idea to get a guided tour.

Hattuscha, an UNESCO World Heritage site, was the capital of the Hittite Empire in the late Bronze Age. Its ruins, lying near the village of Boğazköy, are an important archeological site and a must-see when in Ankara

Tucked away on Cozumel's rugged northeastern tip, Punta Molas is a haven for those seeking untouched natural beauty. The iconic white-and-red lighthouse, known as Faro de Punta Molas, stands as a historic sentinel amidst the surrounding tropical vegetation and pristine beaches. Reaching this remote area often requires a guided off-road tour, as the terrain can be challenging. Once there, visitors are treated to panoramic views where the bright blue sky seamlessly merges with the Caribbean Sea. The area is also home to small Mayan ruins.