This game recalls the legendary 1672 escape of a large group of pirates from the dreaded fortress of Cartagena. Each player has a crew of 6 fugitives which he tries to hurry through the long and tortuous underground passage that connects the fortress to the waterfront. But the task is not easy, because to move pirates forward in the passage you must play appropriate cards, of which you have only a few, while to replenish your cards, you must move pirates back again… To balance those conflicting needs requires good timing and judgement. First player who succeeds in bringing his 6 pirates to the end of the passage and aboard a waiting sloop wins the game. The rules are simple and easy to learn, and they offer two ways of playing: a faster way that gives more scope to luck and a tactical way that requires more skill. Players can choose which way they like best. (from the back of the box).

Cartagena is a race game designed for 2 to 5 players ages 8 and up. It plays in roughly 30 to 45 minutes on the average. The game includes 6 board segments (printed on both sides), 1 small sloop shaped board, 103 cards used for movement, 30 pirate pawns (in 5 different colors), and a rule booklet.

Game designer Leo Colovini created Cartagena. It was originally published in Italy by Venice Connection. This English language version posted here is the US release from Rio Grande Games.