Why Visit Cartagena?
Cartagena seduces as Colombia's Caribbean jewel where 16th-century stone walls encircle colonial plazas filled with bougainvillea, horse-drawn carriages clip-clop cobblestones past balconies dripping flowers, and salsa rhythms drift from Getsemaní's street bars toward turquoise Caribbean waters lapping white-sand Rosario Islands 1 hour offshore. This UNESCO-listed colonial treasure (1 million in metro) served as Spain's South American fortress—pirates attacked, slaves arrived from Africa, and gold departed to Seville, leaving architectural legacy now transformed into Colombia's most romantic destination where Gabriel García Márquez set Love in the Time of Cholera. The Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada) preserves perfection: Plaza Santo Domingo's Botero sculpture, Palace of Inquisition's torture museum, and San Pedro Claver Church honoring the slave defender.
Yet venture to Getsemaní neighborhood outside walls—street art covers every surface, rooftop bars serve cocktails above colorful facades, and Plaza Trinidad buzzes with backpackers, locals, and spontaneous salsa. Castillo de San Felipe fortress crowns the hill with tunnels and ramparts where Spanish repelled English sieges, while Las Bóvedas' dungeons-turned-shops sell emeralds and wayúu bags. The heat assaults—30-35°C year-round with intense humidity—yet Caribbean breezes and sea swimming provide relief.
Rosario Islands day trips escape to coral reefs, beach clubs, and clear water perfect for snorkeling ($60–$100 including lunch). Yet Cartagena's soul emerges at night: fruit vendors sell mango with lime and salt, champeta music (Cartagena's Afro-Caribbean sound) fills clubs, and colonial streets glow under amber lights. The food scene celebrates coastal cuisine: fresh ceviche, coconut rice, fried fish, arepa de huevo (egg-stuffed cornmeal), and Caribbean lobster.
With colonial romance, beach proximity, and palenquera women selling fruit in colorful dresses creating Instagram gold, Cartagena delivers Caribbean colonial charm.
What to Do
Colonial Cartagena
Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada)
16th-century stone walls encircle colonial Cartagena's most beautiful plazas and streets. Wander narrow cobblestone lanes past bougainvillea-draped balconies, horse-drawn carriages, and pastel-colored colonial buildings. Plaza Santo Domingo with Botero's reclining woman sculpture, Plaza de la Aduana, and Plaza de San Pedro Claver are highlights. Entry is free—just walk through the gates. Go early morning (7-9am) for best light and photos without crowds, or evening (6-9pm) when colonial buildings glow under amber streetlights. Allow half to full day exploring.
Getsemaní Street Art & Nightlife
Bohemian neighborhood just outside the walls—evolved from working-class barrio to hipster haven. Every wall covered in colorful murals and street art. Plaza Trinidad is the social heart—locals and backpackers gather nightly for street performances, rum cocktails, and spontaneous salsa. Rooftop bars offer sunset views (Casa Clock, Alquímico cocktail bar). More affordable than Walled City for hotels and restaurants. Go afternoon into evening (4-11pm) for best atmosphere. Daytime street art tour available. Safe in groups, edgier alone late night.
Las Bóvedas Shopping Arcade
Former Spanish dungeons and vaults built into city walls now house artisan shops. Browse emeralds, handwoven wayúu bags, hammocks, and Colombian handicrafts. Fixed prices higher than bargaining at markets. Nice for air-conditioned shopping and history—the vaults were former prison cells. Located on city wall walkway with harbor views. Allow 1 hour. Open 9am-9pm. Combine with wall walk at sunset for photos.
Fortifications & History
Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
Massive Spanish fortress on hill overlooking city—largest colonial military structure in Americas. Built in the mid-1600s (construction began 1657) to defend against pirate attacks and English sieges. Explore underground tunnels, ramparts, and strategic viewpoints. Entry 25,000 COP ($6/$6). Go early morning (8-10am) before heat peaks—lots of climbing, minimal shade. Allow 2-3 hours with guide (worthwhile for history). Audio guides available. Great views over Cartagena from top. Combine with Convento de la Popa if hiring driver for half-day.
Palace of the Inquisition
Baroque colonial building where Spanish Inquisition tortured and tried accused heretics. Now museum displaying torture instruments (creepy), colonial artifacts, and Cartagena history. Entry 25,000 COP. Museum is small but interesting—allow 1-2 hours. Located on Plaza Bolivar in heart of Walled City. Morning visits best (afternoon gets hot inside). English descriptions limited—guide helpful. Combines well with Walled City exploration.
Walking the City Walls at Sunset
Walk atop the old stone walls for panoramic views of Caribbean, modern Bocagrande skyline, and colonial rooftops. Best section: start at Café del Mar (on walls) and walk toward Las Bóvedas. Free to walk. Sunset hour (5:30-7pm) is magical—arrive early for Café del Mar seats (expensive drinks but incredible views). The walls protected Cartagena from pirates for 300 years. Allow 1-2 hours for full circuit. Bring water—exposed to sun.
Islands & Beaches
Rosario Islands Day Trip
Caribbean island archipelago 1 hour by boat—coral reefs, white sand, and turquoise water. Most tours ($60–$100) include hotel pickup, boat ride, beach club on Isla Grande or Isla Pirata, snorkeling equipment, and lunch. Water is clear and warm. Tours leave 9am, return 5pm. Book through hotel or agency day before. Wear reef-safe sunscreen. Bring towel, swimsuit, underwater camera. Best dry season (Dec-April) for calmest seas. Can get crowded but still beautiful. Worth it for Caribbean beach escape.
Playa Blanca (Barú Peninsula)
White-sand beach on mainland peninsula south of Cartagena. Day trips ($40–$60) include transport and lunch. Water less clear than Rosario Islands and beach vendors very aggressive (constant sales pitches exhausting). More budget option than islands but quality lower. If you go, go early to claim beach chair spot. Tours leave 8am, return 4pm. Beach itself beautiful but commercialized. Alternative: skip and do Rosario Islands instead—better experience.
Gallery
Travel Information
Getting There
- Airports: CTG
Best Time to Visit
December, January, February, March, April
Climate: Tropical
Weather by Month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 33°C | 24°C | 3 | Excellent (best) |
| February | 34°C | 24°C | 1 | Excellent (best) |
| March | 35°C | 24°C | 1 | Excellent (best) |
| April | 34°C | 25°C | 13 | Excellent (best) |
| May | 32°C | 25°C | 27 | Wet |
| June | 30°C | 25°C | 27 | Wet |
| July | 30°C | 24°C | 29 | Wet |
| August | 30°C | 25°C | 31 | Wet |
| September | 29°C | 24°C | 30 | Wet |
| October | 30°C | 24°C | 28 | Wet |
| November | 29°C | 24°C | 25 | Wet |
| December | 31°C | 23°C | 13 | Excellent (best) |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2024) • Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0) • Historical avg. 2020–2024
Budget
Excludes flights
Visa Requirements
Visa-free for EU citizens
💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (November 2025): Plan ahead: December is coming up and offers ideal weather.
Practical Information
Getting There
Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) is 5km northeast. Taxis to Walled City 15,000-25,000 COP/$4–$6 (15 min, agree price before). Buses cheaper but complex. Uber available. Cartagena is Caribbean hub—flights from Bogotá (1.5hr), Medellín (1hr), Panama (1.5hr). Buses from other Colombian cities (15hr+ from Bogotá).
Getting Around
Walking is main transport—Walled City and Getsemaní compact and car-free. Taxis to Bocagrande beaches 8,000-15,000 COP (agree price before, no meters). Uber works. Buses chaotic and unnecessary for tourists. Horse carriages 80,000-120,000 COP/hour (touristy but romantic). Rent bikes in Getsemaní. Boats to islands via tour operators.
Money & Payments
Colombian Peso (COP, $). Rates fluctuate a lot—check a live converter or your bank app. As a rough guide, prices in touristy Cartagena are higher than in Bogotá or Medellín. Cards accepted at hotels, restaurants, shops. Cash needed for street food, taxis, vendors. ATMs in Walled City and Bocagrande. Tipping: 10% in restaurants (often included), round up taxis. Tourist areas expensive—bargain at markets.
Language
Spanish is official. Coastal accent different from Bogotá. English limited outside tourist hotels—learn Spanish basics helpful. Younger staff in Walled City speak some English. Translation apps useful. Costeños (coastal people) friendly and laid-back.
Cultural Tips
Heat intense—hydrate constantly, siesta culture (2-4pm things close), wear light clothes and sunscreen. Vendors aggressive—polite 'no gracias' repeatedly. Taxis: agree price before entering (no meters). Walled City: stick to main streets at night. Getsemaní: edgier but evolving, safe in groups. Beach vendors relentless—firm 'no.' Rosario Islands: touristy but fun. Caribbean pace: things run slow—relax. Prostitution visible—ignore solicitations. Champeta music unique to Cartagena.
Perfect 3-Day Cartagena Itinerary
Day 1: Walled City
Day 2: Rosario Islands
Day 3: Fortress & Getsemaní
Where to Stay in Cartagena
Walled City (Centro)
Best for: Colonial architecture, plazas, hotels, restaurants, romantic, expensive, tourist hub, UNESCO site
Getsemaní
Best for: Street art, backpacker hostels, nightlife, Plaza Trinidad, cheaper, bohemian, evolving
Bocagrande
Best for: Modern beaches, high-rise hotels, less charming, local beach scene, package tourists
Manga
Best for: Residential, local life, away from tourists, fewer attractions, authentic Cartagena
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