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Home » Colombia: A guide to travel smarter » Best Places To Visit in Colombia » Eastern Caribbean Coast » Cartagena de Indias, Bolivar, Colombia
Cartagena de Indias is a city that attracts tourists from all over the world. This city, located on the Caribbean coast, is an easy and safe destination to visit in Colombia. I spent more than 3 months in Cartagena. Thanks to this guide, you will be able to avoid the mistakes that beginners make and organize your ideal stay.
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Where is Cartagena | When to visit | Getting there and around | Things to do in Cartagena | Where to stay | Is Cartagena Safe | Going out in Cartagena | Pick an experience
Cartagena de Indias is a colonial city located on the eastern coast of the Caribbean. With more than 1 million inhabitants, Cartagena is the capital of the Bolivar department and one of the major ports in Colombia.
Travelers come to Cartagena for its beautiful historic center, its delicious restaurants, luxury hotels, and the beautiful islands of Rosario. In 1984, the Walled City was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It’s one of the most famous places to visit in Colombia.
It is warm all year round in Cartagena de Indias. Some months are rainier, but this should not bother you to enjoy your stay. Mostly it is heavy but brief showers at the end of the day.
It is more the high season (concerning tourism) that you should consider before visiting Cartagena.
These are the sunniest months of the year. There is a pleasant breeze, and the heat is more bearable.
From 20/12 to 15/01, it’s the VERY high season. Prices increase significantly, and I advise you to book your accommodation in advance. The same goes for boat rentals.
There is the Hay Festival in January (instrumental music and literature).
Cartagena is one of the most entertaining cities on New Year’s Eve, with an incredible fireworks show and many private parties.
There are some rainfalls in March & April, but most of the tourists are gone â except during the Holy Week (Semana Santa).
The sea is rough in the afternoon.
It rains almost once a day. You just have to seek shelter :). The winds decrease, and the sea becomes calmer.
The number of rainy days decreases and foreigners start coming again in July. Many Colombian students are on vacation in June.
This is the low season, and these are the rainiest months of the year (rainy season). Many local tourists celebrate Cartagena’s independence day (11 November) as the city organizes many events. And it’s also the Miss Colombia contest!
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The airport is called Rafael NĂșñez. It is located in the district “Crespo”. The cab ride to the old town is about 15 minutes. You can also use the private transportation service of our local partner.
Many national and international flights have direct flights to Cartagena: MedellĂn, Cali, Bucaramanga, BogotĂĄ, Pereira, Neiva.
The Cartagena bus terminal is located outside the city. Count 45min by taxi to reach the walled city.
It is also possible to use a door-to-door shuttle to travel faster to Santa Marta or Tayrona. The companies are Berlinastur and Marsol.
You can also use the private transportation service of our local partner.
The tourist port of Cartagena is located in front of the walls of the old city, 5 minutes walk from the Clock Tower.
Most of the boats leaving for the Rosario or San Bernardo islands are located there. A tourist tax of approx 19,000 COP/pers is charged.
Ask Tranqiteasy to head to the San Bernardo Islands (2 hours). You can also book a private boat (local captains included) to explore the Rosario Islands.
The cabs in Cartagena do not have a taximeter. And they will probably try to raise the price if you are a foreigner.
Rides between Bocagrande, GetsemanĂ, and the old town should cost 10,000 COP on average.
It will be a lot more expensive if you plan to travel outside the city.
You can also use the private transportation service of our local partner.
There is no point in renting a car in Cartagena. There is limited parking available, and cabs are affordable.Â
If you want to rent a car to move around the Caribbean coast, Localiza (near the airport) has a good reputation. Be careful; Colombians have a driving style that can worry foreigners.
You can also use the private transportation service of our local partner.
Read our full list of the best things to do in CartagenaÂ
The historic center is the most visited area of Cartagena de Indias. It is composed of 2 districts: El Centro & San Diego (quieter). You will love to walk through its narrow streets in the shade of the colorful facades and flowery balconies.
Don’t forget to stroll through the numerous squares of the city, such as Plaza de La Aduana, Plaza de Los Coches, Plaza de Bolivar, Plaza de San Domingo, or the secluded Plaza San Diego.
And enjoy the sights of the most beautiful monuments: Torre del Reloj, the iglesia de santo domingo, El Santuario de San Pedro Claver & La Catedral de Santa Catalina de AlejandrĂa.
Then, head to Café del Mar at sunset to enjoy the show from the city walls.
đ Are you looking for a local guide (bilingual) to visit the historic center? You can use our local contact, Cathy.
đ Cartagena is one of the most photogenic cities in South America. We had the chance to meet Marina, a professional photographer from Cartagena.
đ Another great option would be to join a group tour.
GetsemanĂ is the third district that forms the walled city of Cartagena de Indias. It is only a 5-10 min walk from the Torre del Reloj (cross the Parque Centenario to get there faster).
This neighborhood is characterized by a more authentic atmosphere, with locals playing dominoes and beautiful street art that denounces the social challenges in Colombia.
It is also a district with more attractive prices, and locals and tourists meet in the early evening to drink beers on the Plaza Trinidad.
đ Looking for a local guide (bilingual) to visit the GetsemanĂ? You can use our local contact, Cathy.
đ Another great option would be to join a group tour.
đ We also did a fun and short bike tour in Cartagena.
Many tourists are content to lounge on the beaches of Bocagrande and Laguito. This is far from being my favorite option.
The best Cartagena beaches aren’t in the city.
To enjoy paradise-like scenery, you will have to go to the Rosario Islands (see next point).
Playa Blanca, located on Isla BarĂș, is the most famous white sand beach. Unfortunately, It is not that great because of mass tourism anymore.
To find a more peaceful beach location, you can stay in the south of BarĂș Island or go to Isla Grande.
đ Want to enjoy Isla BarĂș? Here is a selection of my favorite hotels.
The Rosario Islands are an archipelago of thirty coral islands, located 1 hour by boat from Cartagena de Indias in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Because of their beauty, they are very popular with travelers, especially in the high season.
My favorite way to enjoy it is to stay there for at least 2 nights (Isla Grande is my favorite island). You can even rent a private island.
If you do not have time to sleep there, another interesting option is to rent a boat in Cartagena.
đ Read this article to stay where to stay in the Rosario Islands.
đ Would like to rent a boat? Aymeric is our local boat expert. I’m sure he will be able to help you.
đ You can also decide to have a fantastic time on a catamaran. Read my reviews of the best Rosario Island day trip.
đ I analyzed the best boat tours in Cartagena.
Tierra Bomba, located 15 min away by boat from Bocagrande, is not part of the Rosario Islands.
The color of the water and the sand is a little less paradisiacal, but it remains a better option than the beaches of Cartagena.
The island is mostly famous for its beach clubs.
đ Get my practical list of all the islands around Cartagena.
Cartagena, known as the heroic city, built many fortifications to protect itself from pirates. In addition to its large city walls, you can visit two impressive forts: the fort of Bocachica (south of Tierra Bomba) and the fort of San Felipe de Bajas. The latter is the largest fort in South America.
The Caribbean coast cuisine has been influenced by different cultures, mainly Spanish and African. Don’t hesitate to stop at the different stands to try fried plantains with cheese, empanadas with homemade hot sauce, or an arepa de huevo (with eggs).
If your Spanish is limited or you wish to know where the best places to order a snack are, you can check this excellent Cartagena Street Food Tour with a local chef.
An even better option would be to book a cooking class in Cartagena. I did it with Romario, and I loved it. This friendly chef offers various experiences and dishes â including a fun cocktail class with Colombian spirits.
In any case, you can’t leave Cartagena without eating good grilled fish with coconut rice. That would be a crime!
đ Would you like to cook Caribbean dishes for your friend? Ask Romario, our favorite chef in Cartagena.
In addition to the Rosario Islands, you can visit towns rich in culture and history.
Head to La Boquilla to explore beautiful mangroves on a canoe and learn an exciting crab fishing technique.
You will also have the opportunity to go to San Basilio de Palenque, one of the first free towns in South America (founded by runaway African slaves).
And if you like walking in nature and animal watching, I invite you to contact Olinto. We organized a beautiful hike around Cartagena with him in the dry tropical forest of Montes de MarĂa.
đ Wanna explore the surrounding of Cartagena? You can use our local contact, Cathy.
đ Or plan an off-the-beaten-path day trip with Olinto.
I have analyzed the best districts in Cartagena
This is the most romantic and expensive area of Cartagena. You will find beautiful colonial buildings turned into luxury hotels and gourmet restaurants. Almost no locals live in this area.
Here are my favorite hotels in the walled city.
Itâs a 5-10 minute walk from the historic center. You will find more affordable accommodation, ranging from small boutique hotels to hostels. I found the atmosphere in GetsemanĂ more authentic.
A safe and residential area near GetsemanĂ. A suitable option for travelers who want to get away from tourists. Good prices but you wonât find many things to do.
This is the modern area of Cartagena, with skyscrapers built along the beach. You will find more attractive rates and some rooms have a great skyline view. On the other hand, there is not the romantic atmosphere of the other areas.
Isla Baru is a tropical paradise known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and diverse marine life. It offers a range of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury resorts, catering to various travel preferences.Â
I have analyzed the best hotels in Cartagena.
I have analyzed the best luxury hotels in Cartagena.
I have analyzed the best hostels in Cartagena.
I have analyzed the best beach resorts in Cartagena.
I have analyzed the best Rosario Islands hotels.
Yes, Cartagena is a safe city to visit, especially if you stick to the tourist areas that are GetsemanĂ, the historical center, Bocagrande, and Laguito. You can walk around during the day and in the early evening without worrying. Late at night, I always recommend taking a cab.
In Cartagena, the most common scams are on prices and services offered by street vendors. Always confirm the price before accepting anything.
To help you have a worry-free trip, I have published a list of the best Cartagena safety tips.
đ I also invite you to read our post about the Best Colombia Travel Insurance.
The best restaurants in the town are often full-booked. I advise you to make your reservation at least one day in advance âespecially on weekends or during the high season.
The menu of the day is a great way to eat well and save a few bucks. Here are my favorite places:
There are several places in the old town to enjoy a cocktail at sunset. It’s even better when you are strategically positioned on a rooftop.
Between the salsa bars and the trendy VIP clubs, there is plenty of fun in Cartagena. Here is a small list to have a good time:
We meet the best local partners in Colombia to test their experiences. Discover the presentation of their services on our partner pages and contact them directly to organize your trip. It’s simple, fast, and without risk đ
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Last Updated on July 4, 2023 by Thomas Espeute