Cartagena
Cartagena de Indias, the Magic City, the Jewel of the Caribbean. There are many nicknames for it, and every traveler wants to visit it when traveling to Colombia.
While the old city center is undoubtedly a gorgeous colonial district to explore, visitors can be a bit disappointed during their stay in Cartagena.
Indeed, tourists and street sellers invade the city center every day, beaches aren’t pleasant, and there is not so much to do in the surroundings – except visiting the Rosario islands (which are also crowded).
That being said, there are some cool activities to do in the walled city. You just need to be smarter than ordinary tourists. It means don’t book a day trip to Isla Baru or Rosario islands, visit the old center at 7 am and avoid Cartagena during the high season (Mid-December to Mid-January) or a Colombian public holiday.
After Cartagena, you can take a boat to live a few days on the San Bernardo Islands or experience wonderful beach life in Rincon del Mar. Another option is to take a door to door shuttle to Santa Marta.
Our Cartagena Itineraries:
Where to stay in The Old City Center
The Old City Center is the loveliest - and most expensive - part of Cartagena. Large balconies made of wood and decorated with gorgeous flowers overlook the colorful streets. There are many little squares where you can sit down when the heat is too oppressive, although the best is to find one of the many secret courtyards inside the large colonial houses.
Hostel
Republica
Famous 3-floor hostel with a swimming pool and a rooftop. Daily social events. Be ready to party.Get the best price-
Hostel
Makako
The best economical option in the old town. Great atmosphere and social events. Backpacker style.Get the best price -
Hostel
Bourbon
Excellent upscale hostel, all you need to sleep like a baby after a day exploring Cartagena.Get the best price -
Casa
India Catalina
Excellent value for money, with a little swimming pool and welcoming staff. Perfect location.Get the best price -
Casa
Gastelbondo
No kid. Perfect location in a quieter street. Lovely pool on the rooftop. Tasty breakfast.Get the best price -
Hotel Boutique
Santo Toribo
Luxury hotel for an affordable price. Well decorated. Perfect location. Rooftop and two little pools.Get the best price -
Luxury
TownHouse
A luxury hotel for young travelers. Fantastic events on the rooftop, live music. Cool modern decoration.Get the best price -
Luxury
San Agustin
Top-Notch luxury hotel. Excellent services. Gorgeous building with many relaxing areas. Fall in love.Get the best price -
Luxury
Bastion
Spa & huge rooftop pool. Fantastic staff & breakfast. Perfect for an unforgettable stay.Get the best price
Where to stay in Getsemani
Getsemani is the new hype district. Streets are less busy during the day and street vendors are fewer. Alleys are colorful because of the many graffitis on the walls. Backpackers love Getsemani as the cost of living is a lot cheaper than in the walled city, and the nightlife funkier. 5-10 min walking distance from the old city center. Safe.
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Hostel
Life is Good
Social hostel with plenty of events. Comfortable rooms. Great staff who is always ready to help.Get the best price -
Hostel
One day
An excellent choice for people who travel on a shoestring budget. Friendly atmosphere.Get the best price -
Hotel
Monaguillo
Great decoration for the rooms and comfy beds. Lovely rooftop. Perfect location. Only 7 rooms.Get the best price -
Hotel
Casa pizzaro
Excellent money for value. Swimming pool and great rooms. Welcoming staff. Rooftop.Get the best price -
Luxury
Capellan
A gorgeous building with larges rooms, well decorated. Top-notch services. Great rooftop.Get the best price -
Luxury
Casa Lola
Fantastic hang out areas and well-decorated. A few meters from bars and restaurants.Get the best price
Where to stay in Manga
Manga is a good option for people who want to stay away from other travelers. The district is safe, with a mix of modern buildings and colonial houses. It's a residential area, so there are not many restaurants. However, Getsemani is just on the other side of the bridge, a short 10 min walk. It's safe.
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Hostel
Casa del Puerto
Funky & party hostel with a great central swimming pool. Apartments and private rooms.Get the best price -
Hostel
Peregrinos
Lovely colonial house, good value for money, with comfortable rooms. Quiet area, near Getsemani.Get the best price
Where to stay on Isla Baru & Isla Tierra Bomba
Isla Tierra Bomba is the closest island near Cartagena - 25 min boat ride. While it doesn't have crystal blue water and white sand beach, it is still a good option if you want to escape the city for 1 day or 2. Isla Baru/Playa Blanca is the most famous island in the area. The place is overcrowded on the weekend, and most of the accommodations are basics but expensive, with electricity and water restrictions. However, we recommend you to spend the night there if you want to get a better chance to enjoy this well-known piece of paradise.
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Tierra Bomba
Blue Apple
Best luxury hotel on Tierra Bomba. Day club where people come to have fun. Quiet at night.Get the best price -
Isla Baru
Playa Scondida
Charming little eco-lodge, perfectly located. A bit loud because of the party boats on Cholon.Get the best price -
Isla Baru
Las Islas
Luxury cabins, surrounded by crystal blue water. Far away from the tourists. Many activitiesGet the best price
Where to stay on Isla Grande
While we don't recommend you to book a 1-day tour to Rosario Islands (it's just a waste of time), some of the hotels there will blow your mind - and your wallet. Most parts of the island are private and owned by hotels. Pick your accommodation carefully as you won't find much public space to hang out.
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Luxury
Carolina island
Secret little paradise. Fantastic tours, services, and food. You won't be able to leaveGet the best price -
Luxury
Isla del sol
Great private bungalows. You must share the fantastic facilities with daytrippers. Beautiful.Get the best price -
Luxury
Isabella
Peaceful and beautiful area with a private beach you have to share with daytrippers. Private bungalows.Get the best price
How to decide among all these stunning places?
FREE Ebook based on our 5 years of travel in Colombia. 150 pages of information pure, no bullshit.
Things to do in Cartagena
The main activity in Cartagena is to stroll early in the morning among the colorful alleys of the Walled City and Getsemani. Then, pick a delicious restaurant with a lovely and flourish courtyard. Museums aren't a thing in Cartagena, and most of them are quite disappointing, with very little information (almost inexistent in English). However, there are some cultural tours which are worth it! Cartagena isn't famous for its beaches neither. Plan a multi-day trip to the Rosario islands if you look for white sand beaches and crystal blue water.
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Private Tour
Walking tour
2 independence dates, tens of colonial buildings, pirates. Learn about the history of Cartagena.Get the best price -
Walk
Old City Center
Wake up early and stroll among the alleys of the old city center at 7h30 am. Fresh air and fewer people.Learn more -
Private Tour
Bazurto
Visit the biggest open market of Cartagena to get a clear insight into Colombia's culture. We loved it.Get the best price -
Castle
San Felipe
A fortress built by the Spaniard to protect Cartagena from pirates. Learn about its secrets.Learn more -
Private tour
Cooking class
Caribbean meals are flavorful, cooked with fresh ingredients and love. Bring back this at home!Get the best price -
Tour
Sunset
Enjoy a great Cartagena sunset from the walled city at Cafe del Mar or from a sailboat.Get the best price -
Park
Centenario
Located in front of the Torre del Reloj. Try to spot the few monkeys and sloths. Good luckLearn more -
Tour
Become a Star
There are many Instagrammable shoots in Cartagena. Hang out with your personal photographerGet the best price -
Show
Street dance
Go to Plaza Bolivar to watch a beautiful street show with Colombian dancers from the coast. 6 pm.Learn more -
Walk
Getsemani
The city paid many artists to redecorate the streets of Getsemani. Many fantastic graffitis.Learn more -
Show
Street dance
Every night, street performers go to Plaza Trinidad in Getsemani. Cheap beers and a great atmosphere.Learn more -
Tour
Dance
Champeta is the favorite dance on the Caribbean Coast. But it's not a reason to stop dancing salsa.Get the best price -
Tour
Coffee
Colombian coffee is one of the best you can drink on the planet. Learn how to prepare and enjoy it.Learn more -
Viewpoint
La Popa
La Popa is the highest point in Cartagena. Book a taxi for 50 000 COP (round trip) and enjoy the view.Learn more -
Museum
Rafael Nuñez
Visit this gorgeous Colonial building, home of Rafael Nuñez, an important man in Cartagena.Learn more -
Tour
Gabriel Marquez
Gabriel Marquez got a Literature Nobel Prize and was in love with Cartagena. Learn about his life.Get the best price -
Tour
Food tour
Join a bike tour to taste a maximum of street food in the alleys of Getsemani and the Old City CenterGet the best price -
Museum
Chocolate making
Learn about the Colombian cacao and make your own chocolate. Perfect for having a fun family moment.Get the best price -
Workshop
Make a jewelry
Emeralds are a big thing in Colombia. Make 4 pieces of jewelry and keep the one you like the most.Get the best price -
Romantic
Horse riding
Plan an exciting gallop on the beach of Manzanillo with a well-trained and obedient horse.Get the best price -
Day trip
Palenque
Basilio de Palenque is the first free slave town in South America. Learn about its history & culture.Get the best price -
Day trip
La Boquilla
La Boquilla is a small fishing village. Fish with locals in the mangroves and cook what you've got.Learn more -
Day Trip
Los Colorados
Wildlife sanctuary, located 2 hours away from Cartagena. Perfect for escaping the city and the noise.Learn more -
Day trip
Birding
There is an aviary in Isla Baru. Thousands of birds easy to spot. Enjoy a colorful experience.Learn more -
Multi-day trip
Rosario Islands
Pack a small bag and visit Isla Baru or Isla Grande. White Sand beaches and crystal blue water.Learn more -
Party
Isla Cholon
Rent a boat with friends and party on Isla Cholon with all the other boats. Biggest fiesta on Sunday.Learn more -
rental
Boat
Rent a private boat with a group of friends and ask the captain to show you some secluded beachesGet the best price -
Colorful reef
Scuba diving
Grab your fins and your tank and go exploring the Submarine world. Shipbreakers, fishes, and reefs.Get the best price
More travel ressources
We spent almost 3 weeks in Cartagena and wrote about our travel experiences
![[TRAVEL GUIDE] Visit Cartagena de Indias Colombia in 48 Hours](https://www.tomplanmytrip.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Travel-Guide-Cartagena-1-700x350.png "[TRAVEL GUIDE] Visit Cartagena de Indias Colombia in 48 Hours")
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