Cartagena is a popular tourist destination on the North coast of Colombia where you’ll find rich Spanish history. Formally known as Cartagena de Indias, it is one of the most important port towns in the Spanish Caribbean.
Cartagena played a major part in the history of Colombia, and became a crucial pivot for European trade in the Americas. Fending off invasions and battling pirates lured by incredible riches in the city, it is one of the most historically significant cities in the Americas, and one of the most touristic destinations in Colombia.
Cartagena's old city is its principal attraction, particularly the inner walled town. It's one of finest examples of preserved colonial architecture in the Americas, packed with churches, monasteries, plazas, palaces and mansions with their famous overhanging balconies and shady patios.
If you’re planning a trip to Cartagena some attractions you can’t miss include the Old Town, Castle San Felipe de Barajas (Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas) Cartagena Cathedral, Getsemani, and of course, the beautiful islands.
Accommodations
Cartagena offers a variety of options for accommodations ranging from tons of hostels, hotels, and private Airbnbs, but the best and most affordable way to get an authentic Colombian experience is through hostels. Whether you are looking to party all night Colombian style or get some work done as a Digital Nomad, Cartagena has a lot to offer. You’ll find options between dorms, and private hostels.
Explore the best and safest hostels with Hostelmatch - platform for backpackers to find hostels that match their vibe.
High Season
The dry season, December to April, coincides with Cartagena's summer and is also when the city welcomes the most visitors.
Don’t like crowds? Avoid Cartagena between mid-December and Mid-January!
Low Season aka. “Rainy Season” (May to November)
If you're hunting for a more budget-friendly time to vacation in Cartagena, October and November is your best bet.
Weather
As mentioned in this guide, Cartagena doesn’t have the traditional four seasons you might be used to. Instead, it has two main “seasons”: the dry season (generally considered the best) and the rainy season. The rainy season doesn’t necessarily include downpours all the time, but you can expect brief showers. However, September and October do have heavy rains.
Overall, Cartagena has a tropical climate with HIGH temperatures year-round. The average temperature in Cartagena ranges from 80-90 Fahrenheit (27-32 Celsius) throughout the year. It also gets quite humid, so be prepared for hot & sticky weather.
Language
Spanish is the language spoken throughout all of Colombia. If you struggle with Spanish, don’t be alarmed! Cartagena is very touristic so you will find many Colombians who will know how to speak English.
Price
The currency in Cartagena is the Colombian Peso (COP). The average cost of a cup of coffee is around 4,000 COP which is approximately $1.10 USD.
Safety & Transportation
Given the large volume of tourists that visit, be wary that you may run the risk of running into a taxi scam. For safety reasons, it is best to not take local yellow taxis, and instead rely on ride-sharing apps like Uber. It is much safer, and you know what you are paying for the ride, up front! Continue reading the Cartagena guide for more information.
It is also quite affordable to get around Cartagena with just Uber, since it is a very small area. Each ride costs approximately $2-$5 USD.
Explore flights with Expedia.
E-Sim
E-Sims are great to get connectivity during your travels without having to worry about local sims and connections. E-sims are much cheaper, easy to activiate and do not create a dent in your wallet.
Get the best E-Sim for your next trip with Airalo.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is one of the most important requirements as a traveller. Medical bills, Lost Baggage or cancelled trips are costly and you don't want to be stuck with a huge bill from your travels. Always be prepared with travel insurance and make sure to have one that covers you well.
Safetywing is one of the best travel insurance providers for Digital Nomads and Solo travellers.
Colombian Visa
Lastly, be aware of the Colombian visa rules if you plan to stay in Colombia for more than 90 days. The Colombian Area allows visa-free travel for up to 90 days for American & Canadian citizens. If you wish to stay longer, explore other options like applying for an e-visa or alternating between neighbouring countries.
When in Cartagena, you can't miss the seafood! A few common dishes include "Mojarra Frita" (Fried Fish) and Ceviche. Ceviche is raw seafood marinated in citrus juices, and the Colombian version is made with fish, octopus or shrimp. Traditional Colombian ceviche, most popular on the Pacific coast, is served with a thick tomato sauce and crackers. If you're a food fan seeking delicious seafood, the answer is Colombia. Here are the top restaurants in Cartagena!
While you're there, make sure to try typical Colombian staples like Colombian coffee, Arepas, Empanadas, & Pan De Bono!
5-day Itinerary for Cartagena
DAY 1: Exploring the Walled City
MORNING
Start your day by enjoying a delicious breakfast at Cafe del Mar, a rooftop cafe with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of the historic Walled City. Visit the iconic Cartagena Cathedral and admire its beautiful architecture. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the vibrant local markets and shops, where you can find unique souvenirs and handicrafts.
AFTERNOON
For lunch, head to La Cevicheria, a popular seafood restaurant known for its fresh ceviche and other delicious seafood dishes. After lunch, continue your exploration of the Walled City by visiting the impressive San Felipe de Barajas Castle. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of this fortress.
Continue reading our Cartagena guide for more travel suggestions.
EVENING
As the sun sets, make your way to Cafe Havana, a lively bar where you can enjoy live salsa music and dance the night away. For dinner, indulge in traditional Colombian cuisine at La Vitrola, a renowned restaurant known for its delicious Caribbean dishes and vibrant atmosphere
DAY 2: Beaches and Island Adventure
MORNING
Start your day with a relaxing visit to Bocagrande Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Cartagena. Be aware that there are many people at this beach offering massages, necklaces, sunglasses, etc. but it’s best not to buy from beach vendors, they are often largely overpriced. After some beach time, head to Juan Valdez Cafe (AKA, the Colombian Starbucks) for a refreshing coffee or a light breakfast.
AFTERNOON
In the afternoon, embark on a boat tour to the beautiful Rosario Islands, which is about 1 hour away on boat. Explore the stunning coral reefs, go snorkelling or scuba diving, and relax on the pristine white sand beaches. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on one of the islands.
EVENING
Return to Cartagena in the evening and treat yourself to a delightful dinner at El Santisimo, a charming restaurant known for its fusion of Colombian and Mediterranean flavours. After dinner, take a romantic walk along the Walled City Walls and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city skyline.
DAY 3: Cultural Immersion
MORNING
Start your day by visiting the Palace of the Inquisition, a historic building that now houses a museum showcasing the dark history of the Spanish Inquisition in Cartagena. Afterward, take a walk to the Getsemani Neighborhood, a vibrant and colourful area known for its street art and lively atmosphere. Famous for its stunning murals, get your photos taken with a photoshoot. Then, grab a quick snack at Demente, a trendy cafe with delicious pastries and coffee.
AFTERNOON
For lunch, head to La Mulata, a local favourite that serves traditional Colombian dishes with a modern twist. After lunch, visit the Cartagena Gold Museum to learn about the rich indigenous heritage of the region and admire the impressive collection of gold artifacts.
EVENING
In the evening, experience the lively nightlife of Cartagena by visiting Cafe del Mar, a popular bar located on the city walls. Another great rooftop restaurant option is El Mirador! Enjoy a refreshing cocktail while watching the sunset over the Caribbean Sea. For dinner, try Don Juan, a restaurant specializing in Caribbean fusion cuisine. After dinner, explore the vibrant streets of Getsemani and discover hidden bars and live music venues.
DAY 4: Day Trip to the ROSARIO Islands
MORNING
Today, take a day trip to the Rosario Islands again to explore more of this stunning archipelago. Spend the morning snorkelling, swimming, and relaxing on the pristine beaches. Enjoy a picnic lunch on one of the secluded islands.
AFTERNOON
In the afternoon, take a boat tour to Baru Island, known for its beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Explore the island, go for a swim, or simply unwind and soak up the sun.
EVENING
Return to Cartagena in the evening and enjoy a delicious dinner at La Perla, a seafood restaurant located in the heart of the Walled City. After dinner, take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the charming streets of Cartagena.
Day 5: Farewell Cartagena
MORNING
Spend your last morning in Cartagena by visiting the Cartagena Modern Art Museum, which showcases contemporary Colombian art. Afterward, head to Epoca Espresso Bar for a final cup of Colombian coffee and a light breakfast.
AFTERNOON
Take a relaxing walk along the Bocagrande Boardwalk and enjoy the ocean breeze. Try La Cocina de Pepina, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Colombian home-cooked meals for lunch. After lunch, visit the Cartagena Naval Museum to learn about the city's maritime history.
EVENING
In the evening, savour your last dinner in Cartagena at Cande, a restaurant known for its innovative Caribbean cuisine. After dinner, head to Cafe Havana once again for a night of dancing and live music.
Ready to book your next adventure? Explore the best hostels with Hostelmatch!
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