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Cartagena Travel Guide: Things to See, Do, and Learn

Cartagena's vibrant streets, colonial beauty, and balmy Caribbean breeze captivate visitors from the moment they arrive. This Cartagena travel guide highlights that December is a great month to stop by because of its sunny days, festive nights, and ideal weather for touring the Walled City, strolling around the colourful paintings of Getsemaní, and boating to the glistening Rosario Islands. There will be some people, but the excitement, natural splendour, and festive vibe make it well worth it. Let’s get started because this Cartagena travel guide has all the information you need to organise the ideal trip to Cartagena.

Top Places to Visit in Cartagena 

Cartagena’s top attractions matter because they narrate a story of the city’s past, culture, and identity, while also offering experiences that travelers truly value. This section of the Cartagena travel guide breaks down the top places to visit in Cartagena:

The Walled City: 

This Cartagena travel guide highlights that Cartagena's historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most photographed locations in Colombia because of its cobblestone lanes, pastel homes, balconies covered in bougainvillea, and bustling plazas. Discover famous sites including Las Bóvedas, the Cathedral of Cartagena, and Plaza Santo Domingo.

Rosario Islands: 

The Rosario Islands, featured in this Cartagena travel guide, are an archipelago off the coast of Cartagena, Colombia, and are renowned for their coral reefs, pristine water, and national park designation. With attractions like swimming, snorkelling, and lounging on white sand beaches, they are an attractive spot for day visits and extended vacations.

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas: 

This Cartagena travel guide recommends discovering Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that represents Colombian resiliency and provides a real connection to colonial history., as well as its remarkable history as the biggest Spanish fortress in the Americas, its distinctive underground passageways and museums, its tactical military layout, and its amazing vantage point throughout Cartagena and the Caribbean Sea.

Bocagrande: 

Bocagrande, which combines leisure with urban elegance and tropical beauty, offers sunny beaches, high-rise hotels, a buzzing party scene, excellent restaurants, boutiques, and proximity to Cartagena's historic walled city.

Getsemaní: 

Getsemaní, which offers a hip, artistic feel just outside Cartagena's Old City walls and is centred around the bustling Plaza de la Trinidad, is worth visiting for its colourful street art, exciting nightlife, original society, and delectable local cuisine. However, be aware of its increasing appeal and nightlife.

Things to Do in Cartagena

Cartagena is a vibrant blend of colonial charm, coastal beauty, and lively Caribbean culture. Here are the top things to do when exploring the stunning Colombian city: 

Walk the City Walls at Sunset: 

One of the greatest spots for walks in the late afternoon is the old fortifications that previously protected Cartagena. The perspectives of the Caribbean Sea at dusk are breathtaking.

Enjoy a Beach Day: 

Visit Playa Blanca, Isla Barú, and any of the opulent beach clubs, such as Blue Apple Beach House, Bora Bora, and Fénix.

Explore Cartagena’s Nightlife: 

Salsa bars, rooftop rooms, entertainment places, and elegant dining places bring the city to life after dark. Havana Club, Alquimico, and Café del Mar are well-liked choices.

Try a Chiva Party Bus: 

The classic Chiva bus provides an outdoor trip with live performances around the city's alleys for tourists seeking entertainment and music.

Visit the Palace of the Inquisition: 

A museum that sheds light on the darker colonial past of Cartagena. The building itself is breathtaking.

Best Time to Visit Cartagena

The ideal time to visit Detroit will depend on your preferences for cool-season exploring, vibrant autumn foliage, and sizzling summer festivities.

Try from January to April (dry, festive) or quiet months, including late April/May or November, for an assortment of pleasant temperatures and less traffic. The rainy months (May to November) bring fewer visitors, cheaper rates, and greater opportunities for swimming and snorkelling, particularly around October when rain hits, yet rates are excellent. The best time to visit Cartagena is during its dry season (December to April) for sunny skies, perfect for beaches and festivals, though it's peak tourist season with larger crowds.

Cartagena Airlines and Flights

Rafael Núñez International Airport is the landing point for trips to Cartagena, Colombia. Several airlines, including Avianca, Copa, Spirit, American, Delta, United, Air Canada, Arajet, WestJet, and Air Transat, provide flights from North America, Latin America, and beyond. Booking advice includes making reservations in advance and using price notifications on flight comparison websites.

Direct routes in Cartagena are available from major hubs such as Bogotá, Miami, Panama City, New York, and Mexico City.

Cartagena Accommodations & Hotels

This Cartagena travel guide shows that Cartagena offers a wide range of accommodations from budget gems to luxury resorts.

1. Luxury Hotels:

  • Sofitel Legend Santa Clara: A former convent turned into a world-class hotel
  • Hotel Casa San Agustín: Elegant, boutique, colonial charm
  • Hyatt Regency Cartagena: Modern luxury in Bocagrande

2. Mid-Range Hotels

  • Movich Cartagena de Indias: Rooftop pool with great views
  • Hotel Capellan de Getsemaní: Stylish hotel in the artistic district
  • Almirante Cartagena: Beachfront rooms in Bocagrande

3. Budget-Friendly:

  • Selina Cartagena: Hostel + coworking vibe
  • Life is Good Cartagena Hostel: Clean, social, and affordable
  • Casa Torices Real: Budget rooms with good service

Food & Cuisine in Cartagena

As covered in this Cartagena travel guide, Cartagena creates mouthwatering cuisine by fusing African, Caribbean, and Colombian traditions. Let’s look at some the foods & cuisines in Cartagena to awaken your taste buds. 

Famous Foods:

  • Ceviche Cartagenero is a citrus-marinated seafood
  • Arroz con Coco is a coconut-flavoured rice
  • Arepa de Huevo is a fried arepa with egg
  • Mojarra Frita is a fried fish often served with plantains
  • Patacones is a twice-fried plantains
  • Limonada de Coco is a refreshing coconut lime drink

Trending Eateries:

  • Café del Mar with their sunset dining
  • Carmen Cartagena known for upscale Colombian fusion
  • La Cevichería famous for seafood
  • Di Silvio Trattoria famous for their pizza and pasta in Getsemaní

Street food like empanadas, fruit carts, and fresh juices are everywhere and worth trying.

Transportation in Cartagena

This Cartagena travel guide explains transport options:

Taxis: Widely available and relatively inexpensive. It's best to agree on the fare before starting your ride.

Rideshare Apps: InDriver and Uber operate in Cartagena and are convenient.

Walking: The Walled City and Getsemaní are extremely walkable.

Buses: Public buses are cheap but confusing for first-time travellers.

Boats: Essential for reaching the Rosario Islands and nearby beaches. Book through reputable tour companies.

Cartagena Currency & Costs

The Colombian Peso is used as currency in Cartagena. 

  • ATMs: Easily available in tourist areas.
  • Costs:

Meals: 7–30 dollars can cost, depending on the restaurant

Taxis: 3–10 dollars per ride

  • Hotels:

Budget: $20–$50

Mid-range: $60–$150

Luxury: $200+

  • Rosario Island day trip: $40–$100

Explore Top Destinations:

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Charlotte Travel Guide 

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Got Questions? We've Got Answers

Yes, it’s safe in main areas like the Walled City and Bocagrande with normal precautions.

December to April offers the best weather.

Taxis, rideshare apps, and walking in the Old Town are the easiest options.

The Colombian Peso (COP) is the local currency.

Avianca, LATAM, Copa, American Airlines, JetBlue, and Spirit serve the city.

Yes, the city has options from budget stays to luxury resorts.

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