2025 Cartagena Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

7-Day Colombia Tour: Experience South American Style! This super detailed guide will take you to the land of coffee and the romance of the Caribbean Sea. Come and plan your dream trip! . Colombia has a rich history and unique natural scenery🏞️. From Caribbean beaches to tropical rainforests, the adventure never stops🌊. The local customs are colorful and intoxicating, giving you a different South American experience! . Itinerary: Day 1: Bogota Airport Pickup Arrive in Bogota and start your Colombian journey. Day 2: Botero Museum - Bogota Gold Museum - Monserrate Visit the art palace, admire the splendor of gold, and climb to the top of the mountain to enjoy the city view. Day 3: Zipaquira Salt Cathedral Visit a unique church transformed from a salt mine and experience a different religious atmosphere. Day 4: Plaza de Santo Domingo Stroll through the historic square and experience Colombia's ancient culture and customs. Day 5: Playa Blanca Head to the beautiful beach and enjoy the sun, sand, and waves. Day 6: Cartagena - Bogota Return to the capital from the coastal city and end a wonderful journey. Day 7: Bogota - Return Stay in Bogota for a while, pack your bags, and return home with beautiful memories. . **Notes**: 🕒 Time difference: Colombia is 13 hours behind Beijing time, so remember to adjust the time difference! 🍴 Food recommendations: Be sure to try chicken potato soup and Colombian seafood stew. Don't miss out on these delicious dishes! ☁️ November climate: The average temperature in Colombia in November is 5-20°C. It is warm and comfortable during the day and cooler at night, so remember to bring a warm coat. 💧 Dry season reminder: November is the dry season in Colombia, with less rainfall, making travel more convenient. But remember to stay hydrated! . 🎉Come to Colombia and enjoy exotic customs. Let travel become an unexpected beauty! 🌟Don't miss this magical land~

Day 1: Start by exploring the vibrant streets of the Old Town 🌸, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the iconic Castillo San Felipe de Barajas 🏰 for panoramic views of the city and learn about its fascinating history. End the day with a sunset walk along the city walls 🌅. Day 2: Spend the morning at the Rosario Islands 🌊, a short boat ride from Cartagena. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing on the beach 🏖. In the evening, stroll through Getsemani 🎨, known for its street art and lively atmosphere, and enjoy a local dinner in one of its trendy restaurants. Day 3: Take a trip to La Popa Monastery ⛪, situated on a hill for fantastic views of the city and coast. Afterward, visit the Palacio de la Inquisición for a deep dive into Cartagena’s colonial history. End the day with some shopping at Las Bóvedas for local crafts and souvenirs 🎁. Day 4: Relax and soak in the Caribbean vibes at Bocagrande Beach 🏖. In the afternoon, explore the Modern Art Museum 🎨 and finish your trip with a boat tour around the bay 🚤, admiring the illuminated skyline. #CartagenaMagic #ColombianCoast #100WaysOfTravel #IslandVibes

#fallishere Bocagrande, the vibrant neighborhood of Cartagena, surpassed all my expectations and left an indelible impression. This five-star neighborhood seamlessly combines the allure of a tropical paradise with a touch of urban sophistication, creating an unparalleled experience for both locals and visitors. First and foremost is the breathtaking beaches of Bocagrande.It vibrant culinary scene is also a food lover's dream come true. From street food vendors to upscale restaurants, the neighborhood offers an array of delectable options to satisfy any palate. I relished in the opportunity to sample the mouthwatering local dishes, including the seafood delicacies that are a specialty of the region. Aside from its natural and culinary wonders, Bocagrande also boasts a lively and bustling atmosphere. The neighborhood's streets are lined with an assortment of shops, boutiques, and market stall.The vibrant nightlife scene further heightened my experience, with its energetic bars, clubs, and live music venues that ensured evenings were never dull.

Castle San Felipe de Barajas is an old fortress built in in the 1600’s for the Spanish. It towers over the city offering excellent views of the city skyline and the coast line. Inside there are various tunnels to explore, information boards dotted around and plenty of open space for meandering. The fortress is very close to the old town so you can see it and then take a walk for a coffee in one of the beautiful little streets there. I visited at 7am and there was nobody around which was nice. Price of entry was 30,000 COP.

Cartagena, a city in northern Colombia 🇨🇴 I went there when I went to South America on a Caribbean cruise! It is a port city with a strong fortress It is registered as a World Heritage Site, and it is a beautiful ancient city ✨ Especially near the old town The wall art, umbrella decorations, and colorful streets are very cute 😍 You may not have many opportunities to go to Colombia If you do go on a cruise, please be sure to visit Cartagena! #SouthAmerica #Cruise #Colombia

Built in the 17th century, El Castillo de San Felipe in Cartagena is massive, imposing and a testament to the city’s rich past and importance. As the seat of colonial power, trade and wealth, Cartagena was a constant target and this fort was meant to act as the last line of defence against overseas powers and pirates 🏴‍☠️ ⠀ Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984, you can wander through the fortress and it’s maze of small underground tunnels or, you know, pretend to be a pirate who’s overtaken the fort and is firing up the cannons 🤷🏻‍♀️ Find it: Castillo de San Felipe, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia #createwithtrip

Colombia offers an incredible culinary scene that any traveler would not want to miss out on, and one thing my trips always focus on is the food! While staying in Cartagena for three days, we found that the best way to explore the city in-depth was through a walking food tour that took us through the most central parts of the city, all while showing us the best of local bites. The Highlights: Patacones con Queso (i.e. fried plantain fritters with fresh cheese) 
Ceviche (we had shrimp, one of the most common types of Ceviche in Cartagena) All the fresh fruit and fresh fruit juices you can buy at what felt like every street corner! #createwithtrip

parque de marina is the most park that the children wants to played.on this park you can see the ocean and many views. #themepark

Cartagena de Indias is the undisputed queen of the Caribbean coast, a historic city of superbly preserved beauty lying within an impressive 13km of centuries-old colonial stone walls. Cartagena's Old Town is a Unesco World Heritage Site – a maze of cobbled alleys, balconies covered in bougainvillea, and massive churches that cast their shadows across leafy plazas. This is a place to drop all sightseeing routines. Instead of trying to tick off all the sights, just stroll through the Old Town day and night. Soak up the sensual atmosphere, pausing to ward off the brutal heat and humidity in one of the city's many excellent bars and restaurants. Holding its own against Brazil's Ouro Preto and Peru's Cuzco for the continent's most enthralling and impressively preserved historic city, Cartagena is hard to walk away from – it seizes you in its aged clutches and refuses to let go. #city #cityoverlook #citytopics #cityvacation #cityneversleeps #village #architecture #tripinspired #tripaway #cityvacation #bestislandtraveltowns#naturalwonders

Cartagena is a city that is located on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, in the northwestern part of the South American continent. If you are wondering where is Cartagena in Colombia, it is located in the north of the country and is the capital of the Bolívar region. The city has several archipelagos and islands around that are paradises for true rest. Among these are Tierra Bomba Island, Múcura Islan, and Barú Island, among others. Cartagena de Indias is known, brings together the charm of colonial architecture, the excitement of a vivid night life, fascinating cultural festivals, and lush landscapes, to bring you the perfect vacation experience. The city’s beaches beckon, inviting you to unwind and enjoy yourself in the refreshing breeze and warm waters of the sea. But that’s not all Cartagena has to offer— the city also has excellent cuisine and a thriving hotel and tourist infrastructure. There are many ways to get to Cartagena de Indias. Today, it is no longer necessary to stop in Bogotá to get to the city. If you come from abroad, you can take a cruise or a plane. Airlines such as American Airlines, JetBlue, Interjet, KLM, Delta, and Copa fly directly to the Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena. The weather in Cartagena de Indias is very pleasant. Being a coastal city, its climate is humid and dry tropical with a relative humidity of 84%. The temperature is warm almost all year round. The best time or season to visit Cartagena varies little during the year. Due to its pleasantly warm weather, the city receives thousands of tourists every month. However, the best time to visit the beautiful landscapes and beaches of Cartagena is between the end of November and the end of April, times when there is a drier climate. Getting around is easy, especially by taxi, since there aren’t any great distances between the different tourist areas. However, we recommend that you verify taxi prices prior to any trip in order to avoid any unexpected inconveniences cost. #colombia #couplestrip #cartagena #unforgettableexperiences #historicculture #historicalbuilding #tripinspired #cityoverlook #historicallandmarks #backpacker #newphotographer#travelinspiration#unforgettableexperiences#awesomepic#historicculture#museumquest#bestislandtraveltowns#naturalwonders#culturalattractions

Cartagena is a sizable city; of typical interest to visitors are the Old Town (aka the Old City, or Walled City) and Bocagrande (the peninsula where high rise hotels, restaurants, clubs, and shops can be found). Of sole interest to us was the former, Old Town Cartagena. Cartagena’s Old Town certainly has enough aesthetics to please. Nicki and I were constantly captivated by the unique doorways and balconies. We lugged our professional cameras and lenses around everywhere, even waking up at 6am one morning to shoot the town before it woke up. I just couldn’t get over the vibrant colors everywhere. Colors for days! After a cumulative day and a half of roaming the colorful streets, we had another half day to “kill” in Cartagena before leaving for the airport. Recovering from our Tayrona sunburns and not having nearly enough time for an excursion out of town, we racked our heads for a more sensible option. #bestislandtraveltowns#naturalwonders#summervacation#hotelstay#urbanexplorer

Cartagena is such a lively and lovely city! Colombia is full of loving people that differ from coast to coast! Being able to travel Colombia and explore it's wonders is an amazing opportunity. Anyone that visits South America must stop to enjoy this beach town! #urbanexplorer#leaveyourmark#lightthecity

There is boring better than walking around admiring the beautiful architecture of the lively, Carribbean city that is Cartagena! The people, the culture, the FOOD... a word to the wise: eat the street food! #urbanexplorer#springblossoms#leaveyourmark#lightthecity

There’s no better snack than patacones con queso!!⠀ ⠀ In Colombia, frying a patacone is like a work of art, it takes know-how to fry it to that crispy on the outside, soft on the inside perfection. Plus you’ve got to get the flavour right too.⠀ ⠀ Patacones are made from plantain that is first fried in oil until golden brown, then drained and flattened to form a patty before being fried again. You can have a range of toppings or accompaniments with a patacone - it all depends on where you’re eating it - but the usual street side version sees a block of light, fresh cheese topping the warm plantain “toast”. 📍Cartagena, Colombia #leaveyourmark

if you’re looking a for a vibrant colorful city but still want to enjoy a beautiful beach then Cartagena in COlombis is the place you must visit!! #happynewyear #couplestrip #instagramworthydestinations #happynewyear

The streets of Cartagena still have that colonial Spanish style, so you can enjoy it’s history but also relax in the sea, staying in hotels in islands like Barú. #happynewyear #cartagena #historicallandmarks

amazing beach and great people in Cartagena, beautiful places and hotels too. come here if you want to enjoy South America and the Caribbean Sea too. #happynewyear #cartagena #colombia #happynewyear

Two days of encountering four weddings or something, really bullying single dogs! Western-style rituals are very simple, the Bible is very long, there are not many guests, the church is beautiful, holding your hand to kiss your lips and going home and making dolls.. Unlike the domestic noisy, more quiet prayers and quiet Blessing, I think, this is what the wedding should have.

[Dorado Plaza Getsemaní | Cartagena | Comfortable hostel in the Getsemaní district] — Great access to the historic city and the sea! A hostel with full facilities that prioritizes relaxation — Located between the old town and the Getsemaní district, with easy access to the city walls and the sea, the location is said to be the best . The capsule beds and private rooms welcome a wide range of guests, and some properties allow pets. ⸻ 📍[Location] Cra. 10 #32-37, Getsemaní district. Within walking distance of the clock tower and city walls, you can enjoy eating and drinking and nightlife . 🕰️[Sightseeing points] 24-hour front desk, flexible check-in/out (3PM–12PM), and tour desk. Equipped with a shared kitchen and lounge that are convenient for long-term stays . ⸻ ✨Recommended points • Excellent location: Close to the old town and bar/restaurant area, perfect for a night stroll  • Clean & comfortable: Well-cleaned, with comfortable mattresses and pillows. Highly rated for cleanliness  • Fully equipped: Wi-Fi (public areas), shared living room, ping pong table, terrace, and other space to relax • Various room types: From dormitory capsules to pet-friendly suites, suitable for groups, families, and solo travelers ⸻ 🎒 Tips • Sound considerations: The common areas can be noisy at night. If you want a quieter area, we recommend the upper floors • If you want a dorm, choose a capsule with curtains: Privacy guaranteed! Comfortable with power outlets and reading lights • Pets allowed: Use a pet-friendly room and enjoy your precious family with you on your travels • Make sure to book in advance: As the area is prone to congestion, we recommend booking early, especially for dorms and suites #AbsolutelyFreeTravel

[Cartagena Old Town] — A harmony of history and color. A Colombian jewel box that makes your heart dance the more you walk — The old town, surrounded by walls (about 11 km long) that once fought against pirates and the Spanish kingdom, has beautiful architecture from the colonial era of the 16th and 17th centuries, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.  . ⸻ 📍 [Location] The El Centro and San Diego districts. Once you pass through the Clock Tower Gate (Puerta del Reloj), history and color will spread out all at once . 🕰️ [Viewing points] The main street can be toured in about 20 minutes on foot. If you want to take a historical stroll or take photos, you can spend 1 to 2 hours, or if you want to take a leisurely stroll around the city, you can spend half a day to a full day ◎ . ⸻ ✨Recommended points • Colorful colonial architecture: The yellow, blue, orange, and red walls and wooden balconies are lovely, and you can't help but feel excited every time you walk down the street. • Historical sites and the atmosphere of the squares: There are historical spots such as the cathedral, San Pedro Claver Church, the clock tower, and Bolivar Square, and you can feel the depth of history as you walk. • The charm of the alleys: There is art, local life, and handmade goods in the back alleys, and you can discover many things just by walking. • UNESCO and liveliness: The old atmosphere of the World Heritage Site harmonizes with tourism, gourmet food, and culture, making it a cityscape that both adults and children can enjoy. ⸻ 🎒 Tips • Morning or evening is recommended: You can avoid the heat and crowds and stroll comfortably. • Sunglasses, hats and water are essential: The sun is strong and the cobblestones are highly reflective, so you should wear light clothing. • Beware of pickpockets: There are a lot of people, so carry your belongings securely. • Go through the gate on your way there and back: Going through Puerta del Reloj (Clock Tower Gate) will make you feel like you've really arrived. . #AbsolutelyFreeTrip #Colombia #Cartagena

[Parque del Centenario | A wild paradise quietly living in the heart of Cartagena] — A "secret forest" where you can encounter nature and culture between the city walls and the Getsemaní district — Located between the old town and Getsemaní, this small park (about one block in area) is a historic green space created in 1911 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of independence. Meeting a sloth sleeping soundly between the trees is a real surprise on your trip . ⸻ 📍[Location] Outside the old town, near Calle 31 along the Getsemaní district. It's a convenient location, just after passing through the city walls . 🕰️[Viewing points] ・Open 24 hours, free entry. ・The best time to see sloths is from morning to just before dusk. They usually rest in leafy areas in the afternoon, but they may come down from the shade in the evening. ・If you want to look for wild animals, it's a good idea to ask locals or guides relaxing on benches, "perezoso (sloth)?" ⸻ ✨Recommended points • An extraordinary encounter with nature: It's surprising to see sloths, monkeys, squirrels, and iguanas relaxing in the shade of the trees, even though it's right next to the castle walls!  • Fun to look for creatures: When you look up at the trees, you'll see birds, squirrels, and sloths...the moment of discovery is irresistible • Interacting with local guides: People taking photos and ice cream sellers telling you "this is it" will be a warm memory of your trip. ⸻ 🎒Tips • The best time is morning and evening: If you want to quietly observe the trees and find animals, this is the time to go. • Binoculars are a good idea: You can slowly observe sloths and small animals on the branches of tall trees from a distance. • Don't touch wild animals: The rule is to watch them as they are. When taking photos, enjoy the sunlight filtering through the trees as well 📷 • Support local conservation efforts: As a protected area, please follow etiquette by not touching, feeding, or getting too close. #AbsolutelyFreeTrip #Colombia #Cartagena

📍PLAYA BLANCA A beautiful beach on the island of Baru, south of Cartagena, Colombia🏖️About an hour's drive from the old town. As you leave the city and approach the beach, the road gets bumpy, but that also adds to the feeling of traveling in South America. When you arrive at the beach, you'll see the beautiful Caribbean blue✨ There are many activities on the beach, including jet skiing and banana boats. You can also enjoy beer and cocktails on the beach🍹 The water was very clear and just floating around made me very happy😎 For lunch, we had grilled fish, coconut rice, and fried bananas🍌 This grilled fish was incredibly delicious‼ ️It was the most delicious dish I've had in Colombia🇨🇴 #absolutelyfreetrip #Colombia #Cartagena #CaribbeanSea #SouthAmerica

📍Cartagena From Cartagena Airport, I took an Uber to the hotel! It was my first trip to South America, and I was feeling nervous, but the cheerful Uber driver whistling while driving somehow made me feel at ease 😮💨🚗. The scenery visible from the car was also beautiful ✨. 📍Bahia 79 Apartasuites Cerca al Centro (Hotel) The hotel staff were very friendly! The art inside the hotel was also wonderful! Feeling excited, I headed out to explore the city right away! The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of tourist spots. The old town is filled with art, and walking around was incredibly exciting and fun 🎨. The city was so charming that I forgot all about the fatigue from traveling 💓. At night, there were plenty of street vendors, and the area was lively. The central part of the city felt safe to walk around even at night. However, there were some dark streets, so I was very cautious in those areas. Before visiting, I had a preconceived notion that Colombia might be a scary country, but the atmosphere of the city and the friendliness of the Colombian people made my solo trip very enjoyable. It was a 3-night trip, but I fell in love with the country 🇨🇴.

Cartagena never fails ! It’s an incredible place to rest, you have really nice beach really close ! Also the city has different good restaurants as candé where they sell top food ! You never are going to get bored of walking on the old city, as you walk you see a nicer street to walk through.. and if you have more time, you can go on a boat to the isla the Rosario islands where the water it’s transparent! Don’t hesitate to visit Cartagena

【Prime Beachfront Location】 The hotel is located right in front of Cartagena's beach! With ocean views from the rooms, the resort vibe is at its peak. 【Well-Equipped Pools】 Multiple pools are available, including ones for adults, children, and a jacuzzi. Both kids and adults can enjoy them, and we used them several times during our stay. 【Classic Room Ambiance】 The interior is slightly dated but clean. The beds are incredibly comfortable, living up to Hilton's reputation. 【Breakfast with Local South American Fruits】 The breakfast buffet offers a wide variety, especially the fruits. Passion fruits, guavas, and other exotic options not commonly found in Japan were delightful. 【Reliable Staff Support】 Many staff members speak English, making it easy to arrange tours and taxis. It's a convenient hotel for sightseeing.

A historic park in a fortified town where you can meet sloths. Cartagena, a port city along the Caribbean coast of Colombia, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its fortress built during the Spanish colonial era in the 16th century. The old town is filled with stone buildings, cannons, and churches, offering a rich historical atmosphere. Located within this area is Centenario Park (Parque del Centenario), a free public park perfect for a casual visit during your sightseeing tour. What’s surprising is its natural environment, where sloths, iguanas, squirrels, and birds live freely in the wild. ⸻ 📍Location Parque del Centenario, Cartagena, Colombia Conveniently situated between the Old Town and the Getsemaní district, within walking distance. 🕰️Opening Hours Open 24 hours (daytime visits are recommended for safety). 💸Cost - Free admission; no guided tours or feeding experiences available. - Sloths are often found high up in the trees, so take your time to observe them. ⸻ 🌟Highlights - A rare park where you can see real wildlife despite being in the city center. - Watching sloths slowly move from branch to branch is mesmerizing and makes you lose track of time. - Plenty of shaded areas, making it a great spot to rest in the hot Cartagena weather. - Conveniently located for a quick stop during your historical district tour. - Be mindful of noise and avoid getting too close to ensure a peaceful observation experience.

The beauty of Colombia is indeed stunning! The country boasts a breathtakingly diverse landscape, from the Caribbean coast to the Andes, from the Amazon rainforest to coffee-growing regions. 1. **Cartagena** This colonial-style seaside ancient city seems to have overturned the palette with its goose-yellow walls, sapphire-like waters, colorful Baroque architecture, and especially at sunset, the balcony flowers of the Old Town intertwined with the Caribbean breeze. 2. **Coffee Triangle (Eje ​​Cafetero)** The rolling green coffee estates are listed as a UN World Heritage Site, ride horses through cloud-shrouded hills, visit traditional farmhouses, and drink the world’s top fresh roast coffee. 3. **Tayrona National Park (Tayrona)** The perfect combination of tropical jungle and pristine beach, hiking through coconut groves and boulder piles, suddenly encountering the crystal clear bay of Cabo San Juan is like heaven. 4. **El Peñón de Guatapé** With a 220-meter giant rock rising from the ground, after climbing to the top of 740 steps, overlooking a puzzle-like lake and island, the super-saturated colorful town of Guatapé itself is like a fairy tale world. 5. **Amazon Rainforest (Leticia)** Canoeing in the lungs of the earth, encountering pink pufferfish, macaws and primitive tribes, the nighttime firefly starry sky will make you forget about modern civilization.

If you’re visiting Cartagena, make sure to stop by Centrenario park! It’s a small park in the city, but if you’re lucky, you can see some amazing animals living freely in the trees. When I went, I saw a mama sloth holding her baby! It was so cute and peaceful 🦥💚 There were also monkeys, colourful parrots and even lizards sunbathing in the path 🐒🦜🦎 It’s a great place to relax and enjoy a bit of nature☺️ Don’t forget to look up! You never know what animals you might see! #colombiatravel #cartagena #solotravel #wildanimals