Cartagena(Colombia) Travel 2026: Save on Flights, Hotels & Attractions

In Cartagena's Old Town, top boutique choices include Hotel Casa San Pedro, a 17th-century colonial mansion transformed into a luxury retreat with hand-carved wooden balconies and views of Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. Another standout is Hotel La Posada del Reloj, nestled in a quiet alley near Plaza de Santo Domingo, offering private courtyards, hammam baths, and personalized tours to hidden plazas and artisan markets. Both blend heritage charm with modern comfort.

The Old Town (Ciudad Amurallada) is the heart of Cartagena’s authentic culture. Wander its cobbled alleys lined with pastel-colored buildings, visit Iglesia de San Pedro Claver, and attend a live cumbia or salsa performance at a local plaza. Don’t miss the Banco de la República Art Gallery and the Museo del Oro Zenú, which showcase pre-Columbian goldwork and Afro-Colombian heritage, reflecting the city’s unique African-Spanish fusion.

For authentic Cartagena cuisine, head to Mercado de la Trinidad in the Old Town, where street vendors serve seafood patacones, arepa de queso, and sancocho—a rich chicken stew. At Restaurante El Poblado, chefs prepare dishes using recipes passed down for generations. Many hotels, like Hotel Las Palmas, offer “Taste of Cartagena” dinner experiences featuring local ingredients and storytelling by resident cooks.

Yes, Hotel Familiar Cartagena is ideal for families, offering connecting rooms, a kids’ activity corner, and guided tours to Playa Blanca and Monserrate Island. Nearby, Casa de las Caracolas provides a rooftop pool and safe courtyard play areas. Both hotels host cultural workshops like coconut craft-making and traditional dance lessons, making travel enjoyable for all ages.

Casa del Mar Hotel on Playa de Boca Chica delivers stunning ocean vistas with private access to white-sand beaches and an infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean. Guests enjoy complimentary kayaking and sunset cruises. For a more secluded option, Hotel Playa del Coco features eco-lodges with thatched roofs and direct beach entry, perfect for couples and nature lovers seeking tranquility.

Yes, Cartagena’s Old Town is generally safe for tourists, especially during daylight hours and evening strolls around well-lit plazas like Plaza de los Coches. Most hotels provide secure entrances and 24/7 concierge service. Avoid poorly lit side streets after dark, but popular spots like La Casona and El Búho bars have strong security and are frequented by locals and travelers alike.

Try a colonial cooking class at Cocina de la Abuela, where you’ll learn to make arroz con pollo and tostones using ancestral techniques. Join a hidden tunnel tour beneath Castillo San Felipe, once used by soldiers and smugglers. During festivals like Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata, witness live folk music and traditional dances in historic courtyards across the city.

Absolutely. Hotel Real Cartagena and Hotel Las Palmas both provide daily historical walking tours led by local historians, covering sites like San Diego Fortress, Iglesia de San Ignacio, and the Old City Walls. Some even offer themed experiences such as "Pirate Hunt in the Old Town," combining adventure, puzzles, and real colonial stories.

Very easy. The Old Town is walkable and pedestrian-friendly, with bike rentals and electric scooters available throughout. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber are affordable and reliable. For island trips, take a ferry from the port to Rosario Islands. Hotels often arrange transportation, and many offer free maps highlighting safe, scenic routes.

Cartagena’s architecture blends Spanish colonial, Afro-Latin, and Caribbean styles. Watch for colorful facades, ornate iron balconies, stone archways, and religious motifs on churches like Iglesia de Santa Cruz. The walled city itself is a masterpiece of military engineering, with bastions, moats, and underground tunnels designed to repel pirate attacks in the 16th century.

City Summary

Cartagena is a gem on Colombia's Caribbean coast, renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage. The city is famous for its colonial architecture and vibrantly colored streets, earning it a UNESCO World Heritage designation. The Walled City of Cartagena (Ciudad Amurallada) is a must-visit, with its historic walls, forts, and plazas reflecting Spanish colonial grandeur. Meanwhile, the beaches of Boca Grande offer perfect spots for sun and sea. Cartagena also captivates visitors with its tropical vibe and lively nightlife, blending traditional charm with modern energy.

Must-See Attractions

Cartagena, a gem on Colombia's Caribbean coast, is renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage. The city's colonial architecture shines in its walled Old Town (Ciudad Amurallada), a UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels like a step back in time. The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a Spanish colonial fortress, is a must-visit landmark. For relaxation, Boca Grande Beach offers sun and sea, while the Rosario Islands provide exceptional diving and snorkeling opportunities. By night, Cartagena comes alive with open-air restaurants and salsa bars, immersing visitors in vibrant Latin rhythms.

Food Guide

Cartagena, a gem on Colombia's Caribbean coast, is famed for its colonial architecture and rich culinary heritage. Seafood is a must-try, especially Sancocho de Pescado (fish stew), blending African and Spanish flavors. Street food like arepas (corn cakes) and empanadas (fried turnovers) are ubiquitous, best paired with limonada de coco (coconut limeade). In the Old Town, restaurants serve cazuela de mariscos (seafood casserole), simmered in coconut milk and spices. Cartagena's cuisine reflects its multicultural roots, making it a paradise for food lovers.

Transportation Guide

Cartagena, located in the Bolívar Department of Colombia, is a historic port city on the Caribbean coast of South America. Renowned for its colonial architecture and vibrantly colored streets, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For transportation, the Rafael Núñez International Airport serves as the main gateway. From the airport, you can take a taxi or pre-booked transfer to the city center, which takes about 15 minutes. Within the city, taxis and buses are the primary modes of transport, but walking is the best way to explore the compact Old Town.

Travel tips:

Sun protection and hydration are essential due to the hot and humid climate.
Use official taxis or Uber for safer rides.
The cobblestone streets of the Old Town are not suitable for high heels; wear comfortable shoes.
At night, stick to well-populated areas and avoid isolated spots.

Best Time to Visit

Cartagena, a gem on Colombia's Caribbean coast, is famed for its colonial architecture, vibrantly colored streets, and rich historical heritage. The best time to visit is from December to April, when the weather is dry and pleasant, with average temperatures around 28°C—perfect for exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Though tourist crowds peak during this period, festivals like the Cartagena International Music Festival (January) and Hay Festival Cartagena (February) infuse the city with energy. Avoid the rainy season (May to November), as humidity and potential hurricanes can disrupt travel plans.

Highlights include wandering the Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada), touring San Felipe Castle (Castillo San Felipe), or relaxing on Bocagrande Beach.

Travel Tips

Sun Protection: Cartagena's tropical climate demands SPF50+ sunscreen, wide-brim hats, and sunglasses to prevent sunburn.
Valuables Safety: In the Old Town, secure belongings and avoid flashing expensive items; anti-theft backpacks are recommended.
Transport Tips: Negotiate taxi fares or insist on meters; Uber or hotel-arranged cars ensure transparent pricing.
Food Hygiene: Opt for freshly cooked street food and drink bottled water to prevent stomach issues.
Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly in churches (no sleeveless/shorts), and ask permission before photographing locals.
Rainy Season: Carry a compact umbrella (May-Nov) as sudden downpours may cause temporary flooding.
Currency Advice: Small vendors prefer cash (keep COP change handy); credit card fraud is prevalent—use sparingly.
Night Safety: Avoid isolated beaches after dark; join guided night tours for secure exploration.
Mosquito Defense: Coastal areas have insects; apply DEET-based repellent to guard against dengue.
Language Basics: Learn simple Spanish greetings (e.g., Hola/Gracias); English proficiency is limited outside tourist zones.

Useful Information

Cartagena, the capital of Colombia's Bolívar Department, is a historic city on the Caribbean coast of South America, renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture and stunning beaches. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by ancient walls.

Language: The primary language is Spanish, though English is spoken in tourist areas.

Internet & Communication: Wi-Fi is widely available in the city. Purchasing a local SIM card (e.g., Claro or Movistar) is recommended for mobile data.

Currency & Payments: The official currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). Credit cards are accepted in hotels and large stores, but cash is preferred in markets and small vendors.

Emergency Handling: Dial 123 (police) or 125 (ambulance) in emergencies. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas at night.

The Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada) is a must-visit, with its colorful houses and cobblestone streets. The Rosario Islands (Islas del Rosario) offer crystal-clear waters and coral reefs perfect for diving and relaxation.