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Step into Baluarte de San Jose, where colonial drama and ocean breezes collide! This historic fortress perched on Cartagena’s ancient walls isn’t just a relic—it’s your front-row seat to jaw-dropping Caribbean vistas. Feel the morning sun kiss weathered red bricks, each whispering tales of Spanish empire glory. Climb the watchtower for panoramic views where turquoise waves meet endless sky—seagulls even seem to applaud your moment.
This hotel is your perfect getaway haven! Located just a stone's throw from Boca Grande Beach and a short drive to the convention center. Enjoy top-notch amenities like an outdoor pool, sauna, and 24-hour fitness center, or unwind with a relaxing spa massage. Traveling with kids? No worries! They offer childcare services and kids' meals, plus fun barbecue options. Whether for business or leisure, you're covered with free WiFi and 24-hour room service. Convenience at its best!
A tropical getaway where the beach is just 1-minute drive away! Dive into the outdoor pool or unwind at the swim-up bar while kids enjoy childcare services and special menus. Perfect for business trips too—meeting rooms and 24/7 airport shuttle make life easy. Don't miss the international buffet breakfast or sunset cocktails at the garden-view bar. With spa treatments and free WiFi, every detail here spells vacation vibes.
Looking for a relaxing and convenient stay in Cartagena? This is your perfect choice! Just a 3-minute walk to Bocagrande Beach, with an outdoor pool and kids' pool, ideal for family trips or romantic getaways. Enjoy free WiFi and complimentary breakfast, along with a 24-hour business center and fitness center to meet all your needs. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, featuring LED TVs and premium bedding, plus a spa for ultimate relaxation. Whether for business or leisure, this is your ideal stay!
Everything you need to know about Baluarte de San Jose
Hotel Casa de la Candelaria is a top choice, located just a 5-minute walk from Baluarte de San Jose, nestled in the heart of Cartagena’s historic Old Town. This boutique hotel blends colonial architecture with modern comforts, featuring rooms with traditional mosaic floors and private balconies offering views of the fortress and the Caribbean Sea.
Guests enjoy exclusive discounts on nighttime guided tours of the fortress, providing deep insights into its 17th-century military history. Another excellent option is Hotel Las Palmas, whose rooftop terrace overlooks the fortress and ocean, perfect for sunset views and evening cocktails. Both hotels are within walking distance of key historical sites, ensuring easy access to Cartagena’s rich cultural attractions.
Traveling from Cartagena’s city center to Baluarte de San Jose is convenient via the free city bus (Cartagena Bus) or by taxi/ride-hailing apps like Uber or DiDi. Take the "Old Town Loop" route and disembark at the "Plaza Santo Domingo" stop—just a 3-minute walk to the fortress.
Taxis cost around $2–4 USD and take about 10 minutes. On-site parking is available, but we recommend exploring on foot or via electric scooter to avoid traffic and fully immerse in the colonial charm of the old town. Many hotels offer complimentary shuttle services to major attractions—check in advance for availability.
One standout experience is the weekly "Fortress Light & Shadow Theater" held every Saturday evening, combining storytelling with immersive projections to reenact 17th-century battles between Spanish defenders and foreign invaders. Free entry with prior registration.
You can also join a colonial-era costume photo workshop, where guests dress in 18th-century attire and pose against the fortress walls, receiving digital photos as keepsakes. Daily morning historical walking tours, led by certified guides, explore the fortress’s architectural design and strategic importance.
Local restaurants like La Bodeguita del Pueblo offer limited-time "Fortress Dinner Combos" with live Caribbean music, creating a truly immersive historical atmosphere.
Baluarte de San Jose is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with last entry at 5:30 PM. Admission costs COP 15,000 (~$3.5 USD), with half-price tickets available for students upon presentation of valid ID.
Audio guides are available for rent at COP 3,000 per hour, offering bilingual commentary. We recommend visiting early to avoid midday heat and peak crowds. The fortress features a café and souvenir shop selling limited-edition maps and hand-painted postcards.
For a deeper experience, book a private guided tour (~$25 USD), including access to restricted areas and a dedicated guide. Credit card payments are accepted on-site, making it convenient for international visitors.
Here’s a recommended one-day itinerary:
The entire itinerary is walkable and ideal for couples or families. Many hotels offer free maps and ticket HopeGoo assistance—ask in advance for convenience.
See what other travelers say about Baluarte de San Jose
My stay at Holiday Inn Cartagena Morros was absolutely delightful! The location is perfect—just a short walk from the historic center and surrounded by great restaurants, shops, and attractions. The hotel itself is beautifully designed with modern touches and immaculate cleanliness throughout. My room was spacious, quiet, and incredibly comfortable, with a plush bed that made for a restful night's sleep. The staff were friendly and attentive without being intrusive. I especially appreciated the thoughtful details like high-speed Wi-Fi and a well-equipped bathroom. Whether you're here for business or leisure, this hotel offers a peaceful retreat with easy access to everything. It’s rare to find such a great balance of comfort, convenience, and value—10/10 would book again!
The stay was absolutely fantastic overall—just one minor note: a guest was dining topless in the restaurant, which was a bit unexpected but didn’t affect the experience at all. The hotel itself is excellent, with a great location right near Bocagrande’s beachfront and easy access to local attractions. Breakfast was outstanding—fresh, varied, and well-prepared. The staff were friendly, helpful, and always smiling. It’s clear they take pride in their service. I’d definitely recommend this place to anyone visiting Cartagena. A perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and value.
Staying at Holiday Inn Express Cartagena Manga was an excellent choice for my trip to Cartagena. The hotel is conveniently located near the cargo port, making it easy to access if you're traveling for business or just exploring the area. The facilities are modern and well-maintained, with spotless cleanliness throughout the property. My room was spacious, comfortable, and perfectly set up for a relaxing stay. The breakfast was fantastic—varied, fresh, and delicious, with both local flavors and international options. Staff were incredibly friendly, professional, and attentive, going above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect. From check-in to check-out, the service was outstanding. This place truly delivers great value for money and deserves every bit of its high rating. I’ll definitely be returning and highly recommend it to fellow travelers.
Staying at Hotel Ayenda Casa Cano 1805 was a perfect experience from start to finish. The place is immaculately clean, and the front desk staff were welcoming and efficient. What stood out most was how close it is to the airport—just a 2-block walk, making early departures stress-free. It’s exactly what we were looking for: a quiet, comfortable stay with great value. Highly recommend this gem in Cartagena if you want convenience without sacrificing quality.
Staying at HMC Palenque Casa Hotel by HMC was an absolute delight. The location is fantastic—just a short walk from the heart of Cartagena, making it super easy to explore the city on foot. I especially loved the cocktail recommendations from Daniel Salazar—he knows his craft! Every drink was perfectly balanced, refreshing, and full of flavor. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with a lovely mix of local charm and modern comfort. Staff went above and beyond with their hospitality—friendly, attentive, and always smiling. From check-in to checkout, every interaction felt genuine and personal. This place truly delivers on comfort, service, and character. I’d recommend it 100% to anyone visiting Cartagena. A standout stay!
Hotel Casa Andrea in Bocagrande, Cartagena, offers an unbeatable location and excellent value for money. The hotel is just steps away from the beach, restaurants, shops, and 24-hour supermarkets—everything you need is within easy reach. I was especially impressed by the room layout; the space is flexible and well-designed, making it perfect for families or groups who want to customize their setup. The staff went above and beyond with their warm and attentive service, making us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. Despite being in a lively tourist area, the neighborhood remains peaceful and safe. With a solid 8/10 rating, this place truly delivers on comfort, convenience, and charm. If you're visiting Cartagena, this is definitely a top choice for a stress-free, enjoyable stay.
Staying at Juna Hotel Boutique in Cartagena was an absolute delight from start to finish. The staff were incredibly warm and welcoming, making us feel right at home the moment we arrived. The hotel’s interior has a unique, artistic charm with a peaceful, elegant vibe that stands out among other places we’ve stayed in. It’s perfectly located just a short walk from the historic Old Town—great for exploring on foot, and public transport is super convenient nearby. Our room was spotless, beautifully designed, and had everything we needed, including a comfy bed that made for a restful night's sleep. What really impressed us was how much value we got for the price—luxury vibes without the luxury price tag. If you're visiting Cartagena, this is a must-try. I’ll definitely be recommending it to friends and returning myself.
The hotel was absolutely fantastic—every single detail exceeded my expectations. From the moment I arrived, the staff were warm and welcoming, offering helpful tips about local attractions. My room was spacious, impeccably clean, and had a modern, inviting vibe with excellent air conditioning—perfect for the tropical climate. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and I slept like a baby throughout the night. I especially appreciated the complimentary breakfast, which included fresh fruit, local pastries, and coffee that tasted just like what you’d find in a neighborhood café. Location-wise, it’s within walking distance of major sights and public transit, making exploration super easy. Overall, this place delivers an outstanding experience with great value. I’ll definitely be back—highly recommend!
To be honest, I never actually stayed at this hotel as a guest—I was staying across the street at another property that didn’t quite live up to expectations. Still, I kept finding myself drawn to San Pedro Suite Hotel just to take in its inviting and mysterious entrance. Once inside, I explained to the staff that I was only curious about the place, and they welcomed me with open arms. They even let me enjoy their rooftop hot tub and magical swimming pool—completely free of charge. I ended up booking some spa treatments, which were absolutely worth it. The manager was incredibly warm and engaging—we talked late into the night, sharing stories and laughter. We stayed in touch for a while after, but life took us in different directions. Still, that one visit left such a lasting impression that I now dream of returning to Cartagena—not just for the city, but specifically for a romantic getaway at this hidden gem. It’s not just a hotel; it’s an experience.
The service at Hotel Amoek is exceptional—friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming from the moment you arrive. Every staff member goes the extra mile to make your stay comfortable and memorable. The location is fantastic, just a short walk from the historic old town and nearby metro access makes exploring the city effortless. Rooms are clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed with modern comforts. It's rare to find such a high level of hospitality and value in one place. I couldn't recommend this hotel more—it’s a true gem in Cartagena.
I wouldn't recommend this property. While the location in Cartagena is convenient—close to downtown and easy to get around by public transit—the actual condition of the apartment was far from what we expected. The unit felt dirty and poorly maintained, with visible dust and grime in corners and crevices. To our horror, there were cockroaches everywhere—under the sink, in the kitchen, even near the bed. The appliances shown in the photos didn’t work at all: the air conditioner was broken, the stove wouldn’t ignite, and the fridge barely cooled. It’s clear the listing photos are misleading. We ended up spending more time fixing issues than enjoying our stay. For a better experience, I’d suggest looking elsewhere—there are definitely much cleaner, more reliable options in the area.
Playa Norte Hotel is a great choice if you're looking for a quiet, comfortable stay just outside the city center. While it's a bit farther from downtown Cartagena, the location offers peace and relaxation without being too isolated. The nearby market is super convenient for grabbing fresh groceries or local snacks—no need to travel far. Getting into the city is easy via taxi or public transit, making it a good balance between tranquility and accessibility. Overall, a solid option with excellent value.
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