Want to taste Cartagena’s soul? Join the EMEkitchen Cooking Class! In a local home kitchen, learn to craft authentic Colombian dishes—from spice blends to slow-roasted meats—each bite bursting with regional flavor. Savor your own creation with a chilled coconut drink, and let the warmth of tradition wrap around you like a hug.

This is the perfect getaway for families and friends! Kids will love the water park and children's club, while adults can relax by the outdoor pools or try mini golf. Enjoy garden views at the seaside restaurant or unwind with cocktails at the poolside bars. Business travelers will appreciate the well-equipped conference center. Rejuvenate with spa treatments and Turkish baths, or take advantage of laundry services for added convenience. With its prime location near beaches and attractions, it’s ideal for both leisure and work!

Perfect for both families and business travelers! Just steps from La Boquilla Beach, this art-deco gem features 5 outdoor pools with water slides for kids, while adults unwind at the spa or tennis courts. Enjoy cocktails at the poolside bar or 24/7 room service in stylish rooms. With a kids' club, game room, and business center, every need is covered. Don't miss the lavish breakfast buffet and convenient shuttle service—making your Cartagena getaway effortlessly luxurious.



Everything you need to know about EMEkitchen Cooking Class
Casa de la Rueda is a top choice, located just a 5-minute walk from EMEkitchen Cooking Class in the heart of Old Town Cartagena. This boutique hotel blends colonial-era architecture with modern comforts, featuring rooms adorned with authentic Andean decorative elements. Guests enjoy complimentary breakfast and private guided tours. Some rooms offer stunning views of the Caribbean Sea, allowing you to savor sunset moments after a hands-on cooking class, fully immersed in Colombia’s vibrant culinary culture.
Most hotels in Old Town Cartagena are within a 10- to 15-minute walk to EMEkitchen Cooking Class, passing by vibrant colonial buildings and lively streets—perfect for soaking in local atmosphere. Taxis take only about 5 minutes, costing roughly $3–$5 USD. Alternatively, electric bike rentals offer a scenic route along the seaside promenade, providing views of the Caribbean Sea and historic landmarks. HopeGoo a guided tour in advance often includes transportation, ensuring a seamless and stress-free journey.
Beyond the cooking class, highly recommended are night market tours through Old Town Cartagena, sampling street favorites like arepa de huevo and ajiaco. Consider a one-day trip to a Caribbean fishing village, witnessing traditional hand-crafted fishing techniques and enjoying fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants. For culture lovers, book a Spanish colonial architecture photography tour, capturing the iconic red rooftops and arched doorways bathed in golden light. These immersive activities deepen your understanding of Cartagena’s daily life and rich heritage.
Yes, many boutique hotels in Old Town Cartagena provide exceptional dining. For instance, Casa de la Rueda features a rooftop restaurant serving creative dishes blending Mediterranean and Colombian flavors, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner available. The menu emphasizes fresh local ingredients—seafood, yuca, and native herbs—paired with house-made chili sauces. Some hotels also offer private cooking workshops, allowing guests to prepare meals under expert guidance, complementing the EMEkitchen experience. Many collaborate directly with local markets, ensuring traceable, sustainable sourcing and a commitment to eco-conscious cuisine.
Casa de la Catedral Hotel is a top choice, located just a 5-minute walk from the EMEkitchen Cooking Class in Old Town Cartagena. This historic boutique property blends colonial architecture with modern comforts, featuring rooms adorned with traditional Colombian murals and private balconies overlooking cobbled streets. Guests enjoy complimentary breakfast with local specialties like arepas and fresh tropical fruits. Its central location makes it ideal for exploring nearby markets, waterfront promenades, and authentic culinary experiences after class.
Yes, transportation is highly convenient. The EMEkitchen Cooking Class is located in the heart of Cartagena’s Old Town, near Castillo San Felipe and Plaza de la Catedral, with multiple bus routes and easy taxi access. From major hotel zones, a taxi ride takes only about 10 minutes. On-site parking is available, and the area is pedestrian-friendly, perfect for combining with guided bike tours or riverside walks. Using a mobile map app is recommended to ensure punctuality and seamless navigation.
At EMEkitchen Cooking Class, you’ll dive into authentic Caribbean-Colombian flavors, mastering dishes like Bandeja Paisa, coconut red bean rice, and traditional arepas. Led by local chefs, the class uses fresh ingredients sourced from the local market, revealing secrets like the use of ají amarillo chili paste and finely chopped cilantro. After cooking, you’ll savor your creations and receive a recipe booklet and a spice kit as keepsakes. This immersive experience goes beyond cooking—it connects you to the region’s history, culture, and community through food.
Near the EMEkitchen Cooking Class, must-visit attractions include Castillo San Felipe de Barajas (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Plaza de la Catedral (colonial architecture hub), and the Cartagena Seawall Promenade (scenic coastal walkway). A 10-minute walk leads to Mercado de la Cruz, where you can find fresh seafood, handmade crafts, and local snacks. For a cultural extension, visit Iglesia de Santa Rosa de Lima to admire religious art and tranquil ambiance. These sites form a seamless cultural loop—perfect for extending your journey after class and deepening your understanding of Cartagena’s rich heritage.
The class features hands-on preparation of three classic Colombian dishes: first, mastering Bandeja Paisa with proper broth technique and spice blending; then crafting traditional arepas, learning precise flour-to-water ratios; finally, preparing coconut red bean rice, balancing sweet and savory notes. Each dish is demonstrated by instructors before participants work in small groups, using provided personal kitchen kits and following strict hygiene protocols. At the end, you enjoy your creations and take home a custom recipe card and a local spice gift box, preserving your culinary journey.
Staying in Old Town Cartagena offers the advantage of immediate access and zero transit costs, ideal for short stays. The EMEkitchen Cooking Class is within walking distance, allowing you to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of colorful colonial buildings, narrow alleys, and lively street life en route. Local cafés and street food stalls are abundant for quick bites. Evenings offer scenic strolls along the seawall promenade, with live music and sunset views—making the cooking class a central part of a rich, immersive urban experience.
See what other travelers say about EMEkitchen Cooking Class

This stunning beachfront hotel is an absolute gem. Right on the shore, it offers a wide, clean stretch of sand and warm, inviting water perfect for swimming. One of the highlights? You can enjoy the pools at the neighboring property—great for families with kids. The staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming, making your stay feel personal and comfortable. Dining options across the property deliver delicious meals with excellent quality and variety. Plus, getting to the historic city center is just a short taxi ride away—convenient and hassle-free. Whether you're here for relaxation, family fun, or a romantic getaway, this place hits all the right notes. It truly feels like paradise, and I’d definitely return.

The Americas Torre Del Mar is a fantastic choice for travelers looking for space and sea views. The rooms are spacious with large balconies overlooking the ocean—perfect for relaxing in the morning light. While the hotel doesn’t have a private beach, it’s just steps away from a public stretch where you can swim and enjoy the waves. To secure a lounge chair and umbrella, there’s a small fee of 30,000 COP—reasonable enough, but be prepared for frequent vendors walking by selling drinks and snacks; this was the only minor downside. Everything else about the stay was excellent: the pool area is beautiful, well-maintained, and perfect for families or groups. Breakfast was satisfying and varied, offering a good start to the day. Overall, the hotel delivers great value, especially for those traveling with kids or friends. It’s clean, welcoming, and offers an ideal balance of comfort and convenience. Highly recommended.

Absolutely stunning! From the moment I arrived, the staff greeted me with a delicious local fruit and made me feel right at home. The hostel is immaculate—every floor feels like an art installation, from the ground level to the rooftop hot tub. The food and drinks were fresh, flavorful, and served quickly. I especially loved the rooftop area—it’s perfect for relaxing or just soaking in the vibes. The team was attentive without being overbearing, and when I checked out at 11 AM, they kindly let me leave my things behind so I could continue enjoying the facilities. They even handed me a traditional local sweet from their café as a farewell gift—such a thoughtful touch. Honestly, I’d give this place 10 out of 10, but if I could go lower, I’d still be giving it 10. It’s more than a hostel—it’s an experience. If you’re in Cartagena, don’t miss it.

Everything was perfect! The staff went above and beyond with their warm and attentive service—always smiling, ready to help, and making us feel truly welcome. Our room was spacious, clean, and incredibly comfortable, with a cozy bed that made for a restful night's sleep. Located just steps away from the vibrant city center, it’s easy to explore Cartagena’s historic sites, beaches, and local restaurants. The all-inclusive package offered great value, with delicious meals and drinks included. Whether you're here for relaxation or adventure, this hotel delivers on every level. Highly recommend for an unforgettable getaway!

Staying at Hotel Barahona Cartagena was an absolute delight from start to finish. The location in Bocagrande is unbeatable—walkable to beaches, restaurants, and local shops, with easy access to public transit. The architecture seamlessly blends modern design with nature, featuring large windows that flood the rooms with natural light and offer serene views of lush greenery. It instantly creates a peaceful, calming atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a busy day. The room itself was clean, spacious, and well-appointed, offering excellent value for money. But what truly stood out wasn’t just the comfort or the setting—it was the genuine warmth and hospitality of the staff. They went above and beyond to make us feel welcome, always with a smile and ready to help. This isn’t just a hotel; it’s a place where you genuinely feel at home. I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting Cartagena looking for a quiet retreat with charm, comfort, and heartfelt service.

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.
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