I’ve needed to go to Cartegena since watching Romancing the Stone in the Eighties. This stunning metropolis has captivated the hearts of vacationers, filmmakers, artists, and authors. As I explored the highest issues to do in Cartagena, it was simple to perceive why town has been a magnetic backdrop for quite a few motion pictures and books.
On my journey there, I fell in love with the meals, the colourful colours, and the historical past. Cartagena is the proper spot to get your fill of historical past, tradition, and wonderful Latin meals. But there’s a lot extra to town than its wealthy previous.
Best Things to do in Cartagena
There is a lot to see and do in Cartagena that it’s exhausting to match the whole lot into your itinerary. Whether you’re a historical past buff or looking for journey, listed here are a number of of our favourite issues to do.
1. Explore the Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada)
Cartagena’s walled metropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of colonial structure, vibrant streets, and historic landmarks and colonial buildings.
The previous metropolis has some of one of the best locations to go to in Cartagena. Be certain to cease on the Torre del Reloj, Cartagena’s regal clock tower that stands on the entrance to the previous walled metropolis. You may also e-book a non-public tour of town for a extra intimate expertise beginning at $156.
2. Take a Walking Tour
One of one of the best methods to get acquainted with any metropolis is to e-book a strolling tour. Free strolling excursions used to be provided, however it appears to not be in operation anymore. However, you’ll be able to e-book this strolling tour of the historic metropolis to study its wealthy historical past as you are taking in the previous city’s structure and see Cartagena’s elite, who nonetheless personal many of the grand colonial houses in the previous metropolis.
When you stroll via the cobblestone streets, you get a glimpse into what town was like centuries in the past. The Cartagena Full Day City Tour takes you thru the highlights of town, together with Las Bóvedas, the streets of Getsemaní, the tunnel system of Castillo de San Felipe, and extra for simply $49 per individual.
3. Shop at Las Bóvedas
A sequence of vaults became retailers promoting native crafts and souvenirs. This bustling market is crammed with vacationers. If you courageous the crowds, you’ll get an opportunity to store for distinctive trinkets, souvenirs, and delightful mochila luggage made by the ladies of the Wayuu indigenous tribes.
Las Bovedas is a sight in itself. One of the final buildings constructed inside the walled metropolis, it has forty-seven arches and twenty-three domes. It additionally has a checkered previous serving as a munitions retailer after which a dungeon earlier than its present standing as a bustling market. Get Your Guide provides metropolis excursions and excursions round Cartegena with simple cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
4. Street Art of Getsemani Neighborhood
The Getsemani neighborhood is one other cease you need to add to your itinerary. It’s one of an important neighborhoods in Cartagena, plus a cultural and political hub. It’s crammed with wonderful avenue artwork.
Bright colours and delightful murals adorn many of the partitions there and preserve you captivated as you wander round. Known for its colourful streets, graffiti artwork, and full of life environment, this neighborhood is a cultural hotspot.
5. Visit Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
Visiting Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas isn’t just a visit to the historic fortress of this fortified metropolis on the Caribbean Coast. It’s an immersive journey into the guts of Cartagena’s colonial historical past. This imposing construction, proudly standing atop the San Lázaro hill, is a logo of the strategic significance of Cartagena in the colonial period.
Recognized as one of probably the most vital fortifications constructed by the Spanish in the Americas, Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas is an architectural marvel and has unbelievable panoramic metropolis views. The Castillo is well one of the highest points of interest and one of one of the best issues to do in Cartagena.
The fortress, initially constructed in the seventeenth century, performed an important position in defending town towards pirates and invaders throughout colonial instances.
Visitors can take guided excursions to study concerning the fortress’s historical past, strategic significance, and building particulars.
Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas is situated simply outdoors the walled metropolis and is well accessible by a brief taxi journey or a average stroll from town middle. Its distinguished place on San Lázaro Hill makes it a visual landmark. The high of the fortress provides breathtaking views of Cartagena and the Caribbean Sea, ideally suited for pictures lovers.
6. Relax at Playa Blanca
Located on Barú Island, this beautiful white-sand seaside is a slice of paradise, identified for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and picturesque setting.
The seaside is good for swimming due to its calm, clear waters, and sunbathing on the tender, white sands is a calming manner to benefit from the tropical solar. You can go snorkeling, and there are a number of beachside eating places and shacks to get pleasure from recent seafood and conventional Colombian coastal dishes.. Relaxing at Playa Blanca in Cartagena provides an ideal mix of pure magnificence and serene ambiance.
Playa Blanca is a well-liked day journey from Cartagena, and you may go to it as half of a tour or by yourself. The hottest manner to attain Playa Blanca is by boat. You can catch a ship from the Muelle de los Pegasos close to the Cartagena Convention Center. These boats normally depart in the morning and return in the afternoon.
You may also attain Playa Blanca by highway. It’s a few 1.5-hour drive from Cartagena. You can rent a taxi or be part of a gaggle tour that features transportation. These idyllic islands provide crystal-clear waters and are good for snorkeling and diving.
7. Take a Rosario Islands Day Trip
Just 100 kilometers (62 miles) offshore, however seemingly a world away, is the Rosario Islands. The Rosario Islands are a gaggle of over 28 islands and are half of Colombia’s National Natural Park system.
There you’ll be able to benefit from the native seafood and the whole lot that you just love concerning the Caribbean – the clear blue skies, white sand seashores, and dwelling on “island time.” The islands boast some of probably the most stunning seashores in Colombia.
The clear Caribbean waters and coral reefs make this a main spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. : Many excursions provide the prospect to discover varied islands in the archipelago, every with its distinctive allure and options.
To attain the Rosario Islands, contemplate Sunset Sailing Cartagena, which provides day excursions. This extremely rated tour provides crusing journeys to the Rosario Islands beginning at $86.
Taking a day journey to the Rosario Islands is a spotlight for a lot of guests to Cartagena, providing a elegant escape into an archipelago famend for its beautiful pure magnificence and vibrant marine life.
8. Experience the Nightlife in Cartagena
The Old City comes alive at evening with a wealthy, vibrant nightlife.
Make certain to go to the full of life bars, golf equipment, and cafes, particularly in the areas of Getsemaní, the Old Town, and Plaza de la Trinidad. Plaza de la Trinidad has lots of meals stalls promoting avenue meals at affordable costs and avenue distributors promoting unique fruits and souvenirs. The sq. is alive with avenue performers, dancing, and music.
In the night, Plaza de San Diego additionally transforms right into a vibrant nightlife spot.
9. Visit the Palace of the Inquisition
The Palace of the Inquisition is a museum that provides insights into the Spanish Inquisition’s historical past in Colombia. This iconic landmark, situated in Plaza de Bolívar in the guts of Cartagena’s walled metropolis isn’t solely a window into Colombia’s colonial previous but additionally a testomony to the resilience and transformation of its individuals.
Visiting the Palace of the Inquisition in Cartagena is a profound and enlightening expertise, delving into a big facet of town’s wealthy historic tapestry.
The Palace of the Inquisition is located in the bustling Plaza de Bolívar, simply accessible from any half of the Old City. Its central location makes it a handy cease for guests exploring the historic district.
The constructing itself is an architectural marvel, with its baroque structure, stunning façade and effectively-preserved inside courtyards reflecting the Spanish colonial fashion. It was as soon as the seat of the Holy Office of the Inquisition in Cartagena, established to choose and condemn heresy and different non secular offenses. One of the extra chilling displays consists of the devices of torture used in the course of the Inquisition, offering a stark glimpse into this darkish interval of historical past.
The museum additionally showcases a range of historic artifacts, colonial artwork, and paperwork that paint a vivid image of life in Cartagena in the course of the colonial period.
10. Explore La Popa Monastery
Exploring La Popa Monastery is a mesmerizing journey to one of Cartagena’s most iconic landmarks, perched atop the very best hill in town it offers beautiful views of town and homes non secular artwork and artifacts. La Popa Monastery, formally often called the Convento de la Candelaria, provides not solely a religious retreat but additionally some of probably the most breathtaking views of Cartagena.
La Popa Monastery is situated on La Popa Hill, the very best level in Cartagena. It is well accessible by taxi or a guided tour, which is really useful due to the steepness and seclusion of the highway main to the monastery. The journey to the highest provides glimpses of town from completely different views.
Originally constructed in the seventeenth century, the monastery is steeped in historical past and has served varied functions all through the centuries, together with a fortress and a spiritual middle. Inside, guests can see a wealthy assortment of non secular artwork and artifacts, together with the well-known statue of the Virgin of the Candelaria, the patroness of Cartagena.
Perhaps probably the most beautiful characteristic of La Popa Monastery is the panoramic view it provides of Cartagena, the Caribbean Sea, and the encompassing areas, making it a improbable spot for pictures.
11. Go Dancing
Learn about native dances like salsa and champeta. The individuals of Cartagena love to dance and one of the best ways to immerse in the tradition is to exit and dance with the locals.
If you aren’t assured about your dance expertise, don’t fear! Brush up in your salsa expertise at Crazy Salsa. Their skilled dancers will assist you to grasp your strikes in no time and introduce you to this standard Latin American dance. Cafe Havana is one other place that has salsa experiences the place you’ll be able to watch individuals dance or be part of in.
There are excursions that cater to dancing your manner across the previous city and its native bars. This is a good tour that features consuming at native avenue meals spots, a mixology class, and an evening of dancing.
12. Visit the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro Zenú)
Visiting the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro Zenú) in Cartagena provides a deep dive into Colombia’s pre-Columbian heritage. It shows a group of gold and pottery from the Zenú tradition. This museum is situated in the guts of Cartagena’s historic downtown and showcases the cultural historical past and craftsmanship of the Zenú indigenous individuals.
The Gold Museum is conveniently situated in the Plaza de Bolivar, in the historic middle of Cartagena. This central location makes it simply accessible on foot from many different vacationer points of interest, lodges, and eating places in the Old City. Plus, the Gold Museum provides free entry, making it an accessible attraction for all guests.
The Gold Museum presents a novel alternative to perceive the traditional civilizations that after thrived in this area.
13. Relax in the Plaza de San Diego
Relaxing in the Plaza de San Diego is a quintessential Cartagena expertise providing a vibrant slice of native life. This picturesque sq. is nestled in the guts of Cartagena’s historic district. It is an ideal spot to unwind and other people-watch.
The plaza is surrounded by a range of cafés and eating places, providing an opportunity to style native Colombian delicacies in addition to worldwide dishes. The sq. typically comes alive with avenue performers, musicians, and artists, including a full of life cultural vibe to the environment.
Plaza de San Diego is situated inside the walled metropolis, making it simply accessible on foot from many of town’s high points of interest. Its central location in the San Diego neighborhood locations it shut to varied lodges, eating places, and retailers.
14. Set Sail on a Sunset Cruise
Enjoy the coastal magnificence of Cartagena from the water. One of one of the best issues to do in any tropical vacation spot is to go crusing. This romantic sundown cruise leaves from the Muelle de la Bodeguita pier in entrance of the walled metropolis. Book it right here.
You’ll set sail via the Bay of Cartagena de Indias as you hear to music and take in the skyline of spectacular Cartagena. You’ll see the Manga and Bocagrande neighborhood, Castillo Grande, and Manzanillo Island, and you then’ll proceed alongside to the El Laguito neighborhood and Tierrabomba Island.
15. Stroll Along the City Walls at Sunset
If you aren’t up for hitting the water, take a stroll alongside town partitions for a view of the historic centre from above. These partitions provide a romantic and picturesque view of town. Make your manner to Cafe del Mar for sundown cocktails.
The partitions have been constructed to defend from pirates as Cartagena de Indias was a strategic location and port for export to Spain.
16. Coffee tasting at San Alberto
Do a espresso tasting at Cafe San Alberto, led by third era espresso grower Gustavo Villota. In the category, you’ll study espresso vegetation and the way to course of espresso. You’ll expertise a sensory train as you get pleasure from freshly brewed espresso.
This is one of probably the most awarded and effectively-identified specialty coffees grown in Buenavista, Columbia. When you style this, it simply could be one of the best espresso you’ve ever tasted. After your class, go to the cafe beneath the classroom to store for high quality beans to deliver residence.
Libertario Coffee Roasters is one other cafe the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from scrumptious Colombian espresso. You actually can’t go improper with any cafe. Colombia has nice espresso.
17. Rum and Chocolate Tasting at Sofitel Legend
Tempt your senses with a rum and chocolate tasting on the Sofitel Legend. There you’ll expertise some of the best aged rum in the Caribbean completely paired with an array of scrumptious Colombian chocolate, all curated by the somellier.
While there, take in views of this historic resort, which was previously a convent.
18. Visit the National Aviary
If you’re keen on birds, then go to the National Aviary of Colombia Tour. It homes 135 species of wild birds and lets guests study concerning the completely different species via 21 interactive stations. Expect to see flamingos, parrots, emus, Harpy Eagles, and plenty of extra.
Where to Stay in Cartagena
Historical residences and restored convents now home some of the luxurious boutique lodges in Cartagena.
Sleeping in quarters constructed in Spanish colonial instances, you’ll discover that almost all of the rooms are centered round open-air courtyards however have been up to date to home fashionable facilities. Here are a number of of our favourite locations to keep.
Casa San Augustin – The Casa San Augustin is a boutique resort that exudes luxurious from its colonial-period white-washed buildings to its prime location in the guts of Cartagena.
It’s seventeenth-century grandeur at its most interesting. The 20 rooms and 11 attractive suites are situated in three homes to give it the texture of residence.
The architectural particulars are second to none, from the wooden beam ceilings to the spiral staircases in some of the 2-story suites. Suites are furnished with all of the creature comforts, robes, and Ortigia Italian facilities.
The resort additionally features a enjoyable spa and a 300-12 months-previous aqueduct in the middle of the resort with a picturesque L-formed pool. Fine eating is obtainable in the Alma restaurant, which additionally serves because the breakfast room in the morning.
Casa Cochera del Gobernador – Staying on the Casa Cochera del Gobernador for 2 nights and we might have simply stayed extra.
Located in the historic Cartagena de Indias by the Santa Catalina Cathedral and is housed in one of town’s oldest buildings, relationship again to the sixteenth Century.
The rooms are superbly appointed with luxurious bedding and a light-weight and ethereal really feel, supplying you with the proper backdrop for a night of relaxation. A scrumptious breakfast is served by pleasant employees on the second flooring, and the recent, native fruit on the buffet is mouthwatering.
Enjoy Local Cuisine
Try conventional dishes like arepas, ceviche, and recent seafood.
The metropolis’s culinary scene is prospering in Cartagena. Locally sourced meals are considerable right here.
From the bounty of the ocean to the recent, regionally grown fruits and veggies, many of the native eating places use this wealthy useful resource to create conventional dishes with an island aptitude. Here, you’ll discover conventional dishes like ceviche, or Arroz con coco or Pargo Frito.
Whether you might be eating at a 5-star restaurant or grabbing a fast chunk from a avenue vendor, you received’t be disenchanted. In Cartagena, there isn’t a scarcity of wonderful eating places and cafes to expertise.
Concina de Pepina – Depending in your tastes, you’ll be able to strive the ceviche or Mote de Queso at Cocina de Pepina, for conventional Colombian fare and one of probably the most well-known eating places on the north coast.
Just make sure to get there early, as they don’t take reservations.
Carmen Restaurant – One of my favourite lunch spots is Carmen Restaurant.
I liked the image-good fashionable décor and the luxurious tree-stuffed patio. Food is artwork at this household-run restaurant, serving up native flavors with a contemporary twist. Try the artfully offered salads and ceviche dishes, and mains with recent fish.
Marea by Rausch – Another waterfront possibility is the Upscale Marea by Rausch Restaurant. There, you’ll be able to get pleasure from scrumptious watermelon salads, Ceviche, and recent seafood dishes.
Carne lovers can get pleasure from effectively-ready beef filets served with wine jus. Expect to get pleasure from Michelin-star service and meals with out the hefty price ticket introduced to you by the well-known Rausch brothers.
Book forward for a desk on the sought-after waterfront terrace, the place you not solely get an incredible river view you’ll be able to benefit from the cupolas of San Pedro Church.
About Cartagena
Cartagena de Indias is the jewel in Columbia’s crown. This seaside metropolis is wealthy with maritime historical past and bustling with journey, allure, and a previous crammed with pirates.
Founded in 1533 by Spanish commander Pedro de Heredia, town grew affluent shortly, and with the newfound riches got here the risk of assaults from marauding sea pirates.
After a number of assaults, Cartagena started to defend itself by setting up walled compounds and castles. Many of these exist immediately and await being explored.
Cartagena is situated in Colombia, South America. The most important language is Spanish. The forex is the Colombian Peso: 1 USD = 3019 Colombian Pesos. See Currency Converter for up-to-date charges. Copa Airlines provides day by day flights to Cartagena via Panama City (airline hub). Flying with Copa Airlines permits you a ‘24-hour layover in Panama’ at no additional price. It’s an important alternative to go to Casa Viejo and the Panama Canal.
When to go to Cartagena
The climate stays fixed in Cartagena. It is sizzling 12 months-spherical. The solely issues that change are humidity and precipitation.
December to March is one of the best time to go to Cartagena: The climate is heat in the course of the day and breezy at evening, and the humidity is low. But it’s the excessive season so there are extra vacationers. If you want nightlife, the bars might be hopping at the moment of 12 months.
There is one other secondary excessive season the week earlier than Easter. It is crowded throughout this time, and costs are costlier. June via September is the moist season and the most well liked months. Temperatures vary all year long from 24 – 32 levels Celcius. (75-91 Fahrenheit)
And now that you realize extra about all of the issues to do in Cartegena, I’ll go away you with a narrative.
One of probably the most well-known writers from Colombia was Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
While working as a journalist for El Universal, the native newspaper, he discovered concerning the discovery of a corpse of a younger lady with copper hair as they have been renovating the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Hotel, a former convent and hospital. The crypt the place she was discovered can nonetheless be accessed via a glass gate at Santa Clara’s El Coro Bar.
This expertise impressed his bestseller, Of Love and Other Demons.
Photo courtesy: Joe Ross from Lansing, Michigan through Wikimedia Commons