Colombia
Overview
Cartagena is the most romantic city in Colombia: colourful colonial houses with flowered balconies, horse carriages and sunsets on the old walls. Keep in mind that it is hot (often 32°C with high humidity), more expensive than the rest of Colombia and full of street vendors in the old town. Getsemaní, next door, has a more local, artistic feel.
Pedro de Heredia founded Cartagena de Indias on 1 June 1533. It became the main Spanish port of the Caribbean, where gold and silver from South America were shipped to Spain and where enslaved Africans were brought in. Pirates like Francis Drake attacked it, so Spain built walls and forts over about 200 years. In 1741, Admiral Blas de Lezo defended the city against a huge British fleet led by Edward Vernon. Cartagena declared independence on 11 November 1811. The port, fortresses and monuments became a UNESCO site in 1984.
How long to stay: 3 to 4 days, including a day on the islands.
Last updated: October 2026
Quick Facts
Location
On Colombia's Caribbean coast, in the department of Bolívar. Barranquilla is about 2 hours east, Santa Marta 4 to 5 hours.
Budget
Per person, per day.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed | COP 70,000–130,000 ($21–40) | COP 350,000–600,000 ($107–183) | COP 1,000,000+ ($305+) |
| Food | COP 60,000–100,000 ($18–31) | COP 160,000–280,000 ($49–86) | COP 450,000+ ($137+) |
| Activities | COP 30,000–80,000 | COP 150,000–350,000 | COP 600,000+ |
| Daily total | COP 160,000–310,000 ($49–95) | COP 660,000–1,230,000 ($202–376) | COP 2,050,000+ ($626+) |
Things to Do
About 11 km of walls surround the old town. Walk through the Torre del Reloj gate (clock tower), Plaza de los Coches (once the slave market), Plaza Santo Domingo with Botero's reclining woman, and streets of balconies covered in bougainvillea.
Price: free · Tip: walk on top of the walls at sunset; Café del Mar on the wall is famous but expensive.
The old working-class neighbourhood outside the walls, now full of murals, umbrellas over the streets, hostels and bars. Plaza de la Trinidad fills up at night with street food and dancers.
Price: free.
The largest Spanish fortress in the Americas, built from 1536 and expanded in the 1600s and 1700s, with tunnels designed so the sound of enemy footsteps would echo. It resisted the British attack of 1741.
Price: about COP 33,000–40,000 for foreigners · Time needed: 1.5 hours · Tip: go at opening (8:00) because there is no shade.
A baroque palace where the Spanish Inquisition tried people from 1610 to 1821, now a history museum with the original instruments of torture.
Price: about COP 30,000.
23 vaults inside the walls, built as storage and later used as prison cells, now craft shops.
Price: free.
A marine national park of about 30 small coral islands, 1 hour by boat, with clear water, snorkelling and beach clubs. Playa Blanca on Barú is the most famous beach (very crowded).
Price: tours about COP 200,000–400,000 with lunch, plus park and port fees · Tip: choose a beach club on a quieter island for a better day.
A small volcano 1 hour away where you climb in and float in warm mud, then wash in the lagoon.
Price: entry about COP 20,000–30,000; tours with transport about COP 80,000–150,000.
The highest point in the city (150 m), with a 17th-century convent and the best view of Cartagena.
Price: about COP 20,000–30,000 · Tip: go by taxi or Uber, not walking.
Try arepa de huevo, fried fish with coconut rice and patacones, ceviche and fresh fruit from the palenqueras (the women in colourful dresses from San Basilio de Palenque).
Tip: palenqueras charge for photos; agree before.
Transit Tips
Affiliate link
Airport: very close; Uber or taxi to the old town about COP 15,000–25,000.
By bus: from Barranquilla and Santa Marta; door-to-door shuttles (MarSol) are comfortable.
Walking: the walled city and Getsemaní are best on foot.
Uber, DiDi, inDrive: for Bocagrande, La Popa and the airport.
Keep in mind that boats to the islands leave from La Bodeguita pier in the morning; there is a port tax and a park fee on top of the tour price.
Helpful Words
A few basics in Spanish can make everyday conversations much easier.
Where to Stay
Plan & Book
Explore accommodation options and open hotel details directly from the map.
Affiliate link