I’ve wished to go to Cartegena since watching Romancing the Stone within the Eighties. This lovely metropolis has captivated the hearts of vacationers, filmmakers, artists, and authors. As I explored the highest issues to do in Cartagena, it was straightforward to grasp why the 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. However there’s a lot extra to the town than its wealthy previous.
Greatest Issues to do in Cartagena
There’s a lot to see and do in Cartagena that it’s exhausting to suit all the pieces into your itinerary. Whether or not you’re a historical past buff or searching for journey, listed below are just a few of our favourite issues to do.
1. Discover the Walled Metropolis (Ciudad Amurallada)
Cartagena’s walled metropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site stuffed with colonial structure, vibrant streets, and historic landmarks and colonial buildings.
The previous metropolis has a few of the finest locations to go to in Cartagena. You’ll want to cease on the Torre del Reloj, Cartagena’s regal clock tower that stands on the entrance to the previous walled metropolis. It’s also possible to ebook a non-public tour of the town for a extra intimate expertise beginning at $156.
2. Take a Strolling Tour
Top-of-the-line methods to get acquainted with any metropolis is to ebook a strolling tour. Free strolling excursions was provided, but it surely appears to not be in operation anymore. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to ebook this strolling tour of the historic metropolis to find out about its wealthy historical past as you are taking within the previous city’s structure and see Cartagena’s elite, who nonetheless personal most of the grand colonial houses within the previous metropolis.
Whenever you stroll by means of the cobblestone streets, you get a glimpse into what the town was like centuries in the past. The Cartagena Full Day Metropolis Tour takes you thru the highlights of the town, together with Las Bóvedas, the streets of Getsemaní, the tunnel system of Castillo de San Felipe, and extra for simply $49 per particular person.
3. Store at Las Bóvedas
A collection of vaults was outlets promoting native crafts and souvenirs. This bustling market is crammed with vacationers. In the event you courageous the crowds, you’ll get an opportunity to buy distinctive trinkets, souvenirs, and exquisite mochila baggage made by the ladies of the Wayuu indigenous tribes.
Las Bovedas is a sight in itself. One of many final constructions 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 Information affords metropolis excursions and excursions round Cartegena with straightforward cancellation as much as 24 hours upfront.
4. Road Artwork of Getsemani Neighborhood
The Getsemani neighborhood is one other cease it is best to add to your itinerary. It’s one of the crucial essential neighborhoods in Cartagena, plus a cultural and political hub. It’s crammed with wonderful avenue artwork.
Brilliant colours and exquisite murals adorn most of the partitions there and hold you captivated as you wander round. Identified for its colourful streets, graffiti artwork, and full of life ambiance, this neighborhood is a cultural hotspot.
5. Go to Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
Visiting Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas is not only a visit to the historic fortress of this fortified metropolis on the Caribbean Coast. It’s an immersive journey into the center of Cartagena’s colonial historical past. This imposing construction, proudly standing atop the San Lázaro hill, is an emblem of the strategic significance of Cartagena within the colonial period.
Acknowledged as one of the crucial vital fortifications constructed by the Spanish within the Americas, Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas is an architectural marvel and has unbelievable panoramic metropolis views. The Castillo is well one of many prime points of interest and probably the greatest issues to do in Cartagena.
The fortress, initially constructed within the Seventeenth century, performed an important position in defending the town towards pirates and invaders throughout colonial instances.
Guests can take guided excursions to study in regards to the fortress’s historical past, strategic significance, and building particulars.
Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas is situated simply exterior the walled metropolis and is well accessible by a brief taxi journey or a reasonable stroll from the town heart. Its outstanding place on San Lázaro Hill makes it a visual landmark. The highest of the fortress affords breathtaking views of Cartagena and the Caribbean Sea, perfect for images lovers.
6. Loosen up at Playa Blanca
Situated on Barú Island, this gorgeous white-sand seashore is a slice of paradise, identified for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and picturesque setting.
The seashore is right for swimming as a consequence of its calm, clear waters, and sunbathing on the gentle, white sands is a soothing approach to benefit from the tropical solar. You’ll be able to go snorkeling, and there are a number of beachside eating places and shacks to get pleasure from contemporary seafood and conventional Colombian coastal dishes.. Enjoyable at Playa Blanca in Cartagena affords an ideal mix of pure magnificence and serene ambiance.
Playa Blanca is a well-liked day journey from Cartagena, and you’ll go to it as a part of a tour or by yourself. The preferred approach to attain Playa Blanca is by boat. You’ll be able to catch a ship from the Muelle de los Pegasos close to the Cartagena Conference Middle. These boats normally depart within the morning and return within the afternoon.
It’s also possible to attain Playa Blanca by street. It’s a couple of 1.5-hour drive from Cartagena. You’ll be able to rent a taxi or be a part of a bunch tour that features transportation. These idyllic islands supply crystal-clear waters and are excellent for snorkeling and diving.
7. Take a Rosario Islands Day Journey
Simply 100 kilometers (62 miles) offshore, however seemingly a world away, is the Rosario Islands. The Rosario Islands are a bunch of over 28 islands and are a part of Colombia’s Nationwide Pure Park system.
There you’ll be able to benefit from the native seafood and all the pieces that you just love in regards to the Caribbean – the clear blue skies, white sand seashores, and dwelling on “island time.” The islands boast a few of the most lovely seashores in Colombia.
The clear Caribbean waters and coral reefs make this a main spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. : Many excursions supply the prospect to discover varied islands within the archipelago, every with its distinctive appeal and options.
To succeed in the Rosario Islands, take into account Sundown Crusing Cartagena, which affords day excursions. This extremely rated tour affords 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 chic escape into an archipelago famend for its gorgeous pure magnificence and vibrant marine life.
8. Expertise the Nightlife in Cartagena
The Previous Metropolis comes alive at night time with a wealthy, vibrant nightlife.
Make sure that to go to the full of life bars, golf equipment, and cafes, particularly within the areas of Getsemaní, the Previous City, and Plaza de la Trinidad. Plaza de la Trinidad has loads 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.
Within the night, Plaza de San Diego additionally transforms right into a vibrant nightlife spot.
9. Go to 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 within the coronary heart of Cartagena’s walled metropolis shouldn’t be solely a window into Colombia’s colonial previous but additionally a testomony to the resilience and transformation of its folks.
Visiting the Palace of the Inquisition in Cartagena is a profound and enlightening expertise, delving into a big facet of the town’s wealthy historic tapestry.
The Palace of the Inquisition is located within the bustling Plaza de Bolívar, simply accessible from any a part of the Previous Metropolis. 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, lovely façade and well-preserved inside courtyards reflecting the Spanish colonial fashion. It was as soon as the seat of the Holy Workplace of the Inquisition in Cartagena, established to evaluate and condemn heresy and different non secular offenses. One of many extra chilling displays consists of the devices of torture used through the Inquisition, offering a stark glimpse into this darkish interval of historical past.
The museum additionally showcases quite a lot of historic artifacts, colonial artwork, and paperwork that paint a vivid image of life in Cartagena through the colonial period.
10. Discover La Popa Monastery
Exploring La Popa Monastery is a mesmerizing journey to one in every of Cartagena’s most iconic landmarks, perched atop the best hill within the metropolis it offers gorgeous views of the town and homes non secular artwork and artifacts. La Popa Monastery, formally often known as the Convento de la Candelaria, affords not solely a non secular retreat but additionally a few of the most breathtaking views of Cartagena.
La Popa Monastery is situated on La Popa Hill, the best level in Cartagena. It’s simply accessible by taxi or a guided tour, which is advisable as a result of steepness and seclusion of the street resulting in the monastery. The journey to the highest affords glimpses of the town from completely different views.
Initially constructed within 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 heart. 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.
Maybe essentially the most gorgeous characteristic of La Popa Monastery is the panoramic view it affords of Cartagena, the Caribbean Sea, and the encircling areas, making it a unbelievable spot for images.
11. Go Dancing
Study native dances like salsa and champeta. The folks of Cartagena love to bounce and one of the best ways to immerse within the tradition is to exit and dance with the locals.
In the event you aren’t assured about your dance expertise, don’t fear! Brush up in your salsa expertise at Loopy Salsa. Their skilled dancers will assist you grasp your strikes very quickly and introduce you to this widespread Latin American dance. Cafe Havana is one other place that has salsa experiences the place you’ll be able to watch folks dance or take part.
There are excursions that cater to dancing your method across the previous city and its native bars. It is a nice tour that features consuming at native avenue meals spots, a mixology class, and an evening of dancing.
12. Go to the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro Zenú)
Visiting the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro Zenú) in Cartagena affords 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 within the coronary heart of Cartagena’s historic downtown and showcases the cultural historical past and craftsmanship of the Zenú indigenous folks.
The Gold Museum is conveniently situated within the Plaza de Bolivar, within the historic heart of Cartagena. This central location makes it simply accessible on foot from many different vacationer points of interest, resorts, and eating places within the Previous Metropolis. Plus, the Gold Museum affords free entry, making it an accessible attraction for all guests.
The Gold Museum presents a singular alternative to grasp the traditional civilizations that after thrived on this area.
13. Loosen up within the Plaza de San Diego
Enjoyable within the Plaza de San Diego is a quintessential Cartagena expertise providing a vibrant slice of native life. This picturesque sq. is nestled within the coronary heart of Cartagena’s historic district. It’s a excellent spot to unwind and people-watch.
The plaza is surrounded by quite a lot of cafés and eating places, providing an opportunity to style native Colombian delicacies in addition to worldwide dishes. The sq. usually comes alive with avenue performers, musicians, and artists, including a full of life cultural vibe to the ambiance.
Plaza de San Diego is situated inside the walled metropolis, making it simply accessible on foot from most of the metropolis’s prime points of interest. Its central location within the San Diego neighborhood locations it shut to numerous resorts, eating places, and outlets.
14. Set Sail on a Sundown Cruise
Benefit from the coastal great thing about Cartagena from the water. Top-of-the-line 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. Guide it right here.
You’ll set sail by means of the Bay of Cartagena de Indias as you take heed to music and take within the skyline of spectacular Cartagena. You’ll see the Manga and Bocagrande neighborhood, Castillo Grande, and Manzanillo Island, and then you definately’ll proceed alongside to the El Laguito neighborhood and Tierrabomba Island.
15. Stroll Alongside the Metropolis Partitions at Sundown
In the event you aren’t up for hitting the water, take a stroll alongside the town partitions for a view of the historic centre from above. These partitions supply a romantic and picturesque view of the town. Make your approach to Cafe del Mar for sundown cocktails.
The partitions have been constructed to guard from pirates as Cartagena de Indias was a strategic location and port for export to Spain.
16. Espresso tasting at San Alberto
Do a espresso tasting at Cafe San Alberto, led by third technology espresso grower Gustavo Villota. Within the class, you’ll find out about espresso crops and find out how to course of espresso. You’ll expertise a sensory train as you get pleasure from freshly brewed espresso.
This is likely one of the most awarded and well-known specialty coffees grown in Buenavista, Columbia. Whenever you style this, it simply is perhaps the most effective espresso you’ve ever tasted. After your class, go to the cafe under the classroom to buy high quality beans to convey house.
Libertario Espresso 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 a few of the best aged rum within the Caribbean completely paired with an array of scrumptious Colombian chocolate, all curated by the somellier.
Whereas there, absorb views of this historic lodge, which was previously a convent.
18. Go to the Nationwide Aviary
In the event you love birds, then go to the Nationwide Aviary of Colombia Tour. It homes 135 species of untamed birds and lets guests study in regards to the completely different species by means of 21 interactive stations. Count on to see flamingos, parrots, emus, Harpy Eagles, and plenty of extra.
The place to Keep in Cartagena
Historic residences and restored convents now home a few of the luxurious boutique resorts in Cartagena.
Sleeping in quarters in-built Spanish colonial instances, you will discover that many of the rooms are centered round open-air courtyards however have been up to date to accommodate fashionable facilities. Listed below are just a few of our favourite locations to remain.
Casa San Augustin – The Casa San Augustin is a boutique lodge that exudes luxurious from its colonial-era white-washed buildings to its prime location within the coronary heart of Cartagena.
It’s Seventeenth-century grandeur at its best. The 20 rooms and 11 beautiful suites are situated in three homes to present it the texture of house.
The architectural particulars are second to none, from the wooden beam ceilings to the spiral staircases in a few of the two-story suites. Suites are furnished with all of the creature comforts, robes, and Ortigia Italian facilities.
The lodge additionally features a stress-free spa and a 300-year-old aqueduct within the heart of the lodge with a picturesque L-shaped pool. Superb eating is out there within the Alma restaurant, which additionally serves because the breakfast room within the morning.
Casa Cochera del Gobernador – Staying on the Casa Cochera del Gobernador for 2 nights and we might have simply stayed extra.
Situated within the historic Cartagena de Indias by the Santa Catalina Cathedral and is housed in one of many metropolis’s oldest buildings, relationship again to the sixteenth Century.
The rooms are superbly appointed with luxurious bedding and a lightweight and ethereal really feel, supplying you with the proper backdrop for a night of relaxation. A scrumptious breakfast is served by pleasant workers on the second flooring, and the contemporary, native fruit on the buffet is mouthwatering.
Take pleasure in Native Delicacies
Strive conventional dishes like arepas, ceviche, and contemporary seafood.
The town’s culinary scene is flourishing in Cartagena. Domestically sourced meals are ample right here.
From the bounty of the ocean to the contemporary, regionally grown fruits and veggies, most of the native eating places use this wealthy useful resource to create conventional dishes with an island aptitude. Right here, you will discover conventional dishes like ceviche, or Arroz con coco or Pargo Frito.
Whether or not you might be eating at a five-star restaurant or grabbing a fast chunk from a avenue vendor, you gained’t be disenchanted. In Cartagena, there is no such thing as a scarcity of fantastic eating places and cafes to expertise.
Concina de Pepina – Relying 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 the crucial well-known eating places on the north coast.
Simply you’ll want to get there early, as they don’t take reservations.
Carmen Restaurant – One in all my favourite lunch spots is Carmen Restaurant.
I liked the picture-perfect fashionable décor and the plush tree-filled patio. Meals is artwork at this family-run restaurant, serving up native flavors with a contemporary twist. Strive the artfully offered salads and ceviche dishes, and mains with contemporary fish.
Marea by Rausch – One other waterfront possibility is the Upscale Marea by Rausch Restaurant. There, you’ll be able to get pleasure from scrumptious watermelon salads, Ceviche, and contemporary seafood dishes.
Carne lovers can get pleasure from well-prepared beef filets served with wine jus. Count on to get pleasure from Michelin-star service and meals with out the hefty price ticket delivered to you by the well-known Rausch brothers.
- Guide forward for a desk on the sought-after waterfront terrace, the place you not solely get a tremendous 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, appeal, and a previous crammed with pirates.
Based in 1533 by Spanish commander Pedro de Heredia, the town grew affluent shortly, and with the newfound riches got here the specter of assaults from marauding sea pirates.
After a number of assaults, Cartagena started to guard itself by setting up walled compounds and castles. Many of those exist in the present day and await being explored.
- Cartagena is situated in Colombia, South America. The principle language is Spanish.
- The foreign money is the Colombian Peso: 1 USD = 3019 Colombian Pesos. See Foreign money Converter for up-to-date charges.
- Copa Airways affords every day flights to Cartagena by means of Panama Metropolis (airline hub).
- Flying with Copa Airways permits you a ‘24-hour layover in Panama’ at no additional price.
- It’s a terrific alternative to go to Casa Viejo and the Panama Canal.
When to go to Cartagena
The climate stays fixed in Cartagena. It’s sizzling year-round. The one issues that change are humidity and precipitation.
December to March is the most effective time to go to Cartagena: The climate is heat through the day and breezy at night time, and the humidity is low. However it’s the excessive season so there are extra vacationers. In the event you like nightlife, the bars might be hopping right now of 12 months.
There’s one other secondary excessive season the week earlier than Easter. It’s crowded throughout this time, and costs are costlier. June by means of September is the moist season and the most popular months. Temperatures vary all year long from 24 – 32 levels Celcius. (75-91 Fahrenheit)
And now that you understand extra about all of the issues to do in Cartegena, I’ll go away you with a narrative.
Probably the most well-known writers from Colombia was Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
Whereas working as a journalist for El Common, the native newspaper, he realized in regards to the discovery of a corpse of a younger lady with copper hair as they have been renovating the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Resort, a former convent and hospital. The crypt the place she was discovered can nonetheless be accessed by means of a glass gate at Santa Clara’s El Coro Bar.
This expertise impressed his bestseller, Of Love and Different Demons.
Photograph courtesy: Joe Ross from Lansing, Michigan through Wikimedia Commons