Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the Venice of Colombia and the country’s most romantic city. With just the right mix of sun, sand, and colonial charm, it’s likely to be the highlight of your trip to Colombia. On my 10-Day Colombia adventure, walking around Cartagena was like stepping back in time. Especially in the old walled city. Complete with cobblestone streets and grandiose balconies. This city is the perfect introduction to South America, if you want to ease your way into it. Check out my list of recommended things to do in Cartagena!
Why should YOU visit Cartagena, Colombia?
Cartagena is a South American jewel that deserves a visit. Thanks not only to the colonial buildings, but also to the sandy beaches, mouth-watering cuisine, and raucous nightlife. Book that trip!
Hop On Hop Off Bus
I know this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but hear me out! This open-top bus takes you to many districts around the city that allows you to hop on and hop off at your pace. You can discover some both local gems, or stop at the Bocagrande Plaza Mall for shopping. How often can you find a mall with sea views? On the bus, you’ll also hear tidbits of information and history facts as a bonus. One of the cheapest things to do in Cartagena and you’ll cover some ground! Especially if you have less than a week to spend in this beautiful city. You can choose between the 1 or 2 day hopper.
This bus also drops off at popular locations including San Sebastian de Pastelillo, Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, and Castillogrande.
City Sightseeing Tour
In addition to covering a lot of ground on the bus, I also recommend a city sightseeing tour. This is done by foot and with a local guide who can give you the ins and outs of life in Colombia. My group participated in the tour led by This is Cartagena, and it was fantastic! You can read my full review of that tour here.
We walked by the charming barrio of San Diego, saw iconic churches, and went to major landmarks n Cartagena’s Old Town. We also stopped in the Emerald Museum and Factory to learn about the history of emerald mining. Colombia is by far the largest producer of emeralds. This country accounts for 70-90% of the world’s emerald market. While you certainly can purchase emeralds at the end of your visit, we were not pressured to do so.
Totumo Mud Volcano
This adventure is about 45 minutes out of town. And what an exciting adventure this is! Take a slippery staircase up a small hill to reach the pit of this active mud volcano. Float in the viscous volcanic mud said to have healing properties. Get some great photos taken of you as a keepsake. Looking to relax? Enjoy a massage, and you’ll get all the help you need to clean the mud off at the end of your tour.
Just remember to wear a bathing suit and footwear that you’re happy to get dirty. The mud can stain and may impart a lingering and unpleasant smell. Most people visit as part of a day tour or by taxi from Cartagena.
El Salar de Galerazamba (Pink Sea)
Located about 45 minutes north of Cartagena is one of the more interesting and unique places to see nearby. The Pink Sea of Cartagena. More properly referred to as the Salinas de Galerazamba, Colombia for the salt mine and town where it is located, it makes for a great full or half day trip from Cartagena. On the drive here, you’ll get a chance to see a bit of the countryside. It can be visited in half a day, but it’s recommended to combine it with the Mud Volcano of Totumo. That way you can maximize your time in the city!
Getsemani District
Getsemani has become the artsy, party neighborhood of Cartagena. There are vivid, painted murals, street performers, street vendors and crowds in the evenings, especially Friday and Saturday. Bright and vibrant. I highly recommend spending some time here. Afterwards, enjoy dinner at an amazing Restaurante La Casa de Socorro. Everything was fresh and flavorful!
Freedom Tour of Palenque
If you want to dig beneath the tourist sites and really learn about the culture and history of Colombia, this ‘Freedom Tour’ of San Basilio de Palenque is ideal. You’ll visit a variety of places that demonstrate how the distinct African culture has been maintained for centuries. Learn about traditional music and dance, folk medicine, and Palenque’s unique language.
National Aviary of Colombia
Where are my bird lovers? Just outside of Cartagena, you can visit the National Aviary of Colombia. This conservation organization promotes knowledge about Colombian biodiversity, its sustainable use and responsible management. It is an ecological paradise that not only offers an ecotourism experience, but a space to promote knowledge and environmental education about the biodiversity of our birds. Here, you can find 130+ bird species.
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena
Originally built as a convent in 1621, the Sofitel Santa Clara is a legendary landmark in the heart of Cartagena’s walled city. Mixing Colonial and Republican-style architecture with modern comfort, the hotel features gourmet cuisine, exceptional service, a world-class spa, meeting facilities and state of the art technology for events, conventions and weddings.
Hotel Quadrifolio
Quadrifolio is a small, luxury hotel with character. They offer exceptional service under the grandeur of a Spanish Colonial residence. Located in the heart of the walled city, it was originally built in the XVII century and was restored under the most rigorous conservation standards. Quadrifolio offers a full range of concierge services, internet, laundry and dry cleaning, massages, manicure, pedicure and hair styling services among others.
Hotel Casa San Agustin
Casa San Agustín is a luxury boutique hotel of 20 refined guestrooms and 11 spacious suites in the city of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. Three colonial homes have been totally renovated and lovingly restored to create the sense of staying in a well-curated and appointed home of a sophisticated best friend. Situated within the historic walled city, and dating from the 17th Century, the charm of the buildings has been enhanced with a respect for maintaining original frescoes in the library and wooden beamed ceilings.
Plaza de Bolívar
This iconic public square is surrounded by a historic cathedral, museum & government buildings. Serving as a quiet oasis during the day, this is one of the few plazas you can get a bit of peace and quiet. With plenty of trees allowing for shade, you can relax on a park bench. Catch up on your favorite book or people watch! It’s located just across the street from Inquisition Museum and El Museo del Oro Zenu.
Rosario Islands
Being so close to the equator, Cartagena Colombia is warm year-round. So regardless of when you visit, the beach is always a good time! The Rosario Islands form an archipelago on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Think fun in the sun, lazing on beaches, snorkeling adventures and cocktail sunsets. And all just a 45-minute boat ride from Cartagena. That’s reason enough for most to visit. Also, can we talk about the delicious fresh fish and coconut rice? I’m still dreaming of that. Check out my full review of this Rosario Islands tour!
Bazurto Market
Get your bearings in Cartagena’s biggest market, on a tour of Bazurto Market. This is the perfect introduction to local life for first-time visitors. You can mingle with the locals while also supporting their small businesses. Want to elevate your experience? Opt for a cooking class after the market tour.
Catch the Sunset at Cafe del Mar
By far the most popular restaurant to catch the sunset, Cafe Del Mar is located in the heart of the walled city. Grab a drink and some small appetizer bites and toast to your first or last night in the city. I highly recommend getting reservations as it gets crowded.
Enjoy the Local Foods
Just get lost in the city, and let your nose do the guiding. There are so many hole in the wall restaurants ready for some good eating! Colombia offers an eclectic mix of different cuisines. There was of course ceviche, which is typically a Peruvian dish. But Colombia has their own spin on it. You could also find lots of other good seafood dishes. Check out Practical Wanderlust’s full guide to Colombia foods here.
As the Indigenous population was quickly decimated by the invaders, the Spanish brought enslaved Africans to work primarily along the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. As a result, there is a strong African influence on Colombia’s cuisine, especially along the coast. Beans, plantains, and thick soups such as the coastal sancocho (which uses the common African grain, guandul) are just a few examples of African-Colombians’ influence on common dishes.
Rub La Gorda Gertrudis’ Butt
Many people have heard of the artist Fernando Botero. He is a Colombian figurative artist and sculptor, born in Medellin. His signature style known as “Boterismo” depicts people and figures in large, exaggerated volume. In Cartagena’s walled city, you’ll find La Gorda Gertrudis. A voluptuous statue. It’s said that if you rub her butt, you’ll have good luck. Does it work? Guess, you’ll have to book that flight and find out! You can find her in the Santo Domingo Square (Plaza de Santo Domingo).
Take Photos with the Palenqueras
You’ve seen them on the front of every Colombia travel guide and Instagram post. You’ll find them painted on thousands of souvenirs. If you visit Cartagena’s historical walled city, you’ll without-a-doubt spot the palenqueras. Beautiful black women in colorful dresses expertly balancing bowls of tropical fruit on their heads.
While the original way palenqueras (fruit ladies) made their money was by selling fruit. Now, it’s selling photos with tourists while wearing fruit! My how times have changed… Either way, it’s the quintessential Cartagena photo. And it’s one of the fun things to do in Cartagena!
Get Lost in the Walled City
As you can see above, there’s so much to see and do in the beautiful Cartagena. Some of my most enjoyable experiences, however was walking around and getting lost in the walled city. You easily need at least 2 full days to really soak it up.
It is the most preserved and complete fortification in South America, and one of the best walled cities in the world. It runs along the 11 kilometers of the walled cordon, one of the most important attractions of Cartagena. It’s declared a World Cultural Heritage Site and an invaluable treasure that has resisted the attacks of invaders, time and nature. Built to keep enemies away, today the Walls are a symbol of Cartagena, inviting travelers to enter a city full of history and unique character.
Heading to Cartagena?
