Find history, architecture, rest and beaches in Cartagena.
Cartagena is a town in the north of the country on the Atlantic coast. It was founded in the sixteenth century. The old town is walled and perfectly preserved.
In the Spanish colonial period, Cartagena was the most important trading city and the historic center is National Heritage of Colombia and a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1984.
Enjoy the wide variety of culinary and cultural possibilities and the local music on which you can (learn to) dance salsa.
After visiting the beautiful and atmospheric historic center, from here you can go to the Rosario Islands with their beautiful beaches and impressive coral reefs.
Weather
Average temperature 27°C.
Recommended clothing
Summer clothes, comfortable shoes and swimwear.
How to get there?
Cartagena can be reached by plane, public transport or car. In the old city center you can travel by taxi, public transport or your own car.
What does this place offer you?
• Wonderful beaches.
• History: Cartagena is called the best-preserved 17th-century city in South America.
• Architecture: the Spanish colonial buildings breathe a bygone era.
• Gastronomy: in the city you will find many small restaurants with delicious dishes.
• Nightlife: everywhere you can enjoy passionate music and dance.
What to do?
• Stroll through the beautiful historic center in Spanish-colonial style.
• Enter one of the museums to learn more about the city's rich past.
• Visit the Cathedral of Santa Catalina de Alejandría, one of the oldest in America.
• Enjoy the beaches of, for example, Bocagrande and the promenade.
• Visit the impressive castle of San Felipe de Barajas.
• Discover the city's nightlife full of good restaurants and lively bars.
• Climb to Cerro de la Popa for a magnificent view of the city.
• Walk on the wide city walls built to defend against pirates.
• Enjoy a nice boat trip, preferably at sunset.
Typical local dishes
• Posta negra: beef prepared in a sweet sauce.
• Mote de queso: a soup made of carrot, cheese, lemon, onion and garlic.
• Egg arepa: fried arepa made with flour with an egg in it and sometimes meat.
Tips
• You will find many street traders both in the city and on the beaches. If you're not interested in their products, don't take anything from them. Also refuse a ``free`` sample, because costs are often charged for such a sample.
• In this city you find many shops with luxury products and high prices.
• Everywhere you see palenqueras, women in colorful costumes selling cocada or fruit. If you want to take a picture of them, ask their permission or buy something from them.
• Check a restaurant's menu before entering as some are extremely expensive.
What else to see and do?
• Islas Rosario (Rosario Islands): a special group of beautiful islands in crystal clear waters where you can enjoy the beach and all kinds of water sports – 46 km from Cartagena.
• Volcán de Totumo: here you can take a mud bath that is said to have healing properties – 55 km from Cartagena.
• Barú: a coastal town with basic hotels and mainly young people looking for entertainment. The sea water is crystal clear, but the whole thing looks a bit messy. Baru can be reached both by land and sea – 47 km from Cartagena.
