What To Do in Cartagena, Colombia
Before my first visit to Cartagena, all I expected was heat, beaches and vibrant colors! While the city definitely has all that, it delivers so much more! I landed in beautiful Cartagena de Indias, Colombia in mid-November and temperatures were still in the high 80’s (high 20’s Celsius for everyone else). Originally, I intended to spend one week in Cartagena and one week in Bogota. But thanks to a warning I got from STEP about violent protests, I rearranged my plans. (Read about the STEP Program here!)
I don’t need more than one warning to avoid problems when abroad, especially when I’m solo. So, I decided to really take in this coastal Caribbean region at an extra slow pace. Warm weather, great inexpensive seafood, walking distance to the beach… It didn’t take much more to convince me to stay! The history and culture is so deep across the area, you could easily spend more than two weeks. But I’ve narrowed down what to do in Cartagena!
Ciudad Amurallada (The Walled City): This is where it all began. The 400-year-old boundary of the original city still stands, even though the city has now expanded far beyond the wall. A quick google search will find plenty FREE walking tours that will dive into the history of the cathedrals, statues and plazas. You’ll even learn about societal hierarchy through door handles! Seriously. I booked mine here Free Tour Cartagena. The tour is free, meaning they only operate on tips! So be kind. Definitely pair this with lots of sightseeing on your own. Early morning will get the best uncrowded pics of course. But each time of day is a completely different vibe worth experiencing. You’ll find plenty horse drawn carriages, Palenqueras selling photo ops and more flower-covered balconies on multi-colored colonial homes than you can photograph.
The Walled City is also home to fancier boutique hotels, shops and restaurants, which come with a higher price tag. If you’re like me and you enjoy people watching, because we all do, stop in Plaza Santo Domingo. It’s one of the largest squares inside the wall. Be sure to bring cash as street vendors sell everything here and you can always haggle a better price. Most importantly, this is one of the safest parts of the city. With a police station not far from the entry, you’ll see plenty officers patrolling the area. You’ll even spot security cameras throughout. So don’t worry, you’re in good hands!
Barrio Getsemani: Once a neighborhood with a bad rep, Getsemani is now consistently voted one of the Coolest Neighborhoods in the World. A little bohemian, a little urban; all the place you want to be. A few blocks in, you’ll see why people call it the City of 1,000 Colors. Most of the vibrant, colorful pics you’ve seen of Cartagena are in this neighborhood, including La Calle de Sombrillas! The murals are so refined that calling them graffiti should be a crime! Because the neighborhood is very old, the streets are very narrow, almost alley-like. Everywhere you turn, you’ll find boutique hotels with amazing rooftop patios and another photo-worthy street.
Centenario Park: This quiet park is an anomaly with the Walled City to the west and Getsemani to the south and east. Enter one of the 8 yellow arched entries around the park and you are in for an unexpected surprise. Walking through the park, you can find monkeys, iguanas and sloths…. Yes, sloths! Just hanging around. The best part is it’s free! I’m not aware of many places you can go and hold a sloth for free. While you can’t make a full day of it, Centenario Park is definitely worth adding to an afternoon to pass some time.
Palenqueras: While the Palenqueras are undeniably the most iconic Cartagena photo, they’re actually from a different city; San Basilio de Palenque. These women can be seen in Cartagena, mostly throughout the walled city. However, you can find them at several tourist hot spots too; like the Cartagena sign at La Playa Marbella and Restaurante Palenquera. Like any touristy photo opp involving people, a tip is expected, but this one is definitely worth it!
Volcan de Totumo: Being another top attraction, you’ll definitely be bombarded with tour options to El Totumo. For about $25 USD, you can take a mudbath in a dormant volcano! Exactly what you never knew you needed. 30 miles north of Cartagena, this 50′ high volcano is now completely filled with mud that is said to have “medicinal properties”. But that term is used very lightly! It seems no one is sure exactly how deep the pit is on the inside. Be prepared when you arrive though, everything here operates on tips; the guy holding your shoes, the guy who takes your photo, the guy who massages you in the pit, using el bano. So bring plenty pesos! Also, be ready to rinse off in a nearby pond. Local women will help, for a tip of course! Or you can pay to use a shower. The locals also seem more entertained by the fact that anyone would willingly jump in there!
Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas: Spend one hour in the city and you’re going to see this massive fortress a dozen times. That’s because it was strategically located on a hill to spot oncoming attacks to the city. In doing so, it prevented English invasion of the city allowing Spanish rule to continue. Now, it’s open to the public for tours. Between the intricate underground tunnel system and the panoramic views, this is one fortress worth visiting. Tour options for this UNESCO landmark are plentiful around town.
Sunset Dinner: With Cartagena being right on the Caribbean Sea, you have to take in one sunset. That doesn’t mean just being out while the sun sets, that doesn’t count. I mean stationary, in one spot really taking in the beauty of sun melting into the water. You decide how you want to do this.
By sea: Sunset dinner cruise! There are tons of tour companies selling this, online and on the street. Just pick one! Most average 90 minutes and they all have the same menu; pollo o pescado.
By land: Everyone says Café del Mar is the best spot in the city, because it’s situated right on top of the city wall. A reservation will get you a table along the edge. What they don’t tell you about Café del Mar is it’s incredibly overpriced and the view far outweighs the food. I actually had to ask the waiter to reheat my food twice! I even double checked my Spanish in my translator to make sure I said it right the first time. If you can’t snag a seat, don’t worry. There are better options! First, the wall extends beyond Café del Mar. Locals sit on the wall, right next to the chain that delineates the restaurant area and enjoy the same view for free. Grab a drink and food from any vendor and you’re good to go. Plus, you still get to enjoy the restaurants’ DJ! Second, I stayed in Bocagrande a week of my visit and stumbled onto El Muelle, in the Hollywood Beach area. Sure, there’s no cannon, but my food was so good, I came back for breakfast the next morning. And the view is just as good, for half the price. You decide.
Chiva Party: Colombia’s party bus! This is a great way to get out and see Cartagena’s vibrant nightlife while meeting people. Live Vallenato music, dancing and a ride to drop you off at bars around the city! Chivas also include an open bar if that’s where your night is heading! They also serve non-alcoholic drinks. You can usually book right through your hotel. Cartagena does not sleep, so be prepared for a long night!
Beaches: With over 10 miles of coast in the metro area, the beaches are plentiful and enough to fill a day. But I have to admit, the surrounding islands provide a more secluded tropical vibe. If time and budget don’t allow, the beaches within city limits get you the sun and water sports you’re looking for! Bocagrande Beach is in one of Cartagena’s most popular neighborhoods, flowing with bars, restaurants, and shops. Located near upscale hotels, this is a top vacation spot for foreigners. Castillogrande is the other popular option. Being located near more private resorts and clubs, means fewer tourists and a more laid-back, peaceful atmosphere than Bocagrande. Both are great options to lay out, swim or relax while you watch the sunset.
Bonus: Great Day Trips from Cartagena!!
San Basilio de Palenque: Just under an hour southeast of Cartagena, you will find Palenque, in the Bolivar department. What makes this city special is it’s recognized as the first free-city established by former slaves in all of the Americas. Their history is so extensive, they still speak a rare blend of Spanish-based creole not spoken anywhere else! Palenque is also home to the famous Palenqueras! This trip deserves so much attention, here’s a more in-depth read on this unforgettable experience! What I Learned in Palenque, Colombia!
Island Tour: Every time you step out of your hotel, someone will try to sell you a tour to the islands. Buy one! Double check reviews though. The cost is going to vary based on your schedule and budget. The cheapest tour I found was a half day to Baru, one of the public beaches. On the other end, a complete tour of the Rosario Islands and private beaches will include snorkeling, lunch and much more comfortable transportation. I booked an overnight tour to Baru directly through my hotel with pickup and drop off. Baru is a 45-minute boat ride or 2-hour bus ride from Cartagena. If your schedule allows for it, I recommend splurging on an overnight stay, so you can experience the beach before and after it’s packed with day trippers.
Whether you’re jam-packing a weekend trip or taking it slow on a longer vacay, this Caribbean gem will not disappoint. Don’t forget to clear your camera roll, because this city deserves all the cloud space. Lastly, do not leave without eating all the coconut rice. Now that you know what to do in Cartagena, it’s time to Pick Up and Go!
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