About Cartagena
Cartagena, known since the imperial era as Cartagena de Indias, is a city and one of the major ports on the northern coast of Colombia in the Caribbean Coast Region, along the Caribbean Sea. Cartagena's past role as a link in the route to the West Indies provides it with important historical value for world exploration and preservation of heritage from the great commercial maritime routes. As a former Spanish colony, it was a key port for the export of Bolivian silver to Spain and for the import of enslaved Africans under the asiento system. It was defensible against pirate attacks in the Caribbean. The city's strategic location between the Magdalena and Sinú rivers also gave it easy access to the interior of New Granada and made it a main port for trade between Spain and its overseas empire, establishing its importance by the early 1540s.
Places to visit in Cartagena
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Clock Tower Gate
LandmarkThe main gateway into Cartagena's walled old town, topped by a clock tower and opening onto lively colonial plazas. Walk through in the evening, when the old town is cooler and the squares fill with music.
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Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
HistoricA massive Spanish fortress built on a hill to protect the city from pirates and rival empires. Explore its tunnels, and go early in the day because there is little shade on the ramparts.
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Getsemaní
NeighborhoodA colorful neighborhood just outside the walls, known for street art, small plazas and an active nightlife. Visit Plaza de la Trinidad in the evening, when street performers and food vendors gather.
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Rosario Islands
Beach · 23 mi from centreA group of small coral islands in a marine park, reached by boat from the city's main dock. Book with a reputable operator and bring cash, as many beach services do not accept cards.
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Palace of the Inquisition
Museum · 2 mi from centreA colonial mansion with a fine baroque doorway that once served as the seat of the Spanish Inquisition, now a history museum. It faces Plaza de Bolívar, a shady square good for a rest.
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Church of San Pedro Claver
Religious · 2 mi from centreA stone church and former convent honoring the Jesuit priest who ministered to enslaved Africans. Visit the small museum in the cloister to learn more about his life and the colonial slave trade.
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La Popa Monastery
ViewpointA monastery on the city's highest hill with panoramic views over the bay and old town. Go by taxi or with a tour rather than walking up, since the route is steep and isolated.
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Bocagrande
Neighborhood · 2 mi from centreA modern peninsula of high-rise hotels and apartments lined with city beaches. It is handy for an easy swim, but expect persistent beach vendors and agree on any price before accepting services.
Things to do in Cartagena by type
73 tours, tickets and experiences across 5 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Day Trips & Excursions 40 experiences 4 Islands at Cartagena - Full-Day Tour -
City tours 16 experiences Cartagena City - Chiva Bus Tour -
Cruise & Water Tours 13 experiences 5 Islands - Full-Day Tour by Boat -
Art & culture 9 experiences Cartagena City Tour and San Felipe Castle -
Gastronomy & nightlife 3 experiences Pub Crawl in the Getsemani District
- Over 6 hours 19
- 1-3 hours 10
- 3-6 hours 7
- Flexible 1
- Up to 1 hour 1
- Youth 4
- Families 4
- Couples 3
- Senior 3
- Private 4
- Small group 3
- Shore excursions 2
- Wheelchair accessible 1
Top experiences in Cartagena
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 73 available.
Bora Bora Beach Club Day Pass with Transfers
From $138 per adult
Rosario Islands and Baru's White Beach with Transfers
From $103 per adult
Baru Island Paradise: Playa Blanca - Full-Day Tour
From $26 per adult
Cartagena City Tour and San Felipe Castle
From $32 per adult
Excursion to Majagua Rosario Islands
From $176 per adult
Cartagena Personalized Highlights and Hidden Gems - Private Tour
From $39 per adult
Isla del Rosario & Baru (White Beach) Day pass without Transport
From $57 per adult
Magical Cartagena - Panoramic Boat Tour
From $58 per adult
Cartagena City - Chiva Bus Tour
From $17 per adult
Chiva Rumbera Tour in Cartagena
From $16 per adult
4 Islands at Cartagena - Full-Day Tour
From $75 per adult
Baru island and Rosario Island - Full-Day Tour with Lunch
From $60 per adult
Where to stay in Cartagena
Popular hotels in Cartagena, out of 348 properties you can book.
InterContinental Cartagena
From $183 per night
Hilton Cartagena
From $721 per night
Zalmedina
From $65 per night
Holiday Inn Cartagena Morros
From $194 per night
NH Cartagena Urban Royal
From $127 per night
Regatta Cartagena
From $114 per night
Holiday Inn Express Cartagena Bocagrande
From $123 per night
Decameron Cartagena
From $512 per night
Decameron Barú
From $536 per night
Dann Cartagena
From $142 per night
Radisson Cartagena Ocean Pavillion Hotel
From $155 per night
Capilla del Mar
From $122 per night
Best time to visit Cartagena
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Cartagena is January, when average daytime highs are around 90°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Cartagena weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 83° 74° 92%
- Thu 22 Oct 84° 75° 63%
- Fri 23 Oct 85° 77° 79%
- Sat 24 Oct 84° 77° 75%
- Sun 25 Oct 83° 74° 83%
- Mon 26 Oct 82° 75° 93%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Colombian peso (COP)1 US dollar ≈ $3,174
- Language
- Spanish
- Calling code
- +57
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/BogotaUTC−5
- Capital
- Bogotá
Upcoming public holidays in Colombia
- All Saints’ DayDia de los Santos
- Independence of CartagenaIndependencia de Cartagena
- Immaculate ConceptionLa Inmaculada Concepción
- Christmas DayNavidad
- New Year's DayAño Nuevo
- EpiphanyDía de los Reyes Magos
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Cartagena
These are the airports closest to central Cartagena. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- CTG Rafael Núñez International Airport2 mi (3 km) from the city centre
Getting around Cartagena
The old town in particular is best explored walking. Most places in Bocagrande are also within walking distance.
By bus
To reach other destinations such as the San Felipe fort, Bocagrande, Castillogrande, airport, etc. there are many buses running all over the city. Ask the driver or other people who are waiting which bus goes to your destination. An urban bus ticket cost COP$2,300 sold by the driver (A bus driver doesn't accept the money. Locals use a plastic card to go inside a bus. August 2023).
By taxi
Taxis don't have meters in Cartagena, fares should be negotiated. There are printed fares, but they are more like minimum fares. Even negotiated rates are often higher, especially in high season. There are also night and air condition surcharges each of a few hundred pesos. Confirm your fare before getting in the taxi. Taxi drivers may demand ridiculous rates if not negotiated in advance.
By chariot
A chariot is a popular way for tourists to get to know the old town. These can be flagged down in the street or there are usually some waiting at the Plaza Bolívar or close to the Santa Clara hotel. They are reminiscent of public transportation of colonial Cartagena, and essentially complete the atmosphere of the old town.
Cartagena travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Cartagena?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Cartagena is January, when average daytime highs are around 90°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
What is the weather like in Cartagena?
March is usually the warmest month in Cartagena, with average highs of 91°F (33°C). November is the coolest, with average lows of 76°F (24°C). The wettest month is typically June, with about 203 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Cartagena?
Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) is the closest airport, about 2 miles (3 km) from the centre of Cartagena.
What currency is used in Cartagena?
Cartagena uses the Colombian peso (COP). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $3,174.
What time zone is Cartagena in?
Cartagena uses the America/Bogota time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Cartagena?
The old town in particular is best explored walking. Most places in Bocagrande are also within walking distance.
What are the best places to visit in Cartagena?
Top sights in Cartagena include Clock Tower Gate, Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, Getsemaní and Rosario Islands. The main gateway into Cartagena's walled old town, topped by a clock tower and opening onto lively colonial plazas. Walk through in the evening, when the old town is cooler and the squares fill with music.
What are the top things to do in Cartagena?
Popular experiences you can book in Cartagena include Bora Bora Beach Club Day Pass with Transfers, Rosario Islands and Baru's White Beach with Transfers and Baru Island Paradise: Playa Blanca - Full-Day Tour. Destina Holidays offers 73 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Cartagena?
The most popular types of experiences in Cartagena are day trips & excursions (40), city tours (16), cruise & water tours (13) and art & culture (9). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Cartagena?
Popular areas for hotels in Cartagena include Cartagena and Isla Baru. Well-reviewed options include InterContinental Cartagena and Hilton Cartagena.
How many hotels can I book in Cartagena?
Destina Holidays currently lists 348 properties in and around Cartagena, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
