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33 Cool Issues to Do in Cartagena, Colombia 2023 – Wild Junket Journey Journey Weblog


Final Up to date on April 18, 2023 by Nellie Huang

It’s unattainable to not fall in love with Cartagena. Get to know town inside out with my record of enjoyable issues to do in Cartagena Colombia.

Colombia’s Caribbean sweetheart is a metropolis of colours and tradition, the place the vitality is impalpable and the warmth relenting. Colorfully dressed palenquera women saunter alongside pastel-colored colonial homes and church buildings, whereas horse-drawn carriages trot alongside the cobblestoned roads, with upbeat salsa music echoing within the background. 

Sure, Cartagena is touristy — the historic city attracts in hordes of vacationers and cruise passengers — but when the place to look in Cartagena, you’ll discover quirky corners, fascinating historical past and an simple appeal. As a homage to my favourite metropolis to go to in Colombia, I’ve compiled an extended record of enjoyable issues to do in Cartagena to be sure you fall in love simply as I did!

things to do in cartagena - cartagena colombia

Historical past of Cartagena Colombia

Based in 1533, Cartagena was first established when Spanish commander Pedro de Heredia took over an deserted Amerindian Caribbean village and constructed a settlement of his personal. He named it Cartagena de Indias, in reference to the Spanish counterpart.

Right now, Spanish riches had been transported by Cartagena, incomes town massive sums to construct mansions. Folks from everywhere in the nation got here right here seeking to make their fortune. The coastal metropolis has performed a serious half within the historical past of Colombia; keeping off invasions, and battling pirates lured by the riches within the metropolis.

In 1821, Cartagena was the primary metropolis to declare independence from Spain. At the moment, the walled Outdated Metropolis stays unchanged, with among the finest preserved colonial structure in Latin America.

 things to do in cartagena colombia - horse carriage things to do in cartagena colombia - walking on the streets in downtown

Issues to Do in Cartagena

Poised alongside the Caribbean coast, Cartagena is a vastly standard place for these touring in Colombia. There are such a lot of issues to do in Cartagena, whether or not you’re right here for historical past, tradition or just a vacation. The massive metropolis is multi-faceted, with every of the districts displaying totally different aptitude. Listed here are the three most fascinating areas in Cartagena.

Cartagena Centro is the center of town, with a powerful assortment of colonial buildings packed right into a walled space. Your complete walled metropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage web site. Should you’re questioning the place to remain in Cartagena, I positively advocate staying in Centro or San Diego, each of that are within the walled metropolis.

Getsemaní is situated proper exterior the outdated colonial walled metropolis. Cartagena’s hippest neighborhood was as soon as suffering from crime and violence. Now it’s been remodeled right into a hipster enclave brimming with avenue artwork, cafes and boutique accommodations.

Bocagrande is essentially the most fashionable a part of Cartagena: a strip flanked by fancy accommodations, eating places, nightclubs and artwork galleries. Bocagrande seashores aren’t something to jot down dwelling about, however they do present a respite from Cartagena’s extraordinarily humid climate.

Issues to Do in Cartagena Walled Metropolis

The walled metropolis of Cartagena, or just generally known as Centro, is the palpitating coronary heart of town, and it’s the place I like to recommend staying (scroll down for lodge suggestions). I spent days simply wandering by the maze of cobbled alleys, balconies lined in bougainvillea, and big church buildings that solid their shadows throughout leafy plazas, and completely beloved it.

1. See the Clock Tower

The perfect place to start out your journey in Cartagena is the long-lasting landmark, the Clock Tower or Puerta del Reloj. That is the unique entrance of the fortified metropolis. Courting again to 1601, the tower was constructed to attach, through drawbridge, Getsemani with outdated Cartagena. 

Initially known as “La Boca del Puente” (The Mouth of the Bridge), it was rebuilt to accommodate a superior Swiss clock which the truth is remains to be in operation at present. That is additionally a great place to snap a photograph of the multi-colored row of colonial homes throughout the sq..

cartagena travel blog - clock tower

Where to Stay in Cartagena 2021

2. Go to the Cathedral

You’ll almost definitely acknowledge the Cathedral tower from postcards and images of Cartagena. Essentially the most iconic landmark of Cartagena will be seen from most elements of the fortified city.

Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría was designed by grasp builder Simón González, modeled after basilicas in Spain. Building started in 1577, changing a humble cathedral of straw and reeds. 

The Cartagena Cathedral at all times has its doorways huge open, so you may see its inside even when it’s not open for visits. The perfect photograph spot with the Cathedral within the background is on Calle Don Sancho. Stroll in direction of the ocean and switch round, for a beautiful view!

cathedral of cartagena - visit cartagena colombia cathedral of cartagena - visit cartagena colombia

Colombia Covid Journey Restrictions

Colombia not requires a detrimental coronavirus take a look at from vacationers getting into the nation by air. Anybody is welcomed to journey to Colombia.  However is Colombia secure to journey now, with the nationwide protests and COVID19 wreaking havoc? Learn my article to seek out out.

Cartagena is a complete away from Medellin and Bogota, and is way safer to go to on the whole. Crime ranges listed here are significantly decrease they usually hardly ever flip violent, however petty theft and related crime stay widespread. Three U.S. residents died in homicides in 2019, two of which occurred in Cartagena.

I at all times advocate vacationers to purchase journey insurance coverage, particularly when you’re touring throughout COVID-19. Security Wing is the preferred journey insurance coverage firm for COVID19-coverage. I exploit their Nomad Insurance coverage plan, which covers COVID-19 as some other sickness so long as it was not contracted earlier than your protection begin date. Check with my journey insurance coverage information for extra particulars.

3. Go to the Gold Museum

Situated across the nook from the Cathedral, the Museo de Oro Zenú is a smaller model of the world-class gold museum in Bogota. Should you’re not planning to journey Bogota, then make a pitstop right here to have a look of the gold and pottery of the Zenú (also referred to as Sinú) individuals, who inhabited the area earlier than the Spanish conquest. 

It’s free to enter, and the air-con is a refreshing respite from Cartagena’s oppressive humidity. Throughout my go to, the unique museum was underneath renovation however they opened a brief exhibit across the nook.

museo de oro zenu - top things to do in cartagena

4. Dangle Out at Parque de Bolivar

Proper subsequent to the gold museum is a small park (one of many many within the outdated city), and it’s devoted to Simon Bolivar, a reputation you’ll hear so much when touring South America. Simon Bolivar was a Venezuelan basic and statesman who introduced political independence to 6 present-day nations in South America. 

It’s a fantastic spot to watch native life: avenue distributors promoting fruit, seniors chatting on the benches, and kids hanging out. Sit on a shaded bench whilst you take within the sights and sounds round you.

parque de bolivar - top cartagena sights

5. Eat Arepas on the Streets

Should you’re in search of a morning snack, the road distributors at Parque Bolivar can positively fulfill your craving. One of the crucial widespread avenue meals you’ll discover in Colombia is the arepa, a thick cornmeal tortilla that’s grilled or baked. It’s normally served with carne (minced meat), huevo (egg) or queso (cheese). They’re insanely low-cost and good: an arepa prices simply 2000 – 2500 pesos ($0.50). 

You’ll discover arepa avenue distributors all over the place in Cartagena — however the good ones are those who fry the arepa on demand. Apart from those at Parque de Bolivar, I additionally actually just like the arepa stand parked in entrance of Townhouse Boutique Resort on Carrera 7 (solely within the evenings).

must sees in cartagena - arepas

6. Purchase Fruit from Native Distributors

The very first thing you’ll discover whenever you’re in Cartagena is the quantity of recent fruit all over the place! Cartagena is blessed with tropical climate and all types of juicy, scrumptious fruit develop right here: from large mangoes to passionfruit, and extra unique ones like lulo and mangosteen. 

You’ll discover males pushing carts brimming with all types of fruit and likewise palenqueras (learn subsequent level for extra) sashaying with fruit baskets on their heads. They’ve the most effective mangoes I’ve ever tried — they usually don’t style something like those at dwelling!

fruit stalls in cartagena - fun things to do in cartagena  fruit stalls in cartagena - fun things to do in cartagena

Be warned: Cartagena is HOT HOT HOT!

With its location on the Caribbean coast, Cartagena is extraordinarily sizzling and humid all 12 months. Put together to sweat and get utterly soaked whereas strolling round city. Strive to not prepare too many actions within the afternoon as that’s when it will get the most popular.

The perfect time to journey to Cartagena is from March-April and from June – August. It’s because it rains the least throughout these months. The wet season is usually in Could – June and October – November. It tends to be cloudy and overcast throughout this time. Temperatures vary from 76°F (24°C) to 88°F (31°C) whatever the season.

7. Get to know the Palenqueras

In every single place you go in Cartagena’s historic outdated city, you’ll spot the palenqueras: black girls in colourful clothes expertly balancing bowls of tropical fruit on their heads. Through the years, they’ve turn into the image of not simply Cartagena, however of Colombia. 

At the moment, they make their cash posing for images, however this wasn’t at all times the case. Initially from San Basilio de Palenque, these women are direct descendants of the world’s first free African slaves. They escaped from the colonizers and established a settlement simply 1.5 hours from Cartagena.

Again then, the ladies of Palenque would placed on their conventional African costume and make the lengthy journey into Cartagena by foot to promote baskets stuffed with tropical fruit. At the moment, the Palenqueras as a substitute make their cash from posing for curious vacationers. And it’s simple to see why: their stunning smiles and colourful conventional clothes set towards Cartagena’s crumbling mustard partitions make for a surprising photograph.

palenquera colombia - must sees in cartagena palenquera colombia - must sees in cartagena

8. See the San Pedro Claver Church

One other outstanding landmark within the outdated city (particularly its cupola) is the Iglesia de San Pedro Claver. Accomplished within the first half of the 18th century, the church has a gorgeous stone facade, and inside there are superb stained-glass home windows and a excessive altar product of Italian marble.

Based by Jesuits, the convent was named after Spanish-born monk Pedro Claver (1580–1654), who lived and died right here. Referred to as the ‘Apostle of the Blacks’ or the ‘Slave of the Slaves,’ the monk spent his life serving to enslaved individuals introduced from Africa. A collection of lucid work contained in the constructing relates his life story.

san pedro de claver - best sights in cartagena san pedro de claver - best sights in cartagena

9. Go to the Palace of the Inquisition

Just some minutes’ stroll from San Pedro Claver is the Palace of the Inquisition, one of many metropolis’s prettiest examples of Spanish Colonial structure. Inbuilt 1770, it contains a grandiose entrance constructed within the Baroque model, lengthy wood balconies lined with pink bougainvillea, and an ornate forged iron fence.

However this beautiful constructing hides a darkish secret — it was the infamous torture palace of the Spanish Inquisition. At the moment, the palace is a museum, displaying the inquisitors’ devices of torture. The museum additionally homes pre-Columbian pottery and plots a historic trajectory of town utilizing armaments, work, furnishings and even church bells.

visit cartagena colombia

10. Be a part of a Free Strolling Tour 

One of the simplest ways to get beneath the floor of Cartagena and meet different vacationers is to affix a free strolling tour. There are fairly a couple of free strolling excursions in Cartagena lately — simply look out for the yellow umbrella for the unique one.

My information Edgar was the primary particular person to start out free strolling excursions in Cartagena. He brings vacationers on a 2-hour stroll that covers the complete walled metropolis, visiting all of the spots I discussed above. The excursions begin at 10am and 2pm on a regular basis, departing from Plaza de Santa Teresa.  I positively realized much more from the stroll than I anticipated and extremely advocate it. E-book right here.

free walking tour - cartagena colombia free walking tour - cartagena colombia

11. Strive Recent Seafood at Native Eateries

In relation to meals, Cartagena has no scarcity of excellent eats. However lots of the eating places within the walled metropolis cater to vacationers and are overpriced — you do must dig a bit of deeper to seek out genuine Colombian meals.

Most native diners serve the menu del dia, a set meal that prices between 8000 to 15000 Pesos (US$2.5 – $4). It normally features a most important dish with coconut rice, patacon (flattened fried plantain), salad, and a thick soup with meat and corn, plus a juice.

In Cartagena, the primary dish is usually the mojarra fish which is served complete and fried. As soon as you permit the Caribbean coast, this shall be onerous to return by, so do strive it right here. I like to recommend attempting the mojarra at Atahualpa Restaurant — it’s actually recent and low-cost.

Different easy native diners value trying out are:

mojarra fish menu del dia - what to eat in cartagena

12. Strive Espresso Impressed Cocktails at Epoca Cafe

Colombia has the among the finest espresso on the earth — and there’s no scarcity of fantastic cafes throughout Cartagena. Should you’re merely in search of an excellent cuppa, head to Juan Valdez Cafe, a Colombian cafe chain that has turn into a family identify in lots of nations. It could appear to be a Starbucks, however even Colombians rave concerning the high quality espresso there.

For these searching for one thing a bit of totally different, I like to recommend trying out Epoca Espresso Bar, that has gained a following with its inventive espresso cocktails. Strive the Embajador de la Época, which incorporates kyoto chilly brew, agave and hechicera rum. 

best cafes in cartagena best cafes in cartagena

13. Go to Ábaco Libros y Café

A neighborhood’s favourite hang-out, Ábaco Libros not solely serves among the finest espresso in Cartagena — nevertheless it’s additionally a captivating bookshop with a number of charisma. It’s not longer a secret, nevertheless it nonetheless retains its appeal with its intimate measurement and quiet ambiance. The small cafe is roofed wall-to-wall with books in each Spanish and English, and is the proper oasis to calm down.

best cafes in cartagena - abaco libros

14. Snap Images on Calle de la Cochera del Hobo

The streets of Cartagena’s walled metropolis are so extremely stunning that you could simply spend days simply wandering round and snapping images at each nook. One of the crucial photogenic streets within the outdated city is Calle de Cochera del Hobo, the place pink bougainvilleas drape over pastel-colored homes. The doorways listed here are notably ornate and also you’ll typically discover one or two palenqueras sitting by the road nook right here. 

what to do in cartagena - walk the streets

best things to do in cartagena - explore the walled city best things to do in cartagena - explore the walled city

15. Go to Las Bovedas

Proper across the nook is Las Bovedas, or the Vaults. The brilliant yellow advanced is definitely a collection of dungeons constructed within the 1790s. Initially designed for storage, these vaults had been became jail cells in the course of the civil battle that ripped Colombia aside within the nineteenth century. The political prisoners confronted grueling situations and had been typically pressured to face in knee-deep seawater throughout excessive tides.

At the moment Las Bóvedas have taken on a brand new life as a bustling market with native artisan retailers and memento shops. Go as much as the roof of the vaults for a panoramic view.

las bovedas - cartagena colombia

16. See Sundown on the Wall

The Outdated Metropolis is surrounded by fortified partitions, which might really be walked on in sure sections. The preferred part of the wall is at Cafe del Mar (click on to see on Google Map).

Each weblog says Cafe del Mar is the most effective place to see sundown in Cartagena, however I believe it’s overpriced and method too crowded (there have been lengthy traces once I was there). You may simply get the identical view standing subsequent to the cafe on the wall, free of charge.

sunset on the walls - cartagena de indias colombia

17. Have a Drink on the Movich Resort’s Rooftop Bar

The perfect spot in Cartagena for sundown views, for my part, is the rooftop bar at Movich Resort Cartagena. Sip on mojitos by the pool and feast on the sundown views, with San Pedro Claver Church within the backdrop and the fashionable skyscrapers of Bocagrande within the distance.

It’s probably the most luxurious locations to remain in Cartagena, so anticipate excessive costs. Drinks usually are not low-cost (cocktails for 40,000 COP or US$10) although. Should you’re seeking to splurge, get a day cross for $55 to benefit from the pool all day (half of it may be used for meals/drink consumption).

There are many cool rooftop bars in Centro  — one other one value visiting is the Townhouse Rooftop Bar. It’s small, however stylish and cosy. It has a number of lounge area, tall palm bushes, and electrical pink neon indicators.

sunset rooftop views - things to do in cartagena

18. Comply with Anthony Bourdain’s Footsteps at La Cevichería

Made well-known by Anthony Bourdain, La Cevichería is a family identify and a fixture in Cartagena’s culinary scene. Its proprietor Julio Orellano was featured in Bourdain’s No Reservations episode on Colombia, and since then, it has been on the must-go record for a lot of vacationers. The seafood-centric menu is easy, and the star of the present is the octopus ceviche. Costs listed here are much like different vacationer eating places, however the meals is superb.

la cevicheria - best restaurants in cartagena la cevicheria - best restaurants in cartagena

19. Benefit from the Nightlife of Cartagena

With the acute warmth in the course of the day, it’s no surprise Cartagena really comes alive solely at night time. Because the sunsets, you’ll discover extra individuals streaming out to the streets and hanging out on the many alfresco bars. The walled metropolis is filled with pubs stuffed with persona, golf equipment that rock till the wee hours of the morning, and horny salsa golf equipment. 

Alquímico is a prime favourite within the walled metropolis, with an artwork deco cocktail bar on the bottom flooring and a big rooftop bar upstairs. El Baron is among the hottest cocktail bars on the town, with its uncovered brick partitions, funky industrial lighting and sensible dwell music at weekends. 

Most golf equipment are solely open Thursday by Saturday. You don’t have to decorate tremendous fancy for an evening out, however go away the flipflops and shorts behind. Should you’re in search of some salsa to go along with your cocktails, try  Donde Fidel, which beloved for its salsa music. Mistik Membership is extraordinarily standard with locals, nevertheless it’s additionally among the many pricier golf equipment on the town. 

cartagena by night


Issues to Do in Cartagena’s Getsemaní District

Only a 10-minute stroll from the outdated city is Getsemaní, one of many coolest areas to discover in Cartagena. It’s hip, artsy, laidback and tough across the edges. What was a gritty neighborhood drowning in crime and violence, has been remodeled right into a vibrant outside artwork museum, with its avenue artwork all over the place and squares flanked by stylish bars.

20. See Wild Sloths and Iguanas in Parque del Centenario

To get to Getsemaní from the Outdated City, you’ll positively cross by Parque del Centenario. However this isn’t any park — it’s dwelling to a number of inexperienced iguanas and a resident sloth that roam freely within the park. 

The inexperienced iguanas are simple to identify as they’re on the bottom most occasions. However to see the sloth, you may must ask the park caretakers for the perezoso (sloth in Spanish). I used to be fortunate sufficient to see the sloth on a tall palm tree on the most important entrance. 

parque del centenario cartagena - free things to do in cartagena

sloth in parque del centenario cartagena - free things to do in cartagena

21. See Avenue Artwork on Calle de la Sierpe

The gentrification of Getsemaní caused a creative revolution locally. Wandering by the pastel maze of colonial homes, you’ll discover loads of eye-popping, vibrant avenue artwork. 

The primary murals appeared on Calle 29, also referred to as Calle de la Sierpe, a semi-industrial stretch of concrete wall. Native artists noticed the chance to reclaim the streets with their spray cans and creativeness and went to work. Now, an excellent portion of the road is roofed in hanging avenue artwork.

Hold strolling and also you’ll see extra mural artwork alongside Calle de San Juan and the streets flanking Plaza de la Trinidad. In reality, proper subsequent to the sq., you’ll discover my favourite avenue artwork: a portray of the Maria Mulata, the official chook of Cartagena. Colombian artist Yurika was impressed to color this vibrant avenue mural by an area people story.

street art in getsemani - free things to do in cartagena

street art in getsemani - fun things to do in cartagena street art in getsemani - things to do in cartagena colombia

22. Folks Watch at Plaza de la Trinidad

The principle sq. in Getsemaní is Plaza de la Trinidad, which is bustling with life whatever the time of the day. It’s a fantastic spot to observe avenue performers and revel in avenue meals from the numerous stalls that dot the sq.. 

A great photograph op is simply throughout the road, proper in entrance of the colourful and flamboyant Restaurant Palenqueras. I don’t advocate consuming right here although because it’s overpriced — scroll down for my suggestions on the place to eat.

street art in getsemani - free things to do in cartagena

23. See the Umbrellas on Callejón Angosto

Only a 3-minute stroll away from the sq. is a tiny alley embellished with umbrellas, known as Callejón Angosto. It’s a photogenic avenue, however most individuals come right here only for the images. And a good narrower alley that runs parallel to it, Callejón Ancho, is simply as photogenic, with floral decorations and a tiny mojito bar proper on the road. However bear in mind that you’re traipsing by the alleys the place locals dwell, although most of them are more than pleased to see vacationers.

umbrella street in getsemani - cartagena de indias colombia umbrella street in getsemani - cartagena de indias colombia

umbrella street in getsemani - cartagena de indias colombia umbrella street in getsemani - cartagena travel blog

24. Eat Native Meals on Calle Tripita y Media

Top-of-the-line locations to strive native meals in Cartagena is alongside Calle Tripita y Media, a pedestrianized avenue lined with colourful flags and flanked with meals stalls. It runs perpendicular to the primary thoroughfare, Calle 32. 

That is the most affordable place within the metropolis to strive native meals — virtually all the diners serve menu del dia that features sancocho (a soup), patacon (fried plantain), coconut rice, beans and a meat or fish.  

calle tripita y media - things to do in getsemani cartagena

things to eat in cartagena - tour cartagena colombia


Issues to Do Exterior of the Walled Metropolis

It’s simple to get trapped within the bubble of Cartagen’s outdated city. Bear in mind there’s extra to Cartagena than that and when you’re seeking to expertise the totally different sides to town, then I like to recommend venturing out to those locations.

25. Go to the Castillo de San Felipe

The spectacular fort/fort is only a 10-minute drive from the historic heart. You can even stroll from the outdated city, however it may be difficult within the warmth and humidity of Cartagena. 

Courting again to 1536, the fortress fell to the French within the late 1600s. It was a pivotal location within the battle towards independence with Spain. The fort was cleaned up and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage web site. 

The fort is a great spot to find out about Cartagena’s historical past and see each the outdated and new elements of Cartagena from above. To get there from the outdated city, catch a taxi and it shouldn’t price greater than 8,000 COP ($2). Entrance is 25,000 COP (US$6.5).

castillo de san felipe - cartagena travel

castillo de san felipe - cartagena travel

26. Wander across the Bazurto Market

Cartagena’s largest market is a dizzying mess of meals stalls, clothes retailers, digital shops and extra. It’s loud, messy, and chaotic — nevertheless it’s precisely why I believe that is essentially the most enjoyable factor to do in Cartagena! The meals part is especially fascinating (although additionally the grittiest) with all types of colourful tropical fruit, recent fish and root crops on sale. 

Distributors are extraordinarily pleasant, particularly when you smile and chat with them in Spanish. I requested if I might take images of the meals, however all of them wished to be within the photograph! Don’t be postpone by the warnings you learn on-line — simply watch out of pickpockets, and also you’ll be superb. To get there, take a taxi from Castillo de San Felipe (which takes 10 minutes and prices 10,000 COP or $2.70). 

bazurto market - things to do outside walled city cartagena bazurto market - things to do outside walled city cartagena

bazurto market - things to do outside walled city cartagena

27. Go to the Prime of the Cerro de la Popa for a View

On the best level of Cartagena, stands a convent and viewpoint with sweeping views of town. The convent’s identify actually means the ‘Convent of the Stern,’ after the hill’s similarity to a ship’s again finish. Based by Augustine fathers in 1607, it was initially only a small wood chapel, however when the hill was fortified two centuries later it was changed by a stouter building.

There’s no public transport to get there, so rent an Uber or a reliable taxi driver to traverse the zigzagging entry street as much as the convent. It takes half-hour to stroll to the highest, nevertheless it’s not really useful for security causes – the street skirts considered one of Cartagena’s dicier neighborhoods. Take a cab and anticipate to pay as much as COP$60,000 ($15).

cartagena things to do - cerro de la popa

28. Swim on the Seashores of Bocagrande 

Though Cartagena’s Outdated City is true subsequent to the ocean, it’s not the Caribbean of your desires. The seashores are rocky and never appropriate for swimming. 

Nevertheless, there are many seashores only a 10-minute drive away, comparable to Marbella and Bocagrande. These usually are not your typical Caribbean seaside — so don’t come anticipating powder white sand and turquoise waters. Should you do desire a pristine seaside, then try the day journeys part under.

bocagrande beaches - fun things to do in cartagena

29. Go to the Mártires Sq. and the Harbor

Should you’re in search of free issues to do in Cartagena with out going too far, head to the Martires Sq. within the night. Simply exterior the primary gate of the outdated city, Mártires Sq. is a busy space good for individuals watching. By day, there are many small vendor tents promoting native items and handicrafts. If you want a break from the foot site visitors, stroll over to the harbor and admire the dual Pegasus statues close to the water.

things to do in cartagena - martires square


Day Journeys from Cartagena

30. Go to the First Free Slave City: Palenque 

For these focused on digging deeper into Colombia’s previous, you may’t go away with out visiting the close by city of San Basilio de Palenque. That is the place the long-lasting palenqueras of Cartagena (the women with colourful clothes and baskets of fruit on their heads) come from. 

At simply 1.5 hours from Cartagena, the small settlement of some 4,000 individuals is among the most necessary historic villages within the Americas and a UNESCO-declared ‘Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity’. I’ve by no means seen a individuals who embrace their African roots greater than right here in Palenque.

Palenque was based within the sixteenth century by Benkos Biohó, a former African king who was bought into slavery and escaped the slave port of Cartagena. He shaped a military of escaped slaves who settled round Palenque. At the moment, their descendants have maintained a lot of their African traditions, together with the Palenquero language (spoken solely right here in Palenque) which is a combination of Spanish, Portuguese and Bantu. 

palenque day trip from cartagena - things to do near cartagena

palenque day trip from cartagena - things to do cartagena palenque day trip from cartagena - things to do cartagena

Methods to Go to Palenque from Cartagena

To get to Palenque, I employed a Palenquero taxi driver who charged me 250,000 Pesos (or $67) for the day. There’s a public bus from Cartagena nevertheless it leaves as soon as a day and it doesn’t go all the best way to Palenque. My driver’s identify is Ignacio; he can solely converse Spanish and you’ll find him on Whatsapp at +57 3234385220.

My driver helped prepare an area information, Joao Sagado (contact him at +57 3206621243 — he speaks solely Spanish), who’s knowledgable and fascinating. He introduced me to satisfy the grasp of the Palenque music group, the normal physician who confirmed me all types of herbs, and chatted with me over a typical Colombian lunch. 

Should you don’t converse Spanish, the best technique to go to Palenque is by reserving a day tour to Palenque. This tour has raving evaluations.

31. Soak within the Mud Swimming pools of Totumo Volcano 

Simply half-hour exterior town, the Totumo Mud Volcano is a 50-foot tall mound of naturally heat mud with a pool space constructed into the highest.  Many individuals imagine the ash mud is filled with unimaginable therapeutic properties. I didn’t do that daytrip, however a couple of pals talked about that floating within the thick mud was extremely enjoyable.

There are many day excursions that can take you to the volcano on shared transport. Get a therapeutic massage whereas soaking within the mud, then head to the close by Manzanillo del Mar Lake (a minute away) to scrub all of it off. E-book your day tour right here.

cartagena activities - totumo mud pools

32. Cool Off on the Rosario Islands

That is probably the preferred daytrip from Cartagena. Cartagena is dotted with 28 islands — of which the Rosario Islands are essentially the most stunning. They type a part of the Corales del Rosario Nationwide Park, so these seashores are literally protected by the authorities. 

Most day journeys are inexpensive, and can take you to the islands on speedboat. Nationwide park charges, lunch, and round-trip transportation from Cartagena accommodations are included. E-book your journey right here.

cartagena day trips - rosario islands

33. Hike in Parque Tayrona 

Tayrona is a nationwide park brimming with stretches of golden sandy seaside backed by coconut palms and thick rainforest. Behind all of it rise the steep hillsides of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the world’s highest coastal mountain vary. It presents a lot of the biodiversity in Colombia of wildlife, with a variety of tropical seashores to lush jungles. There may be additionally an archaeological wreck known as Pueblito to go to.

Nevertheless, it’s a 5-hour bus journey from Cartagena to the park, so I really wouldn’t advocate it as a day journey. Should you’re quick on time however would nonetheless like to go to, try this Tayrona day tour that’ll carry you there (and again), go to the pure viewpoint at Seven Waves, and go by boat to Playa Cristal. E-book the day journey!

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The place to Keep in Cartagena

I like to recommend staying in both the Walled Metropolis or Getsemani (or each if in case you have the time). The Outdated City is chocked stuffed with charming heritage accommodations housed in historic buildings, whereas Getsemani has extra finances choices for backpackers and digital nomads and the realm feels extra lived in and fewer touristy. For the most effective costs, book your lodge on Cozycozy, a one-stop search engine for all types of lodging starting from hostels to Airbnb, VRBO, and Agoda. 

Greatest Inns in Cartagena Walled Metropolis 

Price range: Hostal Casa Escallon

With a central location within the walled metropolis, this stunning hostel is extremely inexpensive. All rooms have airconditioning (you’ll want it in sizzling and sticky Cartagena, belief me!). There’s even an out of doors pool and furnished rooftop terrace. Test charges right here.

Mid Vary: Resort Casa del Curato

I stayed at this straightforward lodge (pictured) within the coronary heart of the walled metropolis. Rooms are snug and air-conditioned — I opted for the most important room to have my very own balcony and cathedral ceilings. Breakfast is spectacular, and the small pool is ideal for refreshing dips. Test charges right here.

Luxurious: Movich Resort Cartagena de Indias

The perfect lodge within the outdated city, Movich Cartagena is well-known for its rooftop bar. However the lodge itself is 4-star luxurious at its finest, with a well-known restaurant and prime class service. Test charges right here.

Luxurious: Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena

Situated subsequent to Plaza San Diego, this ultra-luxurious lodge has a beautiful rooftop pool overlooking the ocean and a big, superb patio with lush foliage. This former monastery relationship from the seventeenth Century has been remodeled right into a prime lodge with connoisseur eating places and upscale rooms. Test charges right here.

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Greatest Inns in Getsemani

Price range: Casa Zahri Boutique Hostel 

That includes a hanging pink exterior, this boutique hostel is extremely playful and trendy. It has an out of doors swimming pool, bar, a shared lounge and delightful rooms. Test charges right here.

Mid Vary: Casa Pizarro Resort Boutique

A superb mid vary possibility, this boutique lodge in central Getsemani has spacious rooms, a pleasant pool, and jacuzzis in some rooms. It’s received the entire colonial aptitude and tastefully designed rooms. Test charges right here.

Luxurious: Resort Casa Lola Deluxe Gallery

Casa Lola is housed in a two historic seventeenth and nineteenth century colonial buildings, with eclectic decor and loads of character. The lodge is embellished with a combination of antiques, artisanal and fashionable components. In addition they have a rooftop bar and three outside swimming pools. Test charges right here.

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Additional Studying on Colombia

Phew! Thanks for studying all the best way to the top. There are SO many issues to do in Cartagena you’ll want years to expertise all of them. I hope this record helps you propose an superior journey to Cartagena. Cartagena is essentially the most stunning metropolis in Colombia, for my part, so positively don’t miss it!

 Should you’re planning to journey Colombia, try different articles I’ve written on Colombia and different elements of South America:

Disclaimer: This put up accommodates affiliate hyperlinks i.e. when you guide a keep by considered one of my hyperlinks, I get a small fee at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thanks to your assist!

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