Tropical Getaway: The Cartagena Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Cartagena? Check out this travel guide for where to eat, drink, stay and play.

It’s getting colder out. That means one thing. Warm weather getaways!

One of the tropical destinations that is always at the top of my list is Cartagena, Colombia.

Have you been?

Whether you’re planning your first trip there, or your third or fourth, (Hey, I don’t judge!), I can’t wait to share my Cartagena travel guide with you.

Pssst…Looking for other warm weather, travel guides that also involve culture? I’ve got you covered with my Downtown Miami, Culture Guide. 

CARTAGENA TRAVEL GUIDE

Cobblestone streets. Colorful colonial architecture. Fragrant coffee. Street art and night clubs. Fresh seafood. Island beaches and sunset boat rides. Trust me, this Colombian city, nestled on the Caribbean coast, has something for everyone.

A Brief History of Cartagena:

Founded by Spanish settlers, Cartagena has always enjoyed an abundance of prosperity. Hence the fortress and protective walls that were built around the city in the 16^th century. At the time, Cartagena was the biggest port city in the Americas. The city’s riches only increased once it became a hub of slave trading in the 17^th century.

When Colombia battled for its independence in the 1800s, Cartagena was the first city to declare independence from Spain, unsuccessfully in 1811 and successfully in 1821. Since then, Cartagena has maintained its status as a city of wealth and prestige. It is still Colombia’s largest port city exporting oil, coffee, sugar, tobacco and textiles among other things.

But the way that history has really left its mark on Cartagena is with the blend of cultures that still exist today. The city is a vibrant community of Spanish, Caribbean and African influence. All of this can be found in the food, music, art, and culture of the city.

The Climate in Cartagena:

Cartagena is blessed with a tropical climate year-round. That said, depending on what time of year you go, it can be very hot and humid. The dry season is December through April. Expect afternoon showers during the wet months of May through November. Also, while Cartagena doesn’t traditionally get hit with hurricanes, your trip could be impacted if you travel during hurricane season. I recommend getting travel insurance if you’re traveling during the months of August – October when hurricane season is at its peak.

How to Get to Cartagena:

Cartagena is not very difficult to get too. Many cities in the United States, including New York, offer direct flights or connect through airports in the south. The primary airlines that fly there are Jet Blue, American and Avianca. It’s an easy trip even if you only have a long weekend to spare. Keep in mind that high season is December through February, and ticket prices will reflect that.

Where to stay in Cartagena:

Cartagena is a city of contrasts. On the one hand, you have the beautiful walled old city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the other, you have the ultra-modern skyscrapers and architecture of Bocagrande. Somehow, this clash of styles works.

I prefer to stay in the old city, where you have the colonial charm right outside your door. But there are also upscale hotels with great views in Bocagrande. Getsemani, a hip neighborhood adjacent to the old city, is now a very popular place to stay as well. While this travel guide isn’t a comprehensive list of everywhere to stay in Cartagena, it includes some of the most popular options.

• Bastion Luxury Hotel: In the heart of the walled city, this refurbished 16th-century building has every modern amenity you need, from a popular rooftop pool and terrace, an onsite restaurant, a gym, and high-speed wifi.
• Hotel Quadrifolio: Another boutique hotel in the center of the walled city, this property offers luxury bath amenities, a mini-bar, i-pod docking stations, free wi-fi, spa services, a hot-tub on the roof, and a private speedboat that can be rented for daily excursions.
• Casa San Agustin: Located in the old city, this is one of the top hotels in Cartagena. The property exudes old-world charm and you truly feel like you’re staying in a palace. If you’re up for splurging, this place is 100% worth it.
• Casa Lola: Just outside the walled city and down the block from Cafe Havana, Casa Lola is a welcome addition to the hip Getsemani neighborhood. The boutique hotel’s funky decor combined with its luxury amenities makes it a great choice for accommodations.
• Intercontinental Cartagena de Indias: If you want more of a Miami beach feel, stay at the Intercontinental in Bocagrande. Their rooms boast some of the best views of the Caribbean sea and the old city from afar.
• Hotel Casa La Factoría by Faranda Boutique: I love a hotel with unique interior design and this one fits the bill. Though the rooms are on the smaller side, the aesthetics of the rooms and common areas will more than capture your attention

Things to Do in Cartagena:

There are so many things to do in Cartagena that I feel like I could write an entire travel guide just about that! But assuming you have a long weekend to visit, the list below is more than enough to give you a great taste of all that this city has to offer.

• A walking tour: Do a half-day walking tour to get acclimated with the city. A comprehensive tour should include a stop at La Popa, (the church located on top of the tallest hill in the city with a great vantage point of Cartagena), the San Felipe de Barajas Castle, and a tour of the incredible street art in the hip neighborhood, Getsemani.
• Coffee tasting at Café Mural: If you’re a coffee-lover, visit Café Mural, located in Getsemani. The owner of the shop is extremely passionate about coffee. A tasting typically includes three different coffees, each one with amazing ingredients, including cloves, cinnamon, rum, and passionfruit.
• A day trip to the Rosario Islands: Since Cartagena is a port city, there aren’t many beach options except in Bocagrande. For a more laid back experience, sign up for a daylong trip to one of the island beaches, like Playa Blanca on Baru Island, a 45-minute boat ride away. A trip typically includes access to the island’s resorts and amenities, including paddleboarding, snorkeling, and bike riding. Or you can just sit on the beach!
• Indulge your inner photographer in the old city: Cartagena’s walled old city is the perfect place to snap some photos. Between the colonial architecture, the colorfully dressed people and the plazas dotted with palm trees, there’s no shortage of inspiration!
• A Sunset drink at Cafe del Mar: Located on top of the city walls, Café del Mar is a great spot for a sundowner. It’s a sprawling space and they usually have live music at sunset. It’s a fun vibe and if it’s not cloudy, you’ll get a spectacular view of the sun going down.

Pro travel tip: Skip the mud baths at El Totumo volcano. Most travelers say that the mud pit itself is tiny, unsanitary, and downright gross!

Hey! If you love street art and graffiti, check out my post about discovering and photographing street art all over the world. 

 Where to Eat and Drink in Cartagena:

No travel guide about Cartagena would be complete without talking about the food! The culinary scene in this city is outstanding. If you don’t believe me, just watch the Parts Unknown episode that Anthony Bourdain filmed there. The city also has a buzzing nightlife with plenty of outdoor cafes and nightclubs. It’s quite feasible you might spend your entire weekend eating and drinking here, and I wouldn’t blame you!

• La Cevicheria: This Peruvian-Colombian inspired café is a great lunch spot. The tiny restaurant fills up fast and does not take reservations. If you want to make sure you get a table, I recommend getting there BEFORE the restaurant opens to wait on line. Order the ceviche, and another stand out dish I recommend trying is the Octopus with peanut sauce.
• Maria Restaurant and Bar: Helmed by Colombian chef Alejandron Ramirez, the world fusion cuisine and inventive cocktails are worth the Miami-like prices. Also, the fab, over the top decor, (they have a pineapple chandelier!) sets the mood for a great night out on the town.
• Juan del Mar: This spot is great for lunch or dinner. Grab a table in the outdoor courtyard and feast on amazing seafood and curry dishes.
• Malagana Cafe and Bar: Located in Getsemani, this place feels like a hole in the wall but the family who runs it knows their way around the kitchen. We filled up on succulent fish tacos before heading down the street to Café Havana to hear live music.
• Café Havana: If you spend one night out on the town, make sure you hit up Café Havana. True to its name, as soon as you walk through the door, its as if you’ve been transported to Cuba. The mojitos are cold and sweet, and the live music had us dancing until the wee hours of the morning.
• 1621: If you’re looking for a formal and fancy place for dinner that feels like you’re eating in a palace, then head to 1621 at the Sofitel Santa Clara Hotel. The hotel itself is stunning and the food and service at the restaurant are also top-notch. However, luxury comes at a price. Be prepared to pay NYC prices for the meal.

Love to eat as much as I do? Then you’ll definitely want to read my food guides for Providence, Chiang Mai, and Santa Fe.  

Where to Shop in Cartagena:

Wherever I travel, I always make time to shop. Below is a curated guide for all of the shops in Cartagena that I highly recommend visiting.

• Mercado de Bazurto: head here for a taste of a local and authentic food market where you’ll see everything from exotic fresh fruit to a popular dish comprised of cooked turtle (a delicacy here). Just be mindful of your belongings in the crowded market.
• Touché: Want to fit in with a locally designed swimsuit? Then head to Touche in Bocagrande, where their suits cost a fraction of what they sell for online.
• Elia Jewelry: This is one of the best jewelry stores in the old city, known for its craftsmanship and quality. The jeweler, Elia has built a devoted following of international clients who visit every time they are in town. In addition to the vast array of pieces for sale, she also does custom work.
• Artesanias de Colombia: If you’re looking for traditional products made by Colombian artisans, skip the street vendors and head to this shop, for quality ceramics, jewelry, and baskets.

Are You Ready to Visit Cartagena with this Travel Guide?

So, are you itching to pack your bags and visit this charming colonial city on the sea?

If you’re planning a trip to Cartagena, I hope this travel guide helps you.

And if you’ve already been to this city, and you’ve been to places that aren’t in this Cartagena travel guide, please share in the comments below! I always love adding new recommendations to my list.

Happy travels!