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brown concrete buildings under gray sky
brown concrete buildings under gray sky - Photo by Evy Prentice

Explore Cartagena, Colombia – A Hidden Caribbean Gem

About Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena is a vibrant coastal city in Colombia with a rich history, colorful colonial architecture, and lively nightlife. Visitors can explore the old walled city, relax on the beautiful beaches, and enjoy delicious seafood. Don't miss the chance to experience this amazing South American destination.

Cartagena, Colombia is a vibrant city on the Caribbean coast that is steeped in history and culture. Visitors to this beautiful destination can enjoy stunning colonial architecture, vibrant nightlife, and delicious cuisine.

One of the main attractions of Cartagena is its Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This well-preserved area is full of narrow streets, colorful buildings, and courtyards filled with flowers. Visitors can explore historic landmarks such as the Palace of the Inquisition and the Cathedral of Cartagena, or simply wander the streets and soak up the atmosphere.

Another must-see attraction in Cartagena is the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, a massive fortress that was built in the 17th century. From the top of the fortress, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Caribbean Sea.

But Cartagena is not just about history and culture. Visitors can also enjoy beautiful beaches, such as Playa Blanca and Isla Baru. These white sand beaches are the perfect place to relax and soak up the sunshine.

For those who love to shop, Cartagena is also a great destination. The city is known for its vibrant markets, where visitors can buy locally-made crafts, jewelry, and clothing. And for those who love to dance, Cartagena is home to some of the best salsa clubs in the world. Visitors can dance the night away to live music and enjoy the vibrant nightlife scene.

Overall, Cartagena, Colombia is a destination that truly has something for everyone. Its rich history, stunning architecture, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture make it a must-visit destination for any traveler. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or just a taste of the local culture, Cartagena is the perfect destination for you.

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Popular Stays in Cartagena, Colombia

Explore some of the most affordable vacation packages and accommodation stays in Cartagena, Colombia

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Charleston Santa Teresa Cartagena

Sports and Entertainment
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Hilton Cartagena

Our Hotels Policies Have Changed ”Weve updated our reservation and cancellation policies, extended Hilton Honors Points and status and may be requiring face coverings, temperature checks, health declarations and use of mobile contact tracing at our hotels around the world. Please visit our dedicated COVID-19 page. Prior to travelling, please check your destinations government website to understand any local requirements or restrictions that may be in place.Hilton Cartagena Hotel is located on the tip of El Laguito Peninsula and surrounded by the Caribbean Sea on three sides. Just 10 minutes from the ancient walled city and 15 minutes from Rafael Nuñez International Airport. The hotel has its own convention center and executive tower with its executive lounge that offers wireless internet, free daily breakfast and snacks. WiFi is available for a surcharge in guest rooms and meeting rooms. Business Center open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Self-service 24 hours fitness center equipped with cardio and strength training machines, three outdoor pools with hot tubs and water slide, pool for kids, wellbeing spa, floodlit tennis courts and game room.
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Business hotelsBeach hotelsHotels with spaSport hotelsFamily hotels

Cartagena Plaza

This hotel lies just a short distance away from the historical centre of Cartagena. The hotel is located just a few steps away from the stunning beach area, where guests can sit back and relax. The hotel is located close to a wide range of attractions in the area. Rafael Nunez International Airport can be found just a 10 minutes' driving distance away. This hotel greets visitors with warm hospitality and the assurance of a comfortable stay. The wonderful rooms offer personalised comfort and convenience. The hotel offers a range of excellent facilities and services, including dance classes, water sports, pool volleyball and water polo. The hotel boasts 3 luxurious restaurants, offering a variety of delectable cuisines.
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Las Américas Casa De Playa

Las Americas Casa de Playa is a tropical complex in front of the beach located north of Cartagena. The hotel has 3 pools, an entertainment center for kids, a mini-golf course and a SPA. The rooms of the hotel are very spacious and each one has their own private balcony. Each room also has free Wi-Fi connection and satellite TV. The Hotel has 2 dining areas, where the guests can enjoy a range of traditional local foods as well as enjoy different international foods. The hotel has two bars located near the pool and around the gardens. Casa de Playa has a tennis courts, a full gym and a playground for children. The hotel is located in La Boquilla, an area which offers a variety of restaurants accompanied by a relaxing environment. Las Americas is located less than 10 minutes from the Historic Center of Cartagena. The neighborhood of Bocagrande is 20 minutes by car and the international airport Rafael Nuñez is a short 5 minute drive from the hotel. *Clients from Colombia must pay 19 % VAT directly to the hotel.
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Hotel Caribe By Faranda Grand Radisson Individuals

Excellently located in the Bocagrande area just a stone's throw from the Caribbean Sea, the luxurious and iconic Hotel Caribe was the first hotel of Cartagena and is housed in a beautiful colonial style building, with its Colonial Tower officially considered a National Monument. It features first-class services and amenities, also offering guests a private beach and various meeting facilities. The Gold Museum and the city centre of Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are easily reachable.
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Hotel Casa Lola Deluxe Gallery

Casa Lola is set in a two historical 17th and 19th century colonial buildings in popular Getsemani neighbourhood in Cartagena de Indias. It offers well-decorated and spacious rooms, 2 outdoor swimming pools set in the terrace and free WiFi. Hotel Casa Lola is decorated with a fine mixture of antiques, artisanal and modern elements, which reflects in every guest room. They are equipped with LCD cable TV and a minibar. Wellness services include massage treatments, facials and hairstyling. Guests can relax in the inner courtyard which provides a fine lounge area. A daily American breakfast is served in the restaurant. The on-site cocktail bar prepares fancy cocktails and fresh juices. Room service is available 24/7. Casa Lola Hotel is located just a 10 minutes´ drive from the beach sector in Bocagrande and to the Rafael Nuñez Airport.
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Sofitel Legend Santa Clara

The Sofitel Legend Santa Clara is a hotel filled with stories. Housed in a former convent, it offers the perfect blend of colonial architecture and French luxury. Its privileged location is close to Cartagena's main tourist attractions. Enjoy the comfort of the rooms and suites, as well as personalized service, gourmet cuisine, an upscale spa and meeting rooms offering modern technology for events, conventions and weddings. (RNT [Registro Nacional de Turismo - Spanish national tourism register] 5519)
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Business hotelsHotels with charmBeach hotelsHotels with spa

Capilla Del Mar

This hotel is beautifully set overlooking the sea, in the tourist centre of Bocagrande. Sitting on the Avenue of the Malecon, the hotel is just a 5 minutes' driving distance away from the walled city. The hotel lies close to a number of restaurants, shops and banks. Guests can enjoy a number of exciting water sports on the beach, including jet skiing, surfing, diving and catamaran boating. This charming hotel greets visitors with the promise of an unrivalled experience. The guest rooms are sublimely designed, oozing elegance and charm. The hotel features an endless range of first-class facilities and services, which are sure to impress even the most discerning traveller. The hotel offers a gym, as well as a spa area, hot tub and a steam room. Guests can enjoy squash, tennis and minigolf onsite. A varied entertainment programme can be enjoyed, ensuring that there is never a dull moment. Dear guest, On February 1st, 8th and 29th, on June 20th and on July 25th, 2020 the pool will be open in this special schedule: From 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Estimado Huésped, De la manera más atenta nos permitimos informarle, que a partir del 16 de enero y y por el tiempo en el cual se desarrollen las obras, en la calle octava, sector donde está ubicado el hotel, se estarán realizando trabajos de actualización de la subestación eléctrica del barrio bocagrande, con el propósito de mejorar la red.

Things to do in Cartagena, Colombia

Choose from a range of unique experiences and fun activities in Cartagena, Colombia

Playa Blanca semi-private
Digital Voucher480 minutes

Enjoy the tranquility of Playa Blanca

Enjoy a private day at Playa Blanca. It is the ideal place for those looking to take a sea bath, tan or read a book lying on the sand. Includes lunch and hotel pickup.
Baru Island
Digital Voucher540 minutes

Baru Island

BECAUSE IT IS ONE OF THE BEST BEACHES IN THE CITY OF CARTAGENA, OUR SEMI PERSONAL ATTENTION, PREDISPOSITION AND CHARISM TO ATTEND THE TOURIST IS INDISPENSABLE TO ENJOY A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE.
Baru and Playa Blanca Full Day
Digital Voucher420 minutes

Baru and Playa Blanca Full Day

Let's go to Playa Blanca Baru to enjoy one of the most beautiful clear water of the Caribbean in Colombian. Have a relax day in a exclusive Beach Club called Mambo Beach in Barú island. Ride in a comfortable air conditioned minivan in a 1-hour trip from Cartagena and learn more of the local life in both the city and towns of the island.  Enjoy a quiet place to rest that is different from other crowded tour places, we offer a different experiance from others who go to playa blanca we have our own beach club so we are working every day to make this place safe, far from the crowded area, and trying to keep the sellers away from your are we have lockers to save your belonging, we care about the food we have many options for you to taste the Caribbean dishes yo can order whatever you want from the menu special dishes has an extra charge like lobsters, seafood casserole, and special fish like Pargo, Sierra or Robalo, we have a bar with cheap juice, cocktails and beers we have the best place.
encantada beach
Digital Voucher480 minutes

Full Day Tour of 5 Must-See Places in the Rosario Islands

Enjoy the most complete day tour in Cartagena visiting different islands and beaches in Barú and Rosario Islands on board of a sports boat with good music! Corals of Rosario National Park is the name of a group of islands in the cost of Colombia. We will have 5 stops around the islands: Bocachica Castle, Private island, which is excellent for snorkeling (optional), Party Island, Playa Blanca - Mambo Beach Club Baru. Sun chairs in the private island are included and in the beach club at Playa Blanca, the snorkel gear is included.
Full-Day Rosario Islands Including Barú, Cholon and Playa Blanca
Digital Voucher480 minutes

Full-Day Rosario Islands Including Barú, Cholon and Playa Blanca

Enjoy the most complete day tour in Cartagena going to different islands and beaches in Barú and Rosario Islands. Corales del Rosario National Park is the name of a group of islands in the cost of Colombia, located just an hour by speed boat from Cartagena, 45 mins from Cartagena. Blue water, white sand and awesome coral is the perfect mix for a sunny beach day, this paradise is the favorite destination in Cartagena. We visit unique destinations we have been working to offer the best places in the islands, we go to a Private Island where we are the first arriving so the beach is just for us you also can decide if you want to do the snorkel for free no extra charge and then we will visit a popular party island called Cholon where we will stay for 45 mins then we will go to a beach club in Baru called Mambo Beach Club Baru where you will take your lunch with many options you have a limited bonus for lunch you pay extra for special dishes like lobster, seafood casserole, and special fish.
Over The Planet
Digital Voucher480 minutes

Rosario Islands Private Boat Tour

The National Natural Park of Rosario is a group of pristine water Caribbean islands and a must-see while in Colombia. In this tour you will take a less than an hour cruise to some of the islands: Playa Grande, Cholón, Barú, Playa Blanca, where you will be able to relax in the palm trees shade, enjoying the beach, and many more things. • Visiting some of Rosarios’ National Park beaches: Cholón, Playa Grande, Playa Blanca, and Barú • A relaxing day after seeing a big part of the archipelago incredible islands • A private spot for you to spend the rest of the day
Playa Blanca in Baru Island
Digital Voucher480 minutes

Playa Blanca in Baru Island

Do you want to know the best beaches in Cartagena? Come and enjoy Playa Blanca, it is undoubtedly the best place for its white sands and crystal clear waters, where you will also enjoy a delicious typical Cartagenero dish. Our site is 10 minutes away from the crowd and you will not have to pay bohios to protect yourself from the sun, we are indisputably the best option
Walking Tour in Walled City and Getsemani Cartagena
Digital Voucher150 minutes

Walking Tour in Walled City and Getsemani Cartagena

The walled city and Getsemani neighborhood are a must-see in the city and the best way to get an introduction is by taking this free walking tour. So, join our friendly local guide and a group of fun travelers at Plaza de la Aduana (Next to the town hall). Walk along the main streets and discover the fascinating contrast between history and the youthful spirit the place is known for. Visit Las Bovedas, Plaza de la Trinidad, Plaza Santo Domingo, and have a gastronomic experience and more in some local traditional spots. • Walking along the best sites of the Walled City and Getsemani without getting lost • Tasting traditional Colombian snacks: Exotic fruit juice, and high-quality sweets. • Introduction to Colombian history and its main events • Having the best insights and landmarks of the city • The chance to meet new people

Why People Love Cartagena, Colombia

See what people have to say about activities and accommodations in Cartagena, Colombia

M
maycolfabianr
5
Jul 2023
Enjoy the tranquility of Playa Blanca
Enjoy the tranquility of Playa Blanca
Enjoy the tranquility of Playa Blanca
Enjoy the tranquility of Playa Blanca
Todo muy tranquilo , excelente la estadía , la comida espectacular y a muy buen precio , el hospedaje muy limpio , organizado , excelente atención . Recomendado
D
Danielavll
5
Oct 2020
Enjoy the tranquility of Playa Blanca
Enjoy the tranquility of Playa Blanca
Enjoy the tranquility of Playa Blanca
Enjoy the tranquility of Playa Blanca
Una exelente experiencia, playas muy limpias y bonitas la atención de los guías fue buena, recomendado
A
aventure2015
5
Mar 2023
Baru Island
Baru Island
Baru Island
Baru Island
Je suis allée sur l'Ile de Baru du 15 au 25 février 2023. Le site est magnifique un vrai petit paradis. La Colombie quel beau pays. Partout la végétation est présente. Je vous conseille de prendre la chambre plus qui offre des avantages comme restaurant à la carte pour déjeuner dîner et souper ch...

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cartagena

What are the must-see attractions in Cartagena, Colombia?

Cartagena is a vibrant and historic city with plenty of attractions to explore. Some must-see attractions include the walled city, the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, the Rosario Islands, and the Gold Museum.

What are some outdoor activities to do in Cartagena?

Cartagena is home to some beautiful beaches and islands, making it a perfect destination for outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing at Playa Blanca, taking a boat tour to the Rosario Islands, or exploring the lush Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona.

What is the best time of year to travel to Cartagena?

The best time to visit Cartagena is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During this time, visitors can enjoy sunny weather and temperatures in the mid-80s. However, this is also peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and crowds.

What are some family-friendly activities in Cartagena?

There are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy in Cartagena, such as visiting the interactive Museo del Oro Zen, taking a horse-drawn carriage tour of the historic walled city, or spending a day at the beach.

What are some romantic things to do in Cartagena?

Cartagena is a beautiful and romantic destination, perfect for couples looking for a getaway. Some romantic things to do include watching the sunset from the top of the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the old city, or enjoying a candlelit dinner at one of the many fine dining restaurants.

What are some unique cultural experiences in Cartagena?

Cartagena is a city rich in history and culture, and there are plenty of unique experiences to be had. Visitors can take a salsa dancing lesson, watch a traditional Afro-Caribbean drum performance, or explore the vibrant street art scene in the Getsemani neighborhood.

Where are some great places to stay in Cartagena?

There are many great places to stay in Cartagena, from luxurious five-star hotels to charming boutique guesthouses. Some top options include the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, the Casa San Agustin, and the Hotel Casa Pestagua.

What are some popular festivals and events in Cartagena?

Cartagena is home to several popular festivals and events throughout the year. Some of the most well-known include the Cartagena International Film Festival, the Hay Festival of Literature and Arts, and the Cartagena Independence Day celebrations.

What are some must-try dishes in Cartagena?

Cartagena is known for its delicious seafood and Afro-Caribbean cuisine. Some must-try dishes include ceviche, fried fish with coconut rice, and arepas de huevo, which are fried corn cakes filled with egg and meat.

How can I get around Cartagena?

Cartagena is a walkable city, and many of the main attractions are located within the historic walled city. However, visitors can also take taxis, buses, or the Transcaribe bus rapid transit system to get around. Boat tours are also a popular way to explore the nearby islands.