Discover Cartagena de Indias, a jewel of world heritage

Cartagena is a city located on the shores of the Caribbean Sea. Its colorful streets full of charm make it the gateway to South America. In Colombia, it is located in the north of the country, and it is the capital of the Bolívar region. 'La Heroica', as it is called, is surrounded by several archipelagos and islands that are true paradises for real relaxation.

Cartagena adds to its charm the attractions of an intense nightlife, cultural festivals, and lush landscapes. The city’s beaches invite you to enjoy tourism, relax and have fun with the refreshing breeze and the warm waters of the sea.

Likewise, The weather in Cartagena de Indias is very pleasant, as its tropical climate will allow you to enjoy its beaches and other charms. The temperature in Cartagena throughout the year averages 27°C. An ideal climate to get to know the walled city, the restaurants, among other emblematic places of 'La Heroica'.

In addition, Cartagena has an excellent gastronomic offering and an important hotel and tourism infrastructure.

This fantastic destination keeps the secrets of history in its walled city, in its balconies and narrow stone paths that served as inspiration for Gabriel García Márquez, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1982.

Framed by a beautiful bay, Cartagena de Indias is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved cities in the Americas; a treasure that, today, is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Colombia.

Serrezuela, Cartagena
Photo: Gilber Franco

The old bullring of Cartagena is now the La Serrezuela shopping center.

What to do in Cartagena de Indias?

Undoubtedly, you must explore the architectural and cultural heritage of the city by walking through its historic center, which is surrounded by long kilometers of old walls that make up the walled city. The beauty and importance of this Cartagena landscape made it declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

In La Heroica, in addition to feeling hundreds of years of history in cobblestone streets, you can explore the impressive Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, which dates back to the 17th century. This way, you can learn about the history of Cartagena and get a detailed description of the city.

Likewise, you can be amazed with a tour of the old churches and famous monuments of Cartagena de Indias such as those dedicated to India Catalina, Zapatos Viejos, and Pegasos. Another activity you can consider if you are wondering what to do in Cartagena, is visiting the Naval Museum or the La Serrezuela shopping center.

On these walks, in addition to enjoying Cartagena’s pleasant temperature, you will appreciate the local rhythms that play in the streets and the handicrafts that adorn the shops. On the other hand, if you are wondering what to see in Cartagena, we encourage you to enjoy a graffiti tour in the Getsemaní neighborhood

At nightfall, the charm of the colonial area is perfect for touring the city on a horse-drawn carriage. It is an experience that will transport you back in time.

You may also be interested in: Private islands for relaxation, private yoga sessions with experts, and ancestral treatments.

Walled city in Cartagena.
Photo: Carlos Urrego

'La Heroica' is a vibrant city where you can enjoy many tourist activities.

Unique experiences

But 'La Heroica' is not only history, as the city is the stage of a vibrant present manifested in important world-class events, which position today’s Cartagena.

One of them is the International Music Festival and the Hay Festival, which is held in January and brings together the leading exponents of instrumental music and international literature.

Likewise, in 'La Heroica' the International Film and Television Festival takes place in March, an event attended by filmmakers, actors, musicians, and fans of the seventh art, and which features high-level free film screenings.

Undoubtedly, all these events are unmissable when looking for what to do or what to visit in Cartagena.

Cartagena, Colombia is a vibrant city, with countless perfect plans for all kinds of tourism.

One example of this is the varied gastronomy offered by the city. In this way, restaurants in Cartagena range from international cuisine restaurants to traditional places where you can taste local delights, such as arroz con chipi chipi, pork loin in tamarind sauce, and shrimp cream.

Palenquera from Cartagena with fruits in the Walled City.
Photo: Carlos Urrego

 

In addition, the city has the Caribbean Sea, which allows for relaxation and fun with always pleasant weather. Another option is to enjoy the cruises that depart from Cartagena and enjoy the wonderful landscapes of the Colombian coast. Likewise, if you prefer to stay in the city, the beaches near Cartagena are perfect to enjoy a cocktail or a local dish, sunbathe, relax, or also venture to practice all kinds of water sports.

Cartagena has more than 5 island complexes around it that, in turn, provide more than 20 beaches to visit and enjoy. The white sand, palm trees, sea breeze, and in some cases coral reefs, will welcome you to these paradises of rest. The main and best beaches in the Cartagena area are found in the Islas del Rosario, Barú, San Bernardo and Tierra Bomba.

In addition, if you want to experience the most touristy area of La Heroica, you can visit Bocagrande, which has wide beaches, hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and nightclubs.

Finally, keep in mind that Cartagena is a dream destination to celebrate weddings and spend honeymoons. For this reason, the city receives numerous cruises traveling through the Caribbean.

Discover: Enjoy Cartagena, an unmissable destination with tailor-made experiences.

Recommendations

  • The best time or season to travel to Cartagena varies little during the year and depends on your interests. January is ideal for enjoying cultural events such as the Hay Festival, a great gathering around writing, and the Festival de Música de Cartagena. Another great time to visit Cartagena’s beaches and beautiful landscapes is between late November and late April. A good period considering that the weather is drier and fresher thanks to the sea breeze.
  • To get to Cartagena de Indias, if you are coming from abroad, you can take a cruise or a plane. Airlines such as American Airlines, JetBlue, Interjet, KLM, Delta, and Copa fly directly to Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena.
  • If you are already in the country, you can take a flight with Avianca, LATAM, VivaAir, or Wingo, among others. You can also rent a car from cities such as Barranquilla, and Santa Marta, with trips that will take 2 to 4 hours.
  • Getting around is very easy, especially by taxi, as the distances in tourist areas are not very long. However, we recommend that you check taxi prices in advance to avoid problems with overcharges.
  • Accommodation options are diverse and range from budget hostels to traditional colonial hotels, as well as exclusive boutique hotels.
  • Finally, in case of any questions, go to the numerous information points you will find in the city’s tourist areas.

With these simple recommendations, you will be able to fully enjoy your stay in the wonderful 'Heroic City'. The city that has inspired and captivated so many tourists awaits you to give you the warmest welcome to the most welcoming country in the world. Discover more here!