The Ultimate Cartagena Travel Guide

It’s no surprise that Cartagena lures many visitors with its year-round bright sky, pristine Caribbean seas, vibrant historic buildings, and richness of Afro-Colombian tradition. The very reason why this vibrant ancient city is still one of Colombia’s most renowned tourist and local attractions.

Cartagena, Colombia, is an aesthetically gorgeous and bustling old city in the middle of all the marketers and visitors. It’s full of charming tiny shops, one-of-a-kind restaurants, live entertainment, bustling plazas, edgy pubs, etc.

Check out our Cartagena travel guide before visiting the Jewel of the Indies. Keep reading to learn more!

Things to Know Before Going

Cartagena, Colombia, is one of South America’s most attractive cities, with eye-popping imagery, brilliant hues, colorful buildings, and distinct charisma. It’s situated on Colombia’s Caribbean coast and provides a broad range of activities, including visiting the city’s colorful colonial architecture, history, heritage, and entertainment. 

The ancient and famous Walled City in Old Town Cartagena is a must-see for visitors. Its historic streets are now brimming with bright colors and charming street art.

The street vendors have a few beers and amazing food that you will enjoy. The coffee shops have deliciously brewed coffee that would make you feel amazing and prepared for your day trips. When visiting Cartagena, try the fancy restaurants with great Italian food and fantastic live music.

Are you planning a trip to the tourist city of Cartagena, Colombia, in South America? Before you leave, here are some things to keep in mind:

Money

Current Conversion: 1 USD = 3,750.99 Colombian Peso

Cartagena’s national currency is the Colombian Peso. Some businesses may need cash payment, while most establishments also take credit cards. It would help if you withdrew cash from an ATM at a reputable bank rather than exchanging it at the terminal. Do not bank on travel insurance alone.

Avoid using ATMs on the sidewalk; instead, go into the bank to use the ATM there. You can store your money away undetected in this manner, and also remember not to carry too much cash.

Getting Around

It’s critical to get reliable scheduled transportation when in Latin America. Have your accommodation contact a cab and use the airport taxi line when visiting Cartagena. This is an essential Cartagena travel guide you need to take note of.

You might need an international driving permit to drive around the old city when you visit Cartagena. A Cartagena travel guide will be needed to ensure you know your way around.

Uber is also available and is a terrific way to travel across the old city. Air travel is the best way to travel between large cities in Colombia. Cartagena also has an airport terminal with direct flights to Florida, New York, and other important US major cities.

What to Pack

Cartagena has warm Caribbean weather with year-round high temperatures of roughly 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). Pack linen clothes, trousers, tank tops, short-sleeved shirts and skirts, and lightweight, breezy apparel. 

The city beaches and cruise ships will require swimwear and sandals, while the rocky cobblestone roads will require comfortable footwear. It is important to use sunscreen and insect repellent. 

Carry an umbrella, raincoat, or light waterproof jacket if you’re going between May and November, which is the rainy season. You should also pack your casual, formal, and going-out clothes, which is essential if you want to go out and meet friends in the beach bars, fancy restaurants, and any historic center. 

Weather in Cartagena

Cartagena, Colombia’s capital, has an ordinary climate throughout the year. It doesn’t receive much snow, but it does get a lot of rain and wind during some periods. Humidity is prevalent throughout the year due to bright and gloomy days.

The weather is great for a free walking tour to the Tayrona national park, or you could go for a boat tour and listen to live music as you go island hopping and experience the Caribbean islands.

June through September are the warmest months, with the most intense temperatures. It’s a scorching day with an outlook that rarely changes. January through March are the coldest months, but they’re also the busiest.

Where to Stay

When looking for a place to stay when you visit Cartagena, consider the following issues: security, accessibility, affordability, and surrounding destinations. There’s a lot to choose from, from budget-friendly midrange to luxurious private room options in Cartagena, Colombia. 

To help you, here are some of the top picks with some beautiful colonial architecture. 

Sophia Hotel Cartagena

Link: Sophia Hotel (expedia.com)

If you are looking for mid-range hotels, this contemporary hotel in Cartagena’s Plaza de Aduana provides stylish rooms, a contemporary style, and an amazing rooftop. It’s a little haven in the middle of the metropolis of the old town. 

Cable satellite TV, soundproof windows, and free Wi-Fi are all included in the accommodations. Slippers, a shower cap, and towels are supplied in the private bathrooms or a private room.

The Sophia Hotel sits in the main center of Cartagena Walled City, a district in Cartagena. The Walled City is considered a UNESCO world heritage site. If leisure is on the itinerary, visit Centro Comercial La Serrezuela and Las Bovedas. In contrast, those interested in the area’s beautiful nature might visit Parque de La Marina and Centenary Park. 

Intercontinental Cartagena

Link: Intercontinental Cartagena De Indias (expedia.com)

Suppose you prefer a more Miami-like Boca grande place; the Intercontinental features 360-degree beach views of the Caribbean sea and a swoon-worthy ocean-facing pool area. It also features a bar packed with delectable fruity beverages.

Intercontinental Cartagena De Indias is situated on the beach in the Bocagrande district and is attached to a commercial mall. Local sights include the Clock Tower, Naval Museum Cartagena, Bocagrande Beach, and El Laguito Beach, which showcase the area’s natural grandeur.

Hotel Casa San Agustin

Link: Hotel Casa San Agustin (expedia.com)

If you’re looking for a luxurious place in Colombia, Cartagena, look no further than the Hotel Casa San Agustin. This upscale luxury hotel is a trustee of the Leading Hotels of the World.

Hotel Casa San Agustin is breathtaking in every way. It comprises three lovely white buildings with colorful clay roofs and a stunning view of the clock tower.

It has 20 rooms and ten wonderfully furnished suites in classic Colombian style with spacious balconies to enjoy your Colombian cup of coffee from the street vendors and coffee shops. The boutique hotel combines contemporary conveniences with immaculate colonial buildings and a charmingly realistic feel of Cartagena’s rich heritage expressed in street art. 

Their standard rooms are lovely, but their premium suites with private plunge pools or jacuzzis are well worth the money if you’re willing to spend. This hotel in the old town will make your visit to South America and the Caribbean coast memorable and worth it.

Indeed, you can stay in these amazing hotels and feel comfortable when you visit Cartagena. However, if you are still undecided about the accommodations that have been mentioned, check out this post to look for more hotels and get more Cartagena travel tips.

Things to Do

Cartagena, Colombia, has a laid-back local life vibe to it. Because it becomes rather hot, you’ll want to spend much of your time close to the water or the Caribbean sea when you visit Cartagena de Indias. At the absolute least, it would be best to stay at a hotel with a pool, or you can visit Playa Blanca or Rosario Islands. 

But if you are more of an outside person, here are some suggestions for things to do when you visit Cartagena or the Rosario Islands:

• Take a tour of the Walled City
• Shop for emeralds
• Explore Getsemani
• Enjoy the Cafe del mar or Cafe Havana
• Take a stroll through the Bazurto Mercado
• See the City walls
• Try out the street food
• See the beautiful beaches
• Visit the best restaurants

Those are just some of the many things you can do to spend your day in the City walls of Cartagena and explore its beauty even if you have a tight budget. This post gives you more ideas on what you can do in Cartagena!

Best Islands to Visit

What is a vacation if you don’t visit the islands and do a little exploring? The magnificent, clear Caribbean and white sand beaches of the islands around Cartagena, Colombia, are part of the appeal of visiting the city. 

Here are some islands on google maps you can visit and dip in the water and experience the Colombian culture:

Islas Rosario

The Islas De Rosario, a picturesque series of 28 islands approximately an hour off the port city coast of Cartagena, is the most famous island to visit during a day trip. 

Isla Barú

The Baru island is more laid-back and divey compared to the Rosario islands. Still, the vibrant beach huts and Piña colada bars, and the stunning blue ocean make for an unforgettable day’s adventure.

Eteka Beach Club

This picture-worthy Eteka Beach Club is a terrific destination near Cartagena if you seek Tulum-meets-Bali vibes in Colombia. The street food here is amazing, and the service is very satisfactory.

Where to Eat

Cartagena’s food is diverse and will take you on a global journey. Yes, delicious local street food can be found here, but many eateries specialize in other cuisines. You’ll want to make reservations in advance for the best spots. 

Here are some restaurants you might want to consider checking out after a long day trip:

• Carmen Cartagena for a fine dining meal
• Zaitun serves Lebanese food
• Pata Negra presents tapas, delectable beverages, and a lively atmosphere
• Celele features creative Caribbean fusion food
• Juan Del Mar offers Colombian specialties and foreign and Italian classics

There are a lot of places to eat in Cartagena after you have had a fun-filled day trip. Give your taste buds some love by stopping by these exquisite establishments.

Is It Safe to Travel to Cartagena?

Yes, without a doubt, Cartagena is safe. Cartagena is and always was a secure place for many years. Numerous police officers may be seen in popular regions such as the walled city, Getsemani, and Bocagrande. 

You may think that you may have issues with communication since they speak Spanish but do not worry, there are people all over the big city that speak English fluently.

As a woman over 50, it’s crucial to remain aware of your surroundings in any situation so you won’t feel vulnerable, even if you’re planning to travel alone or wherever you are going is a walking distance from where you stay.

Conclusion

Traveling is a significant life event that you and the people you’re traveling with may remember fondly. Indeed, this Cartagena travel guide will help you organize your trip to the pristine beaches of Playa Blanca. 

You won’t have any problems if you stay in any of the places mentioned in this guide. Pick a day, make reservations for the finest place to stay in Cartagena, Colombia, for your requirements or preferences, and head to the Cartagena airport!