After traveling around Colombia for over a month, one of my favorite destinations was sparkling, charming Cartagena! So what do you need to know to plan the best holidays in Cartagena Colombia you can possibly have?
In this travel guide, I will cover what is the best time to go, what you should do, see, and where you will want to stay. Everything you need to know to plan a spectacular Cartagena holiday, and I’ll even throw in a bit of history.
A colonial city with a beautiful walled-in old city, squares, cafes, bars, and buzzing life? This charming Caribbean town will not take long to seduce you!
Holidays In Cartagena Colombia
Along the northern coastline of the Caribbean Sea is where you find Cartagena, a super popular destination among travelers because of its beaches, old colonial town, and vibrant nightlife.
I traveled here right after a five-day trek to The Lost City in the Colombian Amazon.
Leaving northern Santa Marta in the morning hours, I found my way to the long-distance bus that was heading towards the south and Cartagena.
After about six hours of chilling on the comfortable bus, I was ready for Cartagena. Before I got here, I had booked a hostel inside the old historic walled city, and it was so amazing that I stayed for a lot longer than I had planned.
Cartagena is so cool. It is a real city with great nightlife and shopping, history, and charm, and it has beaches!
Arriving in Cartagena Old City
When I arrived for my Cartagena vacation, I came by bus and got off just outside the Old City of Cartagena.
It was not far to walk from the bus stop to the old city, but of course, old cities with walls and narrow streets are not the easiest to navigate.
I ended up doing a scenic and very hot detour before I finally found my hostel (with a lot of help from the locals and my bad Spanish).
The old city is incredibly charming, with plazas and stunning architecture, shops, museums, restaurants, and bars. It is a journey both in time, food, and music, and I was immediately taken by the atmorphere.
Exploring Cartagena Old City
I recommend you explore the old city slowly on foot, and when you do, here is my advice for you.
Begin your journey at the iconic Clock Tower (Torre del Reloj), the main gateway to the walled city.
From here, you can wander through bustling plazas like Plaza Santo Domingo, where you will find the famous Gertrudis sculpture by Fernando Botero, and enjoy local street performers while sipping fresh limonada de coco.
Don’t miss a chance to walk along the ancient city walls at sunset.
The panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, combined with the golden hues of the evening sky, create a magical atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic moment or to capture some stunning photos.
For a touch of luxury, you might want to try a dinner at one of the Old City’s rooftop restaurants, like Café del Mar. Overlooking the water, it’s an incredible place to end your day with fresh seafood and a glass of Colombian wine.
Enjoy The Vibrant Charm of Getsemaní
When in Cartagena, you don’t want to miss the colorful and culture-rich Getsemaní district. This once-overlooked neighborhood has become a must-visit for travelers with its colorful and authentic local charm.
Start your exploration at Plaza de la Trinidad, the buzzing heart of Getsemaní.
By day, it’s perfect for people-watching, and by night, it transforms into a lively hub filled with street performers, musicians, and food vendors. Grab a fresh empanada or a Colombian arepa while soaking in the energy.
Take a guided street art tour to understand the stunning murals that greet you around almost every corner. These artworks tell the stories of Getsemaní, its resilience, and vibrant community spirit, making your stroll both interesting and meaningful.
End your evening with a visit to Calle de la Sierpe street, known for its trendy bars and cozy cafes. Sip a refreshing mojito or enjoy local craft beers as you mingle with friendly locals and fellow travelers.
Cartagena Must-See Places
Most popular things to do and see in Cartagena:
Cartagena Old City Is A UNESCO World Heritage Site
It is a bit of a cliche, but walking around Cartagena really is like stepping a few centuries back in time.
For more than 275 years, like Cuba, Cartagena was under Spanish rule until 1810, when the Royal Commissioner and the Cartagena City Council banished the Spanish Governor Francisco de Montes.
De Montes was suspected of sympathizing with the French emperor and the French occupation forces which overthrew the king.
When the Declaration of Independence was signed in Colombia, it proclaimed “a free state, sovereign and independent of all domination and servitude to any power on Earth@.
Because of all this history (and a lot more), in 1984, Cartagena’s colonial walled city and fortress were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it has such great historical importance.
Day Trips Outside The City Center
And if you feel like exploring the area outside the old city walls as well, there are a variety of fun and interesting day trips from Cartagena you can embark on!
You don’t need to travel far away from the city walls to be able to lounge on stunning beaches around Cartagena, so when visiting, you can easily get the best of both city life and amazing white sands.
I decided to take a day trip to the Rosario Islands, which is a super popular destination for a day trip from Cartagena. Also, the vast Tayrona National Park is four hours to the north if you are into exploring.
Also read: 14 Best Things To Do In Cartagena Colombia
Top Hostels In Cartagena
I stayed at the AMAZING Republica Hostel In The Middle Of The Old City Of Cartagena.
I booked Republica Hostel through Hostelworld based on multiple reviews (and photos), and it really is a gem. Classic architecture with high ceilings, beautiful ambiance, and large clean rooms and bathrooms.
The Republica is a peaceful oasis in the center of the Old City of Cartagena, and it almost brings more of a hotel feel to me.
The little pool in the inner part of the courtyard is amazing, especially at night between the stone walls with little holes in it with lights.
Right next to the pool is a bar area and lots of café-like tables to hang around for socializing if you want. Online or offline, as the common area also provides fast Wi-Fi.
I also stayed in a dorm here (single rooms are also available), as the beds are built almost as tiny little studios.
You can take refuge in them with a shelf and light charger for your phone and room for your bags. It feels private, although it is shared, and works very well, I think.
I was going to stay for only a few days but ended up here for the whole week!
Staying in a hostel is very good for socializing if you are traveling alone. There is always someone to talk to, go on adventures with, or go out for dinner and dancing.
Mind you, this is not a hostel for couples looking for a quiet, romantic time. It is very sociable; there is music and life in the common areas and bar and pool zone.
In the reviews, some people are not impressed, complaining about evening music and noise, so just be aware of this. I did not mind, but then again, I was traveling solo!
Other top-rated hostels in Cartagena:
- Hostal Casa de las Americas in Getsemani, rating 9.4/10
- Life is Good Hostel in Getsemani, rating 9.2/10
Top-Rated Boutique Hotels In Cartagena
If hostels are not really your thing, there is no need to panic – Cartagena has it all.
You will find hotels and accommodation in all forms and price ranges, including some super beautiful boutique hotels where you can really relax and be pampered.
- Intimate and upscale: Hotel Boutique Casa Del Coliseo
- Lavish luxury: Casa Clavre Loft Boutique Hotel
Getting To Cartagena
Long-Haul Bus from Santa Marta To Cartagena
Columbia is a large country; we are not talking about short bus rides or a few hours here and there. The bus from Santa Marta to Cartagena is five’ish hours, and that is a short bus ride for Colombia or South America in general.
Air conditioning, snacks, and old-fashioned entertainment like a book make the whole trip a breeze, so if you are into road trips and staring out of windows traveling, you will love this!
EpicNomadLife Tip: You can book a bus ticket for this distance (or other distances) online on Busbud for a budget option starting at $10, or at Pinbus starting at $40, boasting a luxury ride.
Fly In From Cali
You can easily take a domestic flight from Cali if you are an international traveler, and this is your entry point to Colombia.
The flight is about one and a half hours, and you will find reasonable flight prices, especially in the shoulder seasons.
Modern Day Cartagena
Modern-day Cartagena has a population of just over one million, making it the second-largest city in this region of Columbia.
There are lots and lots of details in architecture, art, fortress structures, and museums that tell the tales of the historic importance Cartagena had in the growing connection with the old and the new world centuries ago.
The Spanish ran this city for almost three centuries in colonial times. One of the most important seaports for all kinds of world trade was here, including the horrible slave trade.
Today, Cartagena depends heavily on the tourist industry, maritime, and petrochemical industries (if that interests you). And the only marine traffic you will see is mainly cruise ships docking in Cartagena.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Cartagena Colombia?
I visited Cartagena when I was traveling solo in South America for six months, and for travel itinerary reasons, I ended up visiting at the end of May.
This is a good time of year to visit, although not the best time to visit Cartagena, according to most recommendations. That may be because the average temperatures in May are high, and the high humidity is starting to creep up the scale, too.
Statistically, the best time to visit Cartagena de Indias in Colombia is between December and March, as the dry season in the Caribbean region starts in late November or December and lasts through March or maybe even April.
Start of the dry season coincides with the start of the high season. It typically has warm weather with less humidity than in the summer, and it is not excruciatingly hot.
In May, when I visited, the wet season was at the annual toddler stage (the wettest months are from June through September), and you can generally expect afternoon showers from May onwards.
From around late August through October, it is also peak hurricane season in the Caribbean.
Hurricane Season In Cartagena Colombia
Statistically, Cartagena is not hit frequently directly by hurricanes, but heavy winds and rains from passing hurricanes and tropical storms can still affect weather and air traffic in the region.
Still, it is the Caribbean! So, make sure you pay attention to the time of the year and the weather forecast before your trip, especially if you are traveling during the peak hurricane season.
EpicNomadLife Tip: Check your travel insurance coverage, flight ticket cancellation policy, and anything that may affect you if a hurricane should hamper your holiday!
A Little History Of Cartagena De Indias
South American country Colombia is a lot more than dubious drug cartels and trafficking, for which the country has had unfortunate fame for decades.
The country is also known for its world-class coffee beans, exquisite emeralds, a stern party culture (especially in Cali, where the salsa dancing is fierce), and exotic fruits.
Cartagena, which was known in the colonial era as Cartagena de Indias, is both a city and a major port on the northern coast of Colombia in the Caribbean Coast Region.
After doing some exploring (and war’ring) Cartagena was founded on 1 June 1533 by Heredia in the former location of the Indigenous Caribbean Calamarí village.
Under a contract with Queen Joanna of Castile, the Spanish commander (explorer and conquistador) Pedro de Heredia entered the Bay of Cartagena with three ships in 1533. A lighter, 150 men, and 22 horses, according to historical notes, on 14 January.
However, the original settlements by indigenous people date back to 4000 BC.
The town was named after the port city of Cartagena in Murcia, southeast Spain.
During the Spanish colonial period, Cartagena had a super-important role in the administration and expansion of the Spanish empire and was a center of political and economic activity.
The super-strategic naval location made it the main port for trade between Spain and its overseas empire, which at the time also included Cuba.
The Creation Of Cartagena Historic Center
During the colonial era, Cartagena was also a key port for the export of Peruvian silver to Spain AND for the import of enslaved Africans under the so-called asiento system.
Because of the city’s strategic maritime location, Cartagena has been attacked many times over the centuries.
After several devastating attacks and pillages from enemies of the Spanish empire, the walled city and fortresses were finally built to protect it from naval attacks.
The construction began in 1586, and a beautiful job they did.
Walking around the Old City today is spectacular; buildings and details on facades, doors, windows, and street design are all like pieces of art.
The Spanish Inquisition
Do you remember anything about the Spanish Inquisition from your history lessons at school?
Here is a short brush-up: it was a large and very violent movement within the Catholic church. The Spanish part started in Spain in the 15th Century, and its sole mission was to remove heresy from society.
Now, heresy means “the belief in faiths or opinions that differ from the generally accepted belief of society.”
The crimes the Inquisition saw fit to address in this term included those of blasphemy, bigamy, and, of course – witchcraft.
In Cartagena, the Holy Office of the Inquisition was established In 1610, and the Palace of the Inquisition was completed in 1770 (yes, they had their own palace).
A total of 767 persons were sentenced in Cartagena by the Inquisition. The horrible punishments range from fines, wearing a Sanbenito (a piece of clothing showing everyone that you were punished), life imprisonment, or death.
(The Inquisition was particularly infamous for being creative in developing new and painful torture techniques to make people confess (or die denying) their crimes).
The system was not abolished until its independence in 1811, when Cartagena was the first Columbian city to declare independence from The Spanish Empire.
The Incredibly Sad Caribbean Slave Trade History
The first slaves were brought to Cartagena by Heredia, an explorer, conqueror, and founder of Cartagena.
They were brought to work as “macheteros”, which was the term for people clearing the underbrush in the jungle.
As the slave trade grew, by the 17th Century, Cartagena had become an important New World slave market, and Europeans began to bring slaves from Africa.
Like Cuba, Cartagena Was Run By The Spanish Empire For Centuries
Spain was the only European power that could not establish factories in Africa to purchase slaves (slave factories were a thing back then).
Therefore, the Spanish empire relied on the asiento system, awarding merchants from other countries licenses to trade slaves to their overseas territories. Cartagena was an important port for Spain’s business.
The slave history of Cartagena is one of the important things that has caught the interest of UNESCO, which has a project here called The Slavery Rout in Cartagena de Indias.
FAQ’s Cartagena Colombia
Is Cartagena Colombia Worth Visiting?
Yes, it is!
Cartagena is, at least, the Old City, quite the little gem with well-kept old houses, flowers everywhere, squares, and beautiful little spaces throughout the city.
It is hustling and bustling with life, people, and tourists alike, and I do recommend you do a walking tour here both to learn all the history, and to find your way! It is definitely possible to get a little lost.
Modern architecture is not very prominent in the city picture; most of the buildings are built in the old colonial style, with bright colors, and all the houses seem to be decorated with flowers wherever possible.
In the evenings, there are lots of bars, restaurants, and clubs around where you can dance and party as much as your heart desires.
Also, there are lots of rooftop terraces where you can go dancing for hours after dark if you want to – and I hope you do!
So yes, from my point of view, Cartagena, Colombia, is well worth your time and money. There is so much history and vibrant city life, including nightlife, restaurants, and bars.
Maybe do a long weekend if you live somewhere with direct flights to Cartagena, like Miami?
Wrap-Up Holidays In Cartagena Colombia
Although not a very big city, the population is just under a million; Cartagena de Indias in Colombia is an amazingly charming city!
With lots of beautiful architecture and history and a stunning historic center within the old walled city, and funnily, there are flowers everywhere in Cartagena! The best time to visit will depend on your preferences.
Shoulder season in early March or late September and October are great for lower prices and fewer crowds. Summer is good for warm temperatures, bordering excruciatingly hot and humid!
To avoid hurricane season, spring is an excellent time to visit, when the average price level is still decent and there are lots of sunny days.
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