Cartagena Travel Guide

What to Do in Cartagena

UNESCO Heritage

The Walled City & City Walls (Murallas)

Ciudad Amurallada, Centro Histórico

Stroll the top of Cartagena’s magnificent 13km colonial walls — the most complete in South America — built over two centuries to defend Spain’s richest Caribbean port. The walls offer the best views of the city and the Caribbean Sea, especially at sunset from the Baluarte del Reducto.

💡 Walk the walls at sunset heading west — you’ll get golden hour views of the Caribbean and the orange-tinted colonial rooftops simultaneously.

Caribbean Islands

Islas del Rosario Day Trip

45 min by speedboat from Cartagena

An archipelago of 27 coral islands and turquoise Caribbean waters just 45 minutes from Cartagena. Snorkel in pristine reefs, swim at deserted white-sand beaches, and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at an island beach club. One of the most beautiful spots in all of Colombia.

💡 Take a private speedboat rather than the crowded public catamaran — the private option is faster, more comfortable, and lets you choose your own island stops.

Historic Fortress

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

Carrera 17, San Lázaro Hill

The greatest Spanish colonial fortress ever built in the Americas, constructed between 1536 and 1657. The labyrinthine tunnels, ramparts, and gun batteries offer a fascinating window into military colonial history — and spectacular views over Cartagena from the summit.

💡 Visit in the early morning (8–9am) before the heat becomes intense — the fortress has very little shade and midday temperatures can exceed 35°C.

Tours & Experiences

Sunset Cruise

Private Sunset Catamaran Cruise

Departing from La Marina, Bocagrande

Sail along Cartagena’s Caribbean coast at golden hour aboard a private catamaran. Toast with champagne and Colombian rum cocktails as the sun sets behind the city walls and the sky turns shades of coral and violet. A quintessential Cartagena luxury experience.

💡 Book New Way Travel Corp’s private catamaran for groups — includes a bartender, Colombian appetizers, and a personal guide to the best anchorage spots.

Neighborhood Food Tour

Getsemaní Street Food & Art Walk

Getsemaní Neighborhood, Cartagena

Getsemaní — Cartagena’s most vibrant and authentic neighborhood — is a street art gallery, culinary hotspot, and cultural epicenter all in one. A walking tour samples arepas, fresh tropical juices, Caribbean ceviche, and cocktails at local bars, while your guide explains the neighborhood’s remarkable transformation.

💡 Getsemaní is best explored in the evening when the street life comes alive — Parque del Centenario fills with locals and the food stalls open.

Cultural Immersion

San Basilio de Palenque Village Visit

45 min from Cartagena

Visit the first free African settlement in the Americas — a UNESCO-designated village where the descendants of escaped enslaved people still speak Palenquero, the only creole language in Latin America. An extraordinary, moving cultural experience unique to Colombia.

💡 Go with a respectful, community-approved guide — the village community has worked hard to welcome visitors while protecting their culture and privacy.

Where to Stay in Cartagena

Luxury Mansion Hotel

Hotel Casa San Agustín

Calle de la Universidad 36-44, Centro Histórico

One of Latin America’s finest boutique hotels, occupying three beautifully restored 17th-century colonial mansions in the heart of the walled city. Lush courtyards, a rooftop pool with city views, and impeccably designed rooms make it the ultimate Cartagena luxury base.

💡 The rooftop pool is the best in the city — request a pool-view room for the most spectacular views of Cartagena’s colonial skyline.

Boutique

El Viajero Cartagena Hostel & Suites

Calle de los Siete Infantes, Getsemaní

A stylish boutique property in the heart of Getsemaní — Cartagena’s most interesting and up-and-coming neighborhood. Beautifully designed private suites with exposed colonial brickwork, a lively rooftop bar, and a welcoming social atmosphere perfect for independent travelers.

💡 Staying in Getsemaní rather than the walled city puts you closer to the local restaurant and bar scene — and prices are 30–40% lower.

Mid-Range Beach

Hilton Cartagena

El Laguito, Bocagrande

Located on the Bocagrande peninsula with direct Caribbean beach access, the Hilton is ideal for families and beach-lovers who want proximity to the sand. A free shuttle runs to the walled city, combining beach resort comforts with historic Cartagena access.

💡 Bocagrande’s beach is good for swimming but the water is clearer at the Rosario Islands — use the hotel as your base and do a day trip to the islands.

Insider Tips for Cartagena

• Cartagena is a year-round destination, but the dry season (December–April) offers the best weather — low humidity, clear skies, and calm Caribbean seas for island excursions. Avoid the rainy season peak (October–November) if possible.
• The heat in Cartagena is intense — embrace the Latin rhythm of life: active mornings, a midday rest during the hottest hours (12–3pm), and evening exploration when the temperature drops and the city comes alive.
• Bargaining is expected at local markets and with mototaxi drivers — always agree on a price before getting into a taxi or moto. Rideshare apps (InDriver, Cabify) are safer and more transparent for longer distances.
• The walled city and Getsemaní are very walkable and safe for tourists during the day and evening in the main areas. Always follow your hotel’s advice on current neighborhood conditions.
• Try the local drink: Agua de Panela (hot sugarcane water with lime) and fresh limonada de coco (coconut lemonade) — the most refreshing drink you’ll ever have on a hot Caribbean afternoon.
• Hire a certified local guide for the Castillo San Felipe and walled city tours — the history of pirate attacks, Spanish colonial strategy, and the slave trade is fascinating and brings the architecture to life.
• The palenqueras — colorful Afro-Colombian women in traditional dress selling tropical fruits — are an iconic Cartagena image, but always ask before photographing and purchase something if you take a photo.
• Contact New Way Travel Corp for your Cartagena itinerary — our specialists offer private island charters, luxury mansion hotel reservations, exclusive cultural tours, and seamless Colombia travel planning.