Cartagena Travel Guide

Cartagena is Colombia’s Caribbean showpiece: a walled colonial city founded in 1533 and listed by UNESCO in 1984, with colorful balconied streets, a massive Spanish fortress and a hot, humid climate year-round. Most visitors base themselves in the Walled City or Getsemaní and plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings, when the heat is easier to handle. The city walls, built over roughly two centuries, are the best place to watch the sunset over the Caribbean.

Immerse yourself in local culture as lively street vendors offer tropical fruits, refreshing coconut water, and tantalizing empanadas—a taste sensation not to be missed! Be sure to visit iconic landmarks like Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, an awe-inspiring fortress that once protected against pirate attacks, or take a leisurely stroll along Las Bóvedas—an architectural masterpiece now transformed into artisanal shops where you can find unique souvenirs crafted by talented locals. When it’s time for some relaxation under the sun, head out to Playa Blanca—a pristine beach just outside of town—where powdery white sand meets crystalline waters perfect for swimming or simply unwinding with a chilled cocktail in hand.