cartagena

Cartagena

Colombia

Best Time to Visit
December to April (dry season)
Getting Around
Well Connected
Travel Style
City & Culture

Overview

A magical walled city on Colombia's Caribbean coast where colonial architecture in jewel tones, tropical energy, and world-class cuisine create an intoxicating atmosphere.

Cost of Travel

Daily budget guide for Cartagena — what you can expect to spend per person including accommodation, meals, transport, and activities.

Budget~$25~$45

per person per day

Mid-Range~$60~$110

per person per day

Premium~$180~$400

per person per day

Approximate costs in USD based on today's exchange rates.

Explore Cartagena

Do

Walls of Cartagena

4.8(33,896)Maps

Defensive stone walls snaking 11km around Cartagena, dating to the 1600s & known for sunset vistas.

Do

Centro Histórico de Cartagena

4.8(3,914)Maps
Do

Aviario Nacional de Colombia

4.8(3,448)Maps

Sprawling aviary complex with varied habitats home to colorful parrots, peacocks, flamingos & more.

📍 See

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

4.7(66,784)Maps

Imposing hilltop fortress built in the 1600s with a complex tunnel system & offering audio tours.

Do

Plaza de Santa Teresa

4.7(5,258)Maps
Do

Bendita Beach

4.7(1,476)Maps

Where to Stay

🏨 Stayultra-luxury

Sofitel Legend Santa Clara

4.8(4,628)Maps

A converted 17th-century convent in the Walled City, blending colonial grandeur with French luxury and a stunning pool.

🏨 Staymid-range

Hotel Quadrifolio

A beautifully restored colonial house in San Diego with lush courtyards, a rooftop plunge pool, and personalized service.

Where to Eat

🍽️ Eatfine-dining

Carmen

Colombian Contemporary

An innovative restaurant celebrating Colombia's biodiversity through creative dishes using ingredients from every region.

🍽️ Eatmid-range

La Cevicheria

Seafood

A vibrant Walled City restaurant famous for its fresh ceviche varieties and creative cocktails in a colorful setting.

Travel Tips

  • Walk the city walls at sunset for spectacular views
  • Try fresh ceviche and coconut rice at a plaza restaurant
  • Take a day trip to the Rosario Islands or Playa Blanca
  • Bring mosquito repellent — the tropical climate means bugs
  • Haggle politely at markets and with street vendors
  • Stay hydrated — the Caribbean heat and humidity are intense

Getting There & Around

The Walled City is best explored on foot — it's compact and pedestrian-friendly. Taxis are affordable and abundant. Uber operates in the city. Horse-drawn carriages offer scenic tours of the historic center. Boats to Rosario Islands depart from the port. TransCaribe bus system connects main districts.

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