Cartagena, Colombia: An All-In-One Travel Guide
Cartagena, Colombia is a destination that might just have it all! The 500-year-old city is filled with history and intrigue. Yet, it’s also filled with color and life!
Join us to explore Cartagena, a walled city full of hidden depths—and joyous surprises.
Discover The Walled City of Cartagena: Seaside Landscapes, History & Culture
Cartagena, Colombia was first built in 1533. A port town crucial to international trade, it was a target of pirates and marauders. So, its leaders built walls of coral stone around the city’s borders. The walls were built in segments, and their arched gates and passageways have been preserved to this day.
Today, Cartagena, Colombia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protected and celebrated for its unique history and architecture.
Intrigued? Consider a few of the city’s highlights.
Tour Castillo San Felipe de Barajas (Cartagena Castle & Fort)
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is a 400-year-old fortification, built on the highest point of Cartagena. First built in 1536 to defend the port city from pirates, it was subsequently expanded in the 17th century, and it faced numerous sieges by the English and French.
The fortification protected the castle’s heart with a maze of tunnels, numerous parapets, and batteries. These enabled defenses from all angles at all times, so long as each parapet and battery was stationed.
Explore The Underground Maze of Tunnels
The beguiling network of underground tunnels forms a labyrinth that’s easily several kilometers long altogether. As you explore them, the castle’s storytellers bring its history to life. Skilled guides infuse the tunnels you traverse with context, historical narratives, and legends.
Boca del Puente (Grand Entrance)
The grand entrance of Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is a majestic, raised cobblestone road, bordered on either side by setts in the medieval style.
The entrance is so beautiful, particularly during golden hour, it’s a popular location for local wedding and engagement photos.
Retreat To La Candelaria Monastery
Augustine monks began building the Monasterio de La Candelaria in 1597, and they spent the next sixty years bringing it to fruition. The monastery’s museum depicts much of its history.
It’s a wonderful space for peaceful contemplation. The monastery’s caves have grottos and centuries-old lamplight; the courtyard likewise offers plenty of tranquil spots and gardens.
Experience The Magic of Getsemani
Getsemai is a vibrant neighborhood tucked away in Old Town Cartagena. Every wall seems to reveal a new piece, from long, meticulous murals to splashy, punk-like street art—portraits, icons, and scenes of all kinds.
The neighborhood also offers a symphony of tastes. As a historic port town, Cartagena developed a unique culture of chocolate and rum, and many of Getsemani’s eateries offer tastings of both!
Coffee & Music In Plaza de la Trinidad
During the day, the Plaza de Trinidad, one of Getsemani’s central squares, is alive with the sound of music and the smell of freshly roasted coffee. Street musicians and performers often play, and you’ll never know what kind of show to expect!
Rum & Nightlife
After dark, affordable-yet-chic nightclubs awaken. Some are enclaves of jazz, sophisticated cocktails, and smooth conversation. Others invite you to spend the night on the dancefloor, jumpstarting a fiesta of live salsa, cumbia, and even retro champeta in the heart of Cartagena.
Savvy & Safe: Colombia Travel Tips
Getting To and From Cartagena
Most travelers get to Cartagena, Colombia by air, flying into the Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG). From there, most head to Old Town Cartagena by taxi or ride-sharing apps (although a few opt to rent bicycles).
Street Smart
Stay safe when traversing the streets. Don’t carry too much cash on your person, and stay alert to your surroundings. Thieves and scammers often target people distracted by their phones. Travel on foot in groups.
Staying Safe In The Heat
Cartagena, Colombia has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Prepare for heat and humidity by traveling with loose-fitting clothing, wearing sun protection, and drinking plenty of water.
Walking is the most used mode of transit, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Call 123 or 125 For Emergencies (Heat Stroke)
Stay alert and act quickly if you experience symptoms of heat stroke. Move immediately to a cool location, and drink cold fluids until your body’s temperature goes down.
Severe symptoms can require emergency medical services (EMS). In this case, call the emergency number provided by your hotel, or dial 123 for Colombia’s emergency services operator line, or 125 for emergency medical services specifically.
Spotlight: Caravan’s 10-Day Colombia Tour
Caravan’s all-inclusive tour of Colombia is ten days of extraordinary experiences.
During the last, three-day leg of the tour, guests stay in a seaside resort hotel. The days balance scheduled events with lively cultural experts, and freedom to explore the city’s surprises and delights on one’s own terms.
About Caravan
Since our company first launched in 1952, we’ve offered a great experience of our own: safe, all-inclusive tours of the world’s most extraordinary destinations.
Caravan has honed the art of crafting all-in-one travel packages, each guided by experts. Every affordable trip includes meals, transportation, and rooms—no strings attached!
At Caravan, we guarantee safety and adventure alike.
Take an unforgettable trip without the stress of planning it. Travel with Caravan, and we’ll do the work for you! Just call one of our agents at 1 (312) 321-9800, or call 1-800-CARAVAN.