About Cartagena
Cartagena de Indias is Colombia's most enchanting city — a UNESCO World Heritage walled city of pastel-painted colonial mansions, bougainvillea-draped balconies, and cobblestone plazas that come alive after dark. Founded in 1533, it was once the most important port in the Spanish Empire and its fortifications still stand as a testament to that storied past. Today it blends history, culture, and Caribbean warmth in one irresistible package.
Planning your Cartagena trip?
Cartagena bay tours and old-city walking tours fill fast in peak season.
Everything You Need to Plan Your Trip
Top Attractions in Cartagena
The 13km colonial wall encircling the historic centre is Cartagena's defining feature — a UNESCO World Heritage Site of extraord…
The largest Spanish colonial fortress in the Americas crowns the hill above the city. A vast network of tunnels beneath the walls,…
A 45-minute boat ride from the marina brings you to this archipelago of coral islands with clear Caribbean water. Snorkelling and …
Once the city's working-class quarter and formerly off the tourist trail, Getsemaní has transformed into the coolest neighbourhoo…
Best Neighbourhoods in Cartagena
Sleeping inside the walls is the classic Cartagena experience — colonial mansion hotels with courtyard pools, immediate access to all sights, and the electric atmosphere of the historic centre.
The rapidly gentrifying neighbourhood adjacent to the walls — boutique guesthouses, colourful murals, and excellent local restaurants. The best value accommodation in the city.
The modern high-rise hotel strip along the beach, 2km from the old city. Better for beach access, but lacks the character and atmosphere of the historic centre.
A quieter residential peninsula adjacent to Bocagrande — apartment hotels and guesthouses in a local neighbourhood with good restaurant choices and beach access.
Best Time to Visit Cartagena
Little rain, lower humidity, and the most reliable beach weather. Christmas and New Year bring Brazilian touri…
A secondary dry window — warm and mostly sunny. Less crowded than December–April and often better hotel ra…
Rain typically falls in short, sharp afternoon downpours — mornings are usually sunny. Prices drop significa…
Roughest seas of the year — day trips to the Rosario Islands may be cancelled. The city itself is fine; this…
Top Tours in Cartagena
AdventureCulturalBest Hotels in Cartagena
LuxuryHotel Casa San Agustín
Housed in a lovingly restored 18th-century colonial mansion within the walled city, Casa San Agustí...
BoutiqueTcherassi Hotel & Spa
Colombian fashion designer Silvia Tcherassi's exquisitely curated boutique hotel within the walled c...
LuxuryHotel Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
A 17th-century convent transformed into Cartagena's grandest hotel — the former cells of Dominican...