Thursday, September 19, 2024

33 Cool Issues to Do in Cartagena, Colombia 2023 – Wild Junket Journey Journey Weblog

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Final Up to date on April 23, 2023 by Nellie Huang

It’s unattainable to not fall in love with Cartagena. Get to know town inside out with my checklist of enjoyable issues to do in Cartagena Colombia.

Colombia’s Caribbean sweetheart is a metropolis of colours and tradition, the place the vitality is impalpable and the warmth relenting. Colorfully dressed palenquera girls saunter alongside pastel-colored colonial homes and church buildings, whereas horse-drawn carriages trot alongside the cobblestoned roads, with upbeat salsa music echoing within the background. 

Sure, Cartagena is touristy — the historic city attracts in hordes of vacationers and cruise passengers — but when you recognize the place to look in Cartagena, you’ll discover quirky corners, fascinating historical past and an plain allure. As a homage to my favourite metropolis to go to in Colombia, I’ve compiled an extended checklist of enjoyable issues to do in Cartagena to be sure to fall in love simply as I did!

things to do in cartagena - cartagena colombia

Historical past of Cartagena Colombia

Based in 1533, Cartagena was first established when Spanish commander Pedro de Heredia took over an deserted Amerindian Caribbean village and constructed a settlement of his personal. He named it Cartagena de Indias, in reference to the Spanish counterpart.

Presently, Spanish riches have been transported by means of Cartagena, incomes town giant sums to construct mansions. Folks from everywhere in the nation got here right here seeking to make their fortune. The coastal metropolis has performed a significant half within the historical past of Colombia; warding off invasions, and battling pirates lured by the riches within the metropolis.

In 1821, Cartagena was the primary metropolis to declare independence from Spain. At the moment, the walled Previous Metropolis stays unchanged, with a few of the greatest preserved colonial structure in Latin America.

 things to do in cartagena colombia - horse carriage things to do in cartagena colombia - walking on the streets in downtown

Issues to Do in Cartagena

Poised alongside the Caribbean coast, Cartagena is a massively fashionable place for these touring in Colombia. There are such a lot of issues to do in Cartagena, whether or not you’re right here for historical past, tradition or just a vacation. The big metropolis is multi-faceted, with every of the districts displaying totally different aptitude. Listed below are the three most fascinating areas in Cartagena.

Cartagena Centro is the guts of town, with a powerful assortment of colonial buildings packed right into a walled space. Your entire walled metropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage web site. In the event you’re questioning the place to remain in Cartagena, I positively suggest staying in Centro or San Diego, each of that are within the walled metropolis.

Getsemaní is situated proper outdoors the previous colonial walled metropolis. Cartagena’s hippest neighborhood was as soon as affected by crime and violence. Now it’s been remodeled right into a hipster enclave brimming with avenue artwork, cafes and boutique lodges.

Bocagrande is essentially the most trendy a part of Cartagena: a strip flanked by fancy lodges, eating places, nightclubs and artwork galleries. Bocagrande seashores aren’t something to write down house about, however they do present a respite from Cartagena’s extraordinarily humid climate.

Issues to Do in Cartagena Walled Metropolis

The walled metropolis of Cartagena, or just generally known as Centro, is the palpitating coronary heart of town, and it’s the place I like to recommend staying (scroll down for lodge suggestions). I spent days simply wandering by means of the maze of cobbled alleys, balconies lined in bougainvillea, and large church buildings that solid their shadows throughout leafy plazas, and completely liked it.

1. See the Clock Tower

One of the best place to start out your journey in Cartagena is the enduring landmark, the Clock Tower or Puerta del Reloj. That is the unique entrance of the fortified metropolis. Courting again to 1601, the tower was constructed to attach, by way of drawbridge, Getsemani with previous Cartagena. 

Initially known as “La Boca del Puente” (The Mouth of the Bridge), it was rebuilt to accommodate a superior Swiss clock which in reality continues to be in operation immediately. That is additionally a great spot to snap a photograph of the multi-colored row of colonial homes throughout the sq..

cartagena travel blog - clock tower

Where to Stay in Cartagena 2021

2. Go to the Cathedral

You’ll most probably acknowledge the Cathedral tower from postcards and pictures of Cartagena. Probably the most iconic landmark of Cartagena will be seen from most elements of the fortified city.

Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría was designed by grasp builder Simón González, modeled after basilicas in Spain. Development started in 1577, changing a humble cathedral of straw and reeds. 

The Cartagena Cathedral at all times has its doorways broad open, so you’ll be able to see its inside even when it’s not open for visits. One of the best picture spot with the Cathedral within the background is on Calle Don Sancho. Stroll in direction of the ocean and switch round, for a beautiful view!

cathedral of cartagena - visit cartagena colombia cathedral of cartagena - visit cartagena colombia

Colombia Covid Journey Restrictions

Colombia now not requires a destructive coronavirus take a look at from vacationers getting into the nation by air. Anybody is welcomed to journey to Colombia.  However is Colombia protected to journey now, with the nationwide protests and COVID19 wreaking havoc? Learn my article to seek out out.

Cartagena is a complete away from Medellin and Bogota, and is way safer to go to usually. Crime ranges listed here are significantly decrease they usually not often flip violent, however petty theft and related crime stay widespread. Three U.S. residents died in homicides in 2019, two of which occurred in Cartagena.

I at all times suggest vacationers to purchase journey insurance coverage, particularly for those who’re touring throughout COVID-19. Security Wing is the preferred journey insurance coverage firm for COVID19-coverage. I take advantage of their Nomad Insurance coverage plan, which covers COVID-19 as another sickness so long as it was not contracted earlier than your protection begin date. Consult with my journey insurance coverage information for extra particulars.

3. Go to the Gold Museum

Situated across the nook from the Cathedral, the Museo de Oro Zenú is a smaller model of the world-class gold museum in Bogota. In the event you’re not planning to journey Bogota, then make a pitstop right here to have a look of the gold and pottery of the Zenú (also referred to as Sinú) individuals, who inhabited the area earlier than the Spanish conquest. 

It’s free to enter, and the air-con is a refreshing respite from Cartagena’s oppressive humidity. Throughout my go to, the unique museum was below renovation however they opened a brief exhibit across the nook.

museo de oro zenu - top things to do in cartagena

4. Grasp Out at Parque de Bolivar

Proper subsequent to the gold museum is a small park (one of many many within the previous city), and it’s devoted to Simon Bolivar, a reputation you’ll hear quite a bit when touring South America. Simon Bolivar was a Venezuelan common and statesman who introduced political independence to 6 present-day nations in South America. 

It’s an amazing spot to watch native life: avenue distributors promoting fruit, seniors chatting on the benches, and kids hanging out. Sit on a shaded bench whilst you take within the sights and sounds round you.

parque de bolivar - top cartagena sights

5. Eat Arepas on the Streets

In the event you’re searching for a morning snack, the road distributors at Parque Bolivar can positively fulfill your craving. Probably the most widespread avenue meals you’ll discover in Colombia is the arepa, a thick cornmeal tortilla that’s grilled or baked. It’s normally served with carne (minced meat), huevo (egg) or queso (cheese). They’re insanely low cost and good: an arepa prices simply 2000 – 2500 pesos ($0.50). 

You’ll discover arepa avenue distributors in every single place in Cartagena — however the good ones are people who fry the arepa on demand. Apart from those at Parque de Bolivar, I additionally actually just like the arepa stand parked in entrance of Townhouse Boutique Lodge on Carrera 7 (solely within the evenings).

must sees in cartagena - arepas

6. Purchase Fruit from Native Distributors

The very first thing you’ll discover whenever you’re in Cartagena is the quantity of recent fruit in every single place! Cartagena is blessed with tropical climate and every kind of juicy, scrumptious fruit develop right here: from large mangoes to passionfruit, and extra unique ones like lulo and mangosteen. 

You’ll discover males pushing carts brimming with every kind of fruit and likewise palenqueras (learn subsequent level for extra) sashaying with fruit baskets on their heads. They’ve the most effective mangoes I’ve ever tried — they usually don’t style something like those at house!

fruit stalls in cartagena - fun things to do in cartagena  fruit stalls in cartagena - fun things to do in cartagena

Be warned: Cartagena is HOT HOT HOT!

With its location on the Caribbean coast, Cartagena is extraordinarily scorching and humid all yr. Put together to sweat and get utterly soaked whereas strolling round city. Strive to not prepare too many actions within the afternoon as that’s when it will get the most popular.

One of the best time to journey to Cartagena is from March-April and from June – August. It is because it rains the least throughout these months. The wet season is usually in Might – June and October – November. It tends to be cloudy and overcast throughout this time. Temperatures vary from 76°F (24°C) to 88°F (31°C) whatever the season.

7. Get to know the Palenqueras

In all places you go in Cartagena’s historic previous city, you’ll spot the palenqueras: black girls in colourful attire expertly balancing bowls of tropical fruit on their heads. Over time, they’ve develop into the image of not simply Cartagena, however of Colombia. 

At the moment, they make their cash posing for pictures, however this wasn’t at all times the case. Initially from San Basilio de Palenque, these girls are direct descendants of the world’s first free African slaves. They escaped from the colonizers and established a settlement simply 1.5 hours from Cartagena.

Again then, the ladies of Palenque would placed on their conventional African costume and make the lengthy journey into Cartagena by foot to promote baskets filled with tropical fruit. At the moment, the Palenqueras as an alternative make their cash from posing for curious vacationers. And it’s simple to see why: their lovely smiles and colourful conventional attire set towards Cartagena’s crumbling mustard partitions make for a shocking picture.

palenquera colombia - must sees in cartagena palenquera colombia - must sees in cartagena

8. See the San Pedro Claver Church

One other outstanding landmark within the previous city (particularly its cupola) is the Iglesia de San Pedro Claver. Accomplished within the first half of the 18th century, the church has a good looking stone facade, and inside there are nice stained-glass home windows and a excessive altar made from Italian marble.

Based by Jesuits, the convent was named after Spanish-born monk Pedro Claver (1580–1654), who lived and died right here. Referred to as the ‘Apostle of the Blacks’ or the ‘Slave of the Slaves,’ the monk spent his life serving to enslaved individuals introduced from Africa. A sequence of lucid work contained in the constructing relates his life story.

san pedro de claver - best sights in cartagena san pedro de claver - best sights in cartagena

9. Go to the Palace of the Inquisition

Just some minutes’ stroll from San Pedro Claver is the Palace of the Inquisition, one of many metropolis’s prettiest examples of Spanish Colonial structure. In-built 1770, it includes a grandiose entrance constructed within the Baroque type, lengthy wood balconies lined with pink bougainvillea, and an ornate forged iron fence.

However this beautiful constructing hides a darkish secret — it was the infamous torture palace of the Spanish Inquisition. At the moment, the palace is a museum, displaying the inquisitors’ devices of torture. The museum additionally homes pre-Columbian pottery and plots a historic trajectory of town utilizing armaments, work, furnishings and even church bells.

visit cartagena colombia

10. Be a part of a Free Strolling Tour 

The easiest way to get beneath the floor of Cartagena and meet different vacationers is to affix a free strolling tour. There are fairly a number of free strolling excursions in Cartagena nowadays — simply look out for the yellow umbrella for the unique one.

My information Edgar was the primary individual to start out free strolling excursions in Cartagena. He brings vacationers on a 2-hour stroll that covers your entire walled metropolis, visiting all of the spots I discussed above. The excursions begin at 10am and 2pm on a regular basis, departing from Plaza de Santa Teresa.  I positively realized much more from the stroll than I anticipated and extremely suggest it. Ebook right here.

free walking tour - cartagena colombia free walking tour - cartagena colombia

11. Strive Contemporary Seafood at Native Eateries

On the subject of meals, Cartagena has no scarcity of excellent eats. However most of the eating places within the walled metropolis cater to vacationers and are overpriced — you do must dig just a little deeper to seek out genuine Colombian meals.

Most native diners serve the menu del dia, a set meal that prices between 8000 to 15000 Pesos (US$2.5 – $4). It normally features a major dish with coconut rice, patacon (flattened fried plantain), salad, and a thick soup with meat and corn, plus a juice.

In Cartagena, the primary dish is usually the mojarra fish which is served complete and fried. As soon as you permit the Caribbean coast, this will probably be onerous to come back by, so do strive it right here. I like to recommend attempting the mojarra at Atahualpa Restaurant — it’s actually recent and low cost.

Different easy native diners price trying out are:

mojarra fish menu del dia - what to eat in cartagena

12. Strive Espresso Impressed Cocktails at Epoca Cafe

Colombia has the a few of the greatest espresso on the earth — and there’s no scarcity of wonderful cafes throughout Cartagena. In the event you’re merely searching for a very good cuppa, head to Juan Valdez Cafe, a Colombian cafe chain that has develop into a family title in lots of international locations. It might seem like a Starbucks, however even Colombians rave in regards to the high quality espresso there.

For these in search of one thing just a little totally different, I like to recommend trying out Epoca Espresso Bar, that has gained a following with its inventive espresso cocktails. Strive the Embajador de la Época, which incorporates kyoto chilly brew, agave and hechicera rum. 

best cafes in cartagena best cafes in cartagena

13. Go to Ábaco Libros y Café

An area’s favourite hang-out, Ábaco Libros not solely serves a few of the greatest espresso in Cartagena — however it’s additionally an enthralling bookshop with plenty of charisma. It’s not longer a secret, however it nonetheless retains its allure with its intimate dimension and quiet ambiance. The small cafe is roofed wall-to-wall with books in each Spanish and English, and is the proper oasis to loosen up.

best cafes in cartagena - abaco libros

14. Snap Photographs on Calle de la Cochera del Hobo

The streets of Cartagena’s walled metropolis are so extremely lovely that you would be able to simply spend days simply wandering round and snapping pictures at each nook. Probably the most photogenic streets within the previous city is Calle de Cochera del Hobo, the place pink bougainvilleas drape over pastel-colored homes. The doorways listed here are notably ornate and also you’ll typically discover one or two palenqueras sitting by the road nook right here. 

what to do in cartagena - walk the streets

best things to do in cartagena - explore the walled city best things to do in cartagena - explore the walled city

15. Go to Las Bovedas

Proper across the nook is Las Bovedas, or the Vaults. The brilliant yellow advanced is definitely a sequence of dungeons constructed within the 1790s. Initially designed for storage, these vaults have been became jail cells through the civil conflict that ripped Colombia aside within the nineteenth century. The political prisoners confronted grueling situations and have been typically compelled to face in knee-deep seawater throughout excessive tides.

At the moment Las Bóvedas have taken on a brand new life as a bustling market with native artisan outlets and memento shops. Go as much as the roof of the vaults for a panoramic view.

las bovedas - cartagena colombia

16. See Sundown on the Wall

The Previous Metropolis is surrounded by fortified partitions, which might truly be walked on in sure sections. The preferred part of the wall is at Cafe del Mar (click on to see on Google Map).

Each weblog says Cafe del Mar is the most effective place to see sundown in Cartagena, however I feel it’s overpriced and means too crowded (there have been lengthy traces once I was there). You’ll be able to simply get the identical view standing subsequent to the cafe on the wall, without spending a dime.

sunset on the walls - cartagena de indias colombia

17. Have a Drink on the Movich Lodge’s Rooftop Bar

One of the best spot in Cartagena for sundown views, for my part, is the rooftop bar at Movich Lodge Cartagena. Sip on mojitos by the pool and feast on the sundown views, with San Pedro Claver Church within the backdrop and the trendy skyscrapers of Bocagrande within the distance.

It’s some of the luxurious locations to remain in Cartagena, so anticipate excessive costs. Drinks aren’t low cost (cocktails for 40,000 COP or US$10) although. In the event you’re seeking to splurge, get a day cross for $55 to benefit from the pool all day (half of it may be used for meals/drink consumption).

There are many cool rooftop bars in Centro  — one other one price visiting is the Townhouse Rooftop Bar. It’s small, however stylish and cosy. It has plenty of lounge area, tall palm timber, and electrical pink neon indicators.

33 Cool Things to Do in Cartagena, Colombia

sunset rooftop views - things to do in cartagena

18. Observe Anthony Bourdain’s Footsteps at La Cevichería

Made well-known by Anthony Bourdain, La Cevichería is a family title and a fixture in Cartagena’s culinary scene. Its proprietor Julio Orellano was featured in Bourdain’s No Reservations episode on Colombia, and since then, it has been on the must-go checklist for a lot of vacationers. The seafood-centric menu is easy, and the star of the present is the octopus ceviche. Costs listed here are much like different vacationer eating places, however the meals is superb.

la cevicheria - best restaurants in cartagena la cevicheria - best restaurants in cartagena

19. Benefit from the Nightlife of Cartagena

With the intense warmth through the day, it’s no marvel Cartagena really comes alive solely at evening. Because the sunsets, you’ll discover extra individuals streaming out to the streets and hanging out on the many alfresco bars. The walled metropolis is filled with pubs filled with persona, golf equipment that rock till the wee hours of the morning, and horny salsa golf equipment. 

Alquímico is a high favourite within the walled metropolis, with an artwork deco cocktail bar on the bottom flooring and a big rooftop bar upstairs. El Baron is among the hottest cocktail bars on the town, with its uncovered brick partitions, funky industrial lighting and good reside music at weekends. 

Most golf equipment are solely open Thursday by means of Saturday. You don’t have to decorate tremendous fancy for an evening out, however depart the flipflops and shorts behind. In the event you’re searching for some salsa to go along with your cocktails, try  Donde Fidel, which beloved for its salsa music. Mistik Membership is extraordinarily fashionable with locals, however it’s additionally among the many pricier golf equipment on the town. 

cartagena by night


Issues to Do in Cartagena’s Getsemaní District

Only a 10-minute stroll from the previous city is Getsemaní, one of many coolest areas to discover in Cartagena. It’s hip, artsy, laidback and tough across the edges. What was once a gritty neighborhood drowning in crime and violence, has been remodeled right into a vibrant out of doors artwork museum, with its avenue artwork in every single place and squares flanked by fashionable bars.

20. See Wild Sloths and Iguanas in Parque del Centenario

To get to Getsemaní from the Previous City, you’ll positively cross by means of Parque del Centenario. However this isn’t any park — it’s house to a number of inexperienced iguanas and a resident sloth that roam freely within the park. 

The inexperienced iguanas are simple to identify as they’re on the bottom most occasions. However to see the sloth, you may must ask the park caretakers for the perezoso (sloth in Spanish). I used to be fortunate sufficient to see the sloth on a tall palm tree on the major entrance. 

parque del centenario cartagena - free things to do in cartagena

sloth in parque del centenario cartagena - free things to do in cartagena

21. See Avenue Artwork on Calle de la Sierpe

The gentrification of Getsemaní led to an inventive revolution locally. Wandering by means of the pastel maze of colonial homes, you’ll discover loads of eye-popping, vibrant avenue artwork. 

The primary murals appeared on Calle 29, also referred to as Calle de la Sierpe, a semi-industrial stretch of concrete wall. Native artists noticed the chance to reclaim the streets with their spray cans and creativeness and went to work. Now, a very good portion of the road is roofed in placing avenue artwork.

Hold strolling and also you’ll see extra mural artwork alongside Calle de San Juan and the streets flanking Plaza de la Trinidad. The truth is, proper subsequent to the sq., you’ll discover my favourite avenue artwork: a portray of the Maria Mulata, the official fowl of Cartagena. Colombian artist Yurika was impressed to color this vibrant avenue mural by a neighborhood folks story.

street art in getsemani - free things to do in cartagena

street art in getsemani - fun things to do in cartagena street art in getsemani - things to do in cartagena colombia

22. Folks Watch at Plaza de la Trinidad

The principle sq. in Getsemaní is Plaza de la Trinidad, which is bustling with life whatever the time of the day. It’s an amazing spot to look at avenue performers and luxuriate in avenue meals from the various stalls that dot the sq.. 

picture op is simply throughout the road, proper in entrance of the colourful and flamboyant Restaurant Palenqueras. I don’t suggest consuming right here although because it’s overpriced — scroll down for my suggestions on the place to eat.

street art in getsemani - free things to do in cartagena

23. See the Umbrellas on Callejón Angosto

Only a 3-minute stroll away from the sq. is a tiny alley adorned with umbrellas, known as Callejón Angosto. It’s a photogenic avenue, however most individuals come right here only for the pictures. And a good narrower alley that runs parallel to it, Callejón Ancho, is simply as photogenic, with floral decorations and a tiny mojito bar proper on the road. However remember that you’re traipsing by means of the alleys the place locals reside, although most of them are very happy to see vacationers.

umbrella street in getsemani - cartagena de indias colombia umbrella street in getsemani - cartagena de indias colombia

umbrella street in getsemani - cartagena de indias colombia umbrella street in getsemani - cartagena travel blog

24. Eat Native Meals on Calle Tripita y Media

Probably the greatest locations to strive native meals in Cartagena is alongside Calle Tripita y Media, a pedestrianized avenue lined with colourful flags and flanked with meals stalls. It runs perpendicular to the primary thoroughfare, Calle 32. 

That is the most affordable place within the metropolis to strive native meals — virtually all the diners serve menu del dia that features sancocho (a soup), patacon (fried plantain), coconut rice, beans and a meat or fish.  

calle tripita y media - things to do in getsemani cartagena

things to eat in cartagena - tour cartagena colombia


Issues to Do Outdoors of the Walled Metropolis

It’s simple to get trapped within the bubble of Cartagen’s previous city. Remember there’s extra to Cartagena than that and for those who’re seeking to expertise the totally different sides to town, then I like to recommend venturing out to those locations.

25. Go to the Castillo de San Felipe

The spectacular fort/fortress is only a 10-minute drive from the historic middle. You can too stroll from the previous city, however it may be difficult within the warmth and humidity of Cartagena. 

Courting again to 1536, the fortress fell to the French within the late 1600s. It was a pivotal location within the conflict towards independence with Spain. The fortress was cleaned up and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage web site. 

The fortress is a great spot to find out about Cartagena’s historical past and see each the previous and new elements of Cartagena from above. To get there from the previous city, catch a taxi and it shouldn’t price greater than 8,000 COP ($2). Entrance is 25,000 COP (US$6.5).

castillo de san felipe - cartagena travel

castillo de san felipe - cartagena travel

26. Wander across the Bazurto Market

Cartagena’s greatest market is a dizzying mess of meals stalls, clothes outlets, digital shops and extra. It’s loud, messy, and chaotic — however it’s precisely why I feel that is essentially the most enjoyable factor to do in Cartagena! The meals part is especially fascinating (although additionally the grittiest) with every kind of colourful tropical fruit, recent fish and root vegetation on sale. 

Distributors are extraordinarily pleasant, particularly for those who smile and chat with them in Spanish. I requested if I may take pictures of the meals, however all of them wished to be within the picture! Don’t be delay by the warnings you learn on-line — simply watch out of pickpockets, and also you’ll be nice. To get there, take a taxi from Castillo de San Felipe (which takes 10 minutes and prices 10,000 COP or $2.70). 

bazurto market - things to do outside walled city cartagena bazurto market - things to do outside walled city cartagena

bazurto market - things to do outside walled city cartagena

27. Go to the High of the Cerro de la Popa for a View

On the very best level of Cartagena, stands a convent and viewpoint with sweeping views of town. The convent’s title actually means the ‘Convent of the Stern,’ after the hill’s similarity to a ship’s again finish. Based by Augustine fathers in 1607, it was initially only a small wood chapel, however when the hill was fortified two centuries later it was changed by a stouter building.

There’s no public transport to get there, so rent an Uber or a reliable taxi driver to traverse the zigzagging entry highway as much as the convent. It takes half-hour to stroll to the highest, however it’s not advisable for security causes – the highway skirts one among Cartagena’s dicier neighborhoods. Take a cab and anticipate to pay as much as COP$60,000 ($15).

cartagena things to do - cerro de la popa

28. Swim on the Seashores of Bocagrande 

Though Cartagena’s Previous City is correct subsequent to the ocean, it’s not the Caribbean of your goals. The seashores are rocky and never appropriate for swimming. 

Nevertheless, there are many seashores only a 10-minute drive away, akin to Marbella and Bocagrande. These aren’t your typical Caribbean seashore — so don’t come anticipating powder white sand and turquoise waters. In the event you do desire a pristine seashore, then try the day journeys part under.

bocagrande beaches - fun things to do in cartagena

29. Go to the Mártires Sq. and the Harbor

In the event you’re searching for free issues to do in Cartagena with out going too far, head to the Martires Sq. within the night. Simply outdoors the primary gate of the previous city, Mártires Sq. is a busy space good for individuals watching. By day, there are many small vendor tents promoting native items and handicrafts. While you want a break from the foot site visitors, stroll over to the harbor and admire the dual Pegasus statues close to the water.

things to do in cartagena - martires square


Day Journeys from Cartagena

30. Go to the First Free Slave City: Palenque 

For these excited by digging deeper into Colombia’s previous, you’ll be able to’t depart with out visiting the close by city of San Basilio de Palenque. That is the place the enduring palenqueras of Cartagena (the women with colourful attire and baskets of fruit on their heads) come from. 

At simply 1.5 hours from Cartagena, the small settlement of some 4,000 individuals is among the most necessary historic villages within the Americas and a UNESCO-declared ‘Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity’. I’ve by no means seen a individuals who embrace their African roots greater than right here in Palenque.

Palenque was based within the sixteenth century by Benkos Biohó, a former African king who was bought into slavery and escaped the slave port of Cartagena. He shaped a military of escaped slaves who settled round Palenque. At the moment, their descendants have maintained a lot of their African traditions, together with the Palenquero language (spoken solely right here in Palenque) which is a mix of Spanish, Portuguese and Bantu. 

palenque day trip from cartagena - things to do near cartagena

palenque day trip from cartagena - things to do cartagena palenque day trip from cartagena - things to do cartagena

Learn how to Go to Palenque from Cartagena

To get to Palenque, I employed a Palenquero taxi driver who charged me 250,000 Pesos (or $67) for the day. There’s a public bus from Cartagena however it leaves as soon as a day and it doesn’t go all the best way to Palenque. My driver’s title is Ignacio; he can solely converse Spanish and you’ll find him on Whatsapp at +57 3234385220.

My driver helped prepare a neighborhood information, Joao Sagado (contact him at +57 3206621243 — he speaks solely Spanish), who’s knowledgable and fascinating. He introduced me to satisfy the grasp of the Palenque music group, the normal physician who confirmed me every kind of herbs, and chatted with me over a typical Colombian lunch. 

In the event you don’t converse Spanish, the simplest technique to go to Palenque is by reserving a day tour to Palenque. This tour has raving critiques.

31. Soak within the Mud Swimming pools of Totumo Volcano 

Simply half-hour outdoors town, the Totumo Mud Volcano is a 50-foot tall mound of naturally heat mud with a pool space constructed into the highest.  Many individuals consider the ash mud is filled with unbelievable therapeutic properties. I didn’t do that daytrip, however a number of associates talked about that floating within the thick mud was extremely enjoyable.

There are many day excursions that can take you to the volcano on shared transport. Get a therapeutic massage whereas soaking within the mud, then head to the close by Manzanillo del Mar Lake (a minute away) to scrub all of it off. Ebook your day tour right here.

cartagena activities - totumo mud pools

32. Cool Off on the Rosario Islands

That is presumably the preferred daytrip from Cartagena. Cartagena is dotted with 28 islands — of which the Rosario Islands are essentially the most lovely. They type a part of the Corales del Rosario Nationwide Park, so these seashores are literally protected by the authorities. 

Most day journeys are inexpensive, and can take you to the islands on speedboat. Nationwide park charges, lunch, and round-trip transportation from Cartagena lodges are included. Ebook your journey right here.

cartagena day trips - rosario islands

33. Hike in Parque Tayrona 

Tayrona is a nationwide park brimming with stretches of golden sandy seashore backed by coconut palms and thick rainforest. Behind all of it rise the steep hillsides of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the world’s highest coastal mountain vary. It gives a lot of the biodiversity in Colombia of wildlife, with a spread of tropical seashores to lush jungles. There’s additionally an archaeological smash known as Pueblito to go to.

Nevertheless, it’s a 5-hour bus trip from Cartagena to the park, so I truly wouldn’t suggest it as a day journey. In the event you’re brief on time however would nonetheless like to go to, try this Tayrona day tour that’ll deliver you there (and again), go to the pure viewpoint at Seven Waves, and go by boat to Playa Cristal. Ebook the day journey!

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The place to Keep in Cartagena

I like to recommend staying in both the Walled Metropolis or Getsemani (or each when you have the time). The Previous City is chocked filled with charming heritage lodges housed in historic buildings, whereas Getsemani has extra funds choices for backpackers and digital nomads and the world feels extra lived in and fewer touristy. For the most effective costs, book your lodge on Cozycozy, a one-stop search engine for every kind of lodging starting from hostels to Airbnb, VRBO, and Agoda. 

Finest Motels in Cartagena Walled Metropolis 

Finances: Hostal Casa Escallon

With a central location within the walled metropolis, this lovely hostel is extremely inexpensive. All rooms have airconditioning (you’ll want it in scorching and sticky Cartagena, belief me!). There’s even an out of doors pool and furnished rooftop terrace. Test charges right here.

Mid Vary: Lodge Casa del Curato

I stayed at this straightforward lodge (pictured) within the coronary heart of the walled metropolis. Rooms are snug and air-conditioned — I opted for the most important room to have my very own balcony and cathedral ceilings. Breakfast is spectacular, and the small pool is ideal for refreshing dips. Test charges right here.

Luxurious: Movich Lodge Cartagena de Indias

One of the best lodge within the previous city, Movich Cartagena is well-known for its rooftop bar. However the lodge itself is 4-star luxurious at its greatest, with a well-known restaurant and high class service. Test charges right here.

Luxurious: Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena

Situated subsequent to Plaza San Diego, this ultra-luxurious lodge has a beautiful rooftop pool overlooking the ocean and a big, wonderful patio with lush foliage. This former monastery courting from the seventeenth Century has been remodeled right into a high lodge with gourmand eating places and upscale rooms. Test charges right here.

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Finest Motels in Getsemani

Finances: Casa Zahri Boutique Hostel 

That includes a placing pink exterior, this boutique hostel is extremely playful and trendy. It has an out of doors swimming pool, bar, a shared lounge and exquisite rooms. Test charges right here.

Mid Vary: Casa Pizarro Lodge Boutique

A wonderful mid vary choice, this boutique lodge in central Getsemani has spacious rooms, a pleasant pool, and jacuzzis in some rooms. It’s received the entire colonial aptitude and tastefully designed rooms. Test charges right here.

Luxurious: Lodge Casa Lola Deluxe Gallery

Casa Lola is housed in a two historic seventeenth and nineteenth century colonial buildings, with eclectic decor and loads of character. The lodge is adorned with a mix of antiques, artisanal and trendy parts. Additionally they have a rooftop bar and three out of doors swimming pools. Test charges right here.

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Additional Studying on Colombia

Phew! Thanks for studying all the best way to the tip. There are SO many issues to do in Cartagena you’ll want years to expertise all of them. I hope this checklist helps you intend an superior journey to Cartagena. Cartagena is essentially the most lovely metropolis in Colombia, for my part, so positively don’t miss it!

 In the event you’re planning to journey Colombia, try different articles I’ve written on Colombia and different elements of South America:

Disclaimer: This publish incorporates affiliate hyperlinks i.e. for those who e-book a keep by means of one among my hyperlinks, I get a small fee at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thanks in your assist!

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