Average Weather
88°
Known for
Coffee, History and Culture
Official Language
Spanish
Picture Yourself in Colombia
Colombia, nestled in South America with coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, is rich in culture, history and biodiversity. Explore everything Cartagena, Colombia has to offer from historical neighborhoods bustling with life to alluring beaches and endless adventure opportunities.
Enchanting Neighborhoods
Cartagena is one of the most popular tourist cities in Colombia. A system of zones divides the city into three neighborhoods: San Pedro with a stunning, historic Cathedral and “Andalusian-style” palaces, San Diego featuring picturesque streets and plazas and Getsemaní with authentic street art, public plazas and performance art.
Tropical Beaches
Crystal clear water and soft sand make Colombia’s beaches some of the most beautiful in South America. Take a trip to Playa Blanca, one of the most famous beaches in Colombia, with sugar white sand and clear, blue waters. Or visit the Rosario Islands, just off the coast of Cartagena, which are part of a national park and feature lovely beaches.
Colorful Culture
A beautiful tapestry of cultures, Cartagena is the perfect place to explore. An abundance of historic sites are within the city limits. Plus, museums to learn about the country and its rich exports like coffee, gold and emeralds. You may even spot one of the beautiful Palenqueras – women dressed in colorful, traditional dresses carrying a variety of delicious fruit and sweets on their heads.
Delectable Dishes
Experience culinary delights brimming with flavor and offering a unique blend of cultural inspiration. Options include street vendors selling delectable bites, casual restaurants and gourmet experiences. There’s something for everyone from fried treats to ceviche and empanadas. Colombia has a treat to satisfy every vacation craving.
Our Resorts
Picture Perfect Colombia
Experience all the sights, sounds, tastes and adventures that Cartagena, Colombia has to offer. Fill your feed with pictures of every unforgettable moment.
Playa Blanca & Rosario Island
Escape to the crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches of Playa Blanca on Rosario Islands, just 100km off the shore of Cartagena. The Rosario Islands are part of the Corales del Rosario National Park making it a protected area full of biodiversity and coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling, swimming and admiring the beauty of Columbia.
El Totumo Mud Volcano
Located just outside of Cartagena, Totumo Mud Volcano is a small, once active volcano with huge benefits and an even bigger history. Relax in its pool of naturally warm ash mud that is known for the healing properties. After, your guide will lead you to Manzanillo del Mar Lake to rinse off before starting your next adventure.
Unique and exciting Getsemaní Neighborhood
Located just a short distance from the historic center of Cartagena, Getsemaní offers visitors a unique experience in an authentic neighborhood. The streets are alive with excitement, color and engaging street art. Don’t forget to try the delicious variety of street food including empanadas, dedidos de queso and amazingly fresh fruit.
Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
Overlooking the grand city, the huge castle of Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas is not to be missed on your visit. This grand construction was started in 1639 and completed 150 years later. A crowning landmark in the city, visitors can walk through the battlements, explore underground passages and admire the alluring architecture.
Museo del Oro Zenú and Caribe Jewelry Museum & Factory
Delve into the fascinating world of Colombian gold and emeralds. The intimate Museo del Oro Zenú holds a fascinating collection of the gold and pottery of the Zenú (also known as Sinú) people, who inhabited modern day Colombia before the Spanish Conquest. Special exhibitions and guided tours are offered in both English and Spanish. Caribe Jewelry was founded in 1983 and throughout the years, this jewelry has undergone an exponential growth from a small workshop to a consolidated large family business, well-known among the jewelry stores in Cartagena for its quality and exceptional service.
Events in Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena has unforgettable experiences awaiting you! Don't miss these annual events.
Fried Food Festival
February
Entice your tastebuds at one of Cartegena’s most celebrated food festivals. Chefs compete in a frito competition—one of the signature street snacks made from corn flour, beef and other delicious ingredients fried into a crispy, golden pocket you’ll want to taste for yourself.
Cartagena Film Festival
March
This renowned film festival, the oldest in Latin America, puts a spotlight on the promotion of Colombian television series, Latin American films and short films.
Cartagena Independence Day
November
The celebrations of Cartagena’s Independence Day are must-see events. The streets come alive with parades, dance shows and “bandos” (neighborhood celebrations). The festivities conclude with the “Fiestas de la Independencia” and the crowning of the “Queen of Cartagena”.
Carnival de Barranquilla
Days leading up to Ash Wednesday
One of the largest celebrations of Carnival in the world occurs in Barranquilla in the days leading up to Holy Week. Barranquilla is located just a few hours outside of Cartagena and offers visitors the chance to take part in traditions that date back to the 19th century. The festivities begin the Saturday before Ash Wednesday with the Battle of the Flowers. UNESCO declared this celebration one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2003.