Best Time to Visit
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
Local Currency
Local currency and major credit cards accepted
Transportation
International flights and local transportation available
A jewel of the Caribbean coast. Explore its walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and relax on its beautiful beaches.
✨ Why Visit Cartagena, Colombia?
Cartagena is a vibrant jewel of the Caribbean coast, where history, romance, and tropical energy collide. Its walled Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a maze of cobblestone streets, brightly colored colonial buildings, and bougainvillea-covered balconies. The city pulses with music, flavor, and coastal culture, making it one of Colombia’s most popular and captivating destinations. Whether you're sipping cocktails on a rooftop, exploring 500-year-old fortresses, or island-hopping in the Rosario Islands, Cartagena delivers beauty and charm at every turn.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit Cartagena, Colombia
The best time to visit Cartagena is during the dry season from December to April, when you’ll enjoy sunny skies, low humidity, and ideal beach weather. This is also high season, with vibrant nightlife and festivals like Hay Festival and Holy Week. The rainy season (May to November) brings warm temperatures with occasional afternoon showers, but it’s still a great time to visit with fewer crowds and lush surroundings. Cartagena is warm and tropical year-round, with average temperatures around 28–31°C (82–88°F).
🧭 Top Things to Do in Cartagena, Colombia
🏰 Explore the walled city (Ciudad Amurallada) and its charming streets, plazas, and churches
🕍 Visit the imposing Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a 16th-century fortress with panoramic city views
🌴 Take a day trip to the Rosario Islands for white-sand beaches and turquoise waters
📸 Stroll through Getsemaní, Cartagena’s hip, artsy neighborhood full of murals, music, and nightlife
🛍️ Shop for local crafts, emeralds, and souvenirs at Las Bóvedas market
🍽️ Enjoy Caribbean-Colombian fusion cuisine at rooftop restaurants with sunset views
💃 Experience salsa dancing and live music at buzzing bars and plazas like Café Havana
💸 Local Currency in Cartagena, Colombia
The official currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels, and shops in the tourist areas, but cash is essential for small vendors, taxis, beach purchases, and tipping. ATMs are easy to find in the city center and airport.
🚖 Transportation in Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena is served by Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG), just 15 minutes from the Old Town. Taxis are available but often don’t use meters, so agree on a fare before riding. Ride-hailing apps like InDriver are popular and usually more reliable. The Old Town and Getsemaní are very walkable, and most attractions are close together. Boats depart from Muelle La Bodeguita for island day trips.
💡 Travel Tips for Visiting Cartagena, Colombia
✅ Dress light — Cartagena is hot and humid, so wear breathable fabrics and stay hydrated
✅ Book Rosario Islands tours in advance, especially during weekends and holidays
✅ Be cautious when buying from beach vendors — prices can be high, so always ask first
✅ Try local favorites like arepa de huevo, ceviche cartagenero, and coconut rice
✅ Respect the local culture and pace — Cartagena runs on Caribbean time, relaxed and rhythmic
🏞️ Top Day Trips from Cartagena, Colombia
🏝️ Islas del Rosario – Crystal-clear waters, snorkeling, and beach lounging just an hour away
🏖️ Playa Blanca (Barú Island) – A popular beach escape for white sands and clear sea
🌅 La Boquilla – A fishing village where you can take a mangrove canoe tour with locals
💦 Totumo Mud Volcano – Soak in warm volcanic mud and rinse off in a nearby lagoon
🏜️ San Basilio de Palenque – Visit the first free African town in the Americas and learn its Afro-Colombian legacy
📸 Instagram Moments from Cartagena, Colombia
📷 Bougainvillea-draped balconies in the walled city
📸 Street art and dancers in Getsemaní’s Callejón Angosto
🏝️ A hammock over turquoise waters in the Rosario Islands
🌅 Rooftop sunset cocktails with cathedral views
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📬 Plan Your Cartagena Getaway
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