The 9 essential things to do in Cartagena de Indias

Located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, Cartagena de Indias is a must-see stage of a trip to the country. From its culture to its heritage, go to one of the most beautiful city in the region!

Visiting Cartagena de Indias is an indispensable milestone in a trip to Colombia. It is also the most visited city of the country, far ahead of the capital Bogota . In addition to being a vestige of the colonial era, it is one of the most important places in the development of South America as we know it today.

It became a starting point of the Spanish Empire, and the city developed as a result of trade, gold rush and African slave trade. Considered by many as the most beautiful city in South America, its fortifications and its historic centre are wonders that justify this status.

If you ask yourself to do in Cartagena de Indias during your visit, we will see together the main points of interest of the city!

1. The historic centre

Folding in the historic centre represents one of the most beautiful activities when you are looking to visit Cartagena de Indias. You will not be disappointed to spend a whole day discovering its architecture and its many places where the premises spend their time discussing under the trees.

Walk through its colorful streets, vestiges of the colonial era and among the best preserved in the world. In order to maintain its intact structure and charm, the inhabitants of this neighborhood fought to avoid giving to investors.

If you like shopping, you will be conquered by the atmosphere of its various markets. The most important being that of Bazurto . Often populated and noisy, it is an obligatory passage for any visitor wishing to immerse themselves in the real Cartagena de Indias.

2. Le Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

The Spanish crown began to build this fortress in the second half of the sixteenth century. She witnessed the historic battle that shaped the face of the continent. From 1984 , the latter is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

♪ March 1741 Cartagena de Indias was attacked by the English armada led by the admiral Edward Vernon . With a fleet of 254 ships and 28,000 men, the English came to the gates of Cartagena de Indias after conquering Portobelo Panama.

But, although inferior in numbers with only 4,000 men, the Spanish managed to push the attacker back in the decisive battle that took place in the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas . In the event of an English victory, the entire continent would have fallen under the British crown.

The fortress is thus considered the reason why the South American continent speaks Spanish today. So you will have understood it, it is a high place of history. You will not be disappointed by the ingenuity of its construction and by the maze of its galleries accessible to tourists.

3. The fortifications

To continue in the historical register, a walk on the fortifications is an immanquable thing to do when you are looking to visit Cartagena de Indias. Built before the fortress, the latter crossed the centuries and remained an undeniable vestige of the city's power.

They made any attack or siege of the sea impossible. Walking on these, you will be let to carry by the different views of the city and its indisputable charm. As a bonus, don’t hesitate to admire the sunset on the sea from the ramparts!

4. Getsemani

Located between the historic centre and the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, Getsemani is today the bohemian district of the city. Let yourself be seduced by its colonial style alleys with mural paintings and graffiti. Nightfall, nightfall place de la Trinidad - or Plaza de la Trinidad — is one of the city’s most lively.

There you will find a lot of bars and many street artists’ shows. It is also a good place to discover local food with many stands selling local food panidas , empanadas and others picadillas . All in a festive atmosphere, every night of the week.

5. The Historical Museum of Cartagena de Indias

You will now understand it, Cartagena de Indias is responsible for a strong history and heritage. In order to imbue you completely, a visit to the historic museum of the city is required. Located on the Plaza Bolivar , it is located in the premises of the former Palace of the Inquisition or Palacio de la Inquisicion .

In addition to being a building with remarkable architecture, the latter was the witness of the execution of thousands of victims in three centuries. The museum traces this story and that of the whole city. From the first Amerindians to the present day, without forgetting attempts at independence.

However, an understanding of Spanish is necessary because few descriptions are translated into English. But don't panic! It is possible for you to use a French speaking guide that you will find in the vicinity of the museum.

6. The Rosario Archipelago

During your stay in Cartagena de Indias, you can enjoy a day in the archipelago of Rosario . This includes a total of 27 islands Lost in the midst of the clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, the most famous of which is the island in Pirate.

Rich in seabed, you can practice snorkeling on many sites, visit the aquarium or simply explore and relax on the paradise beaches. To get there, you will have to take a boat from the Bay of Souls, the inner port of Cartagena de Indias with access to the Caribbean Sea.

7. The beaches of Cartagena de Indias

If you are still looking for what to do in Mapgana de Indias, one of the main attractions of the city is its access to the sun and sandy beaches. The simplest option would be to go to the beaches Bocagrande .

However, in order to get closer to the beaches of postcards, we advise you to go outside the city. The main beach is called Playa Blanca and can be visited in a day. You will find a stretch of fine sand and the turquoise waters you have always dreamed of!

8. Marais de la virgin

Located in La Boquilla, just 30 minutes from Cartagena de Indias, you can explore canoe mangroves. To do this, you will need to use a local guide that will take you to explore this magnificent example of biodiversity.

9. The Totumo volcano

This last activity comes out of the beaten paths and can be organized in a day. Located about 50 kilometers from Cartagena de Indias, you will have the privilege of taking a mud bath in the middle of the crater of the volcano Totumo .

Another option is to also enjoy a few minutes of well-being by offering you a massage. An ideal way to relax before you get back on your way.

How to get to Cartagena de Indias?

To get to Cartagena de Indias, two options are available to you:

Towards Cartagena de Indias

• The plane

The plane is by far the best options to visit Cartagena de Indias. In addition to being the fastest, it is often very economical. From a departure from Europe, you can often find direct flights to the city.

If you arrive in Bogota or Medellin, you will need to use internal flights. In any case, we advise you to take it in advance and to visit the site Ulysses to find the best prices for your trip.

• The bus

Economic solution if you want to travel between major cities, however, it is not the most comfortable. The buses are not equipped with bunk beds, and you will have to count about 1 p.m. from Medellin and a little more 20 heures from Bogota. We therefore strongly recommend that you prefer the air route for a few extra euros if you would like to visit Cartagena de Indias.

From the airport to the centre

• By bus

From Cartagena de Indias International Airport — Rafael Nuñez - you can reach the city center using the Metrocar . These air-conditioned white and green buses, make the shuttle daily, from 6h50 to 23:45 . Count about 1h to 2h and 2000 pesos for a ticket, less than 1€ .

• Taxi

Don't you like public transport? You can order a taxi in a window located in the baggage recovery space. With their regulated rates, they are a simple and rather reliable way to get to the historic centre in 20 minutes . Have a minimum of 15,000 pesos for the race, about 5€ .

From the central station to the centre

If you arrive in Cartagena de Indias by bus, your drop point will be Central bus station . From here you can reach the centre by:

• Busetas

If you choose them busetas , plan on 45 minutes to 1 hour and 2000 pesos the ticket, less than 1€ . However, the busetas do not actually have predefined stops, do not hesitate to ask the driver to drop you off as close to your arrival point.

Getting around in Cartagena de Indias

It is quite easy to move to the main areas of Cartagena de Indias: the airport, the historic center, the harbour area or the modern area (Bocagrande, Laguito and Castillogrande). You can easily walk through the inside of each of them on foot.

On the routes from one neighborhood to another, you can use:

• Taxis

Taxis are a fairly affordable option. Count about 2€ the race and 20 minutes on average between each area.

• The Bicycles

The most sporty (or motivated) of you will be able to choose the bike to move from neighborhoods to neighborhoods.

• The boats

To reach the islands and beaches located near Cartagena de Indias, the boats are a most pleasant solution. Beware of the same, it is sometimes necessary to negotiate prices not to pay too high rates.

• Colectivo

You will find these taxis to share at the colectivo stations in the center for a 2000 pesos rate, alone or several. Outside the stations, you can call them by showing 2 fingers.

Where to stay when you visit Cartagena de Indias?

Being the most visited city of Colombia, Cartagena de Indias offers a multitude of options to stay. Among its many hostels, hotels and other accommodations at home, there are many for all tastes. Do not hesitate to use a Compare hotels to play competition and find the option that best suits you.

If you prefer to stay in an apartment or in a place a little more unusual, make a tour on Airbnb . From the accommodation with sea view, to the studio in the historical centre, to the apartment with panoramic terrace, it is certain that you will find your happiness!

We recommend staying in the historic centre of the city or in the Getsemani district. Bohemian and colorful neighborhood, it is also quite economical.