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Travel Guide for
Cartagena

Colombia

Tropical, hot, humid, rainy seasons

Introduction

Cartagena, nestled on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, blends stunning colonial architecture with vibrant street life. Its UNESCO-listed walled city is rich with history, warm colors, and tales of pirates and Spanish rule. During mid-January, expect hot, sunny days and a lively, breezy atmosphere—ideal for exploring with friends.

Wander cobblestone streets, sample tasty street food, and enjoy the city’s energetic culture. Beaches like Bocagrande and nearby islands are perfect for group adventures without breaking the bank, making Cartagena a fantastic spot for fun and shared memories.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleTravelling with friends

Dates16-20 January 2026

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationHostel

Interests and Activities:

outdoor adventuressightseeing and toursfestivals and eventsarts and culturenightlife and entertainment

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Picture of Cartagena, Bolivar, Colombia

Itinerary

Immerse yourselves in Cartagena's iconic Old Town, exploring its colorful streets and absorbing the unique blend of colonial history and Caribbean atmosphere.

Stroll Through the Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada)

Begin your adventure by walking the colorful streets of Cartagena's Old Town, marveling at colonial architecture, charming balconies, and lively plazas. Stop for photos along the vibrant city walls and take in the Caribbean breeze.

Visit Plaza Santo Domingo and Admire Botero’s Sculpture

Relax at the iconic Plaza Santo Domingo, surrounded by cafés and music. Don’t miss the famous reclining Botero sculpture—legend says rubbing her curves brings good luck! This is the perfect spot to people-watch and soak up the ambiance.

Discover the Charm of Calle de las Sombrillas

Explore the photogenic Calle de las Sombrillas, where colorful umbrellas create a striking canopy overhead. Ideal for group photos and experiencing the energy of Cartagena’s vibrant street art culture.

Private Walking Tour in Walled City and Getsemani Cartagena

Private Walking Tour in Walled City and Getsemani Cartagena

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Join us in this 4-hour tour around the famous Walled City of Cartagena de Indias and Getsemani Neighbor, led by a local expert tour guide who will show the best of them. You will visit places of great cultural importance for the country such as Plaza Santo domingo, Plaza de la trinidad, Las bovedas and the famous Clock Tower. Besides, you will have a glimpse of Caribbean cuisine with some local hand-made snacks. • Historical interesting facts about the Walled City • Main spots along Getsemani neighborhood and discover numerous ways of expression • A visit along fortresses, bastions and squares • Local experiences of traditional food tasting • A walk along colonial and heritage houses and churches

4.8 (141 reviews)

From $63 USD

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Key Facts

Location

Caribbean region, Colombia

Currency

Colombian Peso (COP)

Religion

Roman Catholicism

Population

1,075,000

Language

Spanish (official), English

Electricity

110V, 60Hz, plug types A/B

Time zone

UTCColombia Standard Time (UTC-5)

Country code

+57

Internet access

Widespread, 4G/LTE, affordable Wi-Fi

Climate

Tropical, hot, humid, rainy seasons

See More Colombia Facts

Language:

Spanish

  • hello

    hola (oh-lah)
  • goodbye

    adiós (ah-dee-ohs)
  • yes

    (see)
  • no

    no (noh)
  • how much

    ¿cuánto cuesta? (kwan-to kwes-tah)
  • please

    por favor (por fah-vor)
  • thank you

    gracias (grah-see-ahs)
  • excuse me

    perdón (pair-dohn)

Map

Logistics

Cartagena is most easily reached by air, with Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) welcoming direct flights from major Colombian cities and some international hubs. Affordable domestic airlines like Avianca, LATAM, and Viva Air make flights a great choice for groups of friends on a budget. Airport taxis and rideshares are available for a quick transfer into the city.

If you prefer overland travel, comfortable long-distance buses connect Cartagena with nearby cities such as Barranquilla, Santa Marta, and Medellín; this can be cost-effective but may take several hours. While there are no train options, some travelers also arrive by boat or cruise, especially from nearby Caribbean locations. In January, weather is warm and dry, perfect for smooth travel and enjoyable sightseeing.

Weather

Cartagena, Bolivar, enjoys a warm, tropical climate year-round, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F). The weather is generally humid, but ocean breezes help keep things comfortable. There’s a dry season from December to April and a wetter season from May to November.

From January 16 to January 20, you can expect sunny skies, low rainfall, and pleasant evenings—ideal for outdoor adventures, sightseeing tours, or exploring local arts and culture. No extreme weather events are likely during this time, making it perfect to enjoy Cartagena’s vibrant nightlife, colorful festivals, and historic streets without weather-related disruptions.

Food & Drink

Cartagena’s cuisine bursts with Caribbean flavors—try arepas de huevo (fried corn cakes with egg), ceviche, fried fish with coconut rice, and tropical fruit juices. For drinks, sip a local aguardiente or enjoy rum-based cocktails. Street food is excellent, especially in Getsemaní’s vibrant plazas.

For great meals on an average budget, visit La Cevichería, Di Silvio Trattoria (pizza and Italian in Getsemaní), and Café Stepping Stone for brunch. Café del Mar is perfect for sunset drinks with sea views, while El Barón offers creative cocktails. Tipping is typically 10%, sometimes included as a “servicio” on your bill.

Vegetarian options are increasingly available, but always ask, as many dishes use seafood or chicken. Cartagena’s peak tourism season (December–March) means busier restaurants—reservations help. Hydration is key in this tropical climate, so carry water with you.

A picture of Ajiaco

Ajiaco

Ajiaco is a hearty Colombian soup made with chicken, corn, potatoes, and a variety of herbs. It's a...

A picture of Bandeja Paisa

Bandeja Paisa

Bandeja Paisa is a traditional Colombian platter featuring a generous serving of rice, ground beef, chicharrón, chorizo, black...

A picture of Arepa

Arepa

Arepa is a popular Colombian staple made of corn dough and often filled with cheese, meat, or eggs....

A picture of Sancocho

Sancocho

Sancocho is a traditional Colombian stew featuring a variety of meats, including chicken, pork, and beef, along with...

A picture of Lechona

Lechona

Lechona is a popular Colombian pork dish made by stuffing a whole pig with rice, peas, and a...

Accommodation

For a fun, social vibe, some of Cartagena’s best hostels include Viajero Cartagena, Media Luna Hostel, and Makako Hostel in the heart of the walled city or trendy Getsemaní. Book early on Hotels.com, especially for popular dates like January 16–20, when hostels fill up fast due to the city’s peak travel season.

Neighborhoods like Getsemaní and the Historic Center offer easy access to nightlife, restaurants, and top attractions. You’ll find clean dorms, chill common areas, and helpful staff, making them perfect for friends on an average budget. For more privacy, budget hotels and posadas are also plentiful nearby.

Recommended Stay

Sponsored
Nomadico - Medellin

Nomadico Coliving Medellin

Medellín, Colombia

4.9

(56 reviews)

High-Speed WiFi

Desks in Rooms

Community Events

Coworking Space

Community Manager

Weekly Cleaning

Attractions

4.6 (28 reviews)
Walking Tour Cartagena Old City with Gold Museum and Plaza de Bolivar

Walking Tour Cartagena Old City with Gold Museum and Plaza de Bolivar

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Discover Cartagena's rich history and beautiful colonial architecture on a guided walking tour of the city's traditional historic center. Visit the Zenú Gold Museum, an original collection of ancient Indian artifacts that explain the history of the region. Learn about Cartagena's culture and interesting architecture from your expert guide, and visit such beautiful sites as Plaza de Bolivar, Cartagena Cathedral, Plaza de San Pedro Claver and San Pedro Church.

From $67 USD

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5.0 (4 reviews)
Getsemani Private Walking Tour

Getsemani Private Walking Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Getsemani is the symbol of the Cartagena rebellion, it was the place where the independence movement of this city was conceived. Part of that history as well as some customs are represented in graffiti as a symbol of art and expression. On this tour we will get to know in depth the history, architecture and characteristic places of this neighborhood. The decoration of some streets and houses, as well as its people and daily life are attractions of this colonial neighborhood. All the time you will be accompanied by a guide who will provide you with all the information and answer all your questions.

From $55 USD

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4.8 (8 reviews)
Art Tour: an insider journey into Cartagena contemporary scene.

Art Tour: an insider journey into Cartagena contemporary scene.

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This experience is like walking into art world with a local friend. It is about let yourself get surprised by the art shown in the moment in the city, as every week it is different because it is constantly changing. It is all art scene in 2 hours, meeting galleries, artists (maybe), curators and stories about artistic world in Cartagena. There is more in the list but it is depending on the time, and we could include Artist Studios stops, Small Galleries stops and underground scene if wanted. During the walk we can have a drink on the way and please understand that this is a curator walking with you in private tour and there will not be more people that your group, couple or person; so all the time it is all about to have a sincere dialogue about art, ideas and we will see what else...

From $70 USD

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5.0 (17 reviews)
Private History Photography Tour

Private History Photography Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

We are going to walk around interesting places in DownTown while getting beautiful & professional photographies of Cartagena's magical, colorful and ancient streets and corners. You will have the opportunity to be in an historical tour of the city while getting beautiful portraits and the most important, having fun! Once we finish the tour, within 6 hours I will be sharing with you all the photos taken through a link. You have two options to get the pics: 1) You can get ALL THE PICTURES TAKEN but no edition will be done. You'll have them all in raw quality. So you can let us know at the end. 2) You will have 10 photographies in full resolution completely edited shared through Drive in the 2 working days after the tour. (You decide the best ones) Find us in our IG wetripcolombia to know a little bit more about us! This experience could be carried out by Oscar, or any other of our collaborators who are also photographers :).

From $100 USD

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4.8 (16 reviews)
Cartagena : Boquilla and Mangroves Canue Ride (Also for Cruisers)

Cartagena : Boquilla and Mangroves Canue Ride (Also for Cruisers)

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Visit the corregimiento of Boquilla, artisanal fishing area and some of the most beautiful natural tourist attractions of the city, we will make a tour in canoes to the area of mangroves, which are tunnels created by the natives of the city where will appreciate different exotic birds and a variety of mangrove knowing its function within our ecosystem to clean waters and shellfish.

From $152 USD

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4.8 (14 reviews)
"Essential Cartagena" Private Tour.

"Essential Cartagena" Private Tour.

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

The "Essential Cartagena de Indias" walking tour, will make you understand the relevance of this Caribbean port city and how its strategic location has helped to shape the world powers and economy from the 16th century till today. In this tour, you will feel the city like a local and will be amazed by the beauty and the good vibes of this unique place on earth. This is a no-rush kind of tour, that will walk tourists by history while learning why Cartagena became the prize for so many pirates and empires. Also, you will live the rhythm that does of Cartageneros happy citizens of the world. The walking tour is totally customizable and can be upgraded to compliment it to your interests or preferences. You will get to feel my city like a local. "El Guiador" is a perfect tour to fully understand the energy of the cartageneros and enjoy a fun time. Let me have the pleasure to be your #TourGuide I speak fluent English. Licensed, insured and certified by Colombian authorities.

From $140 USD

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4.0 (7 reviews)
Popular Tour San Basilio De Palenque

Popular Tour San Basilio De Palenque

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

70 kilometers south of Cartagena de Indias, is the village of San Basilio de Palenque, a place where music, language, medicine and other traditions constantly remind us that, five centuries ago, the African continent was the main source of slaves in the world.

From $115 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
Cartagena Photo Walk & Coffee (Available in English and Spanish)

Cartagena Photo Walk & Coffee (Available in English and Spanish)

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

You can enjoy the experience by learning about how to make portraits in the historic center but you can also enjoy modeling. You can write to us if you have doubts about the clothing to wear.

From $51 USD

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3.0 (2 reviews)
GOD -1 CARTAGENA HISTORY AND FOLKLORE Shore excursions

GOD -1 CARTAGENA HISTORY AND FOLKLORE Shore excursions

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

It is the must-take excursion for all visitors to the city of Cartagena. This fascinating excursion will allow you to see today’s makeup of Cartagena. This tour takes you around different areas in the modern new sectors of Bocagrande, and the stately neighborhood of Manga. You will also visit the biggest and most important fortification built in America by Spain, and that is “San Felipe de Barajas” Fortress Additionaly, there will be a folkloric dance show for you to enjoy. you will visit the just outside-the-wall neighborhood of El Cabrero before entering the walled city. Then comes the first stop at “Las Bovedas” You visit the magical Old City

From $75 USD

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4.9 (1238 reviews)
Cartagena ATV Tour

Cartagena ATV Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Cartagena ATV operates this tour. This is the best tour in all of Cartagena because we have the only tour that allows you to ride full speed on the beach. The tour takes you to see some amazing sites that can't be seen anywhere else. Drive on the beach, over the mountain, on trails and dirt roads. See some beautiful coastline and rock formations that can only be seen on Cartagena ATV's tour. Stop at our private spot on the beach and relax with a refreshing ocean swim. Then back on the throttle to see what the ATV can do. Lunch, transportation and security guard included. Adventure, culture and scenery define this tour. Contact us for additional availability for large groups. Pickup is 1 hour before the tour time.

From $135 USD

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4.9 (635 reviews)
ATV Half-Day Tour in Cartagena

ATV Half-Day Tour in Cartagena

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Craven Adventures is a guided ATV's service located on the beautiful island of Tierra Bomba just 10 minutes away from the heart of Cartagena Colombia Where we ride around and explore one of the cities last uncut jewels. A place where the natural trails and ocean meets to create perfect harmony. We will make are way around the island of Tierra Bomba we’re we will learn about the rich African cultural meeting a greeting locals. Before stopping to enjoy one of the most beautiful beach in Colombia Playa Linda where you are invite to lovely and relaxing beach Club Now it’s time to relax on the beach of course you can jump in. As we make are way back to the other side of the island we ride along the beautiful coastline before stopping over a cliff where the back drop of Cartagena is at your finger tips"

From $115 USD

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5.0 (66 reviews)
Zipline Canopy Adventure by the Ocean in Cartagena

Zipline Canopy Adventure by the Ocean in Cartagena

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This is Cartagena's first zipline and it's filled with fun and excitement. The tour combines nature and adventure in an unforgettable zipline experience. Come see the countryside and enjoy the ocean views while you soar over the trees and down to the waters edge.

From $115 USD

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5.0 (29 reviews)
Private Surfing Adventure in Cartagena

Private Surfing Adventure in Cartagena

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

We are the first surf school in the city of Cartagena and we are the training school for the Bolivar Surf League, we have the endorsement of the COLOMBIAN SURF FEDERATION. We currently receive recognition as the BEST SPORTS CLUB AND BEST SCHOOL IN COLOMBIA by the COLOMBIAN SURF FEDERATION. Our instructors are high-performance athletes and belong to the Colombian surf team and have participated in different championships surfing incredible waves in various parts of the world. In our team we have some of the coaches of the Colombian children's and senior surf team. You will be in the best hands to learn the right way with the right technique. We love being able to transmit our love for surfing and respect for the sea to the people who book this experience with us! We hope to have you in our school, so that you learn with the correct technique and can surf in any other destination with waves.

From $60 USD

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4.8 (202 reviews)
Cartagena: Cultural tour Bazurto Market Adventure

Cartagena: Cultural tour Bazurto Market Adventure

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Explore this fascinating Market in Cartagena—chaotic yet full of beauty and energy. Join in a private tour or visit with a small group guided by Insider, pioneers in exploring Bazurto since 2014. Meet the vendors and locals who bring the Market to life, learn their stories, and receive small gifts from them. Or choose the Extended Version to enjoy tropical fruits, fresh juices, and a traditional lunch at the iconic Cecilia’s Restaurant.

From $69 USD

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4.8 (29 reviews)
Horse Riding in Cartagena

Horse Riding in Cartagena

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Enjoy a spectacular horse ride during one or approximately an half and hour to shore on the beach of '' la boquilla ''

From $80 USD

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4.9 (19 reviews)
Cartagena In Kayak

Cartagena In Kayak

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This city tour is designed for you to live the experience of knowing Cartagena de Indias from the Caribbean on board a kayak discovering magical places of the city, you will navigate through the pier the Pegasos from where you will have a unique view of the Clock Tower, the camellon of the Martyrs and the Convention Center, after crossing the Roman bridge you will enjoy the lagoon of San Lázaro and its mangroves that extend along the only portion of the wall over the sea until you reach the island of birds, an island of mangrove, inhabited by countless birds that accompany our passage with their melodious songs.

From $74 USD

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4.5 (11 reviews)
Cartagena City Tour

Cartagena City Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

3 to 4 hours city tour through the most interesting places of the city by car, vans or bus with air conditioning. first stop en ''the popa hill'' with the most beautiful view of the city with 500 feet of height with a panoramic view of the city of 360 ° ... second stop visit to the ''san felipe fortress'' ... manga ... getsemani ... modern city (bocagrande) .. walk in the historic center ... visit museums ... parks ... squares ... time for shopping ... we wait for you. note: the tour ends in the old city.

From $100 USD

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4.4 (37 reviews)
Blue Apple Beach Day: Sun, Music & Adventure from Cartagena

Blue Apple Beach Day: Sun, Music & Adventure from Cartagena

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Step off the bustling city streets and into an exclusive island escape at Blue Apple Beach on Tierra Bomba. At Blue Apple, relax on a private beach bed or hammock, take a refreshing dip in the pool, and indulge in exciting water sports like kayaking and snorkeling (activities available at your own expense). Savor a gourmet 3-course lunch that highlights the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean, complemented by tropical cocktails that capture the island’s spirit. Whether you choose a chill day with background tunes or a pool party vibe on weekends, every moment is designed to connect you with the genuine essence of coastal living. As a B-Corp, Blue Apple Beach is powered by solar energy and built on sustainable practices, ensuring your escape is as good for the planet as it is for your soul. Multiple boat return times (4:00 PM and 5:30 PM) offer you a flexible, stress-free journey back to Cartagena.

From $143 USD

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