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Picture of Cartagena, Bolivar, Colombia

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

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.

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 (125 reviews)

From $63 USD

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Attractions

4.3 (32 reviews)
Party without limits! Cartagena; VIP Party.

Party without limits! Cartagena; VIP Party.

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

We present you the best and most exclusive nightlife in the city of Cartagena with VIP access. Live, laugh, dance, and enjoy the best party in places that look like a postcard. We are open minded hosts. ;)

From $60 USD

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5.0 (19 reviews)
Private Walking Tour Old City with Street Food

Private Walking Tour Old City with Street Food

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Cartagena is the perfect combination of history and culture and honoring our culture we offer one of the best routes to taste, feel and live the daily life of all Cartagena and if you are one of those who like to do something different, something that Normally or perhaps never done, this is your best option. We offer you the possibility to try some of the most desirable street foods in Colombia with a local experience , touring the main squares and also with the best bilingual guides so you do not miss anything. "The best story is what Locals tell you directly , try to live a different journey, a journey that everyone wants to take".

From $105 USD

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3.0 (2 reviews)
Cartagena Treasure Hunt Tour

Cartagena Treasure Hunt Tour

MANUAL

Keep your little treasures safe and sound and away from the hand-held devices with a unique and fun way to explore Cartagena's rich cultural heritage.

From $80 USD

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4.8 (477 reviews)
Private City Tour of Cartagena

Private City Tour of Cartagena

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Private tour to visit in detail the principal sites of interest located in the old city of Cartagena. This excellent experience begins by visiting the main monuments of the city like the La Popa's Hill. The highest point of the city where there is a convent dating the beginning of the XVII Century. after we visit San Felipe de Barajas Fortress which is considered the most important military fortification in South America. Then the tour heads to the walled city and the bohemian neighborhood Getsemaní. first a stop for shopping in the last build fortification named "Las Bovedas" , after we take a walking tour, visiting the different squares of the city (St Domingo Square, Bolivar Square, Los Coches Square, Aduana Square, Clock Tower, St Pedro Square) and admiring the old colonial houses filled with history and legend. At the end we take a tour by the modern part of Cartagena (Bocagrande, Laguito and Castillogrande).

From $160 USD

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4.7 (26 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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4.4 (62 reviews)
Shore excursion Cartagena city tour

Shore excursion Cartagena city tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

We perfectly understand the importance of guaranteeing excellent service, we are the best shore excursion company in Cartagena thanks to our experience and professionalism. Our experience professionalism and infrastructure guarantee all our clients a top quality and safe service. Our company has its own vehicles an all our multilingual speaking tour guide have an excellent reputation. if you need any additional information please contact Viator

From $75 USD

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5.0 (76 reviews)
Cartagena Unforgettable: Half Day Private City Tour (Also for Cruisers)

Cartagena Unforgettable: Half Day Private City Tour (Also for Cruisers)

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Start your private tour with a visit to the bay of Cartagena located in the peninsula of bocagrande, there we will see an spectacular shopping area, beach and hotels, After this , we continue to the San Felipe de Barajas Fortress (named after King San Felipe IV), an impressive 16th century fortress located on top of a hill called San Lázaro, later we continue our journey to the monastery of the Popa. A path full of beautiful flower, which is traversed to reach the top and take pictures of the view highest in the city, then we go to the Historic Center where we will take a walk through the streets, squares and churches contemplating the beautiful colorful and colonial architecture starting in the vaults so that the tourist has a space to make purchases of handicrafts. Finally we visit the San pedro Claver church and we go back to the Hotel or area where you were picked up

From $188 USD

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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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4.0 (5 reviews)
Four Islands Experience Isla Baru

Four Islands Experience Isla Baru

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Agua Azul Island is one of the beaches of Baru Island and there tranquility abounds accompanied by the sound of the sea and its crystalline blue color. This beach belongs to the group of the Rosario Islands, such as Isla Cholon. With this tour you can tour these spectacular places, to dive into the crystal clear water, sit down to enjoy the best landscape and get carried away by the best Colombian rumba.

From $90 USD

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4.8 (14 reviews)
Cartagena Sightseeing Tour for Cruises

Cartagena Sightseeing Tour for Cruises

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Popa hill is the highest point of Cartagena from where visitors can have the best panoramic view and where Convent of la Candelaria is located , If you come to Cartagena and don`t go up there you can not say you were in this city. During this tour accompanied by a professional bilingual tour guide you will appreciate new city ,Popular city and also the walled city where most of our emblematics monuments are such as: Inquisition Palace, Gold Museum and some others, Guided visit to San Felipe Fort and stern convent is Included.

From $100 USD

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5.0 (2 reviews)
Let's do VIDEOS & FOTOS with DRONE and CAMARA in the beautifull Cartagena

Let's do VIDEOS & FOTOS with DRONE and CAMARA in the beautifull Cartagena

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

With drone we can observe and take shots from another perspective. Showing us the beauty of its streets and houses with you and your companions in this beautiful city. While with Laura's eye we can capture beautiful photos. WE GIVE YOU: 30 DIGITAL PHOTOS 1 VIDEO CLIP 5 to 7 min aprox / OR/ SEPARATE CLIPS

From $140 USD

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4.9 (16 reviews)
Emerald Lecture - Become an expert

Emerald Lecture - Become an expert

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

We'll pick you at your hotel/cruise-port  and take you back after the class. Which will be guided by a fluent english and teach how to know a real and valuable emerald by interacting with different specimens during the lecture.

From $60 USD

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4.3 (4 reviews)
A whole day to the 5 Rosario Islands with snorkeling and plankton

A whole day to the 5 Rosario Islands with snorkeling and plankton

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Live an unforgettable adventure on the Rosario Islands! With this package, you will be able to enjoy a snorkeling excursion and see up close the incredible plankton and marine life that inhabits the islands. In addition, you will be able to swim and enjoy the beautiful crystal clear waters of the islands.

From $130 USD

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