Cartagena Colombia: 12 tips to see in Cartagena

Last Updated on 18.8.2025 by Vojta

The city of Cartagena Colombia really won. It belongs to the most beautiful colonial cities of South America and still offers a unique combination of history together with the modern world. In addition, they are beautiful around Sandy beaches, parrots will fly over your head and you can take a bath in a mud volcano, for example. We were there like Alice in Wonderland, so come with us to see what to see in Cartagena.

Where is the city of Cartagena de Indias

Cartagena, Colombia – a city located on the northern coast of the Caribbean Sea and is considered a real phenomenon. The city of Cartagena de Indias is surrounded by beautiful colonial buildings and massive fortifications, while skyscrapers have sprung up right next to it.  In addition, the historic center of Cartagena, listed UNESCO World Heritage, is a living testimony of the time when Cartagena Colombia was the base of the Spanish Empire.

TIP: And what is it like Colombian cuisine? 22 tips for traditional food in Colombia

Cartagena de Indias as a starting point 

Because there are many beautiful sandy beaches, Caribbean islets, mountains and forests around the city of Cartagena de Indias, It is a great starting point for many activities and trips. Therefore, we will advise you not only on what to see in Cartagena, but also in its surroundings, because You will only see phosphorescent plankton or mud volcano in a few places on the planet, and this is one of them.

When to visit Cartagenu de Indias 

The best time to visit Cartagena is from December to April, when the temperatures are pleasant and the rains are minimal. Throughout the year, average temperatures in Cartagena are 29 to 31 °C. You can meet precipitation from August to November, but usually these are short intense showers, which certainly do not mean that it rains for several days at a time. 

Tip: What is the weather like in Sri Lanka and when to go?

What is the security like in Cartagena

Cartagena de Indias is one of the most visited cities in all of Colombia, and in addition to the locals, there are a lot of tourists here, so don’t worry, it’s safe here. Most travelers focus on the historic center and the surrounding area, where it’s cool, even at night. The only thing to watch out for are the local sellers, who can be pretty pushy. A lot of locals who make a living as so-called hustlers will want to sell you something, be it souvenirs, massages, street food or trips.

Tip: What security does Colombia have: 6 tips on what to (not) do in Colombia

12 tips to see in and around Cartagena de Indias

We won’t stress you out anymore. We probably spent the most time in the vicinity of Cartagena and we really liked it there. We experienced real adventures and fun moments there, but both belong to travel for us. What to see in Cartagena de Indias and what are the attractions around? The first 7 tips are monuments in the city, the other 5 are adventurous activities in the area. What does Cartagena Colombia offer?

• Fun and nightlife: Cartagena de Indias is a fairly busy city and really lives at night. The historic center and district of Getsemani are full of bars where salsa is danced and African rhythms are mixed. 
• Beaches and swimming: Although Cartagena has city beaches and there are beautiful natural beaches around it, where you can snorkel and dive. In addition, you will also enjoy boat trips.
• History and colonial atmosphere: History lovers can immerse themselves in the colonial atmosphere of the city with its walls, museums and magical streets. 

1. Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

Historical fortifications of the city It is one of the most important historical monuments of Cartagena. It was built between the 16th and 18th centuries and protected the city from pirates and invasions. Visitors can walk through its vast walls, explore complex tunnel systems and enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the Caribbean Sea.

2. Cartagena Historical Center (Ciudad Amurallada)

Cartagena’s historic center is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List And walking through it is really beautiful. It has narrow cobbled streets that will take you to the era of colonial architecture with colorful houses, balcony flowers and picturesque nooks and crannies on every corner. In the heart of the Old Town is the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria, which is one of the oldest cathedrals in South America.

There are usually more tourists here and with them street vendors of anything. That’s why you need to be careful, watch your things and prepare for the fact that a lot of locals will approach you.

3. Plaza Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo Square is a great place to relax And soaking up the local atmosphere. Surrounded by cafes and restaurants, it is ideal for tasting local specialties or a refreshing cocktail. The dominant feature of the square is the statue of the famous painter and the cathedral priest, which gives the square a unique characterR. In general, you probably won’t feel like you’re in South America here at all, because there are so many colonial buildings similar to those in our country.

4. Palacio de la Inquisición

This historic palace, known as the Inquisitor’s Palace, was built in the 17th century and served as the seat of the Inquisition. Today there is a museum here, which brings visitors closer to the history of the Inquisition in Colombia and its influence on society. The exhibition includes artifacts and information about the processes that took place during this dark period.

TIP: Are you attracted to nature? Then definitely go explore the Caribbean beaches in conjunction with the rainforest inTayrona National Park.

5. Modern Bocagrande Quarter

Bocagrande is a modern district of Cartagena, which boasts luxury hotels, skyscrapers and beaches. It is here that you will feel like you are in the modern center of events somewhere near Miami. We recommend renting accommodation somewhere high here and observing the beautiful views and the contrast between history and the present. In addition, there are many beaches where you can relax. 

A popular beach in Cartagena is Castillo Grande beach, which is really big and easy to get to by local transport in the city or on foot.

6. Santa Cruz de la Popa Monastery

This elevated site offers some of the best panoramic views of Cartagena and its surroundings. At the top of Cerro de la Popa there is a monastery from the 17th century, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Here you can enjoy the peace, a tour of the monastery and wonderful views of the Caribbean.

Tip: You will most likely visit Bogota either way. If you have a few days to spare, we have 13 tips for great places,What to see in and around Bogotá.

7. Getsemani – Cultural Heart Cartagena

The district of Getsemaní, the neighborhood of the historic center, shines with colors and life. Formerly a home for workers and slaves, today it is a living area known for its bohemian atmosphere and colorful streets full of street art. The main point of interest is the Plaza de la Trinidad. There is an interesting nightlife, cultural events, small galleries and many artistic corners.

8. Islas del Rosario – Coral Islands of the Caribbean

We will slowly move outside the city. About 100 kilometers from Cartagena is the Islas del Rosario archipelago. These coral islands are famous for their beautiful coral reefs and the azure sea, Ideal for snorkeling and diving. There are many trips to visit these islands, where you can enjoy a day full of sun and beautiful nature.

9. Volcán del Totumo – mud volcano

Bathing in a mud bath in the middle of a small volcano is a real experience And I guarantee you’ll have mud up to your ears. Volcán del Totumo is located about 50 km from Cartagena. Although the volcano is not active in the sense of eruptions, the locals consider this place sacred And they believe that the mud that is located at the top is gifted with healing properties, which attracts tourists and locals who come here Relax and enjoy the beneficial effects of the mud bath.

How to get to Volcán del Totumo

The best way to get here is by local bus to the village of Loma de Arena, where local motorcycle taxis for a few crowns will take you directly to the mud volcano (Ideally, arrange with them to wait for you and take the vase back). Otherwise, you can also get here as part of various trips with local travel cards. Entrance costs about 150 CZK per person.

Where to wash then

The first thing that comes to everyone’s mind is where you wash off the mud. Because if you’re from the mud from head to toe (which you will be, if you’re going there), you probably won’t get anywhere by bus or car. Right next to the volcano is a lake where you can wash. Just be careful, there are local ladies who want to help you by washing at all costs and then they will ask for money for it. 

We said several times that we didn’t want to, but they poured water from the bucket over us and led us by the hand into the water. So they didn’t wash me much, they just threw water in my face with a bucket and when we told them that we didn’t have money (we had to let cash for transportation), they laughed at us, but it was fine.

10. Playa Blanca and a true Caribbean holiday

Only 45 minutes from Cartagena is Playa Blanca on the island of Barú, which is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. With fine white sand and turquoise water, it is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the sun’s rays. You can rent sunbeds on the beach or treat yourself to local food made from fresh seafood.

Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo National Park

This national park protects one of the largest coral areas in Colombia and is an ideal place for lovers of nature and marine life. The park offers a wide range of activities, including diving, snorkeling and discovering untouched nature. It’s also a great place for Observation of birds and marine animals.

Bioluminescent Plankton and Night Adventure

Did you know that bioluminescent plankton can be observed around Cartagena? Bioluminescent plankton are tiny marine organisms that emit light through a chemical reaction enzymes. This is how a beautiful, soft blue-green color is created when you move in the water (It’s like you have a magical power and a bright comet light runs behind your movement). In Cartagena you can arrange various boat trips and withFor example, connect Playa Blanca beach together with a night trip like us. 

11. San Basilio de Palenque town

If you want to set off from Cartagena and are interested in the era of Kolonizacae South America, then you will like San Basilio de Palenque, Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is one of the most important historical sites in Colombia.

 It is located about 50 kilometers southeast of Cartagena and It was one of the first free cities for fugitive African slaves in America. Today, their descendants live here, and you can see a piece of Africa right in Colombia, even with their culture.

12. San Andrés Island – Caribbean Paradise

San Andrés, this Caribbean piece of paradise, is exactly where you would like to teleport when you imagine a holiday under palm trees on the beach. There is crystal clear water, white sandy beaches and amazing coral reefs, which directly talk about diving or snorkeling. But San Andrés is not only about the sea – it is also a varied mix of Caribbean culture, because this is where the local Colombian also goes on vacationEven from the whole country, and thanks to them, there is a really lively atmosphere here. 

Tip: Did you know that Colombia also has the tallest palm trees in the world, the best coffee and also a lot of hummingbirds? You can see everything in the mountain the village of Salento, which is full of colors and an incredibly amazing atmosphere.

Cartagena’s Wild History

The history of Cartagena dates back to 1533, when it was founded, but archaeologists discovered that the area had been inhabited thousands of years ago. Cartagena has a history, Colombia is quite wild. The city was the main port for the precious metals and slave trade, which attracted pirates And all those who wanted to feed on wealth. This is why the city is so well fortified. 

The remains of Spanish fortifications and icons such as the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas fortress still dominate the urban landscape and tell the story of how important Cartagena Colombia was in the past.

People doing business in Cartagena

In the 16th century, Cartagena gained importance as the main port of the Spanish colonial empire in South America due to its strategic location in the Caribbean. The Spanish needed labor for their vast fields and mines, especially after the indigenous tribe populations fell drastically due to European diseases and slavery. Therefore, they focused on Africa as a new source of labor.

In 1610, Cartagena officially became one of the few cities in South America that She received a royal permit to trade with African slaves. Thousands of slaves were brought on ships directly to the port of Cartagena, mostly originating from the regions of West and Central Africa. The slaves were transported in appalling conditions, chained and crammed into the hold, where they had to survive for several weeks on the open sea. Many of them died of illness, malnutrition or ill-treatment during the trip.

After arriving in Cartagena, the slaves were laid out and taken to the slave market, known as the Plaza de los Coches, which today remains one of the main historical sites in the city. They were exhibited and sold as goods on this square. 

Slaves were auctioned for Spanish planters, mine owners, and traders who needed them as labor for gold mines in Antioquia, tobacco fields and other heavy manual work. Some slaves were also sold to the church, where they performed various jobs in monasteries and church buildings.

Spirit of the past

The past of the slave trade in Cartagena is still evident. Today, the historic squares and fortresses are a symbol of wealth, which was created at a huge cost of suffering and bloodshed. However, the culture of the city is also influenced by the African heritage, which is evident in the music, dance, cuisine and spirituality of the local population. Cartagena is thus a living proof of a history full of contrasts, where the beauty and wealth of the city is associated with a memory of the dark times and the struggle for freedom and human dignity.

The most frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Resources

De Indias, A.M.D.C., 2003. Cartagena de Indias. Localidades, Territorio y Población.

Saba, M., Carrascal, J.L.á. And Cruz, A.R.C., 2023. Historical-Architectural Analysis of Cartagena de Indias Heritage. City, Territory and Architecture, 10(1), p.3.

Piñeros, S.T., 2017. Tourism Gentrification in the Cities of Latin America: The Socio-economic Trajectory of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. In Tourism and Gentrification in Contemporary Metropolises (pp. 75-103). Routledge.