Cartagena is a captivating coastal city in Colombia, where historic charm meets Caribbean beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking culture and relaxation.
Situated on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Cartagena entices visitors with its pristine beaches, nearby tropical islands like Isla Barú, and opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and exploring the Rosario Islands National Park.
Things to do:
Here are the fun and interesting things to do in the city:
1). Within the walled City
The wall city is made up of row after row of beautiful buildings and boutiques so if working by foot, wearing sunscreen, comfortable clothes and shoes is key.
Take a horse-drawn carriage for a unique city tour or wander the streets on foot through the cobblestone streets, surrounded by the lively hustle and bustle of the city.
Here are my top picks for experiencing Cartagena’s walled city:
- Stay in the walled city – There are boutique hotels and beautiful short let apartments.
- While exploring, watch out for the colonial buildings, clock tower, San Pedro Claver church, the palace of the Inquisition, Plaza Santo Domingo and Popa monastery.
- Indulge in local cuisine at restaurants like Juan Del Mar and Gran Inka. Don’t miss the Perciman ice cream and exotic fruits.
- Join the lively wedding processions with professional dancers on Saturdays.
- Catch breathtaking sunsets from rooftop spots like Mirador Gastro and the Townhouse.
- Carry Colombian pesos for street purchases like souvenirs and street food.
- Practice negotiation skills, especially when dealing with services like taxi fares.
The architectural marvels and rich history of Cartagena’s walled city should not be missed.
2) Stroll through Getsemani.
Its worth it to just walk around and take in the atmosphere. While doing this, you will suddenly spot them – the enchanting Palenqueras! Dressed in radiant hues that mirror the tropical fruits they carry in their baskets, these Afro-Colombian women add a burst of color to the vibrant tapestry of Cartagena.
Their warmth and friendliness are infectious as they dance with tourists, sharing their joyous spirit with all who cross their path. From the bustling markets to the serene plazas, the Palenqueras can be found sprinkling their vivacious energy everywhere in the city.
But these women are more than just a picturesque sight – they embody a rich cultural history that resonates deeply with me. Their resilience and strength, rooted in centuries of heritage, are evident in every smile they share.
Meeting the Palenqueras was a highlight of my journey. Their stories, filled with passion and perseverance, inspired me to delve deeper into their community. And so, I made the decision to venture beyond the city limits and explore the vibrant Palenque community, eager to immerse myself in their culture and traditions.
3) Visit the Mud Volcano
The mud volcano is known for its medicinal properties to reduces stress and normalize blood circulation. The volcano is outside the walled city, which is about 30 mins drive. You can either opt for the group tours or a private tour – I chose the latter because of the convenience and the price was the same.
Upon arrival, pay the entrance fee and take a walk up to the mud place and bathe in it. While in, there are masseur to help with the massage and you can opt to just bathe in. Its warm and very relaxing. The good part is there is a guy who can take you pictures or videos during the mud bath in exchange for a tip.
After the bath, local women in the vicinity helps scrubs off the mud in a nearby lagoon.
The volcano mud experience was incredible, this left my skin soft and smooth – I recommend.
Taxi – $200, Entrance fee – $20 and Tips – $30 (Colombian pesos)
Tip: Make sure you go very early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
4) Spend the day visiting the Islands
Exploring the five islands off the coast of Cartagena was an enchanting experience. I was captivated by the vibrant culture and natural beauty of these islands.
One of the highlights of the journey was the melodic soundtrack that accompanied our sail between the islands. From Caribbean beats to African rhythms and even classical tunes, the music set the perfect tone for our adventure.
Our first stop was Island Grande, a place with a fascinating history—it was once Pablo Escobar’s secret hideaway. Here, we had the chance to swim and for those interested, snorkeling was an option.
Next on our itinerary was Cholon Island, famously dubbed the “Island of Parties.” As our boat docked, we immersed ourselves in the lively atmosphere, dancing and enjoying the diverse musical offerings while sipping on refreshing drinks.
Isla Agua Azul offered us a serene break, with its stunning beaches inviting us for a swim and offering fresh fruits to savor.
The final stop was Baru Island, where we indulged in the beauty of the beach, treated ourselves to relaxing massages, savored a delicious lunch, and simply unwound. We faced a delightful dilemma—returning to Cartagena by boat or staying to witness the sunset and partake in the mesmerizing Plankton activity at nightfall. Opting to stay meant a land journey back to Cartagena, but the allure of the sunset and the promise of witnessing nature’s spectacle made it a tempting choice.
Each island offered a unique experience, blending adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion—a day well spent exploring the enchanting islands off Cartagena’s coast.
Tip: Weekend is the best time to explore the Islands especially the Cholon Island.
5) Ride the Chiva Party Bus
Hop on one of the Chiva buses to enjoy the nightlife in Cartagena. The bus will take you on a tour of the city with music and dancing on a moving bus. It’s also an avenue to meet tourists and locals. After the tour, you can experience the vibrant nightlife in Getsemani, with its trendy bars, live music venues featuring Caribbean rhythms, and lively street parties.