Luxury hotels in Cartagena

Cartagena guide

Cartagena: the walled city at sunset

Colonial streets full of bougainvillea, the fortress of San Felipe and the Rosario Islands by boat.

Cartagena's walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the most cited sight on Colombia's Caribbean coast: pastel houses with wooden balconies, plazas and churches inside 11 kilometres of colonial walls. Walk it in the early morning and again at sunset, when locals gather on the walls.

Visit the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, explore the street art of Getsemaní, and take a private boat to the Rosario Islands for snorkelling and lunch on the beach. December to April is the dry season, and evenings are always warm.

The Rosario Islands

The Rosario Islands, a national park of coral islands about an hour by boat from Cartagena, are the city's most cited excursion: clear water for snorkelling, island beach clubs and seafood lunches. A private boat avoids the crowded group trips.

Barú and Playa Blanca are close by, and Cholón is a lively bay for those seeking a party atmosphere. The bioluminescent plankton lagoon on Barú can be visited at night. December to April is the dry season, with calmer seas.

Getsemaní and Caribbean Colombian cuisine

Getsemaní, the neighbourhood just outside Cartagena's walls, has become one of the city's most cited areas: streets covered in murals and umbrellas, the lively Plaza de la Trinidad at night and small hotels in colonial houses.

Cartagena's food is a highlight: ceviche, coconut rice with fried fish and arepas de huevo, and several restaurants have been recognised among Latin America's best, reinterpreting Caribbean Colombian ingredients. A cooking class with a market visit to Bazurto is a fine introduction.