Cartagena travel guide: where to stay, walled city sights & islands

A By Anna · Updated 20 October 2026 · 3 min read

Airports

Cartagena Rafael Núñez (CTG)

Best time to go

December-April (driest months)

Type

City

Cartagena de Indias was one of the most important ports of the Spanish empire, and its walled old town is the best preserved in South America. Inside the 11km of stone walls, pastel houses with wooden balconies drip with bougainvillea, horse-drawn carriages clatter over cobbles and the plazas fill with music after dark. It is the most visited city in Colombia and makes an easy end to a trip, with Caribbean beaches a boat ride away.

It is also hot, busy and the priciest place in the country, so a few tips help.

Where to stay

• The walled city (Ciudad Amurallada) – the historic centre, including the El Centro and San Diego districts. Beautiful boutique hotels in restored colonial mansions, many with plunge pools. The most atmospheric choice, and the most expensive.
• Getsemaní – just outside the walls, once run-down and now the liveliest neighbourhood, with street art, hostels, small hotels and Plaza de la Trinidad, where everyone gathers in the evening.
• Bocagrande – a strip of high-rise hotels and beach to the south. Modern and convenient for the sea, but lacking character, and the city beaches are not Colombia's best.
• The islands – a night or two on the Rosario Islands or Barú gives you clearer water and quieter beaches.

Things to do

1. Walk the walls – stroll along the ramparts at sunset, stopping at Café del Mar for a drink.
2. Castillo San Felipe de Barajas – the huge fortress on a hill east of the old town, with tunnels to explore. Go early, as there is little shade.
3. Plazas of the old town – Plaza Santo Domingo, with Botero's reclining woman, Plaza de Bolívar and the Palace of the Inquisition museum.
4. Getsemaní street art – wander the murals and umbrella-strung lanes around Plaza de la Trinidad, or join a walking tour.
5. Rosario Islands – a national park of coral islands about an hour away by boat, for snorkelling and beach time.
6. Eat – fresh ceviche, fried fish with coconut rice, and arepas de huevo from street stalls. Cartagena also has some of Colombia's best restaurants.

Getting there and around

There are no direct flights from the UK to Cartagena. Fly via Bogotá or Medellín with Avianca or LATAM, or one-stop from Madrid or a US hub. From Bogotá, the flight takes about 1h30. Rafael Núñez airport is only about 15 minutes by taxi from the walled city; use the official taxi rank, where fares are fixed by zone.

The old town and Getsemaní are best explored on foot. Use taxis or ride-hailing apps for longer journeys, and book island boats from the Muelle de la Bodeguita pier or through your hotel.

When to go

Cartagena is hot all year, around 30-32 °C by day, with high humidity. December to April is the driest and breeziest period, but also peak season, especially over Christmas, New Year and Easter. May to November is wetter, with heavy afternoon showers, particularly in October and November, but prices drop. Cartagena sits south of the main Caribbean hurricane belt and is rarely hit directly.

We research every guide carefully, but prices, opening times and timetables change. Check them shortly before you travel. Links to our booking partners are affiliate links.