Cartagena
Caribbean colonial jewel — UNESCO walled city + Rosario Islands + Getsemaní street art
Cartagena is Colombia's Caribbean crown — UNESCO walled colonial city, San Felipe fortress, Getsemaní boho-cool neighborhood + street art, Rosario Islands day trips + fresh Caribbean seafood. Best Colombian destination for first-timers.
Cartagena highlights
Walled city (Ciudad Amurallada) walking tour
UNESCO — cobblestone streets, colonial mansions, cafés, boutique hotels. Best walked evening 17:00-19:00.
Getsemaní street art + Plaza Trinidad
The boho-cool neighborhood — street art, salsa clubs, guesthouses. Plaza Trinidad packed 19:00.
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
Massive 17th-century Spanish fortress — hilltop views + tunnels. COP 27,000 (~$7) entry.
Rosario Islands day trip
Boat 1h to Isla Grande/Isla del Pirata — snorkelling + beach lunch. ~$45-70.
Baru + Playa Blanca beach
White-sand Caribbean beach 1h from Cartagena by boat. Overnight bungalows or day trip.
Café del Mar sunset
Iconic bar on the old-city walls — sunset drinks + evening music. Book table ahead.
La Cevichería + Alma dining
Colombia's Caribbean cuisine — ceviche + coconut shrimp + arepas de huevo.
Mud volcano (Volcán del Totumo)
45 min north — bathe in warm mud crater. Touristy but memorable. ~$25 tour.
Getting there
Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) is 15 min from the walled city. Direct flights from Bogotá (1h 25m), Miami, Panama City, European charters. Airport bus + Uber standard.
Getting around
Walking in the walled city (compact + car-restricted). Uber operates. Yellow taxis meter-optional — Uber cheaper.
December-April (dry, cool). Avoid August-October (rain, hurricane season).
$40-80 backpacker (Getsemaní) · $150-350 mid-range walled city · $600+ luxury (Casa San Agustín, Sofitel Legend Santa Clara)
Airport transfer from Rafael Núñez International (CTG)
Getting out of Cartagena (CTG)
Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer
Our pickDriver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.
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Fly to Rafael Núñez International (CTG)
Popular direct routes from: Bogotá, Miami, Panama City, Madrid