Who has never dreamed of Cartagena of India? This name inviting you to a trip is a reflection of this splendid city. Founded by the Spaniards in the 16th century, it became a powerful city thanks to its port on the Caribbean Sea, which helped transport tons of gold to Europe. Long plagued by piracy, it has inspired many works in cinema and attracts many visitors every year. Go stroll under the balconies of its colorful streets and admire its intact colonial architecture. Its history is very rich and the heavenly beaches are just a stone's throw away.... This is a spectacular city waiting for you!
History of Cartagena - Colombia
What makes this city famous is above all its rich history and its colorful city center, with very well preserved colonial architecture!
- The origin of Cartagena:
Named after Spanish Cartagena, Cartagena de Indias was founded by the conquistador Pedro de Heredia in 1533. Over the centuries, it has become one of the most powerful cities of the Spanish colonial empire. It was since Cartagena that the colony was planned for expansion and future exploration in South America. Thanks to its location on the Caribbean Sea, it serves as a platform for triangular trade. It saw slave ships coming from sub-Saharan Africa and ships full of the wealth of the Inca Empire bound for Europe.
- Cartagena, a city coveted by pirates and other powers
The city then attracts many settlers in search of glory, but also the lust of pirates! During its history, it was attacked by French and British privateers on numerous occasions, forcing the city's governors to erect important fortifications. The city is also marked by turf wars between the various colonies. In 1741, a battle was fought in Cartagena that could have changed the fate of the entire Latin American continent. Colombians almost spoke English! The British attacked Cartagena in order to take their Empire. They were defeated by the Spaniards who guarded their territories.
- 1821, Simon Bolivar and independentists liberate Cartagena
In 1821, under the leadership of Simon Bolivar, the liberator, the colonies claimed their emancipation. The naval campaign of the independentists finished liberating the Caribbean ports by taking the city. It was this event that marked the beginning of independence for Colombia.
- Cartagena today
Cartagena de Indias is today one of the most touristic cities in the country. Its fortifications are considered the most complete in South America. Its historic center is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Planning of visits
Cartagena, Colombia | Duration of stay recommended: 2-3 days
Day 1: the old city of Cartagena:
To make the most of your experience in Cartagena (Cartagena), we invite you to leave your luggage in one of the most beautiful hotels in the city: the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara hotel. It is sumptuous and built in the style of a typical hacienda of the region!
The historic center:
upon your arrival, we suggest you to head towards the historic center of Cartagena. Its colorful streets are magnificent and the colonial architecture of its monuments is extremely well preserved. Strolling the streets is a pleasure. By following your instinct you will certainly manage to see the main one. During your walk, you will come across the Plaza Santo Domingo, the heart of the city, the museum of the Inquisition palace or the Plaza de los Coches and its famous clock tower! Don't miss out on San Felipe de Barajas Castle. This imposing military fort offers beautiful views of the historic center. Along the streets of the city center, you will find a multitude of bars and restaurants where you can have lunch. You will have the opportunity to try the typical dishes of the region. We recommend the Pulpo a la Cartagenera (from octopus) or the Olla de cerdo murciana (from pork), a real treat!
Ciudad Amurrallada:
in the afternoon we offer you a long walk along the fortifications of the city. Walking along them from the Muelle de los Pegasos, you will have a magnificent view. It will also be time to book your next day’s excursion to one of the city’s agencies.
Las Bovedas and Casa Rafael Nunez:
Once you reach the border with the El Cabrero neighborhood, you will come across Las Bovedas, a collection of superb yellow arches under which craft sellers hide. Make the most of it by shopping before heading to Casa Rafael Nunez. This wooden house will plunge you into the life of this extremely important politician since he was elected President of Colombia 4 times! On your way back, you can linger a while on the ramparts to admire the sunset over the city. A magical moment.
Day 2: Island and beaches around Cartagena
Archipel del Rosario:
today is a relaxing excursion waiting for you! Go to the Bay of Souls to take a boat to the Rosario archipelago. This little paradise of several islets is famous for its turquoise waters and picture-postcard beaches! You will arrive on the largest island, where you can enjoy the different beaches and walks. Put yourself in the shoes of a pirate and explore the place!
Underwater activities and sunset on the Rosario archipelago:
The Caribbean Sea is soft and crystal clear, and you will love snorkeling and diving. You can admire many species in the middle of nature, a change of scenery guaranteed! Before leaving, you can treat yourself to a sunset worthy of the most beautiful shots. The calm sea and the white sand will perfectly reflect its flamboyant colors.
Day 3: Other districts of Cartagena
Getsemani:
In the morning we suggest you to discover another district of Cartagena, just as picturesque! The Getsemani district is full of surprises. Its streets form a colorful mix full of life that will enchant you. Take a stroll under the suspended umbrellas of Calle de las Sombrillas, or past the traditional murals and balconies of Calle Magdalena. Wherever you're passing, this part of the city looks like a movie set. For lunch, the Plaza Trinidad offers a charming and welcoming setting. Take a fresh lemonade or exotic fruit juice before continuing your visit.
Manga:
In the afternoon, you can continue on foot to Casa Roman, located in the Manga district. It is a magnificent example of Alhambra, Spanish residences whose architecture is inspired by Eastern cultures. To end the day, go to the fort of San Sebastian del Pastelillo. Here you can admire the sunset over the ramparts, with beautiful photos in the key.
Places of interest
El Centro district of Cartagena:
-
Historic center:
its colors, its architecture, its numerous historical monuments, everything in this district is full of charm! You will be seduced by its small typical streets and the cheerfulness that floods them. Strolling around this place is a real pleasure!
-
Ciudad Amurallada de Cartagena:
it is a walk along the old fortifications of the colonial city. Once the target of pirates, Cartagena of India sent tons of gold by ships to the kingdom of Spain, so the city had to be secured by building these ramparts. Today, the fortifications add to the charm of the historic center and bear witness to its past power.
-
Castle of San Felipe de Barajas in Cartagena:
A fortress classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984, it has witnessed many battles over the centuries. It played a key role in the Battle of 1741, during which the Spanish defeated the British crown, without which the whole continent would have been Anglo-Saxon! The castle is now open to the public and offers beautiful views.
-
Plaza Santo Domingo:
with its typical architecture and thousands of colors, this square is without doubt the heart of the historic center. Here you can eat, chat, share a very convivial place and taste local specialties like the famous empanadas.
-
Palacio de la Inquisición:
This magnificent building is next to Plaza Santo Domingo and houses the city's historic museum. You will know everything about battles, conquests and struggles against piracy or for independence through its halls.
-
Plaza los Coches:
on this square, you can see colorful houses whose balconies and halls are a typical example of colonial architecture. In front of them, the clock tower stands proudly, dressed in its bright yellow color! This is a very nice place to have a drink.
-
Muelle de los Pegasos y de la Bodeguita:
just next to the clock tower, there is a dock on which you will find several statues of Pegasus and a superb sailboat from the colonial era. It is enough to go back to the era of piracy!
-
Las Bovedas:
once an ammunition store or a dungeon during the civil war, these 23 bright yellow arches were built in the 18th century. They are today one of the emblems of the city thanks to their beautiful architecture and are also the place to be for visitors looking for souvenirs to take home with them. You will find a multitude of small shops selling handicraft. What better place to shop?
-
Casa Museo Rafael Núñez:
Close to the Bovedas is the former home of Rafael Nunez, a politician who created the national anthem and part of the Colombian Constitution. It is possible to visit it, it gathers personal elements of the one who was elected President of the Republic four times and offers a beautiful example of wooden architecture.
-
Hotel Sofitel Legend Santa Clara:
it is one of the most amazing hotels in the city. Built on the model of haciendas and painted in bright colors, it is possible to visit it if you do not want to stay there. It deserves its 5 stars, plunge into the world of luxury!
Getsemani district in Cartagena:
-
Getsemani:
This area between the historic center and Fort San Felipe Barajas is just as beautiful. Its graffiti, mixed with colorful houses and colonial alleys, is a joyful and lively mix. You will love to walk there!
-
Plaza Trinidad:
Located in the Getsemani district, it is one of the most lively squares in the city! A real place to live and share, it is the perfect place to enjoy a local dish or a drink on the terrace! Its pretty colors only add to the charm of this place. Magnificent!
-
Calle Magdalena:
It is one of the many colorful streets of Cartagena. With its suspended vegetation, it offers beautiful perspectives to photograph.
-
Calle de las Sombrillas:
a magnificent street colored by hanging umbrellas, it is one of the most photogenic in the historic center!
Manga district:
-
Fort of San Sebastián del Pastelillo:
located on the bank of the Manga district, this other colonial fort offers a superb view of the Bay of Cartagena. Between the view of a small port and the buildings of Bocagrande and Getsemani, there is plenty to do for beautiful photos.
-
Casa Roman:
Near Fort San Sebastian del Pastelillo, you will find this magnificent alhambra inspired by the most beautiful Spanish neo-Arab residences. Its oriental architecture is atypical in this Caribbean region but sumptuous. It is really worth a look.
Islands and beaches around Cartagena:
-
Playa Castillo Grande:
it is the longest beach in town. It offers a beautiful walk along the Bay of Cartagena and beautiful sunsets.
-
Rosario Archipelago:
embark in the Bay of Souls in Cartagena for the most fabulous destination! This archipelago of 27 islands is a small treasure of clear waters and fine sand. The landscapes are incredible and the seabed is rich. Why not try diving in its warm and shallow waters? You will fall in love with this wonderful place. The most famous, the island of Pirate is waiting for you!
How to get there
How to get to Cartagena in Colombia?
By car/bus :
- from Bogota: 18 hours
- from Medellin : 11:45 am
- from Cali : 19h30
- from Monteria : 4h30
- from Bucaramanga : 11h
- from Barranquilla : 2h10
By plane:
- from Bogota : 1h20
- from Medellin : 1h
- from Cali : 1h20
Cartagena, Colombia | Duration of stay recommended: 2-3 days
Day 1: the old city of Cartagena:
To make the most of your experience in Cartagena (Cartagena), we invite you to leave your luggage in one of the most beautiful hotels in the city: the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara hotel. It is sumptuous and built in the style of a typical hacienda of the region!
The historic center:
upon your arrival, we suggest you to head towards the historic center of Cartagena. Its colorful streets are magnificent and the colonial architecture of its monuments is extremely well preserved. Strolling the streets is a pleasure. By following your instinct you will certainly manage to see the main one. During your walk, you will come across the Plaza Santo Domingo, the heart of the city, the museum of the Inquisition palace or the Plaza de los Coches and its famous clock tower! Don't miss out on San Felipe de Barajas Castle. This imposing military fort offers beautiful views of the historic center. Along the streets of the city center, you will find a multitude of bars and restaurants where you can have lunch. You will have the opportunity to try the typical dishes of the region. We recommend the Pulpo a la Cartagenera (from octopus) or the Olla de cerdo murciana (from pork), a real treat!
Ciudad Amurrallada:
in the afternoon we offer you a long walk along the fortifications of the city. Walking along them from the Muelle de los Pegasos, you will have a magnificent view. It will also be time to book your next day’s excursion to one of the city’s agencies.
Las Bovedas and Casa Rafael Nunez:
Once you reach the border with the El Cabrero neighborhood, you will come across Las Bovedas, a collection of superb yellow arches under which craft sellers hide. Make the most of it by shopping before heading to Casa Rafael Nunez. This wooden house will plunge you into the life of this extremely important politician since he was elected President of Colombia 4 times! On your way back, you can linger a while on the ramparts to admire the sunset over the city. A magical moment.
Day 2: Island and beaches around Cartagena
Archipel del Rosario:
today is a relaxing excursion waiting for you! Go to the Bay of Souls to take a boat to the Rosario archipelago. This little paradise of several islets is famous for its turquoise waters and picture-postcard beaches! You will arrive on the largest island, where you can enjoy the different beaches and walks. Put yourself in the shoes of a pirate and explore the place!
Underwater activities and sunset on the Rosario archipelago:
The Caribbean Sea is soft and crystal clear, and you will love snorkeling and diving. You can admire many species in the middle of nature, a change of scenery guaranteed! Before leaving, you can treat yourself to a sunset worthy of the most beautiful shots. The calm sea and the white sand will perfectly reflect its flamboyant colors.
Day 3: Other districts of Cartagena
Getsemani:
In the morning we suggest you to discover another district of Cartagena, just as picturesque! The Getsemani district is full of surprises. Its streets form a colorful mix full of life that will enchant you. Take a stroll under the suspended umbrellas of Calle de las Sombrillas, or past the traditional murals and balconies of Calle Magdalena. Wherever you're passing, this part of the city looks like a movie set. For lunch, the Plaza Trinidad offers a charming and welcoming setting. Take a fresh lemonade or exotic fruit juice before continuing your visit.
Manga:
In the afternoon, you can continue on foot to Casa Roman, located in the Manga district. It is a magnificent example of Alhambra, Spanish residences whose architecture is inspired by Eastern cultures. To end the day, go to the fort of San Sebastian del Pastelillo. Here you can admire the sunset over the ramparts, with beautiful photos in the key.
El Centro district of Cartagena:
-
Historic center:
its colors, its architecture, its numerous historical monuments, everything in this district is full of charm! You will be seduced by its small typical streets and the cheerfulness that floods them. Strolling around this place is a real pleasure!
-
Ciudad Amurallada de Cartagena:
it is a walk along the old fortifications of the colonial city. Once the target of pirates, Cartagena of India sent tons of gold by ships to the kingdom of Spain, so the city had to be secured by building these ramparts. Today, the fortifications add to the charm of the historic center and bear witness to its past power.
-
Castle of San Felipe de Barajas in Cartagena:
A fortress classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984, it has witnessed many battles over the centuries. It played a key role in the Battle of 1741, during which the Spanish defeated the British crown, without which the whole continent would have been Anglo-Saxon! The castle is now open to the public and offers beautiful views.
-
Plaza Santo Domingo:
with its typical architecture and thousands of colors, this square is without doubt the heart of the historic center. Here you can eat, chat, share a very convivial place and taste local specialties like the famous empanadas.
-
Palacio de la Inquisición:
This magnificent building is next to Plaza Santo Domingo and houses the city's historic museum. You will know everything about battles, conquests and struggles against piracy or for independence through its halls.
-
Plaza los Coches:
on this square, you can see colorful houses whose balconies and halls are a typical example of colonial architecture. In front of them, the clock tower stands proudly, dressed in its bright yellow color! This is a very nice place to have a drink.
-
Muelle de los Pegasos y de la Bodeguita:
just next to the clock tower, there is a dock on which you will find several statues of Pegasus and a superb sailboat from the colonial era. It is enough to go back to the era of piracy!
-
Las Bovedas:
once an ammunition store or a dungeon during the civil war, these 23 bright yellow arches were built in the 18th century. They are today one of the emblems of the city thanks to their beautiful architecture and are also the place to be for visitors looking for souvenirs to take home with them. You will find a multitude of small shops selling handicraft. What better place to shop?
-
Casa Museo Rafael Núñez:
Close to the Bovedas is the former home of Rafael Nunez, a politician who created the national anthem and part of the Colombian Constitution. It is possible to visit it, it gathers personal elements of the one who was elected President of the Republic four times and offers a beautiful example of wooden architecture.
-
Hotel Sofitel Legend Santa Clara:
it is one of the most amazing hotels in the city. Built on the model of haciendas and painted in bright colors, it is possible to visit it if you do not want to stay there. It deserves its 5 stars, plunge into the world of luxury!
Getsemani district in Cartagena:
-
Getsemani:
This area between the historic center and Fort San Felipe Barajas is just as beautiful. Its graffiti, mixed with colorful houses and colonial alleys, is a joyful and lively mix. You will love to walk there!
-
Plaza Trinidad:
Located in the Getsemani district, it is one of the most lively squares in the city! A real place to live and share, it is the perfect place to enjoy a local dish or a drink on the terrace! Its pretty colors only add to the charm of this place. Magnificent!
-
Calle Magdalena:
It is one of the many colorful streets of Cartagena. With its suspended vegetation, it offers beautiful perspectives to photograph.
-
Calle de las Sombrillas:
a magnificent street colored by hanging umbrellas, it is one of the most photogenic in the historic center!
Manga district:
-
Fort of San Sebastián del Pastelillo:
located on the bank of the Manga district, this other colonial fort offers a superb view of the Bay of Cartagena. Between the view of a small port and the buildings of Bocagrande and Getsemani, there is plenty to do for beautiful photos.
-
Casa Roman:
Near Fort San Sebastian del Pastelillo, you will find this magnificent alhambra inspired by the most beautiful Spanish neo-Arab residences. Its oriental architecture is atypical in this Caribbean region but sumptuous. It is really worth a look.
Islands and beaches around Cartagena:
-
Playa Castillo Grande:
it is the longest beach in town. It offers a beautiful walk along the Bay of Cartagena and beautiful sunsets.
-
Rosario Archipelago:
embark in the Bay of Souls in Cartagena for the most fabulous destination! This archipelago of 27 islands is a small treasure of clear waters and fine sand. The landscapes are incredible and the seabed is rich. Why not try diving in its warm and shallow waters? You will fall in love with this wonderful place. The most famous, the island of Pirate is waiting for you!
How to get to Cartagena in Colombia?
By car/bus :
- from Bogota: 18 hours
- from Medellin : 11:45 am
- from Cali : 19h30
- from Monteria : 4h30
- from Bucaramanga : 11h
- from Barranquilla : 2h10
By plane:
- from Bogota : 1h20
- from Medellin : 1h
- from Cali : 1h20