Cartagena is definitely my favourite place in Colombia due to it’s beauty and diverse range of amazing things to see and do. The waterside city reminds me a lot about Miami, with beautiful beaches and hotels along the peninsula. It is one of the more touristy cities in Colombia, but it is definitely still a low key and underrated place to visit in South America.
From the wild water sports, to the history of the colourful Old City, Cartagena certainly has a lot of offer for travellers of all ages. And to me, it felt like the safest place I visited in Colombia!
Continue reading to check out some of the top things to do in Cartagena, Colombia!
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How to Get There
Cartagena, located near the Northern tip of Colombia, is accessible via direct flight from a few U.S. cities. It is also about a 2.5 hour flight from Bogotá. Travellers will typically fly into Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG), which is quite easy to travel to and from the Peninsula. You can opt to book a transfer, take an official airport taxi, Uber, or take a local bus to your accommodations. Taxis are much more safe here than in Bogotá, but you will still have to ensure you agree on a price before taking one to your destination.
Where to Stay
There are quite a few nice areas to stay in Cartagena, so it really depends on your taste. Staying in a hotel along the Peninsula will give you quick access to the beach but be more busy. Staying more in-land will give you more local experiences. As with all cities, be sure to research areas ahead of time to ensure they are safe and are what you’re expecting! Here are a couple of my favourite areas to stay in Cartagena:
1. The Historic Old City
I think this is by far the most interesting place to stay in Cartagena. The Old City is walled in and filled with such colourful buildings. There are plenty of other travellers around, and many restaurants and things to do and see.
2. Getsemaní
This area is the best place to stay for backpackers, or for people who want to stay in a more laid back place. It is a hip area, filled with street musicians, great food, and plenty of bars and bistros. It is a short walk to the Old City and also to the beach!
Top Things to Do in Cartagena, Colombia
1. Explore the Historic Old City
The colourful Old City is filled with fascinating history and visiting it is one of the key things to see and do in Cartagena. This picturesque area is filled with plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars to discover.
2. Relax on the Dreamy Beaches
After a long day of water sports, drinking beer, or eating too much food, one of my favourite things to do is lounge on the beach. The Peninsula in Cartagena boasts a long strip of beautiful sandy beaches, with plenty of activities and little beach huts to rent. There are a few bars and cafes on the sand, which are definitely fun to check out!
3. Rent a Jet Ski
Who doesn’t love Jet Skis! I always want to rent a Jet Ski in the U.S. and Canada, but they are typically expensive and require you to have a boating license. Well, not in Colombia! It is quite affordable to rent the Jet Skis by the hour, and it is certainly a great way to see Cartagena by water!
4. Take a 1/2 Day Trip to Bath in Mud at Totumo Volcano
Well, I bet you’re laughing when you hear I recommend heading out on a 1/2 day trip to jump in a volcano filled with mud! But, it really is a neat experience. After you hike up a little volcano, you will climb down a latter into a couple feet of MUD! It is surprisingly soothing. If you tip a local, they will hold your camera and take photos for you.
5. Scuba Dive Through the Beautiful Barrier Reefs
Cartagena was the second place that I went scuba diving. I took a boat out to one of the beautiful islands off the coast, where I relaxed with barely any people around before heading out on the water again. The reefs and the fish are so fun to swim with! If you aren’t a certified diver, you can opt to do a “Discover Diving” program, where you learn to dive in a pool then set out to shallower water with an instructor.
6. Admire the Street Art in Getsemaní
Getsemaní has become a more hipster area, where backpackers and laid back travellers typically stay. The walls in this area are covered with beautiful street art. Here, there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars to enjoy as well!
7. Go Paddle Boarding
There are plenty of places to rent paddle boards by the hour in Cartagena. Or, you can opt to take a tour with a guide either during the day or for sunset (and get a beautiful view of the city too)! The water is quite calm and makes for a great paddle boarding experience.
8. Feast on Seafood and Other Colombian Delicacies
I don’t know about you, but I LOVE trying local foods when travelling. As Cartagena is along the water, you bet you can find plenty of incredible seafood to try. But, you’re also able to find great Colombian dishes like Arepas and Empanadas!
9. Go Island Hopping
Cartagena has a few beautiful islands off it’s coast. Heading off on a boat tour is quite the popular thing to do in Cartagena. One of the coolest places to explore is the Rosario Islands, which are an archipelago located within a gorgeous National Park.
What are your top things to do in Cartagena, Colombia? Let me know in the comments!
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7 Comments
Steve Collins
Let’s go awayyyyyy
deventuretime
yayyyy
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