Cartagena: A Historical Gem and Cultural Hub

Established in 1533 as a port and colonial fortress, Cartagena stands as Colombia’s second most visited city, boasting a rich tapestry of history and culture. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the walled city of Cartagena has become a captivating destination shaped by centuries of maritime influence.

Fueling the city’s vibrant economy, tourism takes center stage, drawing visitors to iconic sites such as Las Bóvedas, the Clock Tower, Teatro Heredia, and the Cartagena Gold Museum. Cartagena is not merely a city; it’s a living testament to the confluence of colonial charm and modern allure.

Immersing visitors in its cultural fervor, Cartagena hosts a variety of festivals, including the Cartagena International Music Festival, Festival of the Sweets, Summer Festival, and the enchanting Festival de Jazz bajo la Luna. These celebrations create an irresistible allure, attracting tourists from far and wide to revel in the city’s historical grandeur and dynamic cultural scene.

What Is The Climate in Cartagena?

It’s hot and pretty humid. The weather in Cartagena is pleasant as being a coastal city the climate is humid and dry tropical, with a relative humidity of 84%. The temperature is warm all year round and generally ranges between 73f/23c and 86f/30c and is rarely below 73f/23c or above 91f/33c. The hottest part of the day is between 12 noon and 6 pm. With this in mind, you can plan your activities accordingly.

It can drain you if you are doing a lot of walking. Take breaks, drink lots of water, wear a hat and try to plan activities for the morning and evening. Of course I realize that is not always possible.

Top Reasons to Visit Cartagena

Embark on a journey through Cartagena, where every cobblestone street whispers tales of history, vibrant culture, and captivating contrasts. Here’s a curated guide to uncover the city’s most enchanting facets:

1. Stroll the Historic Walled City: Begin your exploration at the Puerta del Reloj, the clock tower gate, and meander through narrow, cobbled streets. Marvel at exquisite architecture, horse-drawn carriages, and elegant squares adorned with flower-strewn balconies and open-air cafes. Don’t miss must-see sites like the Palace of the Inquisition and Las Bovedas, an 18th-century dungeon transformed into charming shops.

2. Experience the Vibrant Chivas: Vibrantly colored chiva buses traverse the city, echoing with the carnival-like beat of local music. Embrace the lively atmosphere as couples, families, and friends gather at departure points, including Hilton, Decameron, and Caribe by Faranda. Take a chiva tour to Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, an immense fort with fascinating tunnels that once safeguarded troops during conflicts.

3. Bask in the Glory of Beaches: Witness the allure of Bocagrande, the city’s main beach, or seek tranquility at Castillogrande. Engage in various activities and water sports at El Laguito or embark on a boat journey to the pristine beaches of Rosario Islands or Playa Blanca on the city’s largest island. With endless miles of beaches, discover your perfect spot in the sun. You can also go surfing in Colombia and there is some great surfing close to Cartegena.

4. Embrace Contrasts in Old Town and Bocagrande: Delight in the stark contrasts between the Old Town’s 16th-century Spanish Colonial architecture and Bocagrande’s modern luxury condos and high-rises along the beach. Enjoy a drink at Cafe Del Mar on ancient northern ramparts for panoramic views or venture to Convento de la Popa, built in 1607, offering spectacular panoramic views over the city.

5. Connect with Friendly Locals: Feel the warmth of Cartagena through the welcoming locals. Engage in conversations with those eager to share insights about the best beaches, nightclubs, or cafes. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, where every interaction unfolds as an opportunity to create lasting memories.

Also Read- Mompox Colombia Travel Guide

 

Unveiling the Treasures of Cartagena’s History

Exploring Cartagena: Unveiling the Treasures of History

Embark on a journey through Cartagena’s rich tapestry of history and cultural wonders. Here’s a guide to the captivating attractions that await you:

1. El Centro: A Stroll through History Cartagena’s iconic attractions are nestled within the Old Town, a captivating enclave within the former city walls. Wander through cobblestone streets adorned with colonial architecture, churches, and monasteries. Explore gems like Las Bovédas, once a grizzly prison now transformed into a hub for boutique shops with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.

2. Castillo San Felipe de Barajas: Grandeur Unveiled Perched atop San Lázaro Hill, this fortress stands as the largest built by the Spaniards in their colonies. Once a guardian of Cartagena from both land and sea threats, the fortress offers unparalleled views. Traverse the impressive fortifications and explore tunnels used for resource delivery and espionage, now illuminated for your exploration.

3. Convento de Santa Cruz de la Popa: Monastic Majesty Ascend Cerro de la Popa for panoramic city views and discover the mountaintop monastery. While no longer home to monks, the monastery’s cloisters preserve a serene ambiance. The grounds showcase spiritual treasures, from religious iconography to a gold-plated altar, weaving a narrative of historical significance.

4. Islas del Rosario: Nature’s Haven Just a short boat ride from Cartagena lies the Rosario Islands, a pristine archipelago offering an idyllic escape. Immerse yourself in crystal-clear waters, golden beaches, and the unique Caribbean paradise. Explore mesmerizing coral reefs, preserved by the national park, creating an unforgettable experience for swimming and snorkeling enthusiasts.

5. Palacio de la Inquisición: Echoes of a Torturous Past Discover the Parque de Bolivar, a serene oasis home to the Palacio de la Inquisición, a colonial architectural marvel. Unveil a collection of artifacts with intriguing, albeit grizzly, tales. Built for the Spanish Inquisition, the palace displays torture devices, providing a chilling glimpse into a dark chapter of history.

How To Get to Cartagena

By Plane:

Most travelers opt for the skies, landing at Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG). Direct flights from various US cities, such as Miami, New York, and Fort Lauderdale, provide convenience. Situated 3.5 miles from the old town, taxis are readily available. Ensure you acquire a voucher from the official taxi stand in the terminal, with the fare to the city fixed at COL$20,000. Alternatively, “Colectivo” buses await outside the airport, offering a budget-friendly option with a single ticket priced at COL$2,000.

By Bus:

Embarking on a bus journey from Santa Marta via Barranquilla brings you to the bus station, located 6.8 miles east of El Centro. Board a Green and White metrocar bus to reach the city, enjoying a 45-minute ride at a fare of COL$1,800. From Medellín, the nearest major city, buses are available for COL$135,000. A regular service from Caracas, Venezuela, to Cartagena is also on offer, priced at COL$220,000.

By Boat:

For those seeking a maritime adventure, arriving by boat from Panama City is a unique option due to the absence of road or rail links between Panama and Cartagena. Charter boats provide a scenic four-day journey, encompassing a two-day exploration of the San Blas Archipelago, with a fee of COL$819,930.

Where To Stay in Cartagena

I stay in hostels. And for those of you who are not familiar with what staying in a hostel is like you really need to experience it.

There are certainly pros and cons. I love it. I am 53 years old and most of the time I stay in dorm rooms that may have 4 to 10 other people staying in that room. I enjoy it. It’s how I meet people from all over the world.

If you happen to have a bad time there are usually dozens of other hostels to pick from. And you could always splash out for a private room. But that will certainly be more expensive.

Cartagena is very much a tourist town and accommodation prices reflect that. Even hostels can be a bit pricey for those of us on a budget. So you may only want to allow for a few nights in Cartagena.

CASA MOVIDA HOSTEL: Where Colonial Charm Meets Modern Splendor

Drawing inspiration from the globally renowned Selina hostel chain, MOVIDA HOSTEL stands as a testament to architectural beauty within Cartagena’s Walled City. Nestled in a meticulously refurbished 19th-century colonial edifice and spanning multiple floors, this hostel exudes elegance with its uber-modern interior and lively color palette.

It’s really almost a boutique hotel

Accommodation options include pod-style dormitories in spacious settings, delightful double rooms (some featuring balconies), a charming little café, a dynamic co-working space, an inviting common room, and a rooftop terrace crowned with a vibrant bar.

In essence, MOVIDA HOSTEL is a marvel of design and functionality, offering a delightful fusion of colonial allure and contemporary excellence.

As of this writing one bed in a dorm room was about $25.00 USD

(I’ve stayed in VERY NICE hostels for a third of that price)

Viajero Cartagena

Established as one of the pioneers in the hostel scene, Viajero has been a crowd favorite for quite some time. Positioned as a social hostel, it boasts an array of organized activities, spacious and vibrant communal spaces, and an enviable location in the heart of Getsemani.

Despite being priced slightly higher than many accommodations in Colombia, Viajero stands out as one of the more budget-friendly options among the well-liked hostels in Cartagena.

As of this writing expect to pay about $20USD per night for a bed in a 12 bed dorm room

Casa del Pozo Boutique Hostel

Prepare to be charmed at Casa del Pozo Boutique Hostel – a delightful haven that exudes adorableness! With its enchanting design elements, a refreshing pool to beat the heat, inviting common areas, and a trendy bar space, this hostel is a visual treat.

While lacking a guest kitchen, it compensates with an outstanding breakfast spread. Strategically located near numerous dining options, Casa del Pozo is a top-notch choice for dorm accommodations, even though the double rooms might come across as a bit pricey in our view.

About $17USD per night in a 6 bed dorm.

There are dozen of hostels to pick from. I see some that are 40-60 dollars a night for a dorm! But maybe this is where you want to splurge.

Conversely  I do see some dorm room for less than $15 per night and the properties look pretty good.

I usually use Hostelworld.com to book my hostels but I have noticed cheaper prices on Booking.com for the exact same properties on the same dates so it pays to check both sites to compare prices.

Do you want to travel to Cartagena? Or have your been there already? Let me know in the comments.

 

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