# Things to Do in Cartagena Colombia

> The plans we recommend, from those of us who live here: from sunset on the city walls to plankton that glows at night. With 2026 prices, a map, itineraries and tours ready to book.

- Source: Vyara Group (https://www.vyaragroup.com/things-to-do-in-cartagena)
- Author: the Vyara Group local team
- Updated: 2026-10-04
- Plans: 40

Cartagena comes in layers: the walled city by day, sunset on the walls, Getsemaní at night and, the next morning, turquoise water an hour away by boat. This guide brings together what we recommend to our own guests, with verified facts and no filler.

## The top 10

1. Wander the Walled City
2. Watch the sunset from the city walls
3. Go to the Rosario Islands
4. Visit San Felipe Castle
5. Spend an evening in Plaza de la Trinidad, Getsemaní
6. Swim in glowing plankton
7. Go up to La Popa
8. See Playa Blanca
9. Eat an egg arepa and coconut sweets
10. Dance salsa at Café Havana

## The Old Town: the walled city

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. Cobbled streets, wooden balconies draped in bougainvillea and squares that change mood by the hour.

### 1. Get lost in the Walled City

The right way to see the Old Town is to wander with no route: colorful colonial houses, wooden balconies covered in bougainvillea and hidden squares around every corner.

- Price: Free
- Best time: 7–10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
- Local tip: Between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. the heat is intense. Walk early or after 4 p.m. and use midday for air-conditioned museums or lunch.
- Location: 10.4236, -75.5502

### 2. Enter through the Clock Tower

The Clock Tower gate is the main entrance to the walled city and the classic meeting point. Walk through it and you are in Plaza de los Coches.

- Price: Free
- Area: Old Town
- Local tip: It makes the best photo at night, when the tower is lit up.
- Location: 10.4231, -75.54926

### 3. Watch the sunset from the city walls

Climbing onto the walls at the end of the afternoon is the most Cartagena ritual there is: the sun sinks into the sea and the city lights up. The Santo Domingo bastion, home to Café del Mar, is the most famous spot; any stretch of wall facing the sea works.

- Price: Free (drinks at the bars are extra)
- Best time: Sunset
- Local tip: Arrive about 30 minutes before the sun sets to get a good spot.
- Location: 10.4252, -75.5531

### 4. Botero’s Gertrudis in Plaza Santo Domingo

The liveliest square in the Old Town, ringed with terraces, with the sculpture “Gertrudis” by Fernando Botero. Local tradition says touching it brings good luck.

- Price: Free
- Area: Old Town
- Local tip: Come by day for a photo without crowds; come at night for dinner on a terrace.
- Location: 10.42432, -75.552

### 5. Palace of the Inquisition

Today it is the Cartagena History Museum: the story of the city and the Inquisition tribunal room, behind one of the most beautiful colonial facades, facing Plaza Bolívar.

- Price: About COP 24,000 (adults)
- Hours: Mon–Sat 9 a.m.–6 p.m. · Sun 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Local tip: Combine it with the Gold Museum, which is on the same square.
- Location: 10.42317, -75.55158

### 6. Sanctuary of San Pedro Claver

A church and cloister dedicated to Saint Peter Claver, the Jesuit who devoted his life to caring for the enslaved people arriving at the port. Its dome is one of the silhouettes of the Old Town.

- Price: Paid entry
- Area: Old Town
- Local tip: From the cloister you can go up to a balcony overlooking the bay.
- Location: 10.4219, -75.5516

### 7. Zenú Gold Museum (free)

Goldwork from the Zenú culture, free to enter and air-conditioned: the perfect refuge at the hottest time of day.

- Price: Free
- Hours: Tue–Sat 9 a.m.–5 p.m. · Sun 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Local tip: Closed on Mondays.
- Location: 10.4227, -75.55098

### 8. Handicrafts at Las Bóvedas

The old vaults built into the wall in the late 18th century are now craft shops: woven bags, vueltiao hats, hammocks and souvenirs.

- Price: Free entry
- Area: San Diego
- Local tip: Compare prices between shops before you buy: they vary a lot.
- Location: 10.43002, -75.54654

### 9. Fresh fruit from the palenqueras

With their colorful dresses and bowls of fruit balanced on their heads, the palenqueras are a symbol of the city. Many come from San Basilio de Palenque.

- Price: Fruit: inexpensive
- Area: Old Town squares
- Local tip: If you want a photo with them, ask first: it is part of their work and it is paid. Better still, buy fruit from them.
- Location: 10.4235, -75.5505

### 10. Coconut sweets at the Portal de los Dulces

Under the arches of Plaza de los Coches: cocadas (coconut sweets), alegrías, panelitas and tamarind sweets in glass jars.

- Price: Inexpensive
- Area: Next to the Clock Tower
- Local tip: Try the milk cocada and the panela one. They travel well as gifts.
- Location: 10.42298, -75.5495

### 11. Plaza San Diego at night

San Diego is the quietest, most bohemian part of the Old Town. At night its square fills with tables, music and street performers.

- Price: Free
- Best time: Evening
- Local tip: A good place for dinner without the bustle of Santo Domingo.
- Location: 10.42811, -75.54758

## Getsemaní: the liveliest neighborhood

Right next to the Old Town, outside the main wall: murals, squares packed with locals at sunset and the best nightlife in the city.

### 12. Sunset in Plaza de la Trinidad

As evening falls, the square in front of the Santísima Trinidad church fills with neighbours, travelers, street-food stalls and dancers. This is Cartagena at its most authentic.

- Price: Free
- Best time: From 5 p.m.
- Local tip: Try whatever the stalls on the square are selling and stay for the music.
- Location: 10.42061, -75.5454

### 13. Street art in Getsemaní

Getsemaní is an open-air gallery: murals on every corner, umbrellas and bunting strung over the streets. Great for photos.

- Price: Free
- Best time: Morning
- Local tip: Explore it by day and on foot; the streets are short and connect to each other.
- Location: 10.4218, -75.5458

## Fortresses and viewpoints

Cartagena was the most heavily fortified port in the Spanish Caribbean. These are the places to understand why, and to see the city from above.

### 14. San Felipe de Barajas Castle

The great Spanish fortress on San Lázaro hill, with tunnels, gun batteries and an open view over the city. Essential for understanding Cartagena’s history.

- Price: COP 38,000 (foreign visitors) · COP 33,000 (Colombians)
- Hours: Daily, 7 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Local tip: Go first thing: after 10 a.m. the sun is fierce and there is little shade. Colombians get in free with their ID on the last Sunday of each month (except January and December).
- Location: 10.42222, -75.53806
- Bookable tour: [City tour con entrada al Castillo](https://www.vyaragroup.com/experiencia/city-tour-con-entrada-al-castillo-cartagena), from COP 75,000 per person, 4 h

### 15. The view from La Popa Convent

The highest point in the city: a 17th-century convent with a flower-filled courtyard and the most complete panoramic view of Cartagena.

- Price: Low-cost entry
- Best time: Morning or late afternoon
- Local tip: Go up by taxi or on a tour, not on foot.
- Location: 10.4192, -75.5255
- Bookable tour: [City Tour Panoramico](https://www.vyaragroup.com/experiencia/city-tour-panoramico-cartagena), from COP 45,000 per person, 4 h

### 16. City tour by chiva bus

If you are short on time, the guided tour on a traditional chiva bus covers the key sights in half a day, with pick-up in the Old Town or Bocagrande.

- Duration: About 4 h
- Local tip: Choose the version with castle entry if you are not visiting it on your own.
- Bookable tour: [City Tour Panoramico](https://www.vyaragroup.com/experiencia/city-tour-panoramico-cartagena), from COP 45,000 per person, 4 h
- Bookable tour: [City tour con entrada al Castillo](https://www.vyaragroup.com/experiencia/city-tour-con-entrada-al-castillo-cartagena), from COP 75,000 per person, 4 h

## Islands and beaches

Turquoise water an hour away by boat. The Rosario Islands, Barú, Tierra Bomba and the city beaches, with what you should know before you go.

### 17. The Rosario Islands

An archipelago of turquoise water and reefs inside the Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo National Natural Park, about an hour away by boat. The classic plan: a tour of several islands, lunch and snorkeling.

- Duration: Full day
- Departure: From the dock or hotel pick-up
- Local tip: Ask whether the dock fee and insurance are included; on many tours they are paid separately. Use reef-safe sunscreen: the corals will thank you.
- Location: 10.175, -75.75
- Bookable tour: [4 islas + Plancton](https://www.vyaragroup.com/experiencia/4-islas-plancton-cartagena), from COP 230,000 per person, Aprox 10 h
- Bookable tour: [5 Islas Open Bar + Plancton](https://www.vyaragroup.com/experiencia/5-islas-open-bar-plancton-cartagena), from COP 320,000 per person, Aprox 10
- Bookable tour: [Top 3 Islas (Bora Bora - Isla Bella - Pao Pao)](https://www.vyaragroup.com/experiencia/top-3-islas-bora-bora-isla-bella-pao-pao-cartagena), from COP 510,000 per person, 7 h

### 18. Swim in glowing plankton

At night, in some lagoons around Barú, the water lights up with every movement thanks to bioluminescent plankton. One of those experiences you do not forget.

- Best time: Evening
- Local tip: It is included at the end of the islands + plankton tours. It works best on nights without a full moon.
- Bookable tour: [Playa Tranquila + Acuario + Plankton](https://www.vyaragroup.com/experiencia/playa-tranquila-acuario-plankton-cartagena), from COP 230,000 per person, 10 h
- Bookable tour: [4 islas + Plancton](https://www.vyaragroup.com/experiencia/4-islas-plancton-cartagena), from COP 230,000 per person, Aprox 10 h

### 19. Playa Blanca, on Barú

Cartagena’s postcard beach: white sand and crystal-clear water. You get there by road in about an hour, or by boat.

- Duration: Full day
- Area: Barú Island
- Local tip: It gets crowded in high season: arrive early and agree the price of chairs, food or massages before you accept them.
- Location: 10.226, -75.611

### 20. Playa Tranquila and snorkeling

Next door to Playa Blanca and, as its name says, much calmer. It can be combined with snorkeling and the trip to see raccoons.

- Duration: 7–8 h
- Local tip: Tours leave early, with hotel pick-up and transfer by air-conditioned bus.
- Bookable tour: [Playa Tranquila Basico](https://www.vyaragroup.com/experiencia/playa-tranquila-basico-cartagena), from COP 120,000 per person, 7 h
- Bookable tour: [Playa Tranquila + tour Mapaches + Snorkel](https://www.vyaragroup.com/experiencia/playa-tranquila-tour-mapaches-snorkel-cartagena), from COP 180,000 per person, 8 h

### 21. A beach-club day on the islands

For a proper rest: speedboat, welcome cocktail, lunch and a beach bed at the island beach clubs, such as Bora Bora and Pao Pao.

- Duration: About 7 h
- Local tip: The VIP version includes an à la carte menu and a beach bed.
- Bookable tour: [Bora Bora Área Club](https://www.vyaragroup.com/experiencia/bora-bora-area-club-cartagena), from COP 450,000 per person, 7 h
- Bookable tour: [Pao Pao](https://www.vyaragroup.com/experiencia/pao-pao-cartagena), from COP 440,000 per person, 7 h
- Bookable tour: [Bora Bora VIP](https://www.vyaragroup.com/experiencia/bora-bora-vip-cartagena), from COP 550,000 per person, 7 h

### 22. Day pass on Tierra Bomba

The island facing Bocagrande, a few minutes away by boat: beach clubs with a view of the city skyline, without spending the whole day at sea.

- Duration: 6–8 h
- Departure: Bocagrande
- Local tip: The option with the least time on a boat: good if you are traveling with children or get seasick.
- Location: 10.38022, -75.57532
- Bookable tour: [Costa Azul](https://www.vyaragroup.com/experiencia/costa-azul-cartagena), from COP 60,000 per person, 7 h
- Bookable tour: [Palmarito Beach Day](https://www.vyaragroup.com/experiencia/palmarito-beach-day-cartagena), from COP 230,000 per person, 6 h
- Bookable tour: [Fenix & La Punta](https://www.vyaragroup.com/experiencia/fenix-y-la-punta-cartagena), from COP 295,000 per person, 8 Horas
- Bookable tour: [Dorado plaza Golden](https://www.vyaragroup.com/experiencia/dorado-plaza-golden-cartagena), from COP 175,000 per person, 7 h

### 23. A beach afternoon in Bocagrande

The city’s urban beach, in front of the high-rises: perfect for an afternoon by the sea without taking a boat.

- Price: Free
- Area: Bocagrande
- Local tip: Agree the price of tents and chairs before you sit down.
- Location: 10.405, -75.55333

### 24. La Boquilla and its mangroves

A fishing village north of the city: a wide beach, fried fish by the sea and canoe rides through the mangrove tunnels of the lagoon.

- Area: North of Cartagena
- Distance: About 20 min from the Old Town
- Local tip: The canoe ride is best in the morning, when it is cooler.
- Location: 10.47604, -75.4947

## The bay at sunset

Sunset is the highlight of the day in Cartagena. Watching it from the water is something else.

### 25. Sunset on a catamaran

A cruise around the bay on a catamaran to watch the sunset with the walled city and Bocagrande as a backdrop.

- Duration: About 2 h
- Local tip: The romantic plan par excellence.
- Bookable tour: [Atardecer Catamaran Flamante](https://www.vyaragroup.com/experiencia/atardecer-catamaran-flamante-cartagena), from COP 170,000 per person, 2 h

### 26. Sunset party boat

Music on board, drinks included and the bay as the sun goes down. One to do with friends.

- Duration: About 2 h
- Local tip: It includes complimentary drinks; check the details when you book.
- Bookable tour: [Atardecer Barco Phanton](https://www.vyaragroup.com/experiencia/atardecer-barco-phanton-cartagena), from COP 70,000 per person, 2 h

### 27. Speedboat tour

Speed across the bay, with a sunset departure or a party version at night.

- Duration: About 2 h
- Local tip: There are departures every day.
- Bookable tour: [Tour en Lancha Deportiva](https://www.vyaragroup.com/experiencia/tour-en-lancha-deportiva-cartagena), from COP 80,000 per person, 2 h

## What to eat and where

From an egg arepa on the street to tables that appear on lists of the best restaurants in Latin America.

### 28. Egg arepa

Fried corn dough stuffed with egg and sometimes meat: the most coastal snack there is. You will find it at street carts and fried-food stalls all over the city.

- Price: Inexpensive
- Local tip: Eat it straight out of the oil.

### 29. Fried fish with coconut rice

The classic coastal lunch: a whole fried fish, coconut rice, fried plantain (patacones) and salad. Have it with a coconut lemonade.

- Price: Mid-range
- Local tip: It tastes best by the sea, in La Boquilla or on the islands.

### 30. Ceviche at La Cevichería

Small and famous since Anthony Bourdain visited it on his show No Reservations: ceviche and seafood on the corner of Plaza San Diego.

- Area: San Diego
- Local tip: There is usually a line: go early or late.
- Location: 10.42792, -75.54808

### 31. Celele: creative Caribbean cuisine

Chef Jaime Rodríguez reinterprets the cooking of the Colombian Caribbean with local ingredients. It has featured on the Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list.

- Area: Getsemaní
- Local tip: Book ahead.
- Location: 10.42238, -75.54455

### 32. Alma, at Casa San Agustín

Colombian Caribbean cooking with a contemporary twist, in one of the most elegant boutique hotels in the Old Town.

- Area: Old Town
- Local tip: Ideal for a special dinner.
- Location: 10.42557, -75.54953

### 33. Carmen

Fine dining that celebrates Colombia’s biodiversity, in a house with a courtyard, lots of greenery and soft lighting.

- Area: Old Town
- Local tip: Ask about the tasting menu.

### 34. Tropical juices and fruit

Corozo, níspero, zapote, green mango with salt and lime: on the street, order whatever you do not recognise.

- Price: Inexpensive
- Local tip: Street juice stalls are a cheap way to cool down.

### 35. Bazurto Market

The city’s great popular market: chaotic, loud and authentic. Fish, fruit, fried food and the Cartagena that does not appear on postcards.

- Best time: Morning
- Local tip: Go early and, if it is your first time, with a local guide.

## Nightlife

Award-winning cocktails, live salsa and the chiva party bus: Cartagena wakes up when the sun goes down.

### 36. Cocktails at Alquímico

A cocktail bar in a three-story mansion on Calle del Colegio, working with Colombian ingredients. It features on The World’s 50 Best Bars list; the rooftop is for dancing.

- Area: Old Town
- Local tip: Arrive early on weekends.
- Location: 10.42371, -75.54967

### 37. Salsa at Café Havana

Live salsa in Getsemaní: the bar where, sooner or later, everyone ends up dancing.

- Area: Getsemaní
- Local tip: Things get going late.
- Location: 10.42218, -75.54538

### 38. The chiva party bus

A colorful traditional bus with music, lights and a night-time tour of the city, with door-to-door pick-up.

- Duration: About 2 h
- Local tip: There are two departures every night.
- Bookable tour: [Chiva Rumbera](https://www.vyaragroup.com/experiencia/chiva-rumbera-cartagena), from COP 40,000 per person, 1.5 h

## Day trips

About an hour from the city: a mud volcano and the first free town in the Americas.

### 39. Mud bath at the Totumo Volcano

A small mud volcano where you climb in and float in warm mud; afterwards you wash off in the lagoon. Odd, fun and unforgettable.

- Price: Tours about COP 95,000–190,000
- Distance: About 1 h by car
- Local tip: Wear a swimsuit you do not mind staining.
- Location: 10.74447, -75.2414

### 40. San Basilio de Palenque

The first free town in the Americas, founded by enslaved people who escaped. UNESCO declared it a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity: it has its own language, music and living traditions.

- Price: Tours about COP 280,000–400,000
- Distance: About 50 km
- Local tip: Go with a guide who was born in Palenque: it changes the visit completely.
- Location: 10.10332, -75.19901

## Itineraries

### 1 day

- **Morning:** San Felipe Castle first thing, then the Walled City on foot: the Clock Tower, Santo Domingo and the Gertrudis.
- **Midday:** Ceviche in San Diego and the free, air-conditioned Gold Museum.
- **Afternoon:** Handicrafts at Las Bóvedas and sunset on the city walls.
- **Evening:** Plaza de la Trinidad and salsa at Café Havana.

### 3 days

- **Day 1:** The one-day itinerary: the castle, the Old Town, sunset on the walls and Getsemaní at night.
- **Day 2:** The Rosario Islands with lunch and snorkeling, and bioluminescent plankton on the way back.
- **Day 3:** La Popa in the morning, Getsemaní street art, an afternoon on Tierra Bomba and cocktails at Alquímico.

### 5 days

- **Days 1–3:** The three-day itinerary.
- **Day 4:** A day trip to the Totumo Volcano or to San Basilio de Palenque.
- **Day 5:** Playa Tranquila and snorkeling or a beach-club day; in the evening, sunset on a catamaran and the chiva party bus.

## Prices (Colombian pesos, per person)

| Plan | Price | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| San Felipe Castle | COP 38,000 (foreign visitors) · COP 33,000 (Colombians) | Official 2026 |
| Palace of the Inquisition | About COP 24,000 (adults) | History Museum |
| Zenú Gold Museum | Free |  |
| Rosario Islands tour (full day) | From COP 230,000 | Vyara Group |
| Island beach club | From COP 440,000 | Vyara Group |
| Day pass on Tierra Bomba | From COP 60,000 | Vyara Group |
| Playa Tranquila (Barú) | From COP 120,000 | Vyara Group |
| Sunset boat trip | From COP 70,000 | Vyara Group |
| City tour by chiva bus | From COP 45,000 | Vyara Group |
| Chiva party bus | COP 40,000 | Vyara Group |
| Totumo Volcano (tour) | COP 95,000 – 190,000 | Varies by operator |
| San Basilio de Palenque (tour) | COP 280,000 – 400,000 | Varies by operator |

## When to go

It is hot all year round (roughly 25 to 32 °C / 77 to 90 °F). December to April is the dry season; October and November bring more rain, almost always in short downpours. It is busier and more expensive in December–January, Easter week and the mid-year holidays.

## Tips from locals

- **The heat rules:** Walk early or after 4 p.m. At midday: museums, lunch or the pool. Drink more water than you think you need.
- **Agree before you pay:** On beaches, in taxis and with vendors, ask and agree the price before you consume anything or get in.
- **Take cash to the islands:** On beaches and islands many stalls do not take cards.
- **Dock fees:** Many island tours charge the dock fee and insurance separately: ask whether they are included.
- **Protect the corals:** Use reef-safe sunscreen and do not step on or touch the reef when snorkeling.
- **Photos with respect:** The palenqueras pose as part of their work: ask and pay for the photo, or better still, buy fruit from them.

## Frequently asked questions

### How many days do you need in Cartagena?

With 3 or 4 days you can cover the Old Town and Getsemaní, go to the islands and have a free beach afternoon. With 5 days, add a day trip to the Totumo Volcano or San Basilio de Palenque.

### What is the best time to visit Cartagena?

December to April is the driest season. October and November are the rainiest months, although rain usually comes in short downpours. It is hot all year round. Prices go up in December and January, Easter week and the mid-year holidays.

### What can you do for free in Cartagena?

Walk the Walled City, watch the sunset from the city walls, visit the Zenú Gold Museum, spend an evening in Plaza de la Trinidad in Getsemaní, see the street art and go to Bocagrande beach.

### How much does a trip to the Rosario Islands cost?

Full-day tours with Vyara Group start at COP 230,000 per person, with lunch. Ask whether the dock fee and insurance are included: on many tours they are paid separately.

### Where is the best area to stay in Cartagena?

Bocagrande if you want a beach and seafront high-rises; the Old Town or Getsemaní to go out on foot at night; Crespo if you are flying in or out; the North Zone to relax in complexes with pools.

### What food should you try in Cartagena?

Egg arepa, fried fish with coconut rice and fried plantain, ceviche, coconut sweets from the Portal de los Dulces, coconut lemonade and tropical fruit such as corozo and níspero.

## Booking and contact

- Full guide with map and photos: https://www.vyaragroup.com/things-to-do-in-cartagena
- Apartments for short stays: https://www.vyaragroup.com/apartamentos
- Tours: https://www.vyaragroup.com/tours
- Catalogue with prices: https://www.vyaragroup.com/catalogo.md
- WhatsApp: +57 305 207 4956
- Email: infovyaragroup@gmail.com