Founded in the 16th century, Cartagena is steeped in history, shrouded in magnificent Spanish architecture, and surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. Cartagena is visited by vacationers from all over the world for its rich culture, warm climate, delicious food, and lively environment. Five days is an ideal amount of time to explore the Old Walled City.
Where to stay
First of all, Cartagena is divided into two distinct areas: the Old City and the new. The Old City is surrounded by a wall built 400 years ago that was designed to protect the Spanish stronghold on the Caribbean Sea from attack. Inside the wall, the buildings are historic, colorful hints of a forgone era. The streets are cobblestone, and many are closed for pedestrians. The new city features skyscrapers and beaches and resembles a South American Miami. If you’re coming to Cartagena for its culture and history, I would definitely recommend staying in the Old City. It is very walkable and easy to navigate. If you’d like to be on the beach everyday, the new area may be more your speed.
Hotels
Charleston Santa Teresa
The Charleston Santa Teresa is my favorite hotel in Cartagena. Originally a 17th century monastery, the building features beautifully decorated rooms surrounding an open courtyard and a rooftop pool that overlooks the Caribbean Sea. The Charleston boasts three dining options, including Harry’s Cartagena, one of the best restaurants in the city. The hotel’s entrance also features a chic bar, perfectly located for a cool refreshment from the scorching heat outside.
Santa Toribio
If you’re interested in a smaller boutique hotel, the Santa Toribio is a great option. It’s typically available at a more affordable price-point and includes breakfast. The rooms are well-designed, comfortable and feature local art. Santa Toribio has a cozier atmosphere with a few small pools throughout the premises.
Casa La Cartujita
This boutique hotel is another great option for a quaint stay in Cartagena. Its rooms are open and bright. The rooftop pool, while smaller than the Charleston’s, also features stunning views of the city. If you do choose to stay here or at any other boutique hotels, I would recommend requesting a room towards the rear of the hotel or off the first floor. Rooms on the street-facing first floor can be quite noisy at night as party-goers pass the windows.
Where to eat
Restaurante El Gobernador
This restaurant holds a special place in my heart. On my first night in Cartagena, the power was out in the entire city. As we navigated haphazardly in the dark, looking for somewhere to eat, we saw the bright lights from Restaurante El Gobernador. We were lucky enough to secure a table, charge our cell phones, and enjoy one of the best meals of our trip. The food is French-Colombian, rich and flavorful, and the well-air conditioned atmosphere is a welcome escape on a hot Caribbean day.
La Mulata
If you’re searching for truly authentic Colombian fare, search no further. La Mulata features the freshest seafood and locally sourced produce available. This is a can’t-miss eating experience for a taste of Caribbean-Colombian flavor. Another plus, the restaurant is very hip and frequented by locals.
Donjuán Cartagena
Donjuán is an absolute treasure. Enter the restaurant and feel immediately escaped from the hustle and bustle of the Cartagena streets. Plates feature fresh takes on Colombian seafood classics and plenty of flavorful options for meat-eaters. With a solid wine list and excellent service, Donjuán offers a great location for a relaxing lunch or a celebratory dinner.
In addition to fantastic restaurants, there are a handful of Colombian classics I consider must-tries. Don’t leave Colombia without a taste of these delectable tastes:
Arepas: a round, flat, corn-based food that can be sliced and filled with a variety of ingredients
Pan de bono: a Colombian roll-like bread made from cassava starch and filled with cheese
Colombian empanadas: a semi-circular corn dough stuffed with meat, fried, and served with salsa
Sancocho: a hearty Colombian chicken and vegetable stew
Ceviche: fresh raw fish cured in lime or lemon juice, cut into small pieces with vegetable salsa
Things to do
Exploring on foot is one of the best ways to take in the architecture and culture of Cartagena. The walled city is incredibly walkable and easy to navigate. There are colorful Spanish colonial style buildings, a variety of boutiques and shopping opportunities, historic churches, restaurants, salsa bars and live music. There are also activities to suit every traveler’s interests.
Explore El Castillo de San Felipe
The Castillo is a massive fortress with a maze of winding tunnels, built in the 17th century to guard the city. San Felipe is worth visiting to appreciate the size and complexity of the structure and the importance of Cartagena to the Spanish Empire. I would highly recommend visiting in the morning. San Felipe is quite hot by noon. Don’t forget water!
Visit Convento de la Popa
This historic convent is located atop a hill that sits behind Cartagena. It requires about a 20 minute cab ride. Explore the convent, built over 400 years ago, and don’t miss the incredible panoramic views of the city below.
Take a boat trip to a barrier island
The Islas del Rosario off the Colombian coast boast some of the bluest waters you can find. There are a variety of boat trips for swimming, snorkeling, relaxing and enjoying the ocean. Depending on the weather, the boat ride can be a little choppy, but it’s well worth the effort.
Tips
There are a few things I would recommend to make your trip to Cartagena all the sweeter. Close to the equator and located on the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena is very hot year round. I recommend packing light cotton and linen garments, a good wide-brimmed hat and lots of sunblock. Because you will likely be walking quite a bit, I would also recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes for days of exploring.
When I’m in Cartagena, I try to wake up early, explore before the sun’s at its peak, enjoy an indoor lunch and a nap, and head back out in the afternoon or evening. Take it slow and drink lots of water! ¡Disfruta el viaje!
Some of my travel favorites
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