Colombia Bolivar Cartagena Cartagena
A historic Caribbean coastal city in Colombia renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, fortress walls, and vibrant cultural scene.
Tips from the community
How could you visit the Caribbean coast without seeing
Cartagena? Well, truthfully, you probably can’t. The majority of arrivals into the area come through this historic port city, and it’s well worth sticking around to check it out. The walled city in
Colombia is incredibly safe, understandably touristic, and is known for its fabulous restaurants and luxury offerings. A stroll in the main area will be accompanied by solicitations from street vendors and perhaps a random dance or rap battle right in front of your eyes. Be prepared to leave a tip if you decide to stick around for the show.
By contrast, the nearby
Getsemani neighborhood is much quieter than the main squares in Cartagena. Between colorful art, hole in the wall bars, and tons of empanadas, I can’t recommend it enough. Check out some of the nearby beaches while you’re there and eat as much ceviche as humanly possible.
sarahlempa
4 years ago
If you’d love an infusion of history and culture on your tropical vacay, then set your sights on Cartagena, one of the most magnificent architectural treasures in all of Latin America. The colonial-era historic centre is insanely charming and offers a colorful abundance of shopping, gastronomic feasting, and sightseeing.
When you’ve had your fill of city-life, just hop on a boat and head straight for the Rosario Islands, one of Colombia’s prized jewels and one of our top picks for tropical destinations. This sparsely-populated archipelago is only one of many along Colombia’s coastline but, in many ways, it’s the most impressive. A marine reserve that’s been left mostly undeveloped and unspoiled, the Rosario Islands are easy to reach and offer the kind of ‘Caribbean dream holiday experience’ that would cost an absolute fortune further north. We’re talking swaying palm trees along white sandy beaches, turquoise seas, an abundance of underwater treasures that entice snorkelers and SCUBA-divers, and a handful of super cool places to stay. Just fight the urge to only visit on a day trip – with 3+ hours allocated to transport alone, a day-trip really is counterproductive to relaxation!
laurastraveltales
5 years ago
If street food is fine art, then I’m a damn museum curator. You can find the goods (legal, get your mind out of the gutter) across the whole country. But the best street eats I encountered were in
Cartagena right on the Caribbean Sea. Specifically, there was one woman that had a swarm of hungry friends around her cart every time I passed by. Immediate intrigue. She sold
arepas de huevo, delectable deep-fried snacks filled with eggs, meat, or veggies. For me, she really went the extra mile to help me out as a non-meat eater. I don’t know her name or if she’s still selling arepas this very moment, but there were a handful of other delicious offerings up and down the street near the intersection of Calle 36 and Carrera 11.
sarahlempa
2 years ago
With historic lemon yellow walls, spicy empanada vendors and high energy street rap battles— you could say things stay lively in
Cartagena’s Old Town. Here, you’ll feel transported back in time with old style colonial architecture drenched in shades of gold. Inviting archways and dangling botanical displays add a heaping helping of charm, making you want to walk around the cobblestone streets endlessly (which is exactly how I spent my time there).
sarahlempa
2 years ago
Cartagena, Bolivar Colombia should be on every traveler's list while exploring World Heritage Sites in South America. The old city is a spectacular example of 16th-century Spanish colonialism and boasts a remarkable and diverse architectural legacy. The city is a hub of vibrancy, diverse culture, and impressive cathedrals, which attract tourists from across the world. Don't miss out on exploring this stunning place!
seeker
1 year ago
This vibrant Colombian city is decked out with mustard-colored buildings, enough to turn the entire color palette of the city to various sunshine shades. Full of life and adventure, this charming town is an exciting and *very* yellow destination.
seeker
3 years ago
This vibrant Colombian city is decked out with mustard-colored buildings, enough to turn the entire color palette of the city to various sunshine shades. Full of life and adventure, this charming town is an exciting and *very* yellow destination.
seeker
3 years ago
This place just oozes romance and sensuality — and hey... there's plenty of empanadas and ceviche in case you're taking a break from the dating scene. ;)
sarahlempa
3 years ago
Cartagena Guides
- michele (Michele Humeston)
Read a great story? Now go make your own.
- laurenmack (Lauren Mack)
Check out these mesmerizing places created by Mother Nature you won't believe. 🌎
- laurenmack (Lauren Mack)
The places Lauren Mack has explored outside the U.S.
- seeker (Seeker Editors)
Discover some of the most otherworldly and ethereal landscapes gleaming in heavy pigments, from alkaline red lakes to banana-colored volcanic landscapes. For Pride month we wanted to select the most vibrant destinations across the planet in every shade of ROYGBIV to create the ultimate rainbow-themed bucket list. Let your rainbow flags fly this summer while taking a look at some of the most colorful places on earth. Happy Pride Seekers!
- bookedbyiman (Iman Childs)
- seeker (Seeker Editors)
From otherworldly volcanic landscapes to fields of cheerful sunflowers, check out these banana-colored yellow destinations around the world.
- seeker (Seeker Editors)
South America is soaked in a rich history and influence that permeates throughout the entire continent. With a vast terrain and diverse culture, there is no end to awe-inspiring World Heritage Sites ready for exploration. Uncover the secrets of the universe while relaxing along picturesque coastlines, witness Macchu Picchu, and more across the continent of South America.
Cartagena Articles
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Singer-songwriter Donovan knew exactly what he was talking about when he wrote that song “Mellow Yellow.” This color is an absolute mood booster. And when the sun shines, these locations brighten up our days even more than usual. So grab a banana for the road (to match your surroundings, duh) and explore 9 of the […]
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With mountains, deserts, jungles, and beaches, Colombia takes the cake for landscape diversity. The craziest thing is that you can find all of these geographical features right along the Caribbean coast, along with an impeccable amount of heart, soul, and delicious street food that will mysteriously nab most of your spare pesos. The landscape itself […]
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Swaying in a colorful hammock to nature’s tune of a gentle Caribbean breeze is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Colombian treasures. Amazonian greenery, misty mountains, and arid deserts give this country (nearly) all of South America’s land diversity right within its borders. Before my fist visit, fellow travelers emphatically shared […]
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Looking for stunning tropical destinations that won’t break the bank? Join the club. It seems like a truly Utopian dream: a tropical paradise that offers all the trimmings — minus all the exorbitant prices. Well, I’ve spent the last decade of my life chasing the dream (of living in a sarong on an idyllic stretch […]