Фотогалерея ‒ Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena

Colombia's most charming city

Cartagena de Indias, or simply Cartagena, is a significant port on the Caribbean coast, ranking as the fifth largest city in Colombia and standing out as one of the country's most beloved tourist destinations. Historically, this vital city was fortified due to being subjected to 14 to 18 attacks and sieges throughout its existence. However, today, Cartagena holds the distinction of being the statistically safest city in Colombia, making it an attractive destination for travelers. The historic city center is car-free, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in its beauty.

FURTHER

Getting to know Cartagena

INTERESTING PLACES

AIRLINE TICKETS PRICES

THE BEST HOTELS

COST OF VACATION

VISA

AIRPORTS AND TRANSPORT

Guide to Cartagena

Virtual tour of Cartagena

The city of Cartagena rightfully holds the title of Colombia's "calling card." Its main attraction is a complex system of fortifications stretching over 11 kilometers, constructed in response to the famous pirate Francis Drake's 100-day siege of the city.

The historic center of Cartagena is a UNESCO-protected treasure trove, featuring colonial-era buildings, churches, monasteries, and charming plazas. This pedestrian zone, surrounded by walls, is known as the "outer city." Also worth exploring are Cartagena's commercial rows, which occupy the former site of the Las Bovedas prison.

Beach enthusiasts will find delight in Cartagena, with the most popular resorts being El Laguito and Bocagrande. These areas offer not only pristine beaches but also a plethora of restaurants, hotels, nightclubs, and bars. Just 30 kilometers from Cartagena, the Islas del Rosario islands await, boasting clean white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and a diverse underwater world that attracts diving enthusiasts from around the globe.

For those who wish to immerse themselves in Colombian culture, the central square of the city comes alive in the evenings with locals performing national dances, drawing crowds of spectators.

Photos of Cartagena

Tips for tourists

Be careful when socializing with locals. Do not accept invitations from strangers to join you for a drink, as tourists are an attractive target for thieves of all stripes and drug traffickers alike.

When going to Cartagena, take with you adapters for sockets. It is not everywhere possible to connect to the usual 220 V network.

In Cartagena it is customary to leave tips in cafes and restaurants (usually 10% of the price of the order), but sometimes this amount is already included in the bill. Maids, porters and other hotel staff can be tipped 1-2 USD for good service.

Population

845 801

Time zone

GMT -5

Language

Spanish

Currency

Colombian peso

Tours to Cartagena

Due to its abundance of sunny days and its location in Spain's resort area, Cartagena is a popular destination for last-minute trips. Many people prefer to book package deals that include a vacation in Cartagena. If you've intentionally chosen this city, you won't be disappointed, as there's much to see here.

When Cartagena's harbor was recognized as the best on the entire Mediterranean coast, the influx of tourists skyrocketed, leading to price increases, especially during the high season.

If you're a budget traveler, Cartagena can still be an affordable destination. The bathing season stretches from March to October. If you visit during other times, you can expect significant discounts, with December and February offering the lowest accommodation costs. Nevertheless, you might still find people swimming during these months.

Aside from its beaches, Cartagena beckons with its museums and archaeological exhibits. The Museum of Maritime Archaeology and the Maritime Museum are well worth a visit. Young travelers need not hesitate to explore Cartagena, as a variety of attractions and exciting entertainment await them.

Even on a budget, a trip to Cartagena wouldn't be complete without a visit to local cafes, boutiques, and souvenir shops. These places can provide valuable insights into the attitudes of the locals.

Interesting places in Cartagena

The largest number of attractions for tourists is concentrated in the northern part of Cartagena (Ciudad Amurallado). We recommend visiting:

Fortress of San Felipe de Barajas

It's considered the greatest construction of the Spanish in their colonies. The fortress is designed in such a way that no one has ever been able to conquer it. The entrance ticket for an adult costs 17,000 COP (about 5.5 USD).

San Pedro Claver Monastery and Church

Located on the square of the same name. It is named in honor of a monk who was a defender of black slaves. The cell where the saint lived and died has been preserved, and his relics are also kept in the cathedral.

Gold Museum

There is a small but unique collection of precious metal items belonging to the first inhabitants of these places - Indian tribes. Many of the exhibits have cult significance. Entrance is free of charge.

Spa treatments at Lodo El Totumo volcano

The volcano is not high, guests climb up to the crater on a special staircase. At the top there is an equipped mud deposit. Here you can take various procedures while admiring the opening panorama.

Excursions to the islands

Visit the islands of the Rosario Archipelago, such as BaruIsland or Terrabomba. You can get here as part of a group by booking a day trip from Cartagena (about 70 USD) or on your own (by ferry or bus).

Tourist bus ride

Chiva Buses run to the main tourist spots in Cartagena. They are usually double-decker, you can drink, eat and have fun to the accompaniment of cheerful music.

Salsa parties

In Cartagena there is a wide range of places for nightlife. The most popular clubs among tourists are Donde Fidel Salsa and El Cielo Terraza, Mister Babilla. Here you can not only dance, but also enjoy exotic treats.

Restaurant La Vitrola

You can have a great dinner here and listen to jazz. You are more likely to get into the institution during lunch, when it is not so crowded. The restaurant specializes in seafood and fish dishes. The average cost of lunch for one person is 12 USD.

Palma Restaurant

Another gastronomic attraction in Cartagena. Regulars recommend trying local dishes here, such as sea bass carpaccio or octopus. A full meal here will cost about 10 USD.

Gastronomic tourism in Cartagena

Be sure to try the "street food". There are Mexican quesadillas and Italian pizzas, Colombian arepas with cheese and butter (cornmeal tortillas), fruits, fresh juices and shakes...

Travel budget

Flight ticket prices

Flights to Colombia from an Eastern European city are quite expensive - if you buy tickets 2 months before departure, you can find offers from 1,094 USD for a round trip. You will have to fly with two connections - first to a major Western European city like London, then to Bogota, the capital of Colombia, and only from there to Cartagena. Such a journey will take more than a day.

The best hotels in Cartagena

The most inexpensive accommodation option in Cartagena is hostels. A place in a shared room will cost from 10 USD. By the way, the hostel building may well be historically significant.

A single room in a simple hotel will cost from 20 USD, and a 5* hotel in a respectable neighborhood will cost from 100 USD per day. Outside the fortress walls, in the Old Town, there are several hotels converted from former monasteries - the price tag is appropriate, but the experience is unforgettable.

If you want to rent an apartment, prepare from 50 USD per day, depending on its location. It is also common to stay in the same house with the owners (rent a room or a place in a room), the cost in this case will be from 15 USD per night.

The cost of vacation

The lion's share of your budget will be the cost of airfare to Colombia. Against the background of this figure, the rest of your expenses seem quite moderate - you can find inexpensive accommodation here, and you can also eat quite cheaply. Let's calculate together how much money to prepare for a trip to Cartagena for 4 days.

The budget for a trip to Cartagena
Visa	40 USD	Flight	from 1,100 USD
Accomodation	from 40 USD (4 nights)	Average check in a restaurant	30,600 COP (about 10 USD)
Visit to one museum	17,000 COP (about 5.5 USD)
Total: from 1,285 USD

Cartagena: tips for tourists

Visa to Cartagena

The visa application fee is 40 USD.

Cartagena Airport

Rafael Núñez International Airport is located in Crespo, 3 km from Cartagena. The largest airport in the north of the country in terms of passenger traffic. It receives both domestic and international flights. Thanks to its convenient location, you can get to the airport quite quickly.

Airport transfer to Cartagena

To the city center from the airport you can take a bus or shuttle bus, which run regularly. You can also find a cab for about 5 USD (the trip takes about 15 minutes).

Transportation in Cartagena

Buses and shuttle buses are common (they are painted in different colors). Tickets are inexpensive, usually less than 1 USD. Cabs are also plentiful in the city, but for your own safety, use only licensed services.

Buses and shuttle buses are common (they are painted different colors).

Car rental in Cartagena

Cartagena has few cars, so those who like personal comfort can rent a car without fear of traffic jams or accidents. There are rental outlets at the airport and in the city itself. Both Colombian and international companies work here. Rental costs from 50 USD, depending on the chosen car and the number of days.

Security in Cartagena

The city is considered one of the calmest in Colombia. Cartagena is safe for tourists remembering simple precautions. Refrain from showing off expensive machinery, jewelry and large sums of money in public places, and don't get into cars with private citizens.

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