Mochiliante
Mochiliante
Have you ever imagined walking through streets laden with history, surrounded by walls that have witnessed centuries of tales, accompanied by the salty breeze of the Caribbean Sea? Cartagena de Indias is all that and much more. This treasure of the Colombian Caribbean combines its rich historical heritage with a vibrant atmosphere full of colors, unique flavors, and the warmth of its people.
But, what makes this city so special? Join us and discover it in this guide full of surprises.
Cartagena de Indias is located on the north coast of Colombia, bathed by the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. It is located on the shores of the Bay of Cartagena, a natural port that makes it one of the main tourist destinations in the country.
This paradisiacal corner, famous for its walled city and its tropical climate, is just over an hour's flight from Bogotá, the capital of Colombia.
Getting to Cartagena is quite simple, as the city has the Rafael Núñez International Airport, which receives flights from several cities in Colombia and international destinations.
From Colombia: You can take direct flights from Bogotá, Medellín or Cali, with an average duration of 1-2 hours.
From abroad: There are direct flights from cities like Miami, Panama, Madrid and more.
By land: If you prefer a more adventurous experience, you can arrive by bus from other Colombian cities, although the journeys are usually long.
And transportation within the city? Getting around Cartagena is very easy. You can use taxis, local buses or even walk, especially if you are staying in the historic center.
The climate of Cartagena is tropical, warm and humid throughout the year, with temperatures ranging between 24°C and 31°C.
Best time to visit: December to March, as it is dry season and the days are sunny.
Rainy season: From May to November, with frequent but brief rains.
Remember to pack light clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. The heat in Cartagena is strong!
If you plan to travel between today and September 30, 2025 , by booking through Booking with Mochiliante, you can get a 20% discount or more on your next getaway by clicking here
Cartagena has accommodation options for all budgets, from luxury boutique hotels to cozy hostels. Here are some recommendations:
Hostal Badillo SV: In Cartagena, it offers a rooftop terrace, free WiFi and 24-hour reception. It is close to Marbella beach, Bocagrande, the walls and Bolívar park. Click to book
Hotel Hernández: It has a pool, terrace, bar and free WiFi. It is steps away from Playa Bocagrande and offers breakfast, 24-hour reception and tour organization. The rooms have a private bathroom. Click to book
Hotel Blue Concept: In Bocagrande, it offers a pool, free WiFi and breakfast by the pool. The rooms have air conditioning, minibar and private bathroom. It also has meeting rooms, parking and a tour desk. Click to book
Tip: Make your reservations in advance, especially in high season, as hotels fill up quickly.
Cartagena is not just a tourist destination, it is a city with living history! Founded in 1533, it was one of the most important ports during the colonial era. Its famous walled city, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, was built to protect it from pirate attacks.
Places like the Castle of San Felipe de Barajas and the walls offer a window into its fascinating past.
There is so much to explore in this magical city that you will need several days to see it all. Here are some must-do activities:
Visit the iconic Clock Tower, the imposing Cathedral of Santa Catalina and the historic Palace of the Inquisition, which tell centuries of history. Stroll through streets full of colors, balconies adorned with flowers and vibrant street art that capture the essence of Cartagena.
The Castle of San Felipe is an imposing 17th-century fortress that you cannot miss. Explore its tunnels, immerse yourself in its history and enjoy panoramic views of Cartagena from the top. Visit our travel guide to know how to get there and more by clicking here.
Getsemaní, the bohemian neighborhood of Cartagena, invites you to explore its lively streets, colorful murals and unique atmosphere. Enjoy live music, try delicious local food and experience the authentic essence of the city in this magical corner.
The Gold Museum of Cartagena is a historical treasure that exhibits pre-Columbian gold and ceramic pieces from indigenous cultures. Located in a colonial house, it is a perfect place to learn about the rich cultural past of the region.
Playa Blanca in Barú, is one of the most popular destinations near Cartagena, with white sand and crystal clear waters perfect for relaxing. Enjoy this Caribbean paradise and check our travel guide to know how to get there and more by clicking here.
The Rosario Islands are a tropical paradise with crystal clear waters and dreamy beaches, perfect for relaxing and connecting with nature. Just an hour by boat from Cartagena, this destination is ideal to enjoy the Caribbean at its best. Visit our complete travel guide about this place by clicking here.
The National Aviary of Colombia, located on Barú Island, is home to an impressive variety of exotic birds. This nature sanctuary offers you a unique experience to admire the country's biodiversity. Discover how to get there in our complete travel guide by clicking here.
Clothing: Wear light clothes, but don't forget a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun.
Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes, as many streets in the historic center are cobbled.
Money: Carry cash in Colombian pesos. Not all places accept credit cards.
Sun protection: In addition to sunscreen, bring insect repellent.
EN 
ES 
Join the Conversation: Comment, Ask, and Share!