About cartagena

Cartagena is a city rich in history and culture, with many amazing stories of treasure and pirates. The city has a vibrant colonial past that can still be seen and felt within the ancient city walls. This colourful and amusing city is also home to many of the world's favourite tourist spots. Cartagena offers a fantastic array of things to do, spread far and wide across the city and beyond. Explore the white-sand beaches and enjoy a volcanic mud bath. Wander the colourful streets, meet many new people, try some local flavours, and enjoy a lively nightlife. The city is home to many grand colonial buildings and is an essential center for culture, wealth and tourism. Visit Cartagena and experience the laid back Latino life all around you.

Public Transport System

Taxi, Bus, Mototaxis

Cleanliness and Efficiency

Cleanliness: Medium, Effeciency: Medium

Mode & Cost of Transports

Taxi costs start from COP $7000. A late night surcharge of COP $500 is applied after 8:00 p.m.

Bus travel cards cost COP $4000 and one trip costs COP $2100.

Mototaxi rentals cost COP $4,000 per hour and COP $10,000 for more than 3 hours.

Basic Items & Cost

Name Price
Water Bottle MRO 1350.00
Cup of Coffee MRO 2800.00
Milk Carton Pack MRO 2600.00
Rice/Kg MRO 2000.00
White Bread MRO 2000.00
Eggs (12) MRO 5200.00
Combo Meal MRO 12000.00
Fine Dining MRO 67635.00
Bottle of Coke or Pepsi MRO 1700.00
Domestic Beer MRO 3000.00
Imported Beer MRO 5000.00
Bottle of Wine MRO 29000.00
Cigarettes (20 Pack) MRO 5000.00
Taxi ( 1 km ) MRO 6000.00
Ticket in local transport (Single way). MRO 2300.00
Rent ( One Bed Room) MRO 1825000.00

Do’s

  • Keep your belongings safely zipped up and close to your body.
  • Do haggle with shopkeepers and taxi drivers if you think they are overcharging, but don’t be aggressive.
  • Always carry enough cash in hand. The country is still a cash economy, and it can be tricky to pay on credit card, especially in remote areas of the city.
  • Dress appropriately when you are visiting a beautiful place. It is considered rude to turn up to a restaurant or club in shorts and flip-flops.

Dont’s

  • Never buy cocaine. It is illegal in the country.
  • Don’t walk outside the Old Town after sunset as it can be hazardous– always take a taxi.
  • Never refuse when a friendly Colombian offers you a shot of the local spirit. It’s not seen as a drinking thing in Colombia; it’s more like an offer of friendship and unity!
  • Never make jokes about guerrillas or Pablo Escobar as people here are serious about their history.
  • Never "give papaya."This Colombian expression roughly translates as ‘give an opportunity.’ You shouldn’t make it easier for someone to take advantage of you. Be vigilant always.

Night Life

Cartagena will seem like a warm and sleepy town during the day, but it is when the sun goes down that the city wakes up. While it can't compete with the clubs of Las Vegas or New York, it has an equally sexy style and spirit. There are numerous fun and exhilarating activities you can indulge in. From local eateries to upscale clubs, you will get everything you ever wanted. If you are into partying, there are a bunch of great places you can visit. Most of the bus bars are located in the El Centro and Getsemani neighborhoods and filled with mostly locals dancing to the groovy music. Upscale clubs are also quite popular with tourists. They usually have dress codes, so be sure to wear your best. There will be a lot of drinking and dancing, so get ready to sweat it out. You will also find many street parties happeningJust grab a drink and go with the flow. Partying on a Chiva Bus is a highlight among tourists in Cartagena. A ride on these colorful wooden buses with party lights and loud music can be entertaining. If you like to spend a quiet night, try some local seafood and drinks at one of the many restaurants in town or take a horse-drawn carriage ride along with the old city and enjoy the beautiful lights.

Must See

  • Explore the Old City and its colonial architecture and picturesque streets. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. 
  • Visit the incredible fortress Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas and go back in time.
  • Spend a day at Islas del Rosario located in the crystal clear Caribbean waters.
  • Have a drink at the famous Cafe del Mar located along the walls of the old city and watch the sun go down while sitting outside overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
  • Get the best views of Cartagena and its beaches from a top Convento De La Popa.
  • Explore vibrant street art at Getsemani.
  • If you love precious gemstones and expensive jewelry, don’t miss the emerald discovery tour and The Gold Museum.
  • Tour the Bazurto Market. It is massive, chaotic, loud, and filthy, not a typical tourist spot, but it is an excellent place to mix with the locals.

Experiences

 
  • Hop on board a Chiva- a colourful, rustic party bus complete with music, dancing, and an open bar.
  • Take a mud bath in El Totum, a small volcano with thick bubbling mud.
  • Hit a funky salsa bar and dance the night away.
  • Take a walk along the walls of the old city and explore its well-preserved canons and lookout posts.
  • Ride on a horse carriage after dark around town and enjoy the amazing city lights.
  • Try some exotic fruits that you have never tasted before.
  • Go scuba diving or snorkelling in one of the many beaches around the city.

Activities

Playa Castillo Grande
Beach
Playa Castillo Grande, Cra. 7 #5, Cartagena, Cartagena De Indias (Distrito Turístico Y Cultural), Bolívar, Colombia
Distance From City Center
2.1 Kms

Shopping

Bazurto market
Antique Markets
Bazurto market, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Distance From City Center
7.9 Kms
El Arcon Anticuario
Antique Markets
El Arcon Anticuario, Cl. 39 ##9-46, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Distance From City Center
6.9 Kms
NARA
Antique Markets
NARA, Cl. 38 #6107, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Distance From City Center
6 Kms
Mercado de Bazurto
Flea Markets and Bazaars
Chino, Cartagena, Bolivar, Colombia
Distance From City Center
7.9 Kms
Portal de Los Dulces
Flea Markets and Bazaars
Portal de los Dulces, Cra. 5 #33-15, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Distance From City Center
5.8 Kms
Mall Plaza El Castillo
Shopping Malls
Mall Plaza El Castillo, Avenida Pedro de Heredia, Carrera 13, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Distance From City Center
7.6 Kms
Bocagrande Square Mall
Shopping Malls
Bocagrande Square Mall, Cra. 1 ##12-118, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Distance From City Center
3.4 Kms
Mansion Mall
Shopping Malls
Mansion Mall, 49, Cra. 3 #8, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Distance From City Center
2.3 Kms
Centro Uno
Shopping Malls
Cra. 1, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Distance From City Center
2.7 Kms
CARIBE PLAZA MALL
Shopping Malls
CARIBE PLAZA MALL, Av. El Lago, Cra. 22 #22-108, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Distance From City Center
7.5 Kms
MALL Paseo de la Castellana
Shopping Malls
MALL Paseo de la Castellana, Dg. 30 #30-31, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Distance From City Center
12.9 Kms
Invercredito Mall
Shopping Malls
Invercredito Mall, Cl. 36 #10-75, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Distance From City Center
7.3 Kms
Pasaje La Moneda
Shopping Malls
Pasaje La Moneda, Avenida Carlos Escallon, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Distance From City Center
5.8 Kms
MALL Portal de San Felipe
Shopping Malls
MALL Portal de San Felipe, Cl. 30 #17-140, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Distance From City Center
6 Kms
Mi Artesano - Social Enterprise Handicrafts Shop
Shopping Malls
Mi Artesano - Social Enterprise Handicrafts Shop, Cra. 17 #35-210 Local 11 Cerca Urbanización Tequendama, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Distance From City Center
6.7 Kms
  • Colombian Coffee
  • Mochila Shoulder Bag
  • Aguardiente (Colombia’s national drink)
  • Colombian Chocolate
  • Bikinis and Beachwear
  • Caña Flecha Products
  • Leather Products
  • Hammocks
  • Emeralds

Official Language

Spanish

Other Language

English

Spoken Language

In Cartagena, due to a large n... Read more

Currency

Ouguiya (MRO)

Population

1.04 (Millions)

Weather Icon

Weather

Light Rain 31.91°C

Clock Icon

TimeZone

12:30 PM (GMT -05:00)

 

Ambulance Icon

Ambulance

123

 

Police Icon

Police

123

 

Electric socket

Type A
Type A (120 V 60 Hz.)
Type B
Type B (120 V 60 Hz.)
Airplane Icon

Airport Name / IATA Code

Rafael Núñez International Airport - CTG

Airport Name / IATA Code

--- - ---

Best time to visit

December, January, February, March- This is the dry season with almost no rain at all. It is the peak tourist season and prices are on the higher side.

Moderate time to visit

April, May, June, July, August, September- This is the beginning of the rainy season. Even though there will be occasional downpours, most days will be sunny and pleasant.

Worst time to visit

October, November- These two months see a lot of rain. It is not the worst time to visit as there will not be many tourists, and the prices will be lower.

Taxi

Start Tariff: MRO 7000.00

1 Km. Tariff: MRO 7000.00

1 Hour Waiting Tariff: MRO 25000.00

Available service

  • Airbnb Logo
  • Vrbo Logo
  • Uber Logo

Monthly Average Temperature & Rainfall

Local Services in cartagena (Contact directly)

Discussion

No threads yet!

Be the first one to start a thread.

Top Attractions in Colombia

Top Cities in Colombia