9 must-see attractions in Cartagena, Colombia

There’s nothing quite like soaking up culture on the sun-drenched Caribbean coast—and Cartagena certainly has both culture and sunshine in spades. This port city in Colombia is officially known as Cartagena de Indias, and it’s full of Indigenous and Spanish colonial history, breathtaking natural landscapes, and some of the best coffee in the world. Read on for nine must-see attractions to visit on tour in Cartagena, two trips that take you there, and more.

Where is Cartagena, Colombia?

If you visit Colombia, Cartagena de Indias should be one of your first stops. This South American city sits along the Caribbean in the northern part of the country. It was officially founded in 1533 by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Heredia and served as an important trading port for gold, silver, and other goods—but its history goes back further than that. An indigenous ethnic group called the Kalamari lived in the area before the Spanish even set foot there, and you’ll feel that history during your visit, too. “The people were welcoming and reflective of their mixture of Indigenous and Spanish cultures,” said traveler Jeffrey after his time on the Cartagena extension on our Highlights of Central America: Costa Rica & Panama tour.

1. The UNESCO-listed Old Town

If bougainvillea-lined cobbled streets sound like a dreamy photo op, you need to stop by Cartagena’s Old Town. This district is surrounded by Las Murallas—protective stone walls built by Spanish colonists in the 17th and 18th centuries—and is dotted with churches, mansions, and top-notch eateries.

Old Town tip: Keep an eye out for palenqueras

Ever seen a photo of Colombian women decked out in colorful dresses, with fruit baskets on their heads? They’re called palenqueras, and you’re sure to meet some at the Puerta del Reloj—the original entrance to the walled city of Cartagena. “You will find the palenqueras during the afternoon and nighttime at the entrance of the Old Town,” said staffer Alejandra. “They’ll take a picture with you for a tip.”

2. San Felipe de Barajas Castle

This grand fortress sits atop San Lázaro Hill and is one of the most striking features of the Cartagena cityscape. Spanish colonial authorities started construction in 1536, making it one of the oldest and most significant fortresses in the Americas. It helped fend off major attacks by the French, British, and other pirates who were after Cartagena’s wealth, and this fascinating history drips from every corner of the site. Visit to view its massive stone walls, battlements, and artillery installations, and to take in sweeping views from the top of the fortress. (You’ll be able to see where the Cartagena skyline meets the Caribbean sea, and it’s always a wow-worthy photo op.)

Travel tip: Visit during the early morning to beat the heat and the crowds

This hilltop site doesn’t offer tons of shade—but the Caribbean sun offers tons of warmth. So, the earlier you go, the better… it’s one of Cartagena’s must-visit attractions, after all, and the crowds start picking up as the day goes on.

3. Plaza de Bolívar

This tree-lined plaza is sitting pretty in the heart the Old Town and is the place to find some respite during a day of exploring Cartagena. The greenery and historic colonial buildings make it the perfect spot to mingle with both locals and visitors, basking in the ambiance. It’s scenic, shady, and often full of singing and music—entertainers put on live performances here, which makes kicking back on a bench near one of the fountains even more enjoyable.

Monument not to miss: the statue of Simón Bolívar

The plaza is named after Simón Bolívar, one of Colombia’s national heroes, and there’s a statue of him on horseback at its center. Bolívar helped lead Colombia to independence from Spain in 1819, so the tribute is more than fitting.

5. The Getsemani neighborhood

If a peek at local life is what you seek, Getsemani beckons. This bohemian neighborhood is just a short walk from Cartagena’s Old Town. Plus, ask anyone who knows and they’ll tell you to go to try the bucket list-worthy brew at Libertario Coffee Roasters and to enjoy live salsa music at Café Havana.

Free time tip: See the street art on Calle de la Sierpe

No visit to Getsemani is complete without a visit to Serpent Street, where the walls are covered with murals and other graffiti that deserve a place in your camera roll. It’s like an open-air art gallery surrounded by cafes, colorful buildings, and palm trees. Pretty, right?

6. Islas del Rosario

If you’re looking for a Colombia trip with a side of adventure, our Cartagena tours bring you to one of the best snorkeling spots in the world: the Islas del Rosario. This chain of 27 small coral islands is surrounded by one of the Caribbean’s largest reefs, and it’s situated in Corales del Rosario National Park—making it a protected area that’s perfect for exploring. Soak up all the magic by adding our Islas del Rosario Snorkeling & Lunch excursion on our A Week in Colombia: Bogotá, Medellín & Cartagena tour.

Insider tip: Don’t miss the best beach clubs

“If you have more time for a beach day, I would strongly recommend going to the Islas del Rosario,” said staffer Alejandra. “For example, there’s Isla Grande, which has different beach clubs like the Pa’ue Beach Club.” No matter which island you visit, remember Alejandra’s advice: “For a beach day, bring your beach shoes, and don’t forget your sunblock and fresh clothes.”

7. Isla Barú

The city of Cartagena is magic—and the islands off its coast are, too. While Isla Barú isn’t officially part of the Islas del Rosario, it’s right next door, which makes it the perfect jumping-off point to see some of the best coral reefs around. Plus, it’s home to dreamy beaches and seafood restaurants that make it ideal for a day trip. Use your free time in Cartagena to visit, or extend your Highlights of Central America: Costa Rica & Panama tour and add our Day on Isla Barú excursion.

What our staffers say

“Isla Barú was absolutely stunning,” said staffer Aaron. “It has one of the nicest white-sand beaches I have ever visited and was such a great escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown Cartagena. If you’re willing to walk a bit down the beach, then the crowds really thin out, and you pass by a number of adorable food stalls and souvenir shacks along the way.”

8. La Boquilla mangroves

The La Boquilla mangrove forest is just a stone’s throw from Cartagena (about a half-hour drive, to be exact) and is a must-visit attraction if you love culture and natural landscapes. The mangroves serve as natural barriers that protect the mainland from storms and high tides, and you can boat through them aboard a traditional wooden canoe with a native guide. It’s a unique ecosystem that serves as a haven for a variety of flora and fauna, so keep your camera close.

Top tip: Get into Afro-Caribbean culture during your mangrove visit

“The mangroves were fun to explore, and everything we learned on the beach during the drum lesson was really beautiful,” said staffer Nic after adding our Boquilla Mangroves & Afro-Caribbean Drum Lesson excursion on the Cartagena extension of our Highlights of Central America: Costa Rica & Panama tour. “The town came together to create this drum lesson center, which teaches kids and teens in the neighborhood. Some folks contributed money, and others contribute time and resources to keep this center open to give kids a creative outlet, and to teach them about their community’s culture and history.”

9. El Totumo Mud Volcano

Have a free day in Cartagena—and a penchant for mud? Use it to set off on a day trip to one of the smallest volcanoes in the world: El Totumo. Located a little over an hour outside the city, this 50-foot-high volcano is filled with—you guessed it—mud! You’ll don your bathing suit, climb a steep set of stone stairs, and dip into the mud alongside many other visitors. It’s not the most authentic Cartagena attraction, but it’s definitely a fun one. Your muddy swim is sure to make you laugh (and they even say the mud has healing properties).

What our staffers say

“Visiting the mud volcano was a unique experience to say the least,” said staffer Aaron after using his free time to pay the volcano a visit. “I’ve never felt more buoyant—sitting in the mud is probably the closest I will come to having a true zero-gravity experience.” If you’d like to set out from Cartagena to experience it for yourself, get prepared to share the mud with other visitors—Aaron said it gets crowded.

Dreaming of visiting Colombia? Don’t miss out on Cartagena de Indias! Start planning your Cartagena tour today.