Overview
Cartagena’s old town is a sun-baked maze of bougainvillea-draped balconies, plazas and colonial churches inside imposing stone walls. It’s romantic, hot and lively, with the bohemian Getsemaní district right next door drawing a young backpacker crowd to its street-art lanes and nightly plaza gatherings.
Top things to do
The walled old town
A sun-baked maze of bougainvillea balconies, plazas and colonial churches inside imposing 16th-century stone ramparts.
Getsemaní
The bohemian quarter next door — murals, salsa bars and Plaza de la Trinidad filling up every night.
Castillo San Felipe
The great hilltop fortress that guarded the city against pirates, with tunnels and harbour views.
Golden-hour walk on the ramparts
Time the city walls for sunset and end at Café del Mar as the light hits the facades.
Island-hop to the Rosario Islands
A short boat ride to clear Caribbean water and white sand for a proper beach day.
Street-food tour of Bazurto
Fresh ceviche, arepas de huevo and limonada de coco with a local guide through the real local market.
5-day sample itinerary
- 1
Old town orientation
Sunset walk along the walls and dinner in a historic plaza.
- 2
Getsemaní & street art
Mural-hunting by day, salsa in Plaza de la Trinidad by night.
- 3
Rosario Islands
Full-day boat trip for snorkelling and beach time.
- 4
Food + history
Cooking class or food tour, then the Castillo San Felipe fortress.
- 5
Beach & onward
Slow morning at Bocagrande or onward to Tayrona/Santa Marta.