A street in Cartagena's Walled City

Cartagena travel guides

Where to sleep, what the taxi should cost, and which beach is worth the boat. Checked against current sources.

A colourful street in Cartagena's Walled City
Featured · Planning · 2 min

Where to Stay in Cartagena

Where I would sleep in Cartagena: the Walled City, Getsemaní, Bocagrande, the north beaches, Manga and the islands, compared for a first trip, a family trip and a cheaper week.

Playa Blanca on Barú, near Cartagena
Beaches · 1 min

The Best Beaches in and near Cartagena

Cartagena's beaches, from city sand at Bocagrande and La Boquilla to the clear water of Playa Blanca on Barú and the Rosario Islands, with how to get there and what to expect.

Sunset over the beach at Bocagrande, Cartagena
Planning · 2 min

Best Time to Visit Cartagena

When to visit Cartagena: the dry, breezy months from December to April, the wetter months, the rainiest October and November, and the busiest holiday periods.

Rafael Núñez International Airport, Cartagena
Transport · 2 min

Cartagena Airport Transfers

How to get from Rafael Núñez airport (CTG) to the Walled City, Getsemaní and Bocagrande in 2026: the official taxi line, fixed fares, night surcharge, apps and buses.

Cartagena skyline
Planning · 1 min

Cartagena eSIM and SIM Cards

How to get mobile data in Cartagena: travel eSIMs, local SIM cards from Colombian carriers, roaming and Wi-Fi, plus coverage on the islands.

Arepa de huevo, a Colombian Caribbean snack
Food · 2 min

Cartagena Food Guide

What to eat in Cartagena: arepa de huevo, fried fish with coconut rice, ceviche, carimañolas, fresh fruit from the palenqueras and the city's sweets.

A street in Getsemaní, Cartagena
Nightlife · 1 min

Cartagena Nightlife Guide

Cartagena after dark: Plaza de la Trinidad and the bars of Getsemaní, rooftop bars in the Walled City, salsa and champeta, and staying safe.

Aerial view of Cartagena, Colombia
Planning · 2 min

Cartagena Travel Guide 2026

A practical Cartagena guide for 2026: which area to stay in, the official airport taxi, buses, the Rosario Islands fees, San Felipe castle and safety.

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, Cartagena
Attractions · 2 min

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

Visiting Cartagena's Castillo San Felipe de Barajas in 2026: ticket prices, opening hours, how to get there, the tunnels and tips for the heat.

The El Totumo mud volcano
Day trips · 1 min

El Totumo Mud Volcano from Cartagena

How to visit the El Totumo mud volcano from Cartagena: the trip, the mud bath, tips on tipping and what to bring.

Walking along Cartagena's walls at sunset
Transport · 2 min

Getting Around Cartagena

How to get around Cartagena in 2026: walking the old town, official taxi fares and the night surcharge, the Transcaribe bus, and boats to the islands.

Palenqueras in Cartagena
Culture · 1 min

San Basilio de Palenque from Cartagena

Visiting San Basilio de Palenque, the Afro-Colombian town near Cartagena recognised by UNESCO for its cultural traditions: history, getting there and visiting respectfully.

Playa Blanca on Barú
Beaches · 1 min

Playa Blanca, Barú

A guide to Playa Blanca on Barú, Cartagena's most famous white-sand beach: getting there by road or boat, crowds, vendors and staying overnight.

Plaza Santo Domingo in Cartagena
Guide · 1 min

Is Cartagena Safe? 2026 Advice for Visitors

Is Cartagena safe in 2026? What the US advisory says about Colombia, the scams and risks visitors face, and practical precautions.

Street art in Getsemaní
Planning · 1 min

Walled City vs Getsemaní

Cartagena's two historic barrios compared: the colonial Walled City versus Getsemaní, on atmosphere, price, noise, nightlife and walkability.

Turquoise water at Playa Blanca on Barú, next to the Rosario Islands
Guide · 2 min

Rosario Islands from Cartagena

How to visit the Rosario Islands from Cartagena in 2026: the national park entry fee, the La Bodeguita pier fee, mandatory insurance, authorised piers and what to check before booking a boat.

The Torre del Reloj gate in Cartagena
Culture · 1 min

Walking Cartagena's Walled City

A self-guided walk through Cartagena's Walled City: the Torre del Reloj, Plaza de los Coches, Plaza Santo Domingo, the cathedral, San Diego, Las Bóvedas and the walls at sunset.