Last checked: 25 October 2026 by Lia. Sources: Alcaldía de Cartagena taxi decree 0051 of 2026; Transcaribe fare decree (2026); Escuela Taller Cartagena de Indias (fortifications) ticket page; Parques Nacionales Naturales and Corpoturismo fees reported by El Universal (July 2026); US State Department Colombia advisory (March 2026). Hero photo: Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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Cartagena at a glance
Cartagena de Indias is a Caribbean port. The walled centre, built from the 16th to the 18th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I would give it three or four days: the old town, San Felipe, and one island.
| Airport | Rafael Núñez International (CTG), in Crespo |
| Currency | Colombian peso (COP) |
| Time zone | UTC−5, no daylight saving |
| Minimum taxi fare | 12,250 COP; +1,100 COP 7 p.m.–5 a.m. (2026) |
| City bus | Transcaribe, 3,900 COP per trip (2026) |
| Driest months | December to April |
| Entry form | Check-MIG online form before arrival and departure |
Where to stay
- Walled City: colonial streets, plazas and boutique hotels. Walk everywhere, pay for it.
- Getsemaní: street art, hostels and nightlife, a few minutes on foot from the walls.
- Bocagrande: high-rise hotels on a city beach.
- North beaches: Marbella, Crespo and La Boquilla, close to the airport.
- Barú and the Rosario Islands: the beach escape, with a boat or a long road.
See where to stay in Cartagena.
What to do
- Walk the Walled City and the walls at sunset.
- Climb the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas.
- Take a boat to the Rosario Islands or a day at Playa Blanca.
- Float in the El Totumo mud volcano.
- Visit San Basilio de Palenque.
Before you go
Colombia asks visitors to complete the free Check-MIG form online before arriving and before leaving. Check Migración Colombia for the current rule, because forms change. Then read is Cartagena safe.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Cartagena?
Three to four days covers the old town, San Felipe and an island day.
Do I need cash in Cartagena?
Yes, for taxis, street food and island fees. Cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants.
Is Cartagena walkable?
The Walled City and Getsemaní are; use taxis for Bocagrande and the airport.
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