Overview of Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena is a city rich with historical & cultural delights to explore as well as architectural sites in the El Centro, the old walled city. While the new portion of the city is much like Miami, with its skyscrapers and modern conveniences, the old portion of the city presents a wonderful area to walk and discover the culture and history of this area. Be aware that there are hustlers and beggars in Cartagena; the best advice is to ignore them. While Colombia, as a country, may have a reputation for being unsafe, Cartagena is safe and clean, particularly the Old Town area.

Check out this video of Cartagena, Colombia

What language is spoken in Cartagena? Do they speak English?

The principal language spoken is Spanish. Most people involved in the tourist industry speak at least limited English, or will at least make an attempt to understand and converse with you.

What is the national currency in Columbia?

The national currency in Cartagena, Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP).

Do they accept US Dollars around the port?

The US Dollar (USD) is widely accepted, as are major credit cards.

Where can I get or exchange money?

A bank is the best (and safest) place to exchange money in Cartagena. The exchange rate as of February 2011: USD$1 = COP$1,860 pesos. DO NOT exchange money with anyone on the street – they are referred to as “the money-changing magicians” and they will rip you off.

• Banks closest to Port: Cruise ships dock at Manga Island, near the industrial port of Cartagena. Citibank has several locations throughout the city, the closest is 500 yards due north of the cruise port (see map.)
• ATMs closest to Port: There is an ATM at the cruise ship terminal. Most ATMs in Cartagena accept cards in the Visa, Cirrus, or Plus network. Note: Be aware that many ATMs in Cartagena have lower withdrawal limits than you may be accustomed to at home.

How do I get around from the cruise port in Cartagena?

Walking

Walking in the Old City is safe and fun. Please do not attempt to walk from the port area to the Old City – the cruise ships dock is in the industrial port area of the city and the surrounding neighborhood is not suitable, or safe, to walk through.

Water Taxis

Water taxis in Cartagena are generally speedboats, and are available at the port area. You can go to one of the Rosario Islands, which have excellent beaches. Be aware that the boats go extremely fast, and the waves can be high and the ride bumpy.

Taxis

Taxis have uniform rates in Cartagena, which should be posted inside the cab. Even so, it is wise to agree on the price before getting into the cab. If you get the same rate from 3 different drivers, than it is probably a fair rate.

Note: Some taxis accept Colombian pesos only – check before getting in the cab.

Buses

Buses are readily available in Cartagena, very inexpensive, and will stop for you if you flag them down.

Rental Car

Rental cars can be found at nearby hotels and the airport. Of the major rental companies, only Hertz and National Car Rental have offices in Cartagena; however other local companies are represented.

Renting a car in Cartagena can be quite expensive due to security issues and poor road conditions; not to mention the streets are very crowded. Driving outside the city limits, due to security concerns, is not recommended unless you are familiar with the roads and the way to get to your destination. For all of these reasons, renting a car in Cartagena may be more trouble than it's worth.

Scooter rental

The above reasons for not renting a car apply to renting a scooter as well.

How can I stay in touch with home? (Ex. Email, phone, etc.)

Some Internet cafes offer international phone service for about US$0.20/min to the US. In "Ciudad Vieja" (old town) you will find people walking around announcing "llamada, llamada" (pronounced "ya-ma-da") or even wearing a sign saying "llamadas". These people will charge you per minute to use their cell phone to call home. At around COP$250/min, this is an inexpensive way to make a quick call while in Old Town, although, granted, without much privacy.

Where are the Internet cafes?

• Cafe.com (see map)
• Internet Café Colombiano (see map)
• Caribenet (see map)
• Cyber-Cafe Olano (see map)
• Micronet (see map)

What are the cell phone rates?

Verizon is $1.99/minute and AT&T is between $1.69 and $1.99/minute. Contact your cell phone provider for international roaming rates.

What are the top attractions and must-sees in Cartagena? How long will it take me to get there and to explore?

Attractions

• The Old Walled City (La Ciudad Amurallada), located a couple of miles west of the port, was built in the 17th century. It boats Spanish Colonial architectural and interesting sites such as the shops in what was once the dungeons of the fortress. The entrance to the city is through the Clock Tower Building.
• The Palace of the Inquisition is a must-visit in Cartagena. It may seem a bit macabre, but the instruments of torture and items from the Spanish Inquisition offer a fascinating glimpse into that era of the country’s history.
• Castillo de San Felipe De Barajas, located under 2 miles north of the port (see map), stands proudly overlooking the city and harbor. Dating back to the mid 1500’s, the fortress withstood a 3-month siege of the city by the English in 1741. Then English had 186 ships and 25,000 men. The Spaniards held firm in their fortress, despite being heavily outnumbered with only six ships and less than 6,000 men.
• Volcan De Lodo Totumo (Volcano of Mud), located a little over 30 miles north of the port, offers a unique experience. Here you can take a mud dip, said to have medicinal properties, and have a massage. Definitely something to talk about when you return home!

  Check out this video of the Totumo mud bath

Beaches

Beaches are by no means the major attraction in Cartagena, and are no match for beaches of the Caribbean; that being said, one of the best beaches in the area is Playa Linda, which is located 45 miles northeast of the port (see map.) A ferry from the cruise ship dock will take you to Playa Linda which offers water sports, boat tours, restaurants, and bars.

Shopping

Shopping in Cartagena is a happy mix of inexpensive souvenirs and high-end luxury items. There are numerous small shops scattered everywhere – in alleys and along the main streets. Prices are lower here than in the various malls. These shops offer a nice selection of art, local crafts, and leather goods, such as purses, handbags, wallets and belts.

Below are some of the best shopping options in Cartagena:

• Centro Comercial Pierino Gallo is the main shopping complex in Cartagena. It is located about 5 miles by taxi, from the port area (see map.) Near Pierino Gallo, you will also find good shopping in Bocagrande and El Laguito.
• Las Bovedas, which was once a jail, offers a variety of shops that have local arts, crafts, souvenirs, etc. see map

Golf

Cartagena is not really about golf, but there are some golf options, the best of which is Club Campestre de Cartagena located 30 minutes southeast of the port area (see map), is an 18 hole, par 72 championship golf course. Contact Club Campestre de Cartagena for reservations by email or phone (+57 5)673-1112.

Scuba

The best diving near Cartagena is in Parque Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario y San Barnardo (Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park) and Islas del Rosario (Rosario Islands), which is located about an hour from the port area (see map.) Here you will find a large variety of marine life to enjoy and comfortable 85 °F water (on average.) Listed below are several dive shops that operate in this area:

• Dive Planet Planet has a shop at the Hotel San Pedro de Majagua and another at the Hotel Cocoliso. There are more than 25 dive sites located within minutes of both hotels which offer daily trips to the islands.
• Buzos de Baru operates out of Hotel Caribe in Bocagrande. Contact them by email or phone (575)665-7675.
• Cartagena Divers operates out of the Old City near the Las Bovedas. Contact them by email or phone at (57)312-619-9370 or (57)300-808-6506

Check out this video of a dive off of Cartagena with a giant Devil Ray.

Tours

• The Chiva Party-City Tour is a more up-beat tour of Cartagena. The tour is about 3 hours (3PM to 6PM) and is very economical at COP$25,000 (about US$13.35). This tour will take you be air conditioned bus to several museums, cathedrals, souvenir shops and ends at Las Bovedas with a guided tour through the Old Walled City.
• A "Paseo en Coche" (horse & carriage ride) is a wonderful way to see the city. The carriages operate both day & night, and you can flag down an empty carriage as it passes. Ask any driver to point you to a driver who speaks your language, if necessary. The driver will provide a running commentary on the sites, and will be happy to take photos of you whenever you ask.

Check out this video of a horse-drawn carriage ride in Old Walled City.

What are the best eats in Cartagena? Where are the best places to try them?

• Carimanolas, fried yucca croquettes stuffed with ground meat with a local Caribbean sour cream. You can find this at Café del Santisimo, located about 2 miles northwest of the port (see map), near Las Bovedas
• Ceviche (raw fish marinated in lime juice, corn, cilantro, onions and pepper.) One of the best places to get this is Juan del Mar Restaurante, about 2 miles northwest of the port area (see map), just outside the Sofitel Santa Clara Hotel. ↑ Back to Top

What are the must-drinks in Cartagena? Where are the best places to try them?

• Colombian Coffee can be enjoyed most anywhere in Cartagena and is an absolute must. Try the Juan Valdez Cafe in Bocagrande, which is a chain store like Starbucks in the U.S.
• Cerveza Aguila is the distinctive Colombian beer. It is a pale lager and can be enjoyed most any place in the city. Try Donde Fidel Salsa Club and Bar.

Which are the best souvenirs to buy in Cartagena? Where can I get them?

Under $25:

Export-grade Colombian Coffee is a very port appropriate gift/souvenir. Cafe CONVIDA is a good choice; It considered one of the best brands of coffee available in Colombia – pick up a gift set of five coffees, each from a different growing region in the country. Available at Coffee And..., located upstairs at Pierino Gallo Plaza in the El Laguito section of Cartagena (see map

$25-$75

Guayabera shirts are extremely popular in Cartagena, and a great reminder of your trip. The Ricardo Pava Shop offers a great variety of men’s linen shirts, slacks and even loafers to go with them. The store is located about 2 miles from the port area (see map.)

Over $75

Colombian Emeralds – what better reminder of your trip to Cartagena? Combined with their Filigrana Momposina (intricate filigree jewelry in gold or silver), a necklace, set of earrings, or ring with Colombian Emeralds is a stunning gift. Find this jewelry at Filigrana Momposina at the Palacio de la Inquisicion, located about 2 miles northwest of the port (see map.)

What is the weather like in Cartagena?

Current Temperature

Average Monthly Temperatures and Rainfall in Cartagena