Cartagena, ColombiaCartagena de Indias
A 16th-century walled city on the Caribbean. It is the entry point for most travelers and the best-known image of Colombia.
Read the full Cartagena de Indias city guide, with 17 places and 24/48/72-hour plans →
December to April: dry and breezy. September and October: rainier and hotter, but prices drop by half.
What to see and do
- The walled city and Getsemaní on foot at sunset
- San Felipe de Barajas Castle
- Rosario Islands by boat (full day)
- El Totumo mud volcano
- La Popa Convent, for the view
What to eat
- Seafood casserole
- Arepa de huevo
- Shrimp ceviche
- Coconut lemonade
How to get there
Rafael Núñez Airport (CTG), 10 minutes from downtown. Direct flights from Bogotá, Medellín, Miami, Panama, Madrid and New York.
| From | Mode | Time | Indicative cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bogotá | flight | 1 h 30 | $150.000 – $480.000 |
| Bogotá | bus | 20 h | $180.000 – $260.000 |
| Santa Marta | bus | 4 h | $55.000 – $90.000 |
Where to stay
Getsemaní for hostels, the old town for boutique hotels, Bocagrande for beachfront towers.
A heavily patrolled tourist area. Avoid pushy beach vendors and agree on prices before accepting any service.
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Quick answers
What is Cartagena de Indias known for?
A 16th-century walled city on the Caribbean. It is the entry point for most travelers and the best-known image of Colombia.
How do you get to Cartagena de Indias?
Rafael Núñez Airport (CTG), 10 minutes from downtown. Direct flights from Bogotá, Medellín, Miami, Panama, Madrid and New York.
When is the best time to visit Cartagena de Indias?
December to April: dry and breezy. September and October: rainier and hotter, but prices drop by half.
How many days do you need in Cartagena de Indias?
Plan for about 3 days to see the essentials without rushing.
Is Cartagena de Indias safe to visit?
A heavily patrolled tourist area. Avoid pushy beach vendors and agree on prices before accepting any service.
Prices are indicative, in Colombian pesos, checked in November 2026. Practical information: visas, money, health and safety →