Cartagena de Indias

Sights

• Walled City – Colourful colonial houses with bougainvillea balconies, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Castillo San Felipe de Barajas – The largest Spanish fortress in the Americas, with tunnels.
• Getsemaní – A lively district with street art and evenings on Plaza de la Trinidad.
• City walls at sunset – A stroll along the walls with sea views.
• Plaza Santo Domingo – A square with a Botero sculpture and terraces.
• Palacio de la Inquisición – A colonial palace, now a history museum.

Food & nightlife

• Arepa de Huevo – Fried corn cakes with an egg inside – Caribbean coast street food.
• Fish with coconut rice – Whole fried fish with patacones.
• Limonada de Coco – A creamy coconut lemonade to beat the heat.
• Salsa bars – Dancing in the evening in Getsemaní and the old town.

Day trips

• Islas del Rosario – Coral islands with beaches for snorkelling.
• Playa Blanca, Barú – White sand and turquoise water on the peninsula.
• San Basilio de Palenque – A village with its own language and African traditions, recognised by UNESCO as cultural heritage.
• Volcán de Lodo El Totumo – A dip in the warm mud of a small volcano.

Good to know

When to go

December–April

Getting around

The old town on foot, otherwise taxis or ride-hailing apps; boats to the islands leave from the Muelle de la Bodeguita. It's hot and humid all year.

Tipping

Around 10% is customary in restaurants.

Power

Plug type A/B, 110 V – pack an adapter for Swiss plugs.

Currency

Colombian Peso (COP)

Plan your trip to Cartagena de Indias together

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