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Cartagena de Indias was founded by the Spanish in 1533 on Colombia's Caribbean coast and became one of the empire's most important ports, which made it a target for pirates and rival navies. The response was a ring of stone walls and forts that still encloses the old city, now a World Heritage Site of balconied colonial houses painted in bright colors.
Most visitors enter the walled city through the Puerta del Reloj, the clock-tower gate opening onto Plaza de los Coches. From there, lanes lead to the shaded Plaza de Bolívar and the Palace of the Inquisition, and to the Church of San Pedro Claver, named for the Jesuit who ministered to enslaved Africans arriving in the port. The walls themselves make a fine sunset walk, ending near Las Bóvedas, former storerooms now filled with craft shops. San Diego and the busy Plaza de Santo Domingo hold many restaurants, while Getsemaní, just outside the walls, is known for street art and evening life around Plaza de la Trinidad. Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a massive fortress on a hill, guarded the land approach, and the Convento de la Popa crowns the city's highest point.
The heat is constant, so mornings and evenings are best for walking. Bocagrande and Castillogrande hold modern hotels, and boats run to the Rosario Islands for snorkeling.
WiserMap travel guideCartagena Colombia Walled City Getsemaní and Rosario IslandsExplore Cartagena, Colombia: the walled Old Town, Getsemaní street art, Castillo San Felipe, La Popa views, Rosario Islands day trips and Caribbean food.Read the guide
The main gateway into the walled city, topped by a clock tower, opening onto the triangular Plaza de los Coches with arcades once used in the slave trade and now home to sweet stalls. It is where most walks begin. Visit at dusk when the clock tower is lit and the plaza fills with vendors.
A shaded square with a statue of Simón Bolívar, faced by the baroque Palace of the Inquisition, now a museum on the Inquisition and the city's history. Palenquera fruit sellers and dancers gather in the plaza. Go early for shade and allow an hour for the museum.
A lively plaza beside the city's oldest church, home to Fernando Botero's reclining bronze woman, Gertrudis, and filled with restaurant terraces. From here the quieter San Diego quarter spreads north with pastel houses and bougainvillea. Visit at night for dinner and street music.
A 17th-century church and cloister dedicated to the Jesuit saint who ministered to enslaved Africans arriving in the port. His remains lie under the altar, and a museum in the cloister covers his life and Afro-Caribbean art. Visit in the morning, and climb to the upper gallery for views.
About 11 km of colonial stone walls surround the old city, and you can walk long stretches on top with sea views. In the northeast corner, Las Bóvedas, 23 vaulted rooms built into the wall, now house craft shops. Walk the walls at sunset, when the sea breeze cools the stones.
The largest Spanish fortress in the Americas, built on San Lázaro hill to protect the city, with ramparts, cannons and a maze of narrow tunnels to explore. It was never taken by force. Go early before the heat, wear a hat, and consider an audio guide to understand the defenses.
A 17th-century convent on La Popa hill, the highest point in Cartagena, with a peaceful flowered cloister, a chapel to the Virgen de la Candelaria, and panoramic views over the city and bay. Take a taxi up and back rather than walking, as the hill road is not safe on foot.
A colorful neighborhood just outside the walls known for street art, hanging umbrellas and flags, hostels and bars. In the evening Plaza de la Trinidad fills with locals, street food and performers in front of the church. Explore by day for murals and return at night for the atmosphere.
A free museum run by the Banco de la República on Plaza de Bolívar showing gold jewelry, ceramics and other objects made by the Zenú people of the Caribbean lowlands. It is small and air-conditioned, ideal for the hot midday hours. Allow 30 to 45 minutes, and note that it closes on Mondays.
The city beach along the Bocagrande peninsula, a strip of high-rise hotels and apartments south of the old town with dark sand and calm water. Vendors offer drinks, massages and chairs. Agree on prices before accepting any service, and walk to quieter Castillogrande for a calmer stroll.
A long white sand beach with turquoise water on the Barú peninsula, reached by road or boat from Cartagena. Beach huts serve fried fish and coconut rice, and some offer simple overnight cabins. Weekdays are calmer, and staying past the day boats leaving gives a quieter beach.
An archipelago of small coral islands in a national park about an hour by boat from Cartagena, with clear water for snorkeling, beach clubs and an open-sea aquarium. Day trips leave from the Muelle de la Bodeguita. Choose a reputable operator and pay the park and port fees on the day.
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