Cartagena City Guide (Colombia, 2026)

Backpacking in Cartagena
UNESCO World Heritage site
🏆 Top pickcity ranked #1
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

Cartagena was once a port that sailed past the backpacker trail, a place travelers crossed quickly on the way to somewhere else. Today the walled Old Town fills with tour groups and the city has a polished, pricey edge. It sits on the Caribbean coast in the north of Colombia, and it suits travelers who want history, sea air and late nights more than quiet. It does not suit anyone on a tight budget who hates crowds and heat. Skip the island-hopping boat packages sold on every corner of the center; the beaches near the city are crowded, and a day spent in the walls and Getsemaní gives you more. My own mistake was paying for a bed inside the walled center because it looked convenient. I got a small room, noisy bars and a bill twice what Getsemaní would have cost, so I now sleep there instead, ten minutes on foot from everything. The last thing I recall is the smell of arepas de huevo frying on a cart under a bougainvillea-covered balcony.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Colombia Travel Guide.

Best time to go: November - May
Population: 1.1 million [cartagena.gov.co]
Daily cost: US$55 to 65 [colombia.travel]

example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Colombia

example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Colombia

example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Colombia

example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Colombia

example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Colombia

example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Colombia

example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Colombia

example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Colombia

✨ Why go?
Ranked #1 city in ColombiaThe unique appeal for travelers

Cartagena earns a place on a Colombian route because it packs a huge amount into a small, flat, walkable area. You can cover the walled Old Town and the street-art streets of Getsemaní entirely on foot, which saves you transport money and planning effort. The hostel scene is the second reason: Getsemaní is full of social dorms, rooftop pools and kitchens, so meeting people for dinner or a night out takes no effort. Food is the third pull, from cheap street empanadas and fried fish to sit-down ceviche. Nightlife runs late, with salsa bars, plaza crowds and rooftop spots that stay busy past midnight. As a base, the city also works well for trips along the coast and out to the islands, and flights and buses connect it to Medellín, Bogotá and Santa Marta. Be realistic, though. The heat is heavy, … read more 👉

Cartagena earns a place on a Colombian route because it packs a huge amount into a small, flat, walkable area. You can cover the walled Old Town and the street-art streets of Getsemaní entirely on foot, which saves you transport money and planning effort. The hostel scene is the second reason: Getsemaní is full of social dorms, rooftop pools and kitchens, so meeting people for dinner or a night out takes no effort. Food is the third pull, from cheap street empanadas and fried fish to sit-down ceviche. Nightlife runs late, with salsa bars, plaza crowds and rooftop spots that stay busy past midnight. As a base, the city also works well for trips along the coast and out to the islands, and flights and buses connect it to Medellín, Bogotá and Santa Marta. Be realistic, though. The heat is heavy, prices in the walled center are higher than almost anywhere else in Colombia, and vendors are persistent. Two to three days is the right length for most travelers.

💡 HighlightsMust-see experiences and standout moments

Walls of Cartagena (Las Murallas): The 17th-century stone ramparts ring the Old Town and are free to walk. Go at sunset or early morning when the stone is cooler and the crowds thin. Allow 1 to 2 hours.
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas: The largest Spanish fortress in the Americas, built on a hill above the city, with tunnels you can walk through. Entry is about US$15 to 17 and you need 1.5 to 2 hours. Arrive when it opens to avoid the worst heat.
Getsemaní street art and Plaza de la Trinidad: Murals cover the lanes of this former working-class district, and the plaza fills in the evening with street food, musicians and locals. It is free, and 1 to 2 hours covers it. Evenings are best.
Plaza de Bolívar and the Palace of the Inquisition: The shaded plaza sits beside a museum that displays torture

… read more 👉

Walls of Cartagena (Las Murallas): The 17th-century stone ramparts ring the Old Town and are free to walk. Go at sunset or early morning when the stone is cooler and the crowds thin. Allow 1 to 2 hours.
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas: The largest Spanish fortress in the Americas, built on a hill above the city, with tunnels you can walk through. Entry is about US$15 to 17 and you need 1.5 to 2 hours. Arrive when it opens to avoid the worst heat.
Getsemaní street art and Plaza de la Trinidad: Murals cover the lanes of this former working-class district, and the plaza fills in the evening with street food, musicians and locals. It is free, and 1 to 2 hours covers it. Evenings are best.
Plaza de Bolívar and the Palace of the Inquisition: The shaded plaza sits beside a museum that displays torture devices and colonial history. Entry is roughly US$7 to 8, and you need about 1 hour. Mornings are quieter.
Convent of La Popa: A hilltop convent with a small courtyard and the best panoramic view over the bay and the old city. Entry is about US$3 to 4, and the visit takes 1 hour. Go in the late afternoon and take a taxi up, as the road is not safe on foot.
Torre del Reloj and the Puerta del Reloj: The yellow clock tower is the main gate into the walled city and the place where the evening scene begins. It is free and takes 15 minutes, best after dark when it is lit.
Museo del Oro Zenú: A small, free museum with pre-Columbian gold and ceramic pieces from the Zenú culture. It takes 45 minutes and is a cool break from midday heat.
Palenqueras fruit sellers and Calle de la Moneda: A short stroll of narrow colonial streets with balconies, where women in bright dresses sell fruit. Expect to pay US$1 to 2 for a photo. Go in the morning.

The fortress in the morning and the walls at sunset fit comfortably into one day. Outside the city, the Rosario Islands, the mud volcano at Totumo and the fishing village of La Boquilla make good day trips.

Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

🏘️ NeighborhoodsNeighborhood guide to Cartagena

Cartagena splits into a few areas that sit close together, so you can sample most of them on foot without spending a peso on transport.

Centro (Walled City): The colonial core of balconied houses, plazas and cathedral bells, and the one area worth a full day. Walking is easy and free, but go early or after 5 pm, because midday heat and tour groups make the narrow streets tiring. Eating here costs more than elsewhere, so use it for sights and eat nearby.
Getsemaní: The best use of your evenings. Plaza de la Trinidad fills with street food, beer sellers and musicians after dark, and the alley murals reward wandering. It is a five-minute walk from Centro, so you get the nightlife without Centro prices.
San Diego: A quieter corner of the Walled City with small plazas, cafés and calmer evenings. Good

… read more 👉

Cartagena splits into a few areas that sit close together, so you can sample most of them on foot without spending a peso on transport.

Centro (Walled City): The colonial core of balconied houses, plazas and cathedral bells, and the one area worth a full day. Walking is easy and free, but go early or after 5 pm, because midday heat and tour groups make the narrow streets tiring. Eating here costs more than elsewhere, so use it for sights and eat nearby.
Getsemaní: The best use of your evenings. Plaza de la Trinidad fills with street food, beer sellers and musicians after dark, and the alley murals reward wandering. It is a five-minute walk from Centro, so you get the nightlife without Centro prices.
San Diego: A quieter corner of the Walled City with small plazas, cafés and calmer evenings. Good for a slow breakfast, not for nightlife.
Bocagrande: A strip of high-rises and beach hotels. The sand is brown and crowded with hawkers, so skip it if you want a swim. Come only for a seafront walk or a mall.
Castillo Grande and Manga: Manga has old mansions and a quiet waterfront, and Castillo Grande is residential and skippable. The Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas sits on San Lázaro hill in Pie del Cerro, a short walk from Getsemaní.

⌛️ 1 daySeeing the highlights in 24 hours

Do this day on foot, start early, and break at midday when the heat is heavy: a taxi covers the one stretch that is too far to walk comfortably.

7:30 AM: Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. Take a short taxi ride and enter at opening. Walk the tunnels while the stone is still cool, then look back at the old city from the ramparts.

9:30 AM: Getsemaní breakfast. Walk down to the neighborhood and find a bakery or cart for coffee and an arepa de huevo. The lanes here are quieter in the morning, so you can see the murals without crowds.

11:00 AM: Plaza de Bolívar and the Palace of the Inquisition. Cross into the walled center and spend an hour in the museum, which is shaded and cooler than the streets.

1:00 PM: Lunch and siesta. Eat a set lunch (corrientazo) at a local spot away from the main plazas, then … read more 👉

Do this day on foot, start early, and break at midday when the heat is heavy: a taxi covers the one stretch that is too far to walk comfortably.

7:30 AM: Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. Take a short taxi ride and enter at opening. Walk the tunnels while the stone is still cool, then look back at the old city from the ramparts.

9:30 AM: Getsemaní breakfast. Walk down to the neighborhood and find a bakery or cart for coffee and an arepa de huevo. The lanes here are quieter in the morning, so you can see the murals without crowds.

11:00 AM: Plaza de Bolívar and the Palace of the Inquisition. Cross into the walled center and spend an hour in the museum, which is shaded and cooler than the streets.

1:00 PM: Lunch and siesta. Eat a set lunch (corrientazo) at a local spot away from the main plazas, then rest in your hostel or a cafe until the heat eases.

3:30 PM: Museo del Oro Zenú. This small museum is easy to skip but gives a good look at the region’s pre-Columbian gold work, and it is free.

5:00 PM: Walls walk. Climb onto the ramparts near the Torre del Reloj and walk the sea side as the light softens. Drinks at the sunset bars along the wall are pricey, so a bottle from a vendor on the stones is cheaper.

7:00 PM: Barrio San Diego and Plaza de la Trinidad. Walk through quieter San Diego, where locals eat at plastic tables, then finish in Getsemaní with street food and music on the plaza steps.

🌤️ When to go?Seasonal considerations and timing

Cartagena is hot all year, so the choice is between dry and busy or rainy and quiet.

Dry Season (December to April): Days reach 30 to 32°C (86 to 90°F), nights sit near 25°C (77°F), and sea breezes keep it bearable. Rain is rare, but the Christmas and New Year weeks bring crowds and the highest prices for beds and tours.
Early Wet Season (May to July): Humid, around 31°C (88°F), with short afternoon downpours. Crowds thin, and there is a smaller bump around late June and July school holidays.
Peak Rains (September to November): The wettest months, with heavy storms that can flood Centro streets for an hour or two. Highs stay around 30°C (86°F). Bargains on beds are easiest to find now, and boat trips can be canceled.
Daylight and Events: Daylight is steady at roughly 11 to 13 hours across the

… read more 👉

Cartagena is hot all year, so the choice is between dry and busy or rainy and quiet.

Dry Season (December to April): Days reach 30 to 32°C (86 to 90°F), nights sit near 25°C (77°F), and sea breezes keep it bearable. Rain is rare, but the Christmas and New Year weeks bring crowds and the highest prices for beds and tours.
Early Wet Season (May to July): Humid, around 31°C (88°F), with short afternoon downpours. Crowds thin, and there is a smaller bump around late June and July school holidays.
Peak Rains (September to November): The wettest months, with heavy storms that can flood Centro streets for an hour or two. Highs stay around 30°C (86°F). Bargains on beds are easiest to find now, and boat trips can be canceled.
Daylight and Events: Daylight is steady at roughly 11 to 13 hours across the year. Carnival-style celebrations and the November independence festivities fill the city and raise prices.

Book a few weeks ahead for late December and the November holiday weekend, and otherwise arrive in January or February for the best balance of weather and price.

source: climatestotravel.comJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC

🛏️ Where to stay?Where staying makes the most sense

Getsemaní is the best area for a budget bed in Cartagena, with the densest cluster of hostels and guesthouses and dorm prices well below those inside the Walled City. Dorm beds usually run US$10 to 20 a night, and private rooms are available at moderate rates. The streets are lively until late, which means noise from bars and street music, so pack earplugs and ask for a room away from the plaza if you sleep lightly. After dark the main streets are busy and well populated, and it is a short walk to Centro, so you avoid taxis almost entirely.

The Walled City itself, especially San Diego and the quieter … read more 👉

Getsemaní is the best area for a budget bed in Cartagena, with the densest cluster of hostels and guesthouses and dorm prices well below those inside the Walled City. Dorm beds usually run US$10 to 20 a night, and private rooms are available at moderate rates. The streets are lively until late, which means noise from bars and street music, so pack earplugs and ask for a room away from the plaza if you sleep lightly. After dark the main streets are busy and well populated, and it is a short walk to Centro, so you avoid taxis almost entirely.

The Walled City itself, especially San Diego and the quieter edge of Centro, is the second choice. Hostels there are fewer and generally pricier, but you wake up inside the historic quarter, can beat the day-trippers to the main sights and walk home through well-lit lanes. It suits travelers who value quiet and atmosphere over a social scene, though you pay a premium for that.

Bocagrande has plenty of beds in tower hotels, but few true hostels, and it sits a US$3 to 4 taxi ride from the action. I would not stay there on a backpacker budget. Whichever area you pick, book ahead in December and January, when the good dorms fill and prices rise noticeably. Air conditioning is worth paying a little extra for, since nights stay hot and humid.

Best hostels in Cartagena

Best quality hotels in Colombia

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get around Cartagena

The costliest mistake is taking the first taxi from the airport or a Walled City gate without agreeing on a fare, since unmetered cars quote tourist prices that run double what locals pay. Settle the price before you get in, or use a ride-hailing app where it works. Beyond that, central Cartagena is compact and the traffic is the heat-and-horns kind, slow at rush hour, so you rarely need much more than your feet.

Walking: Free and the best option for Centro, San Diego and Getsemaní, which are all within about 15 minutes of each other. Heat is the only cost, so start early, carry water and use shade at midday.
Taxis: Short rides within the center and to Bocagrande or Manga run about US$2 to 4, and the airport is roughly US$5 to 8 for a 15 to 20 minute ride. They are comfortable and air-conditioned,

… read more 👉

The costliest mistake is taking the first taxi from the airport or a Walled City gate without agreeing on a fare, since unmetered cars quote tourist prices that run double what locals pay. Settle the price before you get in, or use a ride-hailing app where it works. Beyond that, central Cartagena is compact and the traffic is the heat-and-horns kind, slow at rush hour, so you rarely need much more than your feet.

Walking: Free and the best option for Centro, San Diego and Getsemaní, which are all within about 15 minutes of each other. Heat is the only cost, so start early, carry water and use shade at midday.
Taxis: Short rides within the center and to Bocagrande or Manga run about US$2 to 4, and the airport is roughly US$5 to 8 for a 15 to 20 minute ride. They are comfortable and air-conditioned, and fixed airport-to-center rates are posted at the airport. Agree the price first, always.
Buses and TransCaribe: The TransCaribe bus system costs under US$1 per ride and connects the bus terminal and the outer districts to the center. It is the best value for the terminal, though crowded in peak hours. Skip the old local minibuses unless you know the route, as they are confusing and packed.
Bike or Motorbike Taxi: Rentals are cheap, around US$4 to 8 a day, but the heat and erratic drivers make them less useful than they sound. I would skip motorbike taxis, which are unregulated and rarely worth the savings.
Boats: Boats to the Rosario Islands leave from the Muelle de los Pegasos area and the Bodeguita dock. Prices differ by trip.

👛 Costs (as of 19 October 2026)Travel costs and budget guide for Cartagena

A backpacker in Cartagena should plan on about US$55 to 65 a day, with high-season dorm beds and a mix of cheap local meals and a few paid activities.

Category	Budget Range	Local Reality
Dorm (high season)	US$14 to 22	Most dorms are in Getsemaní, with air conditioning at the upper end.
Dorm (off-season)	US$9 to 15	May and September to November bring noticeably lower prices.
Meals	US$12 to 20	Set lunches at US$4 to 7, street snacks at US$1 to 2, a sit-down dinner about US$8 to 12.
Local transport	US$2 to 6	Mostly walking, with the occasional taxi at US$2 to 4 for short rides.
City transport pass	US$1 to 3	TransCaribe bus fares cost under US$1 per ride, and no tourist pass is needed.
Activities and entry fees	US$8 to 15	Castillo de San Felipe costs about US$15 to 17 for foreigners, and many walls and plazas are

… read more 👉

A backpacker in Cartagena should plan on about US$55 to 65 a day, with high-season dorm beds and a mix of cheap local meals and a few paid activities.

Category	Budget Range	Local Reality
Dorm (high season)	US$14 to 22	Most dorms are in Getsemaní, with air conditioning at the upper end.
Dorm (off-season)	US$9 to 15	May and September to November bring noticeably lower prices.
Meals	US$12 to 20	Set lunches at US$4 to 7, street snacks at US$1 to 2, a sit-down dinner about US$8 to 12.
Local transport	US$2 to 6	Mostly walking, with the occasional taxi at US$2 to 4 for short rides.
City transport pass	US$1 to 3	TransCaribe bus fares cost under US$1 per ride, and no tourist pass is needed.
Activities and entry fees	US$8 to 15	Castillo de San Felipe costs about US$15 to 17 for foreigners, and many walls and plazas are free. Boat trips cost extra.
Miscellaneous	US$5 to 10	Drinks, water, sunscreen, laundry and tips.
Total Daily Budget	US$55 to 65	Using the high-season dorm; a day on the islands adds about US$35 to 55.

Eat the set lunch, called corrientazo, away from the Walled City, and drink beer from the Getsemaní plaza stalls rather than bars to save the most.

source: colombia.travel

⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🚌 Day tripsBest day trips from Cartagena

Cartagena works well for day trips because the main targets are close and most are sold by hostels and dock vendors.

Rosario Islands:

The coral islands offer clear water and snorkeling, and are the standard escape from the city beach. Boats take 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes each way from the dock. Budget US$25 to 45 for the boat, plus a park fee of around US$8 to 10 and lunch if it is not included. Go on a weekday in the dry season, since weekends are packed. First-timers often take the cheapest ticket and find the stop is a crowded beach club, so ask which island you will land on.

Playa Blanca, Barú:

A white-sand beach on the Barú peninsula, roughly 45 minutes to an hour by road or boat. Expect US$8 to 20 for transport and a few dollars for a chair, with fresh fish lunches around US$8 … read more 👉

Cartagena works well for day trips because the main targets are close and most are sold by hostels and dock vendors.

Rosario Islands:

The coral islands offer clear water and snorkeling, and are the standard escape from the city beach. Boats take 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes each way from the dock. Budget US$25 to 45 for the boat, plus a park fee of around US$8 to 10 and lunch if it is not included. Go on a weekday in the dry season, since weekends are packed. First-timers often take the cheapest ticket and find the stop is a crowded beach club, so ask which island you will land on.

Playa Blanca, Barú:

A white-sand beach on the Barú peninsula, roughly 45 minutes to an hour by road or boat. Expect US$8 to 20 for transport and a few dollars for a chair, with fresh fish lunches around US$8 to 12. Arrive early, as vendors swarm after mid-morning, and agree prices before ordering anything.

👉 Explore Playa Blanca

Totumo Mud Volcano:

A small volcano of warm mud where you float in a crater and get rubbed down by attendants. It lies about 50 minutes to an hour from the city, with shared tours at US$15 to 25. Tips are expected, so carry small bills and leave valuables in the vehicle.

San Basilio de Palenque:

A village founded by escaped enslaved Africans, with its own language and strong drumming and food traditions. It is around 1 hour 15 minutes by bus and a short ride, at about US$5 to 8 each way, or US$30 to 50 for a guided visit. A local guide adds the context you cannot easily get alone.

🍲 FoodEating & Drinking in Cartagena

Cartagena eats from the Caribbean coast, so think seafood, coconut and fried things. The signature plate is arroz con coco, sweet coconut rice, served with fried fish such as pargo frito and crisp patacones. Look for cazuela de mariscos, a creamy seafood stew, and ceviche served in cups by street vendors, often with crackers.

For snacks, arepa de huevo, a fried corn pocket with an egg inside, and carimañolas, yuca fritters stuffed with meat, are sold from carts for around US$1 to 2. At sunset the Plaza de la Trinidad in Getsemaní is the social heart of cheap eating, with grilled skewers, hot dogs and beer, and the whole plaza is the dinner table. The Bazurto market is the place for a real local lunch, with fish stalls, fruit sellers and loud cooks, though it is rough, hot and best visited in … read more 👉

Cartagena eats from the Caribbean coast, so think seafood, coconut and fried things. The signature plate is arroz con coco, sweet coconut rice, served with fried fish such as pargo frito and crisp patacones. Look for cazuela de mariscos, a creamy seafood stew, and ceviche served in cups by street vendors, often with crackers.

For snacks, arepa de huevo, a fried corn pocket with an egg inside, and carimañolas, yuca fritters stuffed with meat, are sold from carts for around US$1 to 2. At sunset the Plaza de la Trinidad in Getsemaní is the social heart of cheap eating, with grilled skewers, hot dogs and beer, and the whole plaza is the dinner table. The Bazurto market is the place for a real local lunch, with fish stalls, fruit sellers and loud cooks, though it is rough, hot and best visited in the morning.

To cool off, grab a limonada de coco, a creamy frozen coconut lemonade, or a jugo from a fruit stand for about US$1.50 to 3. Palenqueras in colorful dresses sell fruit bowls on the plazas, but photographing them usually costs a tip. Set lunch menus, corrientazo, in the center cost around US$4 to 7 and are the best value, since the tourist-facing restaurants in the Walled City charge triple.

🛡️ SafetyTraveler Safety Guide

Cartagena is manageable for backpackers, and most problems are petty rather than violent. The Walled City and Getsemaní are busy with police and people until late, but phones and cameras held loosely in hand are the main target, so keep them in a front pocket in crowds. Late at night, skip the empty streets on the edge of Getsemaní and the roads beyond the wall, and take a taxi instead of walking home. Solo travelers do well here and can walk the old center after dark, though women should expect frequent catcalling and can simply ignore it.

The everyday annoyances are persistent. Hawkers on the walls and beaches sell hats, massages and tours, and a firm “no gracias” with a smile is enough. Overpriced drinks, restaurant bills with added charges and unsolicited tour offers are common, so check … read more 👉

Cartagena is manageable for backpackers, and most problems are petty rather than violent. The Walled City and Getsemaní are busy with police and people until late, but phones and cameras held loosely in hand are the main target, so keep them in a front pocket in crowds. Late at night, skip the empty streets on the edge of Getsemaní and the roads beyond the wall, and take a taxi instead of walking home. Solo travelers do well here and can walk the old center after dark, though women should expect frequent catcalling and can simply ignore it.

The everyday annoyances are persistent. Hawkers on the walls and beaches sell hats, massages and tours, and a firm “no gracias” with a smile is enough. Overpriced drinks, restaurant bills with added charges and unsolicited tour offers are common, so check the bill and agree prices first. Be cautious with strangers offering drinks or drugs in bars, and keep an eye on your glass. Use only licensed taxis or apps, and carry a photocopy of your passport, leaving the original locked up.

Check Country Safety

FAQTraveler FAQ

Three days is enough for Cartagena itself: one for the Walled City and Castillo de San Felipe, one for Getsemaní and the food, and one for the Rosario Islands or Playa Blanca at US$25 to 45. Add a fourth day for Totumo mud volcano or San Basilio de Palenque. Beach lovers who want to relax can stretch to five days.

Cartagena is manageable for solo backpackers, with the Walled City and Getsemaní busy and policed until late. Petty theft and persistent hawkers are the main issues, so keep phones out of sight, use taxis after dark, and avoid empty streets beyond the wall. Staying in Getsemaní hostels makes it easy to meet people and share tours.

Cartagena is known for its walled colonial center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. It also draws visitors for its Caribbean beaches and the Rosario Islands, about an hour by boat. Getsemaní’s street art and plaza nightlife, plus fresh seafood and coconut rice, round out its reputation.

⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Colombian cities near Cartagena

Explore more nearby:

Santa Cruz de Lorica—Sinú River canals, iron market hall, caña flecha weaving| 133 km away
Santa Marta—Oldest Spanish city, Taganga dive bay, Sierra Nevada access| 168 km away
Turbo—Banana port, Urabá gulf piers, Darién boat departures| 290 km away

💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for Colombia including Cartagena and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all cities

Or checkout all Colombia has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)

Explore Colombia

We 💚 feedbackIs it worth it?

Cartagena suits travelers who want history, heat and a social hostel scene, and it frustrates anyone chasing quiet or low prices. I would sleep in Getsemaní, eat where locals queue, and give the city two full days. Anything longer, spend on the coast or the islands instead.

✈️ When did I visit Colombia?
Did a good 3-week trip around Colombia in August 2014.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Colombia, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.

🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpack

Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story

Colombia🇨🇴 | citiesCartagenaStone ramparts, San Felipe fortress, Getsemaní murals, Caribbean heat | things to do and best time to go

Backpacking in Cartagena
UNESCO World Heritage site
🏆 Top pickcity ranked #1
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

✨ Why go?
Ranked #1 city in ColombiaThe unique appeal for travelers

💡 HighlightsMust-see experiences and standout moments

Things to do in Cartagena

The Howling Trail Hike

Cartagena Jet Ski Adventure with Optional Drone Video

Romantic Date Night in the Bay of Cartagena

Champeta with us, it's a vibe

Cartagena Private Photo Session With a Professional Photographer

Authentic Cartagena City Tour

Specialty Coffee Workshops in Cartagena

Private Airport Transfer to Hotel or viceversa

Birdwatching in a private nature reserve

Private Boat Rental: Create Your Route in Rosario 12 people

🏘️ NeighborhoodsNeighborhood guide to Cartagena

⌛️ 1 daySeeing the highlights in 24 hours

🌤️ When to go?Seasonal considerations and timing

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutColombia Travel Guide

🛏️ Where to stay?Where staying makes the most sense

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get around Cartagena

👛 Costs (as of 19 October 2026)Travel costs and budget guide for Cartagena

🚌 Day tripsBest day trips from Cartagena

🍲 FoodEating & Drinking in Cartagena

🛡️ SafetyTraveler Safety Guide

FAQTraveler FAQ

Other Colombian cities near Cartagena

We 💚 feedbackIs it worth it?

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Colombia🇨🇴 | citiesCartagenaStone ramparts, San Felipe fortress, Getsemaní murals, Caribbean heat | things to do and best time to go

Backpacking in CartagenaUNESCO World Heritage site🏆 Top pickcity ranked #1By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbe9669928e')

✨ Why go?Ranked #1 city in ColombiaaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbe9669a0e3')The unique appeal for travelersaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbe9669a0e9')

💡 HighlightsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbe9669b091')Must-see experiences and standout momentsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbe9669b097')

Things to do in Cartagena

The Howling Trail Hike

Cartagena Jet Ski Adventure with Optional Drone Video

Romantic Date Night in the Bay of Cartagena

Champeta with us, it's a vibe

Cartagena Private Photo Session With a Professional Photographer

Authentic Cartagena City Tour

Specialty Coffee Workshops in Cartagena

Private Airport Transfer to Hotel or viceversa

Birdwatching in a private nature reserve

Private Boat Rental: Create Your Route in Rosario 12 people

🏘️ NeighborhoodsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbe9669b86c')Neighborhood guide to CartagenaaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbe9669b871')

⌛️ 1 dayaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbe9669c53d')Seeing the highlights in 24 hoursaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbe9669c542')

🌤️ When to go?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbe9669cdb0')Seasonal considerations and timingaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbe9669cdb6')

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutColombia Travel Guide

🛏️ Where to stay?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbe9669dc4d')Where staying makes the most senseaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbe9669dc52')

🚌 Getting aroundaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbe9669e440')How to get around CartagenaaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbe9669e444')

👛 Costs (as of 19 October 2026)addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbe9669ee40')Travel costs and budget guide for CartagenaaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbe9669ee45')

🚌 Day tripsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbe966b041e')Best day trips from CartagenaaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbe966b0427')

🍲 FoodaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbe966b0c3b')Eating & Drinking in CartagenaaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbe966b0c3f')

🛡️ SafetyaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbe966b1347')Traveler Safety GuideaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbe966b134b')

FAQaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbe966b13e7')Traveler FAQaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbe966b13ec')

Other Colombian cities near CartagenaaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbe966b466c')

We 💚 feedbackaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbe966b480a')Is it worth it?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbe966b480e')

👋 Meet the founderaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbe966b4852')Who’s Behind Take Your Backpack?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbe966b4856')

Backpacking in Cartagena
UNESCO World Heritage site
🏆 Top pickcity ranked #1
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

✨ Why go?
Ranked #1 city in ColombiaThe unique appeal for travelers

💡 HighlightsMust-see experiences and standout moments

🏘️ NeighborhoodsNeighborhood guide to Cartagena

⌛️ 1 daySeeing the highlights in 24 hours

🌤️ When to go?Seasonal considerations and timing

🛏️ Where to stay?Where staying makes the most sense

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get around Cartagena

👛 Costs (as of 19 October 2026)Travel costs and budget guide for Cartagena

🚌 Day tripsBest day trips from Cartagena

🍲 FoodEating & Drinking in Cartagena

🛡️ SafetyTraveler Safety Guide

FAQTraveler FAQ

Other Colombian cities near Cartagena

We 💚 feedbackIs it worth it?

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?