Travel & Stay
Cartagena
Cartagena is a city that is located on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, in the northwestern part of the South American continent. If you are wondering where is Cartagena in Colombia, it is located in the north of the country and is the capital of the Bolívar region. The city has several archipelagos and islands around that are paradises for true rest. Among these are Tierra Bomba Island, Múcura Island, and Barú Island, among others.
Cartagena de Indias is known for combining the charm of colonial architecture, the excitement of a vivid nightlife, fascinating cultural festivals, and lush landscapes to create the perfect experience. The city’s beaches beckon, inviting you to unwind and enjoy yourself in the refreshing breeze and warm waters of the sea.
Getting there
Suggested travel dates:
Tuesday, November 26th, to Sunday, December 1st, 2024
Airlines that fly directly to Cartagena:
- Avianca
- Latam
- American Airlines
- Copa Airlines
- Wingo
- Jet Smart
For transport in the city, we suggest to use the Uber app, or call for a taxi directly from your Hotel.
If you want to hire personal transport you can contact Amparo Medrano, at the following link.
Where to stay
Movich Cartagena de Indias
“Come and discover the perfect hotel to savor the romantic atmosphere of the historic center of Cartagena. The Hotel Movich Cartagena de Indias is an exquisite colonial-style boutique hotel located in the walled city, and is also the only hotel in the city that belongs to the exclusive Small Luxury Hotels of the World.”
Address: Centro Histórico, Calle de Vélez Danies No. 4 – 39.
Bookings: Bookingsmovich
Website: www.movichhotel.com
Rates: 265 USD per night
Anandá Boutique Hotel
"Ourrestored 16th-century colonial house is the perfect destination for romantic vacations and honeymoons or a relaxing corporate gathering. Stay with us in the historic center of Cartagena de Indias, just a few blocks from Santo Domingo Square, and discover this charming UNESCO World Heritage city".
Address: Calle del Cuartel # 36-77.
Bookings: reservas@anandacartagena.com or through hotel website.
Website: www.anandahotelboutique.com/en
Rates: 250 USD per night
Bastión Luxury Hotel
"Charm, exclusivity and luxury services go hand in hand at the Bastion Luxury Hotel, one of the most exceptional hotels in Cartagena de Indias. Located in the old town of Cartagena, Colombia, built on the site of an old colonial house from the 16th century. This hotel has been specially designed to offer our guests unique experiences that will allow them to discover all the secrets of this fascinating city in Colombia".
Address: Calle del Sargento Mayor # 6 - 87
Bookings: reservas.bastion@ghlhoteles.com or through the hotel website.
Website: www.en.bastionluxuryhotel.com
Rates: 253 USD per night
Rental Houses
If you want to rent a house at Cartagena for your stay, please contact Carolina Chaux via email at gerencia@carolinachaux.com or via whatsapp at +(57)3204313337.
Sofitel Legend Santa clara
“Its walls, which acted as a defensive shield in the past, blend in with colonial balconies and historic buildings that evoke the splendor of bygone eras. After significant efforts, the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena opened its doors as a luxurious hotel bursting with history, magic and impressive anecdotes…”
Address: Calle del Torno 39-29 Barrio San Diego.
Bookings: For reservations with wedding discount please send an email to gerencia@carolinachaux.com or via whatsapp +(57)3204313337
Website: www.sofitellegendsantaclara.com
Rates: 423 USD per night
Casa San Agustín
"You will experience a luxurious and relaxed atmosphere at this authentic boutique hotel, which was reimagined to keep the colonial heritage intact within three beautiful white houses that it is composed of. Its 20 beautifully decorated rooms and 11 suites preserve the authentic Colombian style, while incorporating modern services and amenities for today's travelers".
Address: Old city, Calle de la Universidad No. 36 - 44
Bookings: reservas@hotelcasasanagustin.com. or through the hotel website.
Website: www.hotelcasasanagustin.com
Rates: 518 USD per night
Charleston Santa Teresa
"Nestled within the enchanting walls of Cartagena de Indias, the hotel is a living testament to the rich history of this colonial gem. The architecture, dating back to the colonial era, speaks volumes about the storied past of our establishment. Today, it stands as a cultural haven, brimming with charm and history. Discover a unique blend of historical grandeur and contemporary elegance at our hotel, where every corner tells a tale of the captivating history of Cartagena".
Address: Carrera 3 # 31-23, Old city, Plaza Santa Teresa
Bookings: Through the hotel website.
Website: www.hotelcharlestonsantateresa.com
Rates: 331 USD per night
Osh Hotel
"We're located in Getsemaní, one of the coolest neighborhoods on earth according to Forbes Magazine. Streets and people from your dreamed world.".
Address: Calle 31 N° 10 - 77, Calle de la Magdalena, Getsemaní
Bookings: reservas@oshhotels.com or through hotel website.
Website: www.oshhotels.com
Rates: 191 USD per night
Where to Eat & Drink
Cartagena, being a touristic city, is a gastronomical melting pot. You can find an abundance of traditional dishes from the Colombian coast such as coconut rice, fried fish, and patacones. However, you can also find a varying range of flavors like Asian, Italian, Lebanese, Spanish, and everything in between. Due to its privileged location on the Caribbean coast, you can also expect some of the best (and freshest!) seafood of your life.
Candé
"Is a beautiful colonial house located in the heart of the historic center. It has 11 years of experience under its belt and has been showcasing the Cartagena culture through its gastronomy, its menu filled with fresh seafood, typical rice, wild meats such as ram or rabbit and symbolic soups such as cheese mote and higadete (liver and ripe banana soup)".
Address: Centro Histórico Cll de la Serrezuela, Cra. 10 #39-02
Reservations: +(57) 605 668 5291 - +(57)311 697 8835
Website: www.restaurantecande.com
Alquímico
"Is a cocktail bar that seeks to show the best of Colombia to the world through a concept that transports us to an ancient practice, based on the transformation of natural processes in order to improve the material".
Address: Cl. del Colegio #34-24.
Website: www.alquimico.com
Carmen
"In an intimate, exclusive and elegant space located in a traditional colonial home in Cartagena's historic downtown, Carmen offers contemporary cuisine inspired by Colombia's biodiversity and rich culinary culture with a special focus on the flavors and ingredients of the Colombian Caribbean".
Address: Cll 38 # 8-19, Calle del Santísimo
Reservations: reservas@carmencartagena.com - +(57) 310 394 93 44
Website: www.carmencartagena.com
Café del mar
"Incredible sunsets, electronic music, cocktails with indescribable flavors and the best atmosphere to enjoy as a group".
Address: Centro Histórico, Baluarte de Santo Domingo
Reservations: Cafedelmar
Website: www.cafedelmarcartagena.com.co
Celele
“Contemporary Caribbean cuisine based on the gastronomic culture and biodiversity of the Colombian Caribbean territory".
Address: Cra. 10c # 29 -200, Calle del Espíritu Santo
Reservations: +57 (301) 742 0389 - reservas@celelerestaurante.com
Website: www.celelerestaurante.com
For more places to eat or have a nice drink please click on the following links bestrestaurants and bestbarandclubs.
What to do
1. Do a walking tour of Cartagena's charming streets
Discover the charming streets of Old Town and Getsemani. These two neighborhoods are at the heart of Cartagena’scolonial heritage and are filled with history and charm. Take a stroll through the colorful streets, admire the architecture, and sample the local cuisine.
2. Visit the San Felipe Castle
This is the most famous landmark in Cartagena, and it’s pretty hard to miss. It was built way back in 1657 to protect against pirates looking to make off with the silver and gold that was bound for Europe. Wait until later in the day to head up here and explore the maze-like tunnels and enjoy the views of the city off to the side.
3. Go island hopping
Cartagena is located on the Caribbean coast, and there are plenty of nearby islands to explore. Take a boat tour to the Rosario Islands, Isla Baru, and Playa Blanca for a day of sun, sea, and relaxation.
4. Experience the Nightlife and Roof Top Bars
Check out places like Café Havana for live salsa music or Alquímico for a unique cocktail experience. We also recommend Casa Pura, Buena Vida, Town House, Mar y Zielo.
5. Street Food Tour
Explore the streets of Cartagena by tasting local delicacies throughout the city. Learn about the history and culture of food in Colombia.
6. Totumo Mud Volcano
You can climb inside the Totumo Volcano, one of the world's smallest volcanoes, and enjoy a relaxing soak in the warm mud, experiencing the healing properties of the mineral-infused mud
7. Shopping
Discover Las Bóvedas, a series of small shops located on the eastern side of the Old City. Originally built as storage vaults in the 18th century, now it's a shopping destination. Along Calle Santo Domingo, you'll find several boutiques featuring top Colombian designers. Another unique shopping experience can be found at La Serrezuela, a historic bullfighting ring that has been transformed into a mall.
If you would like to take a guided tour, we recommend that you contact Wendy Sanchéz, at this link.