THINGS TO DO in CARTAGENA – VISIT JEWEL OF COLOMBIA
Parm Parmar, Blue Planet Adventure, shares his top picks for Cartagena, Colombia.
It’s easy to see why Cartagena has inspired many artists and writers by walking the streets. My journey to Cartagena was a wonderful experience. I was captivated by the colorful food and the rich history. Cartagena is the ideal place to enjoy history, culture, and delicious Latin food. There is much more to Cartagena than its rich history.
There are so many great things to do in Cartagena.
Cartagena has so many things to do; it can take a lot of work to include everything in your travel plans. These are our top picks, regardless of whether you’re a history buff and looking for adventure.
Las Bovedas
Tourists love this bustling market.
You can shop for souvenirs and unique trinkets if you are willing to brave the crowds.
Las Bovedas can be seen by itself. It is one of the oldest structures within the city walls. It has 47 arches and 23 domes. It has also had a turbulent past as a munitions store, then a prison before becoming a bustling market.
San Alberto Coffee Tasting
Gustavo Villota, a 3rd-generation coffee grower, will lead a coffee tasting at Cafe San Alberto. The class will teach you about coffee plants and how they are processed. It also includes a sensory exercise.
This specialty coffee is one of the best in Buenavista (Columbia). You can shop for high-quality beans in the cafe below the classroom after class.
Rum And Chocolate Tasting At Sofitel Legend
Enjoy rum and chocolate at the Sofitel Legend. The somellier will carefully select the best rums from the Caribbean.
Take in the views from this historic hotel, which was once a convent.
Visit the National Aviary
Visit the National Aviary of Colombia Tour if you are a bird lover. The tour features 135 wild species of birds. Twenty-one interactive stations allow visitors to learn more about each species. You can expect to see parrots, emus, Harpy Eagles, and many other species.
Enjoy a Walking Tour
Walking is one of the best ways you can see the old city. Cartagena’s elite still owns many grand colonial homes.
You can walk through cobblestone streets to glimpse the past-century city.
Select Tours in Cartagena
Get Your GuideOffers city tours and excursion around Cartegena with the ability to cancel up to 24 hours before.
For $49, you can take the Cartagena Full Day City Tour through the city’s highlights, including Las Bovedas and the streets of Getsemani. You also get to see the tunnel system of Castillo de San Felipe.
For a more private experience, you can book a private tour around the city starting at $156.
Cartagena’s Old Walled City
You can visit some of Cartagena’s most beautiful places in the old city. Stop by the Torre del Reloj in Cartagena, the regal clock tower at the city’s entrance.
Another stop to add to your itinerary is the Getsemani. It is a significant neighborhood in Cartagena and a cultural hub. It is home to some of the most fantastic street art.
Many walls are decorated with vibrant colors and stunning murals that keep you interested as you walk around.
Visit the Rosario Islands
You can also enjoy local seafood, and all the Caribbean offers – clear skies, white beaches, and living in “island” time. Sunset Sailing Cartagena provides day tours to the islands. Learn more about another remote island Easter Island. Mysterious Statues on the Pacific Island.
Get Your Guide also offers full-day sailing trips to Rosario Islands starting from $86
Dancing And Nightlife
At night, the Old City is alive with vibrant nightlife and richness. Don’t worry if you need more confidence in your dancing skills. Get your salsa skills up at Crazy Salsa.
The professional dancers will teach you how to master Latin American dance moves and help you learn the basics.
Cartagena: Where to Stay
Cartagena’s most luxurious boutique hotels are now located in historical residences or restored convents.
You will sleep in quarters built during the Spanish colonial period. Most rooms are around open-air courtyards, but they have been renovated to include modern amenities. These are some of our favorite places to stay.
Casa San Augustin
The Casa San Augustin boutique hotel exudes luxury, from its white-washed colonial-era buildings to its prime location in Cartagena.
It is 17th-century splendor at its best. It boasts 20 rooms and 11 beautiful suites, all located in three homes to give it the feeling of home.
The architectural details are exceptional, from the wood beam ceilings to some two-story suites’ spiral staircases. All suites come with all the creature comforts and Ortigia Italian amenities.
The hotel’s amenities include a relaxing spa, a lovely L-shaped pool, and an aqueduct that dates back 300 years. The Alma restaurant serves fine dining and also serves breakfast in the morning.
Casa Cochera del Gobernador
We stayed at the Casa Cochera del Gobernador for two nights. We could have stayed longer.
It is located in Cartagena de Indias, near the Santa Catalina Cathedral. It is housed within one of the oldest buildings in the city, dating back to the 16th century.
These rooms have a beautiful design with light, airy, and luxurious bedding. They are the ideal setting for a relaxing evening. The friendly staff serves a delicious breakfast on the second floor. The buffet includes fresh local fruits and is delicious.
Food of Cartagena – Where to Eat in Cartegena
Cartagena’s culinary scene thrives. Here, you can find many local foods.
Many local restaurants take advantage of this rich resource to create island-inspired dishes. Traditional dishes such as ceviche, Arroz con coco, and Pargo Frito will be found.
Whether you eat at a 5-star restaurant or grab a quick bite from the street vendor, you will be satisfied. There are many fantastic cafes and restaurants in Cartagena.
Concina de Pepina
Depending on your taste buds, you can try the ceviche or Mote de Queso at Cocina de Pepina. This is traditional Colombian cuisine and one of the most popular restaurants along the north coast.