Destination
Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena is a walled Caribbean port of pastel colonial streets, flowered balconies and salsa bars, with island beaches an hour away by boat.
Trips to Cartagena from every city
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When to go
| Month | Season |
|---|---|
| January | best |
| February | best |
| March | best |
| April | best |
| May | fine |
| June | fine |
| July | fine |
| August | fine |
| September | avoid |
| October | avoid |
| November | avoid |
| December | best |
- November: Independence celebrations and the Miss Colombia pageant fill the city in mid-November.
- January: Hay Festival Cartagena literary festival in late January.
September, October, November: Wettest months, with heavy afternoon downpours and the most humid weather of the year.
Where to stay in Cartagena
- Centro Histórico (the Walled City): Colonial mansions turned boutique hotels inside the 17th-century walls.
- Getsemaní: Street art, plazas full of music and the liveliest bars, just outside the walls.
- Bocagrande: High-rise beachfront hotels on the peninsula, a short taxi from the old town.
- Islas del Rosario: Overnight in a beach lodge on the islands an hour away by boat.
What to do in Cartagena
- Walk the city walls at sunset
- Day trip by boat to the Rosario Islands
- Street art and salsa bars in Getsemaní
- Climb the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas fortress
- Rooftop cocktails over the Walled City
Good to know
| Airports | Rafael Núñez International (CTG) |
|---|---|
| Passport for US citizens | yes |
| Price level | mid-range |
| Time zone | America/Bogota |
| Kind of trip | beach, history, culture, nightlife, romantic |
Questions about Cartagena
When is the best time to visit Cartagena?
December, January, February, March and April. September, October, November: Wettest months, with heavy afternoon downpours and the most humid weather of the year.
Do US citizens need a passport for Cartagena?
Yes. Cartagena is in Colombia; bring a valid passport.
How expensive is Cartagena on the ground?
Cartagena is mid-range by US standards: plan about $90 per person per day for food, getting around and tickets.