Why You Should Visit Cartagena, Colombia

Originally named Cartagena de Indias by Spanish colonizers, this beautiful, colorful, and culturally diverse city in Colombia has become a favorite international destination among travelers around the world.

Is it because of the numerous pristine white sand beaches? The romantic ambiance it exudes? Exotic fruits? Or is it the beautiful women who call it home that make it a place worth visiting?

Either way, exploring Cartagena should definitely be on your travel bucket list.

That being said, here are things to expect when visiting this Spanish colonial city.

The Old City is as beautiful as the pictures.

Medellin is known for its iconic monuments in Plaza Botero. Barranquilla is known for its grand festival, Carnaval de Barranquilla. Bogota is famous for its parks and ecological reserves. So what does Cartagena have that makes it a place worth visiting?

Instead of iconic bronze statues, grand festivals, and natural attractions, the city itself is what draws tourists in. Cartagena is, arguably, the prettiest city in all of South America. Pictures won’t even do it justice.

As soon as you pass through the stone walls into the Old City, you’ll be greeted by vibrant and colorful houses. Aside from the stunning and picture-perfect colonial architecture, there’s also a wide array of amazing restaurants and bars where you can stop by while roaming the neighborhood.

Below are a few things to do while inside the Old Town of Cartagena Colombia:

• Join a free walking tour. Learn about the city’s fascinating history.
• Hunt for big and pretty doors. Snap a picture and post it on Instagram.
• Take a picture of the iconic clock tower or Puerta del Reloj. It can be found at the main entrance to the Old City, it’s impossible to miss.
• To end your day, watch the sunset while sipping drinks at Cafe del Mar. It has the best afternoon view of the city.

Photos with the famous fruit lady aren’t free.

The palenqueras, known as the fruit ladies, are the unofficial poster faces of Cartagena. You’ll find them on almost every front page of a Colombian travel magazine. They are, typically, black women wearing colorful, vibrant, and loose dresses with fruit bowls balanced on their heads. They usually roam the streets of the Walled City waiting for tourists to ask for a photo with them.

Before taking a picture of these women, you need to ask for permission. Afterwards, tip them for their time. Keep in mind that the majority of them are very poor. Posing and taking pictures with tourists is their main livelihood. Hence, don’t be disrespectful by sneaking in a photo without them knowing.

There are numerous food carts and stalls around the city.

While there are hundreds of world-class restaurants in the city, please don’t overlook the street food. You’ll find an abundance of food vendors sprawling throughout the city’s streets. If you ever find a food cart or stall that looks interesting and appetizing, do yourself a favor and buy something. You won’t regret it.

Here are some things to try:

• Fresh fruits and jugo — It’s a tropical country, so expect fresh organic fruits. They are commonly sold peeled and sliced for the buyer’s convenience. Some stalls also offer fresh juice. You’ll find a mountain of coconuts lying on the side of the street that’s usually cracked to order. Make sure to buy one and don’t forget to ask the vendor to open it for you so you can carve the coconut meat after.
• Cafe con leche — Visit any park in the city and find a vendor carrying a thermos and a maleta full of coffee mugs. Ask him for a cup of cafe con leche. It’s cheap. Then take a seat on a nearby bench, enjoy your coffee, and watch people pass by. It may be one of the best non-touristy things to do in Cartagena you could try.
• Ceviche — Raw fish that’s marinated in spices and lime juice. You have to try this dish if you’re in Cartagena. Since the city is near the Caribbean sea, most of the seafood sold in stalls and restaurants is guaranteed fresh from the waters.

Experience the colorful and interesting street art in the Getsemani neighborhood.

Just outside the Walled Town is a famous neighborhood known for its street art and mural paintings. It may not be the cleanest and most well-kept place in Cartagena, but its hipster and bohemian charm continues to draw tourists in. Backpackers often go to this place since there’s a lot of cheap food options and accommodations.

Expect to find exotic islands and beautiful beaches.

Though Cartagena is located on the Caribbean Coast, you won’t find the picturesque Caribbean beach you were expecting on the city’s shorelines. But that doesn’t mean you won’t find any at all. Your best option is to go island hopping. Take a boat tour around the many tropical islets within Cartagena.

Visit these islands:

• Islas del Rosario — Located 100 kilometers off the city’s coast is an archipelago called the Rosario Islands. It’s made of 27 white sand islets surrounded by clear blue waters, perfect for scuba diving, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
• Playa Blanca — Another white sand beach that’s a favorite among tourists and locals. It’s located in Isla Baru, which some would mistake as part of the Rosario Island, but it’s not.

It’s not difficult to find yourself a reputable boating tour to take you to one of these islands. Numerous companies offer the service, just be sure to read the reviews and pick the best out of the rest.

Other fun things to anticipate on your Cartagena trip.

There are so many things to do and places to visit that we can’t possibly tell you every one of them. What we can do, however, is suggest three more other things to do in this city.

1. Take a ride on a Chiva Party Bus — As tacky as a ‘party bus’ sounds, it’s a really fun nighttime activity to participate in. You get to ride on a huge school bus that’s adorned with bright LED lights and accompanied by loud music. As a cherry on top, some Chiva buses have a functioning bar. It’s a great take on “night clubs on wheels.”
2. Have a mud bath in a volcano — It’s not exactly located in Cartagena. However, it will only take you a few minutes to travel from Cartagena to Volcan del Totumo. The fare to and from won’t cost you a lot. In addition, the entrance fee to bathe in the volcanic mud will only cost you four US dollars. If you ask most tourists, it’s definitely worth the day trip.
3. Go souvenir shopping and bargain hunting — After a few days of touring the city, you might want to try retail therapy, just for a change of pace. Aside from the shopping malls, make sure to visit small boutiques along the streets. It’s the best place to find handcrafted local goods and items.

Book a Singles Vacation Tour

You’re single and don’t want to travel alone? Not sure where to stay in Cartagena?

Why not book a single vacation tour with us? Meet beautiful Colombian women while exploring Cartagena. Sign up now and check out our available tour dates!