Top Things to Do in Cartagena
About the City
Cartagena de Indias, a gem on Colombia's Caribbean coast, is a fusion of historical intrigue and tropical bliss. Imagine strolling through cobbled streets, where the whispers of pirates mingle with the laughter of locals. The Old Town, surrounded by weathered walls, brims with colonial architecture painted in a palette of pastels, balconied homes entwined with bougainvillea, and churches casting shadows over lively plazas. As the sun dips, the vibrant nightlife awakens, with beats pulsating from animated bars and restaurants serving a smorgasbord of fresh seafood and local delicacies. However, Cartagena isn't without its flaws. The tropical heat can be stifling, making air-conditioning a non-negotiable rather than a luxury. Its popularity isn't a well-kept secret, meaning tourist crowds can swamp the quaint streets, sometimes leading to overpriced services. And while the beaches within the city like Bocagrande are convenient, they don't hold a candle to the idyllic, less-frequented sands a short boat ride away. Be wary of street vendors who can be a little too persistent, slightly marring the otherwise relaxed atmosphere. In essence, Cartagena is a heady cocktail of charm and chaos, a place where the Caribbean spirit dances on every corner, and history breathes through the vivid tableau of its streets.
Things to Do in Cartagena
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Buy a Drink from the Floating Barman
Food & DrinkIn Colombia, the bar floats to you! Buy a drink from the floating barman to complete this Challenge! Try the Coco Loco for the full experience đ
Attend a Cumbia live performance!
The UnexpectedJust amazing! Cumbia is the traditional music of Colombia and listen to a live band playing it's just priceless. Relax and follow the rhythm! (And if you're lucky enough, you can spot it right on a Ca...
Stand Up Paddleboarding at Playa Blanca
OutdoorsPlaya Blanca's crystal-clear waters are calling you. Jump on a paddleboard and keep your balance while enjoying Cartagena's coastline. It's all about that core strength and the zen of the sea, baby!
Join a Local Board Game Night
The UnexpectedDice, cards, endless laughter, and maybe a little competitionâdelve into Cartagena's friendly side with a local board game night. Whether you're a chess champ or a Monopoly mogul, you'll find your tri...
Paint Your Heart Out at a Local Art Workshop
The UnexpectedUnleash your inner Picasso and get those creative juices flowing at a Cartagena art workshop. Spend an afternoon brushing up on your painting skills or learning a new craft. Not only do you get a cool...
Lend a Hand at a Local Community Project
The UnexpectedVenture beyond tourist spots and give back to the city that's giving you so much love. Join a community project for a day and help paint a local school, teach English, or plant some greenery. You'll l...
Ultimate Pirate Adventure: Treasure-Hunt Style Geocaching
OutdoorsAhoy, matey! Fancy yourself a modern-day swashbuckler? Geocaching is like a global treasure hunt where your phone leads ye to hidden 'caches'. Navigate through Cartagena's historical streets, decode c...
Hike to Castillo Grande's Peak
OutdoorsPut on those hiking boots and conquer Castillo Grande's peak. A trail of lush forest, epic views, and the chance to say 'I've dominated a hill in Cartagena.' Feel the burn, earn that view!
Sunset Kayak Adventure in Cartagena Bay
OutdoorsPaddle into the sunset in the picturesque Cartagena Bay! Glide over the calm waters as the sky explodes with colors, and watch the city lights start to twinkle. A magical experience that's also a snea...
Explore the Gold Mine Ruins at El Laguito
OutdoorsAdventure through the remnants of gold mines in El Laguito. It's like stepping into a combo of history with a taste of Indiana Jones's adventures. Cover yourself with sunscreen and unleash your inner ...
Taste Cartagena's Original Kibbeh
Food & DrinkWho's up for a foodie treasure hunt? Cartagena's Syrian-Lebanese community has gifted the city with Kibbeh, and oh boy, what a gift it is! Imagine deep-fried bulgur wheat balls, stuffed with spiced me...
Marvel at the Underwater Wonders in Rosario Islands
SightsSail away from the city and dive into an oceanic paradise at the Rosario Islands. Don your snorkel or scuba gear and get ready to be dazzled by colorful corals and schools of fish. It's a day trip, su...
Get Snap-Happy at Ciudad Amurallada
SightsGrab your camera and get ready to capture the essence of Cartagena's heart! Wander the quaint cobblestoned streets of Ciudad Amurallada, where every corner offers a photo-op worthy of a spot on your w...
Unearth the Secrets of San Felipe Castle
SightsGet in touch with your inner conquistador at Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas! Scale the walls of this formidable fortress, explore hidden tunnels, and soak up panoramic views that'll make you feel l...
Jive with the Rhythms of GetsemanĂ
SightsLose yourself to the infectious beat of GetsemanĂ, Cartagena's cultural hotbed! This neighborhood is a live canvas, dripping with street art, filled with hip cafes, and echoing with the sounds of sals...
Chill with a Sunset at Café del Mar
SightsThere's no better way to bid the day adieu than sipping on a frosty drink at Café del Mar. Perched atop the ancient ramparts, this spot gifts you stunning vistas of the horizon swallowing the sun. Che...
Taste the Enigmatic Enyucado
Food & DrinkDive into the mysterious depths of Enyucado â a cake that's an enigma, wrapped in a riddle, all inside a yuca! This is a sweet, dense treat made from yuca, anise seeds, and cheese that will take your ...
Indulge in a Cartagenera-style Ceviche
Food & DrinkShock your taste buds with a citrus zing from the freshest fish in town! Cartagenera-style ceviche is a tropical explosion of flavors, marinated in lime and packed with chunks of avocado, onion, and c...
Savor the Local Favorite: Posta Negra Cartagenera
Food & DrinkAhoy mate! Ready to try a hearty plate of Posta Negra Cartagenera? This is Cartagena's take on tender beef, simmered in a combo of caramel and spices until it's as dark as a pirate's soul but as flavo...
Discover the Magic of a Cartagena Serenade on a Horse-Drawn Carriage
The UnexpectedFeel like royalty while you clip-clop through the cobbled streets of old Cartagena by night. A horse-drawn carriage ride feels like a time machine taking you back to an era of romance and adventure. C...