Cartagena is the tourism capital of Colombia and a great introduction to the country. There are amazing beaches, historic places, top restaurants, bars and clubs and even, one of my favorites, a volcano mud bath. Colombia is one of the countries that despite Covid make it easy to get around and get in and out.
There are many reasons to love Cartagena year round, but it is a little more special over the December holidays because of the holiday lights, energy and festive atmosphere.
Here are the top activities to do, the Holiday Festival in December and information about Covid Rules and other important travel information. 1- The Walled City 2- The Rosario Islands 3-Getsemani Neighborhood 4- Totuma Mud Bath 4- Bocagrande Beach 6- San Felipe Castillo 7- La Popa Sanctuary 8- Museums and Churches 9- The Bovedas 10- Holiday Festival 11- Travel and other important information.
The Walled City
The Walled City is the historic center of the city where the museums, restaurants, boutique shops and main tourist spots are and which at night turns into the central nightlife area with bars, salsa clubs and discos going late into the night.
Rosario Islands
Some of the most beautiful beaches are a short boat ride away. There are many tours offered. My tour took me from the city center to 3 islands and stopped in front of 2 other islands where we could jump off and swim next to the boat. (250,000 cop per person, about US $65). On the islands there are restaurants where you can relax and eat and drink.
Getsemani- Neighborhood
The cool neighborhood is definitely Getsemani (pronounced with no G – so Estemani). Here is the great street art, the cool cafes, shops and bars. This is also where the famous Havana Cafe is.
Mud Volcano Bath Totuma
One of my favorite things to do outside Cartagena is the mud bath. You walk up fifty steps on what looks like a big ant hill to go into the mud bath. I don’t know what is in the mud but it feels great afterwards, very refreshing. You can hang out in the bath and have a couple drinks and talk to people. It also has a magnificent view of the lake from the top. After you climb down the stairs a woman will walk you down to the lake and wash the mud off you. There are a number of places to eat here. It is about an hour outside Cartagena but a pleasant drive. I highly recommend it.
Bocagrande Beach
The best beach in the city is Bocagrande Beach and this is where the high end hotels are. As Cartagena is always hot, it is nice to be on the beach to relax at the end of the day. There are little roped off areas on the beach which you can rent with chairs and umbrella to relax and they sell everything on the beach; food, drinks, massage, souvenirs, music.
San Felipe Castle
San Felipe Castle is one of the main Cartagena landmarks. It also has an interesting 480 years history. The castle has been invaded by both armies and pirates on a number of occasions. Its a nice place to walk around, learn the history and has some good views of the city.
La Popa Convent
The Convent on Mount Popa is a sanctuary built in 1612. It is beautiful place with a small religious museum and panoramic views of the city.
Museums and Churches
The main museums the Palace of the Inquisition, 46 Plaza de Bolivar Carrera 3 33, and the Museum of San Pedro Claver and the Museum of Modern Art both in the walled city next to and across from the Church of San Pedro Claver, Carrera. 4 #30-01. Around the corner from the Plaza (behind San Pedro Church) is the Naval Museum if you are interested. The most famous church is the Church of San Pedro Claver in Plaza de San Pedro Claver, Carrera. 4 #30-01 and the oldest church is the Church of Santo Domingo, Carrera 3 #33-60, both in the walled city. I would also recommend the Church of the Trinidad in Gestemani at Carrera 10 #25. For more info on Cartagena Museums see here: Museums.
The Bovedas
The Bovesdas are twenty three dungeons built between around 1790 in the walls of the city and used as jails. They have now been turned into boutique shops for tourists. If shopping is your thing and you are looking for more high end items, you may also want to check out the mall at La Serrevuela (Carrera 11 #39-21) which is not far away, very nice and a great value due to the Colombian peso rate right now.
Holiday Lights
Starting from mid-December through January, there are neon floats and sculptures in front of the Clock Tower and in the park across the street and a huge Holiday tree made of lights in the main square of the Walled City.
Inside the walled city is a huge neon tree you can walk into.
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
There is also a pre-enrollment online form which must be filled out 72 hours before travel (both entry and exit). It can be found here:
Colombia Entry and Exit Form – (this is important as if you are in a rush you do not want to be doing this at the Colombian airport where there is no wifi except at the shops and you need to purchase something to use their wifi)
Visa
For U.S., EU and UK Citizens not required for stays 90 days or less.
Flights
Main airlines are Spirit, Copa, American, United, Avianca and JetBlue
You can check for the best prices on flights at https://www.google.com/flights
The cheapest airline is usually Avianca or Spirit but note the small print as this is a no frills airline and you need to pay for may things which are included in the price of other airlines ie choosing you seat, water and snacks and most importantly luggage.
On Spirit they also charge for carry on bags which can be around $45 each way although a personal item is allowed for free (i.e purse, small backpack). The personal item can be (18 x 14 x 8 inches/ 45 x 35 x 20 cm).
Guests must wear facemark in the airport and plane.
Main Airport: Rafael Núñez International Airport
To City
– by taxi: 25,000 pesos (about $6.50) and is about 20 minutes to City Center.
(Please note Uber is illegal in Colombia. That said the app still works there so a car and driver will show up. The driver may ask you to sit in the front so the driver does not look like an Uber. As taxis are plentiful and cheap, I would advise using them instead of Uber in Colombia).
Currency & Credit Cards
The Colombian Peso (COP)
For the Exchange Rate with the U.S. dollar see: Exchange Rate
Most places do not take U.S. dollars.
Credit Cards can be used in most places.
The exchange rate at the airport is very bad. Best way is take out from Bank ATM’s. These have the best exchange rate although some have a small service fee depending on the bank. For ATM’s look for Banks or places with the sign “Cajeros”.
Electricity
In Colombia the standard voltage is 110 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. For U.S residents there is no need a power plug adapter in Colombia. As some sockets are 3 prong, you may want to bring 3 to 2 prong adapter.
Water
Cartagena water is safe to drink. It is treated and filtered to remove impurities and contaminants before it is distributed to homes and businesses.
Neighborhood to Stay in
I recommend Bocagrande, great beaches and you can get downtown for the sights in about 15 minutes. If you are not a beach person, the old walled city or Getsemani are right in the center of everything with all the restaurants, bars and cafes.
Hotels
Conclusion
Cartagena is Colombia’s top tourist destination with great beaches, activities and restaurants. It is also a great introduction to Colombia as it is tourist focused. Let me know if you made it over the holidays and how it was. Happy Holidays. Any interesting experiences, please let us know?
