Cartagena
Colombia
Castillo San Felipe de BarajasPhoto: Martin St-Amant (S23678) · CC BY-SA 3.0
Clock Tower Gate (Puerta del Reloj)Photo: Bernard Gagnon · CC BY-SA 4.0
Las BóvedasPhoto: JERRYE AND ROY KLOTZ MD · CC BY-SA 3.0
Rosario IslandsPhoto: Segab · Public domain
BocagrandePhoto: poirpom · CC BY 2.0
About Cartagena
Cartagena is a port city on Colombia's Caribbean coast, founded in 1533. Its port, fortresses and group of monuments were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, and its walls are considered the most extensive fortifications in South America.
The walled old town with its colorful balconied houses and plazas, the neighboring Getsemaní district and the high-rise Bocagrande peninsula show the city's different sides.
How many days do you need?
Two or three days is enough: one for the walled city and Las Bóvedas, one for Castillo San Felipe de Barajas and Getsemaní. Add a day for a boat trip to the Rosario Islands.
Where to stay
- Walled city — Surrounded by historic buildings, full of boutique hotels.
- Getsemaní — Just south of the walled city, with guesthouses and lively plazas.
- Bocagrande — High-rise hotels, restaurants and shops along the beaches.
From the airport to the city
Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) is in the Crespo district in the north of the city, about 10 minutes' drive from the old town. Use the official taxi ranks at the terminal exit and agree on the fare before getting in.
Getting around
The walled city and Getsemaní are best explored on foot. Taxis or the Transcaribe bus rapid transit system reach other districts. Boats to the islands leave from the waterfront.
Good to know
- Check current official travel advisories; avoid deserted streets at night and be wary of unsolicited offers on the street.
- It is hot and humid all year; stay in the shade at midday and drink plenty of water.
- The currency is the Colombian peso.
Useful links
- Colombia Travel (official Colombia tourism site) colombia.travel
When to go?
Best time to visit for the weather: November–September. The warmest month is March (average high 87 °F); the wettest is October (9.9 in).
Monthly climate
| Month | Avg. high °F | Rain in | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 85.6 | 0.26 | Good |
| February | 86.5 | 0.32 | Good |
| March | 86.9 | 0.54 | Good |
| April | 86.7 | 2.62 | Good |
| May | 86.2 | 7.20 | Good |
| June | 86.5 | 5.52 | Good |
| July | 86.7 | 6.06 | Good |
| August | 86.2 | 6.82 | Good |
| September | 85.6 | 7.08 | Good |
| October | 84.6 | 9.93 | Cool or rainy |
| November | 84.7 | 7.39 | Good |
| December | 85.5 | 1.91 | Good |
Source: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), 2005–2024 monthly averages of daily high temperature and total rainfall. Values are estimates for an area of about 50 km and may differ from the city-centre weather station.
Public holidays 2027
- New Year's DayJanuary 1
- EpiphanyJanuary 11
- Saint JosephMarch 22
- Maundy ThursdayMarch 25
- Good FridayMarch 26
- Easter SundayMarch 28
- Labour DayMay 1
- Ascension DayMay 10
- Corpus ChristiMay 31
- Sacred HeartJune 7
- Saints Peter and PaulJuly 5
- Virgin of ChiquinquiráJuly 12
- Independence DayJuly 20
- Battle of BoyacáAugust 7
- AssumptionAugust 16
- Columbus DayOctober 18
- All Saints' DayNovember 1
- Independence of CartagenaNovember 15
- Immaculate ConceptionDecember 8
- Christmas DayDecember 25
Sources: date-holidays and python-holidays open data projects; for Northern Cyprus, its public holidays law.
Practical info
- CurrencyColombian Peso ($)
- Dialling code+57
- Plugs & voltageType A, B · 110 V · 60 Hz
- Emergency123
- DrivingOn the right
Sources: IEC plug types, Wikidata, Wikipedia; unverified details are left blank.