Question 1

Where Is Cartagena, Colombia?

Accepted Answer

Situated on the northern coast of Columbia in the Caribbean Coast Region, stands the city of Cartagena. Due to its strategic location between the Magdalena and Sinú rivers, the city of Cartagena has evolved into an intrinsically important trade city. The city is the capital of the Bolivar Department, and is the fifth largest city in Columbia and the second largest in the region — after Barranquilla. The city itself faces the Caribbean Sea to the west and the Cartagena Bay to the south.

Question 2

What Is Cartagena Known For?

Accepted Answer

Taste a slice of the dramatic and historical pie that is Cartagena. A port city that sits on Colombia’s Caribbean coast and the capital of the Bolívar department, Cartagena is a marriage of a vibrant nightlife scene, exemplary culinary culture, and fascinating historical significance. The city itself is synonymous with Columbia; gritty, romantic, and undeniably beautiful. Whether you wander along the cobblestone lanes, revel at the sights of the colorful colonial buildings, or simply soak in the bright displays of flower-lined balconies lining the streets, Cartagena is a destination that you will want to keep coming back to.

Question 3

A Quick Guide to Cartagena

Accepted Answer

Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas: Take a trip back in time as you explore the well-preserved fortifications of Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. A setting that once played a momentous role during the 1697 Raid on Cartagena, the impregnable Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas is often hailed as one of the greatest battle fortresses ever built by the Spaniards in any of their colonies. The structure dominates the city skyline and is one of the most famous and popular attractions in Cartagena. Explore this labyrinthine maze of bunkers, batteries, and parapets at your leisure, then climb to the summit of the structure to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over the city.

Palace of Inquisition: If the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas allows you to feel the journey of time, the Palace of Inquisition allows you to see it. The eighteenth-century seat of the Holy Office of the Inquisition, the palace is now a fascinating historical museum that showcases an extensive collection of artifacts from the troubling times of the Spanish Inquisition. Amongst the vast collection, visitors can see the gruesome torture instruments that were used on unlucky confessors. The exterior of the building is a lot more innocent, with magnificently ornate Baroque architectural details and elegant rounded archways.

Walled City of Cartagena: Framed by the well-preserved eponymous ancient walls, the Walled City of Cartagena allows visitors to soak in the history, culture, and beauty that seeps from every corner of this magnificent area. Amble along the colorful historical streets, then marvel at the majestic colonial architecture including churches, plazas, and mansions. With plenty of restaurants, cafes, and street vendors, a burgeoning culinary scene explodes to life in this area, where in between sampling local delicacies, you can take a photo with a beautiful and smiling Palenquera and be serenaded by a charming musician.

Question 4

Popular Destinations Near Cartagena

Accepted Answer

Rosario Islands: Located an hour away from Cartagena, the Rosario Islands provide a quiet peaceful sanctuary away from city life. A gorgeous archipelago awash in beauty and nature, make up a composite part of one of Colombia’s most important national parks. Uniquely, the park itself is primarily underwater, therefore the surrounding islands are protected meticulously. When you visit the Rosario Islands, feel the cool breezes, laid back vibe, and the raw and untainted beauty of nature.

Isla Barú: A former peninsula south of Cartagena, Isla Barú is emblematic of a tropical paradise. With lush green palm trees, warm Caribbean seas the color of the brightest aquamarine jewels, and white sugar sand beaches populating the island, Isla Barú is a beachy promised land that begs visitors from all over the world to enjoy it in all its glory.

Question 5

Best Neighborhoods in Cartagena

Accepted Answer

Centro: No matter where you go, there’s a high chance the center is where the parties and action lie. Despite its constant population by picture-snapping tourists, Centro is an amalgamation of stunning colonial architecture, scenic streets, and picturesque beauty that is too special to miss out on. The Caribbean charm seeps into every corner of the Centro neighborhood, especially within its restaurants, cafes, and bars. As the beating heart of Cartagena tourism, Centro is an absolute must-see during your visit.

Bocagrande: Famously touted as the Miami Beach of Cartagena, Bocagrande is a siren’s call for Colombians who live further afield, as well as international guests. With stretches of stunning beachfront and equally gorgeous, high-rise buildings, Bocagrande is a crowd-pleaser for beach bums, luxury holiday makers, and the jet set crew. Boasting branches of household-name hotel chains, vibrant casinos, trendy bars, and elegant restaurants, Bocagrande is glitzy, glamorous, and very Gatsby.

Question 6

What is the price range for rentals in Cartagena?

Accepted Answer

Vacation rentals in Cartagena have a price range between $39-$24,886. The average price for rentals in Cartagena is $135 per night.

Vacation Rentals in Cartagena, Colombia

Search the perfect vacation rental

Property type

Popular amenities

Top vacation rentals in Cartagena

Travel inspiration

Keep exploring

Search by amenity

Explore vacation rentals with the most popular amenities in Cartagena

Cartagena travel guide

Explore near Cartagena

Rentals near top attractions

Related vacation destinations

Nearby vacation destinations

Frequently asked questions