Where to Stay in Cartagena, Colombia: 5 Best Areas & Hotels

Wondering where you should stay in Cartagena? We’re here to help! 

After living in this colorful Caribbean city for a while, we can tell you that choosing the right area makes a huge difference to your experience! We fell in love with Cartagena pretty quickly, partly because there’s just so much variety here. But since each area offers a completely different experience, the best place to stay really depends on the kind of trip you’re planning.

To make things easier, we’ve narrowed it down to the five best areas to stay in Cartagena. We’ll break down the pros and cons of each one and share our favorite hotels for every budget!

Where to Stay in Cartagena Map

Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Cartagena

Cartagena’s best areas offer two VERY different experiences. You can stay among the colorful colonial buildings and cobblestone streets of the Walled City and Getsemaní, or head towards the more modern beachfront neighborhoods if you’re looking to kick back and relax.

You definitely don’t need a rental car here. The Walled City and Getsemaní are easy to explore on foot, then we mostly used Uber and taxis to get around between Bocagrande and El Laguito. La Boquilla is farther out, so expect to rely on rides more often there. Just remember that local taxis don’t use meters, so always agree on the fare before getting in!

Cartagena is also HOT and humid, so even short walks can get tiring. Trust us, good air conditioning at your hotel is essential! And while the city beaches are convenient, the Rosario Islands are where you’ll find that clear turquoise Caribbean water.

Here are some of the best areas and hotels in Cartagena:

• Walled City / Centro Histórico – Best for first-time visitors – Stay here to be surrounded by Cartagena’s gorgeous colonial architecture and within walking distance of many of the city’s top sights and restaurants. For a great mid-range option, we recommend Casa Bugó.

• Getsemaní – Best for nightlife & culture – We love this colorful neighborhood for its street art and lively nightlife, plus it’s just a short walk from the Walled City. GHL San Lazaro Art Hotel is a lovely, modern hotel right opposite the famous San Felipe de Barajas Castle.

• Bocagrande – Best for shopping & modern hotels – If you’d rather stay in modern Cartagena, Bocagrande puts you close to the beach as well as tons of shops, restaurants, and familiar conveniences. We recommend Oz Hotel Cartagena Grand because it’s sleek with an awesome rooftop restaurant and bar.

• El Laguito – Best for families & a quieter beach stay – This quieter area at the end of the Bocagrande peninsula is a great choice if pools and beach time are your main priorities. Hotel Caribbean Cartagena is our favorite mid-range option.

• La Boquilla / Zona Norte – Best for beachfront resorts – Head farther up the coast for big beachfront resorts away from the hustle and bustle of central Cartagena. Sonesta Hotel is a great mid-range choice.

Where to Stay in Cartagena

Walled City / Centro Histórico 

BEST FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS

Pros

• Cartagena’s top historic sights are within walking distance
• Amazing restaurants and rooftop bars
• Beautiful colonial architecture

Cons

• Hotels tend to be more expensive
• Busy streets can be noisy at night

If it’s your first time in Cartagena, we HIGHLY recommend staying in the Walled City! This is the historic heart of Cartagena, and it’s surrounded by centuries-old fortifications that were originally built to protect the city from pirates. Within these walls lie colorful colonial buildings and picture-perfect cobblestone streets. We fell in love with this part of Cartagena pretty quickly!

But it’s not just pretty – there’s also SO much to do within walking distance. You can explore Plaza Santo Domingo, visit the Gold Museum, shop for Colombian emeralds, and walk along the old city walls. Sunset from the fort wall was always one of our favorite things to do when we lived in Cartagena! We would just grab a cold beer from one of the street vendors and watch the sun disappear over the Caribbean!

The Walled City is especially perfect for first-time visitors and couples who want to be right in the middle of everything. There are fantastic restaurants and rooftop bars everywhere, although you’ll generally pay more for hotels here. It can also get lively, so if you’re a light sleeper, avoid rooms that face the busiest streets.

Hotel Casona del Porvenir – $$$

Hotel Casona del Porvenir is such a gorgeous choice if you’re looking for a romantic boutique stay in the Walled City. The hotel feels like a little oasis from the busy streets outside, with a beautiful courtyard swimming pool surrounded by greenery and historic architecture. Trust us, you’ll appreciate having somewhere to cool off after exploring Cartagena in the heat!

There’s also an excellent restaurant and bar, Vuelo, which serves contemporary Colombian cuisine and cocktails throughout the day. We think this hotel is especially perfect for couples, and some rooms even have private terraces and jacuzzis if you really want to treat yourself.

Plus, you’ll be right in the historic center, so you can walk pretty much everywhere! Rooms here start at around $350 USD per night.

Alternatively, Hotel Boutique Casona del Colegio is another gorgeous boutique hotel in the heart of the Walled City, with a rooftop pool and beautiful views over Cartagena. We especially love the mix of historic colonial architecture and colorful contemporary Colombian design.

We also recommend Bastión Luxury Hotel if you want to go all-out on a romantic stay. It’s housed inside a restored colonial building and has a rooftop pool, spa, and courtyard restaurant, so there’s plenty to enjoy when you’re not out exploring the city.

Casa Bugó – $$

Casa Bugó is our top mid-range pick in the Walled City! It’s a small boutique hotel tucked inside a beautiful colonial building, so it has plenty of Cartagena charm without the price tag of some of the luxury hotels nearby. Plus, the location is fantastic. You’ll be within walking distance of the city walls, plazas, restaurants, and pretty much everything you’ll want to explore in the historic center.

There’s also a lovely outdoor pool surrounded by tropical greenery, which is SUCH a bonus in hot and humid Cartagena. The rooms are bright and comfortable with air conditioning, and there are family rooms available if you need some extra space.

We think you get a LOT for your money here, especially considering how central you are! Rooms here start at around $150 USD per night.

If Casa Bugó is all booked up, Hotel Don Pedro De Heredia is another great option right in the historic center. We love its colorful colonial courtyard, and there’s a small pool for cooling off after a day of sightseeing.

Another hotel worth checking out is La Passion by Masaya, which is set inside a gorgeous colonial-style building just a few blocks from Plaza Santo Domingo. The rooftop pool is the real highlight here, with views over the terracotta rooftops of the Walled City!

Casa India Catalina – $

If you’re traveling on a budget but still want to stay right in the Walled City, Casa India Catalina is an amazing pick! The location is fantastic, just a few minutes’ walk from the Clock Tower and Plaza Santo Domingo, so you certainly won’t feel like you’re compromising on location to save some money.

The hotel itself is full of character, with colorful rooms, exposed brickwork, and a pretty central courtyard. There’s even a small indoor pool, which we think is a HUGE bonus at this price point! The rooms have air conditioning too, and breakfast is included.

Overall, we think this is a great budget option for travelers who plan on spending most of their time out exploring and just want a comfortable, central base. Rooms here start at around $90 USD per night.

Another affordable option we like is Casa Del Curato, which occupies a charming colonial building close to Plaza Santo Domingo. There’s a small pool here too, plus lots of historic character throughout the property.

Soy Local Centro Histórico is also ideal if you’d prefer the extra space and independence of an apartment. The units come with kitchen facilities, and the central location makes it a convenient base for exploring the Walled City on foot.

Getsemaní 

BEST FOR NIGHTLIFE & CULTURE

Pros

• Amazing street art
• Fantastic nightlife scene
• Better-value accommodation just a short walk from the Walled City

Cons

• Some streets can be VERY noisy late at night
• Less polished than the Walled City

If you want to experience Cartagena’s colorful, energetic side, Getsemaní is the place to be! This historic neighborhood sits just outside the Walled City and has transformed into one of the coolest parts of Cartagena, packed with street art, casual restaurants, bars, and boutique hotels.

Our favorite thing to do here is just wander the colorful streets and eat awesome street food. You’ll find incredible murals around almost every corner, but Plaza de la Trinidad is the heart of the neighborhood. Come evening, the square fills with locals and travelers enjoying street food, drinks, music, and performances. We spent plenty of fun nights around here when we lived in Cartagena!

Getsemaní is especially great for younger travelers and nightlife lovers. It’s got lots of local character, and it’s generally better value than the Walled City while still being within walking distance of its major sights. Just choose your hotel carefully if you’re a light sleeper because some streets stay lively until VERY late. 

Getsemaní gets pretty crazy at night, but it’s a ton of fun! Our favorite spots to party the night away here include Bazurto Social Club, which is where the locals go, and El Callejon Pug Bar, a fun, canine-themed bar tucked away on a side street. 

Osh Hotel Cartagena – $$$

If you want somewhere stylish with a fun, social vibe, Osh Hotel Cartagena is our top luxury pick in Getsemaní! It’s right in the heart of the neighborhood, just a 4-minute walk from Plaza de la Trinidad and about 6 minutes from the Clock Tower, so the location couldn’t be better.

The hotel itself feels modern and trendy, with a gorgeous courtyard pool surrounded by greenery and plenty of space to lounge around. But the rooftop might just tempt you away from sightseeing altogether!

There’s another pool up there, along with 360-degree views and Ajeno Rooftop, where you can grab cocktails and watch the sunset. Rooms here start at around $300 USD per night.

Alternatively, GHL Arsenal Hotel is a fantastic choice if you want a polished hotel close to Cartagena’s convention center and the Walled City. Its outdoor pool has fantastic views over the city, and there’s also a spa if you fancy some downtime between sightseeing.

We also love Hotel Casa Lola Deluxe Gallery if you’d prefer something with more of a boutique feel. The hotel is packed with character, with beautiful architecture and lush gardens, plus there’s a restaurant and spa on-site.

GHL San Lazaro Art Hotel – $$

GHL San Lazaro Art Hotel is a fantastic option, especially if you want a little more space and tranquility while staying close to the action. It sits right across from the impressive Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, so you’ll have one of Cartagena’s most famous landmarks practically on your doorstep! The historic center is just minutes away too.

One of our favorite things about this hotel is the outdoor pool and terrace, where you can cool off while enjoying ocean and skyline views. There’s a restaurant on-site too, and the rooms are spacious and modern.

We think this is a great option if you want the color and culture of Getsemaní nearby but don’t necessarily want to sleep right above its busiest bars! Rooms here start at around $225 USD per night.

Another gorgeous option is Casa Pizarro Hotel Boutique, a small 15-room hotel that blends Cartagena’s traditional colonial architecture with contemporary design. Breakfast is included, and you can even book a room with a private jacuzzi if you fancy treating yourself!

We also recommend Voilá Signature Casa Isabel if GHL San Lazaro is all booked up. It’s another boutique option in Getsemaní and makes a handy base for exploring the neighborhood and nearby historic center.

Hotel Boutique La Artilleria – $

For something more affordable, Hotel Boutique La Artilleria puts you right in the heart of Getsemaní without a hefty price tag. It occupies a characterful old building that combines historic features with modern touches, so you still get some of that Cartagena charm even when you’re traveling on a budget.

The rooms are simple but comfortable and, crucially for Cartagena, have air conditioning! Breakfast is available, reception is open 24 hours, and you’ll be within walking distance of both Getsemaní’s colorful streets and many of Cartagena’s major historic sights.

We think it’s an ideal base if location matters more to you than having lots of fancy hotel facilities. Rooms here start at around $150 USD per night.

Akel House Hotel is another cute boutique option right in the heart of Getsemaní. It’s designed as a peaceful place to recharge after exploring the Walled City, so it’s worth checking out if La Artilleria is unavailable.

Or check out Scalea Di Mare Hotel, a small boutique property right near Centenary Park and Trinidad Square. It has vintage decor and a really welcoming vibe, so it’s a nice little budget stay. 

Bocagrande

BEST FOR SHOPPING & MODERN HOTELS

Pros

• Tons of modern hotels and everyday conveniences
• Beachfront location with plenty of family-friendly accommodation

Cons

• Doesn’t have the historic charm of the Walled City or Getsemaní
• The beach isn’t as beautiful as those around the Rosario Islands

If you’d rather have the beach on your doorstep and all of the conveniences of a modern neighborhood, Bocagrande could be perfect for you! This part of Cartagena feels totally different from the Walled City, with high-rise hotels and apartment buildings lining the waterfront instead of colorful colonial architecture.

Bocagrande is especially popular with families and travelers who prefer larger, full-service hotels with pools, gyms, restaurants, and ocean views. There are also tons of restaurants, supermarkets, and shops nearby, including Plaza Bocagrande shopping mall, so pretty much everything you need is within easy reach. And, of course, you’ve got the long stretch of Playa Bocagrande right outside!

Just don’t expect bright turquoise Caribbean water here. Cartagena’s city beaches are convenient, but the Rosario Islands are much prettier if dreamy white-sand beaches are a priority. You’ll also need a taxi or Uber to reach most of the historic sights, so it’s not the best choice if you’re mainly here to sightsee. Still, for a vacation centered around beaches and shopping, Bocagrande is a fantastic base.

Estelar Cartagena de Indias Hotel – $$$

If you’re looking for a luxurious beachfront stay, Estelar Cartagena de Indias Hotel is a fantastic choice! This is a large, modern hotel with over three hundred rooms, all of which have ocean views, so it really makes the most of its location in Bocagrande. There’s a large outdoor pool overlooking the Caribbean, plus a spa and fitness center.

We think this is an especially good pick if you love having everything you need right at your hotel. There are multiple places to eat and drink, including the 51 Sky Bar high above Cartagena, and you’ll still have Bocagrande’s shops and beach right outside.

It definitely feels more like a full-service resort experience than the smaller boutique hotels in the Walled City! Rooms here start at around $220 USD per night.

Alternatively, Hotel Caribe by Faranda Grand is perfect if you want a resort feel with a little more old-school Cartagena character. The hotel occupies a historic property surrounded by tropical gardens, with a large pool and easy access to the beach.

We also recommend Hyatt Regency Cartagena for a sleek, modern stay with incredible views over the Caribbean Sea. Its elevated infinity pools are a HUGE highlight, especially around sunset!

Oz Hotel Cartagena Grand – $$

Oz Hotel Cartagena Grand is our favorite option in Bocagrande, and we think you get a LOT for your money here! It’s modern and comfortable, with both Bocagrande Beach and El Laguito Beach around a 5-minute walk away. You’ll also have tons of restaurants, bars, shopping centers, and even 24-hour supermarkets nearby, which is exactly why Bocagrande is so convenient.

There’s a restaurant serving Caribbean and international food, plus breakfast is available each morning. We especially like the sixth-floor solarium, where you can sunbathe and enjoy views over Bocagrande.

It’s not a flashy resort, but if you want a comfortable base close to the beach without paying luxury hotel prices, this ticks a lot of boxes. Rooms here start at around $85 USD per night.

Another great option is Hotel Barlovento, which has been welcoming guests in Bocagrande for almost 50 years. There’s an outdoor pool and a restaurant serving Caribbean, Colombian, and international cuisine, and the beach is nearby too.

Or, Hampton by Hilton Cartagena is ideal if you like the reliability and conveniences of a familiar hotel brand. It’s within walking distance of the beach and restaurants, with free hot breakfast, a fitness center, and a rooftop pool to sweeten the deal!

The Blue Hotel – $

If you’re looking to keep costs down, The Blue Hotel is a stylish budget-friendly option just a few steps from Bocagrande’s beaches. It’s a relatively small hotel with 40 rooms, and the contemporary design is inspired by nature and the laid-back feel of Cartagena, so it feels a little more special than your average affordable city hotel.

The rooms are modern and designed with comfort in mind, with air conditioning to keep you cool in Cartagena’s heat. There’s also a pool for when you fancy a dip, and you’ll have Bocagrande’s restaurants and beach within easy reach.

We think this is a great option if you’d rather save your money for exploring Cartagena but still want somewhere modern and comfortable to come back to! Rooms here start at around $125 USD per night.

San Martin Cartagena is another affordable option worth checking out if The Blue Hotel is full. It’s a cute and colorful little spot, and its location on Avenida San Martín puts you right among Bocagrande’s restaurants and shops, with the beach just a short walk away.

Hotel Barahona Cartagena is also a great choice if you’re looking for a sweet and simple hotel. There are double, triple, and family rooms available, so it’s particularly handy if you’re visiting Cartagena as a group or family.

El Laguito

BEST FOR FAMILIES & A QUIETER BEACH STAY

Pros

• Quieter beachfront setting with lots of pools and resort-style hotels
• Great for families and travelers planning plenty of downtime

Cons

• You’ll usually need a taxi or Uber to reach the Walled City
• Fewer historic sights and cultural attractions within walking distance

If your idea of a Cartagena vacation involves lots of pool and beach time, El Laguito is well worth considering! This small neighborhood sits at the very end of the Bocagrande peninsula, so it feels quieter and more resort-like than its busy neighbor.

In fact, we lived around here for a while and loved being so close to the water! El Laguito wraps around a lagoon and has easy access to Playa El Laguito and Playa Castillo Grande, which is our favorite city beach in Cartagena. The water here is relatively sheltered, and there are plenty of large hotels and apartment buildings with pools, so it’s a super convenient choice for families.

There aren’t tons of traditional attractions in El Laguito, but that’s kind of the point. This is somewhere to slow down, swim, and enjoy a more laid-back side of Cartagena. You can still walk into Bocagrande for restaurants and shopping, but you’ll generally need a taxi or Uber to visit the Walled City and Getsemaní. For a relaxing beach vacation with some sightseeing mixed in, we think it’s a great balance!

Hilton Cartagena – $$$

If you’re looking for a real resort-style stay, Hilton Cartagena is VERY hard to beat! It sits right at the end of the peninsula with direct beach access, so you get gorgeous Caribbean views and a much more relaxing atmosphere than you’ll find in central Cartagena.

This property is decked out with great facilities, from the huge pool complex to the tennis courts and multiple restaurants and bars. There are lots of family-friendly facilities too, so we think this is an especially good choice if you’re traveling with kids and want plenty to keep everyone entertained without leaving the hotel.

Of course, you’re still only a taxi ride away from the Walled City when you’re ready to explore beyond the resort! Rooms here start at around $225 USD per night.

Alternatively, Hotel Dann Cartagena is another fantastic beachfront option with direct access to Playa El Laguito. There’s a large oceanfront pool and rooms with Caribbean views, so it’s ideal if swimming and relaxing are high on your Cartagena agenda.

Hotel Caribbean Cartagena – $$

Hotel Caribbean Cartagena is our top mid-range pick in El Laguito. You’ll be just a short walk from the beach, and there are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby, so the location is super convenient for a laid-back stay.

The hotel itself is fairly simple, but it’s no slouch! You’ve got great air conditioning, a complimentary breakfast, and a nice outdoor pool area that’s perfect for swimming and sunbathing. 

There are also family rooms available, which makes this a particularly handy option if you’re visiting with kids. We think it’s a great choice if you want to spend plenty of time at the beach and explore Cartagena without paying for all of the bells and whistles of a big resort. Rooms here start at around $100 USD per night.

Another option worth checking out is Wala Hotel and Beach Club, especially if you want somewhere with a fun vacation feel. There’s an outdoor pool overlooking the water, plus a restaurant and bar, and you’ll be just steps from the beach.

Hotel Oceania Cartagena – $

If you’re trying to keep your Cartagena trip affordable, Hotel Oceania Cartagena is a solid budget option in El Laguito. It’s close to the beach and within walking distance of plenty of restaurants and shops, so you still get the convenience of staying in this part of the city without paying resort prices.

The rooms are straightforward but comfortable, with air conditioning for that Cartagena heat! There’s also an outdoor pool surrounded by greenery, which is a really nice extra for a budget hotel.

We think this works particularly well if you’ll be spending most of your days at the beach or sightseeing and just want an affordable, comfortable base to come back to. Rooms here start at around $75 USD per night.

La Boquilla / Zona Norte

BEST FOR BEACHFRONT RESORTS

Pros

• Spacious beachfront resorts with big pools and family-friendly facilities
• Much quieter and more peaceful than central Cartagena

Cons

• Farther from the Walled City and Cartagena’s main historic sights
• You’ll rely on taxis or Uber much more often here

If you’re dreaming of a relaxing resort vacation, La Boquilla and Zona Norte are the areas we’d look at! Located farther up the coast from central Cartagena, this part of the city is much quieter and is home to some HUGE beachfront resorts with pools, restaurants, kids’ facilities, and plenty of space to switch off.

There’s more to La Boquilla than resorts, though. This traditional fishing community is also known for its mangroves, and you can take canoe tours through the peaceful waterways with local guides. Of course, the beach is another big draw, especially if you just want to spend your days swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the Caribbean coast.

The trade-off is distance. You’ll need to take a taxi or Uber whenever you want to explore the Walled City or Getsemaní, so we wouldn’t choose this area for a sightseeing-heavy first trip. But if you’re dreaming of a spacious resort where you can relax for a few days and dip into central Cartagena as and when you feel like it, Zona Norte is a fantastic choice.

Hotel Las Americas Casa de Playa – $$$

If you’re coming to Cartagena for a relaxing family vacation, Hotel Las Americas Casa de Playa is an amazing pick! This sprawling beachfront resort is packed with facilities and it offers direct beach access. And with sports facilities and multiple swimming pools, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained here for days on end! 

We also love how much space there is to relax, with tropical gardens and plenty of loungers around the pools. And while the Walled City is a taxi ride away, that’s not really why you stay here.

This is somewhere you come to enjoy the Caribbean coast and make the most of all the facilities. Rooms here start at around $250 USD per night.

For an even more modern take on the resort experience, Las Americas Torre Del Mar is part of the same complex and offers access to a HUGE range of shared facilities. We especially love the elevated pools and ocean views, so it’s worth considering if Casa de Playa is all booked up.

Another fantastic beachfront option is Radisson Cartagena Ocean Pavillion Hotel, which has multiple swimming pools and direct access to La Boquilla Beach. There’s also a spa and a rooftop terrace, so it’s another great choice if relaxation is your main priority.

Sonesta Hotel – $$

Sonesta Hotel is our favorite option in Zona Norte because you still get that beachfront vacation feel without paying quite as much for a huge luxury resort. It’s right by the beach and has multiple outdoor pools surrounded by palm trees, so there are plenty of places to cool off and relax.

The rooms are bright and modern, with air conditioning and private balconies, while the hotel also has a restaurant, bar, and fitness center. We think this is a particularly good choice for couples and families who want to spend plenty of time by the pool or ocean but still plan on heading into central Cartagena for some sightseeing.

You get a LOT of the resort experience for the money here! Rooms here start at around $170 USD per night.

Alternatively, Hotel Summer Frente Al Mar is another great option if being close to the water is your priority. There’s a rooftop pool with ocean views, and the beach is right across the road, so it’s perfect for a laid-back stay.

We also recommend Faranda Collection Cartagena if you want something a little more upscale. This modern hotel has a rooftop pool and terrace overlooking the Caribbean, plus another pool downstairs and direct access to the beach.

Hotel SEREMA – $

You don’t have to splash out on a big resort to stay near the beach! Hotel SEREMA is a simple, affordable option in La Boquilla that we think is a great choice if you’d rather save your money for exploring Cartagena.

The rooms are fairly no-frills, but they’re bright and comfortable with air conditioning, which is definitely the important part in this heat! You’ll also be close to the beach and have easy access to the restaurants and local businesses around La Boquilla.

We think this is a solid pick for budget travelers who like the quieter location but don’t need all of the pools, spas, and extra facilities that come with the larger resorts. Rooms here start at around $70 USD per night.

If SEREMA is unavailable, Open Sea Hotel Cartagena is another affordable option close to La Boquilla Beach. Again, it’s a simple place to stay, but we love the beachy feel, and the location allows you to keep costs down while having the Caribbean coast nearby.

Related Read: Once you’ve found the perfect place to stay, check out our Cartagena itinerary to start planning your days in this colorful Caribbean city!

Top Activities in Cartagena

Now that you’ve picked your favorite area and hotel, it’s time to plan the fun stuff! Cartagena is packed with history, colorful streets, Caribbean beaches, and some pretty epic day trips. To help narrow it down, here are a few of our favorite things to do:

• Explore Cartagena with a private guide – Get to know the city on this private Cartagena tour! Visit San Felipe Castle and La Popa Convent, wander the Walled City and colorful Getsemaní, and learn about Cartagena’s history from a local guide.

• Ride an ATV along the coast – Trade the cobblestone streets for sandy trails on this ATV adventure! You’ll ride past cliffs and beaches before stopping at a quiet stretch of coastline where you can swim, relax, and soak up the Caribbean views.

• Sail to the Rosario Islands – This full-day catamaran tour is one of our favorite ways to escape the city! Cruise through the gorgeous Rosario Islands, snorkel near Isla Grande and Barú, and enjoy lunch onboard while soaking up the sunshine.

• Spend the day at Bora Bora Beach Club – Ready for a little luxury? Take this speedboat tour to the Rosario Islands and spend the day lounging on a reserved beach bed at Bora Bora Beach Club, with plenty of time for swimming, paddleboarding, and cocktails by the sea.

• Discover San Basilio de Palenque – Dive deeper into Colombia’s history and culture on this tour to San Basilio de Palenque. A local guide will introduce you to the community’s African-rooted traditions, music, dance, and history before you sit down for a traditional Palenquero lunch.

Related Read: Want even more ideas? Check out our complete guide to the best things to do in Cartagena for all of our favorite activities, tours, and day trips!

Thanks for reading!

Cartagena is one of those cities that’s hard not to fall in love with, and after living here, it will always be a special place for us! From the colorful streets of the Walled City and Getsemaní to the laid-back beaches farther along the coast, each area gives you a totally different way to experience the city.

Before you go, check out the rest of our Colombia blogs! We’ve shared plenty of tips and guides from our travels to help you plan an unforgettable trip, whether you’re exploring Cartagena or heading somewhere new. Here are a few more blogs to get you started. Enjoy!

Where to Stay in Medellin, Colombia: 4 Best Areas & Hotels

How to Spend THREE DAYS in San Andrés, Colombia: The Best 3-Day Itinerary

How to Spend THREE Days in Santa Marta, Colombia: The Best 3-Day Itinerary