Cartagena is where I experienced hostel living for the first time. Although we often paid a little more to get a private room, in general, hostels are a very cheap way to travel when in South America (and around the world). There are a number of options of hostels in Cartagena.
Located on Colombia’s northwest Caribbean coast, Cartagena looks like a city where movies are made. Just look at the photos throughout the article and you’ll see why!
The colorful colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and stone walls that encompassed parts of the city are just the start of the appeal of this amazing town. Cartagena is a well known destination amongst travelers, especially for those looking to enjoy its tropical climate.
Keep reading for reasons why Cartagena is a famous and magical town.
Climate
Cartagena has a typical tropical Caribbean climate. With sunny days, balmy evenings and nights, and temperatures between 78 and 88 F (25-31 C).
History
Known as Cartagena de Indias, the port town played an important role in commercial shipping routes and world exploration. Cartagena was a Spanish colony founded in the 16th century, hence the city is named after Cartagena, Spain.
The colonial walled city and fortress was defensible against pirate attacks, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the 1980s along with Castillo de San Felipe. Keep reading to learn more.
Allure of Cartagena
Aside from the tropical climate that brings people to Cartagena from around the world, the ocean, beaches, food, streets, buildings, walls, and people are also a big draw. An aspect that has a big impact on me when traveling is the people.
The locals of Cartagena, and Colombia for that matter, are proud of their country and excited to show foreigners the lovely places they call home. This made it an extremely warm environment to be in. Even with a noticeable language barrier, we encountered extremely nice people all around the country that welcomed us with open arms.
Neighborhoods
El Centro
Known as El Centro (the center), or the Old Town, this area of Cartagena should be the first place you visit. This is the historic center of Cartagena. The vibrant old town is alive with locals, visitors, and vendors.
The clock tower in Plaza de los Coches, Santo Domingo Church, and the San Pedro Claver Church are must-see spots. We spent plenty of time roaming the streets, admiring colorful balconies, and stopped to enjoy fresh juices, smoothies, or a beer along the way.
El Centro is a little more expensive, touristy, and is inside of the walled city compared to the nearby neighborhoods of Getsemani and Bocagrande.
Getsemani
The neighborhoods of El Centro and Getsemani are a short walk from each other and offer different types of vibes. Getsemani is more chill, laid back, and outside of the walled city. The streets are filled with tasteful painted murals, little shops, and craft markets.
It attracts a younger crowd that has more of a party vibe. You’ll come across groups of people dancing to street music, drinking beer, and snacking on arepas from nearby vendors.
You’ll find cheaper accommodations in Getsemani than in El Centro. Evelyn and I stayed here at Mamabella Hostal. The neighborhood is constantly seeing improvements, and safety isn’t a concern in Getsemani.
Bocagrande
A short distance from El Centro and the Getsemani area is the neighborhood of Bocagrande. This area is known for its skyscrapers and relative closeness to the walled city and the ocean. It was a 15 minute walk from where Evelyn and I stayed in Getsemani.
There are restaurants, cafes, casinos, and Plaza Bocagrande, which is an upscale mall with views of the sea. Seeing these buildings in the distance from El Centro and Getsemani gave us the motivation to explore this area.
This neighborhood is definitely worth seeing if you have time during your trip. The contrast between the three areas is quite stark, and very memorable.
During the time we walked through the mall we noticed there weren’t many people around. We wondered why, but soon found out it was because everyone was gathered near the food court watching a soccer match! The people, mall employees included, paused whatever they were doing to take in the game.
This was a really cool sight to see, and we couldn’t help but watch with them. I imagine it would be busier otherwise because there are plenty of stores here. There are multiple levels of shopping, the food court I mentioned, and the ocean a block away from the mall. Next, I’ll talk about the beaches and islands around Cartagena.
Beaches & Islands
Cartagena boasts plenty of stunning beaches and nearby islands. Some are busy and full of life, great for partying and meeting locals. Others are more tranquil with crystal clear waters and just the sounds of the waves crashing. Cartagena has roughly 12 miles (20 km) of coastline.
Although Bocagrande is great for shopping and food, the well known Bocagrande beach didn’t feel like a place I wanted to relax and swim in the ocean. The sand is black, and the skyscrapers are very close by. Vendors are said to be pushy in this area, but it could be worth the visit if you’re okay with that.
If you’re looking for pristine beaches, there are a few other places a little further from the heart of the city that I would recommend instead.
The best beach relatively close to Cartagena is Playa Blanca on Baru Island. It’s about a 45 minute shuttle or boat ride. There are lots of options for tours that offer day trips to Playa Blanca from Cartagena.
Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is also a major highlight in Cartagena. This fortress is well preserved, and is a symbol of Cartagena. The walls of the castle offer a different view and perception of the city.
The castle is one of the largest structures ever built in Colombian territory. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, and the thick walls of the castle are still standing today. You can purchase tickets to tour the historic castle and see the great view of the city.
Evelyn and I paid 25,000 COP (Colombian Pesos) each, or $5 USD/$7 CAD, to enter and explore Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. The castle is really cool because you’re able to walk through tunnels, up and down stairs, and see the areas where cannons would be set up.
This is definitely worth the visit! Be sure to wear a hat and bring sunscreen and water, it can get quite hot since there isn’t any place to take cover for shade (minus the few tunnels).
Recommendations
Many avoid Colombia because of its history with drug trafficking and violence. That being said, Cartagena is a safe city and has seen improved security in the past years. Make sure to check the U.S. State Department for updated travel information prior to traveling anywhere.
Tourism is a mainstay for Cartagena’s economy. Like many places we’ve visited, the locals not only want you to be there but realize that tourists are a part of their livelihoods.
In my opinion, the best experiences come from interactions with people from the local community. All of that to say, you still should be aware of your surroundings, and always be cautious when traveling abroad. No matter where you go, there will always be “good people” and “bad people.”
If you’ve never been to Colombia, this is a great place to come and explore. Cartagena provides an opportunity to experience many different cultures, and to take part in a vibrant atmosphere. We recommend learning some basics in Spanish before visiting. It goes a long way when you at least try to speak the local language.
In the end, we absolutely loved the magic of Cartagena. The city is full of life and it offers its visitors a close look into its culture, beautiful people, amazing food, and fun activities. With plenty of hotels, hostels, resorts, and Airbnbs, there is something for every kind of traveler.
So, if you’re planning a trip and on the lookout for new destinations, consider Cartagena. The port town has so much to offer, and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
Check out the next stop we made in Colombia just outside of Santa Marta, Mundo Nuevo!
