Cartagena, Colombia, is a coastal gem that seamlessly blends rich history, stunning Caribbean beaches, and lively culture. Known for its beautifully preserved walled city, Cartagena offers colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and colorful facades. Whether you’re planning a destination wedding, honeymoon, or simply an unforgettable travel experience, Cartagena is an ideal location, featuring warm hospitality, year-round sunshine, and romantic ambiance. It’s a joyful and vibrant location that provides endless opportunities to create stunning memories.
Getting to Cartagena
Cartagena is well-connected to major U.S. cities, with direct flights available from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, New York City, and Atlanta. Depending on your departure city, the flight time ranges from about 2.5 to 4.5 hours. If you’re traveling from Los Angeles, Chicago, or Houston areas, you’ll need to connect through another city, as there are currently no direct flights. We had a layover in Miami and made the most of it by relaxing in the American Express Centurion Lounge — one of the great perks of the AMEX Platinum Card.
Where to Stay
We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Cartagena in Boca Grande, a chic, upmarket area known for its tropical-like beaches and palm-lined promenades. This modern hotel offers stunning ocean views, luxurious amenities, and easy access to both the historic Old Town and the more contemporary areas and attractions.
Exploring the Walled City or Old Town
One of Cartagena’s biggest draws is its well-preserved Walled City, also known as Old Town. The Old Town is a must-visit for travelers looking to experience Cartagena’s history, culture, and postcard-worthy streets. While on our trip, we visited Castillo San Felipe de Baraja, which is a main attraction in Old Town. Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is a nearly 400-year-old preserved fortress that offers unobstructed sunset views over the ocean, making it a fantastic place to capture photos.
Another amazing place in the area is Plaza de Bolívar, which is one of the most lively and culturally rich squares in Cartagena. Here, we watched dancers perform mapalé, a high-energy Afro-Colombian dance characterized by fast, rhythmic movements, intense drumming, and vibrant expressions, reflecting the rich African heritage and coastal culture of Colombia.
There are many other landmarks to explore in the area, like Palace of the Inquisition, the Gold Museum, and the Cathedral of Cartagena. It’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists as there is much to see and experience, and you’ll often find live music, street performers, and vendors.
Tour the Old City with a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
We took a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Old City, which I highly recommend. It was a great way to see iconic landmarks such as the Cathedral of Cartagena, which is known for its stunning dome and colonial architecture, as well as Teatro Adolfo Mejía, a beautifully restored theater featuring stunning Italian-style architecture, marble statues, intricate carvings, and a grand interior adorned with murals.
Another highlight of the area is Calle de Don Sancho, which is one of the most picturesque streets in the Old Town, featuring buildings painted in an array of vibrant colors and adorned with lush greenery.
The colors at every corner were one thing that I was drawn to. Between the colorful buildings lining the roads to the traditional Palenquera dresses, Cartagena is rich in culture and bursting with color. Palenqueras of Columbia, women known for carrying baskets of tropical fruit on their heads, are cultural icons of Cartagena. They are often seen in the historic walled city, where they pose for photos and sell fruit as part of their centuries-old traditions. Their vibrant, flowing garments are a symbol of resilience, Afro-Colombian heritage, and joyful Caribbean culture. Their dresses usually include bright primary colors—yellow, red, and blue—representing the Colombian flag, along with ruffled sleeves and skirts that create a striking visual effect during movement.
Lastly, for unforgettable panoramic city and ocean views of Cartagena, visit the rooftop bar of the Movich Hotel. This was the perfect spot to relax, unwind, and take in the beauty of Old Town after a day of exploring.
Blue Apple Beach Club
Cartagena boasts beautiful beaches, but to experience a more exclusive coastal experience – and change of scenery – we took a short 20-minute boat ride from Cartagena to Blue Apple Beach Club on Isla Tierra Bomba, one of the Rosario Islands. This Mediterranean-inspired beach club and boutique hotel offers a luxurious yet laid-back atmosphere, complete with an outdoor swimming pool, private beach area, and a fantastic on-site restaurant and bar. It has everything you need to enjoy a relaxing, tranquil day by the water.
Visiting Getsemaní
For a more local and artistic vibe, head to Getsemani. Here we walked around and admired the colorful street art, lively plazas, and rich Afro-Caribbean culture. Many of the streets are lined with pastel-hued buildings covered in greenery and decorative details, reflecting Cartagena’s signature aesthetic. This area is a must-visit for travelers seeking an authentic and energetic local experience.
While in the area, we walked Calle Angosto, also known as Umbrella Street, which is famous for its canopy of colorful umbrellas, hanging overhead between the narrow street. Another memorable and popular destination is Calle De La Sierpe, or Serpent Street. This brightly colored street features flags overhead as you walk the street and urban art work on the walls illustrating the legends and mysteries surrounding Calle de la Sierpe’s past.
Cartagena is a city that offers something for everyone, from historic charm and vibrant street life enriched by the culture, to stunning beaches and impressive architecture. Whether you’re there to capture the romance of a destination wedding or the energy of the city, Cartagena is a place that truly comes alive. If you’re planning a trip, be sure to take your time exploring the diverse neighborhoods and soaking in the unique beauty and culture that makes Cartagena an unforgettable destination.
