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Magical Cartagena
Cartagena is magical—a graceful colonial masterpiece set on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Long ago “discovered” by European travelers, the city’s charms remain a pleasant surprise to many North Americans. Those who visit often speak fondly of Cartagena’s colors, cuisine, and character.
Founded in 1533 atop a former Carib settlement, Cartagena quickly became a prized port of the Spanish crown. Fueled by gold, gemstones, and the slave trade, its wealth drew waves of pirates, corsairs, and rival navies. In response, the Spanish constructed the largest collection of fortifications in the New World—high walls (Las Murallas) around the central city and a series of coastal fortresses. As a result, Cartagena’s colonial center—now called the Old City—was also protected from expansion and redevelopment.
Today, Cartagena houses what may be the Americas’ finest collection of colonial architecture—frosted spires and pastel-hued domes soar above balconied façades and narrow, cobblestone streets.
Restoration accelerated after 1984 when UNESCO granted the city World Heritage status. Visitors to Cartagena are quickly enchanted by the palm-shaded plazas, open-air cafes, and photogenic side streets. During the 19th century, Cartagena was at the forefront of the region’s independence movement. That independent spirit lives on in the city’s Caribbean influenced music, innovative cuisine, and willingness to celebrate. Here, parties are spontaneous, frequent, and often mobile. This is a friendly, welcoming city with a feeling all its own.
Many of our clients stay in Cartagena for four nights or more.
What to do in Cartagena
Over the years, we’ve assembled a collection of trusted friends—ambassadors, really—who open the city to our clients, helping them access the city’s leading galleries, studios, workshops, and kitchens.
Whatever your interests, we’ll make the introductions. LANDED can assist arranging the following among other signature experiences:
- Walk the historic center and its fortified walls with a private guide
- Tour museums, galleries, and artisan workshops
- Sample rum and cigars in a curated tasting
- Take a chocolate tasting with a local expert
- Cooking classes
- Salsa Lessons
- Enjoy a guided nightlife experience
- Cruise Cartagena Bay at sunset aboard a private boat
- Float in the mineral-rich waters of a nearby mud volcano
- Visit volcanic landscapes just outside the city
- Attend a local soccer match with a local team
- Spend a day at a curated beach club
- Visit the National Aviary of Colombia
- Explore San Basilio de Palenque, a UNESCO-listed village and the first in South America to be freed from slavery
Outside the historic center, visitors can explore the sprawling Bazurto Market, enjoy panoramic views from the hilltop Convento de la Popa, amble through the bohemian Getsemani district, and tour the walls and tunnels of the hemisphere’s greatest fortress.
Farther afield, attractions include gold and white sand beaches, picturesque fishing villages, and the coral reefs of the Islas del Rosario.
What is the Weather Like?
Cartagena is a coastal city, and its climate is humid and dry tropical, with a relative humidity of 84%. Cartagena’s warm, tropical climate changes little throughout the year. Daily highs reach into the 90s °F, with high humidity. The rainiest time is generally from May until the end of November, with the most rainfall being in October, though monthly rainfall during this season rarely exceeds five inches. December to April is the dry season, with February being the driest month. Hurricanes are rare.
These averages are changing. Please check extended weather forecasts using your favorite weather app prior to departure.
Getting There
Cartagena is convenient to Bogota (90 minutes) and Miami (2.5 hours). The city os also easily accessed from other domestic airports such as Medellin (75 minutes) and Cali (90 minutes), and other Latin America hubs such as Panama City (90 minutes) and Lima(3 hours). The city’s Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) is located just minutes from the historic center.
Start your journey today
LANDED delivers the finest in custom, private travel to Central America, South America, and Antarctica. These regions are our passion; we know them first-hand and by heart. Speak with one of our travel designers and let us create a tailored itinerary for you in Cartagena.
How to combine Cartagena
Have some extra time? Here are some options for you to combine with.
