Resorts in Cartagena, Colombia

Anyone making a visit to Colombia can’t miss the opportunity to experience the country’s stunning 16th-century port town, Cartegena. Situated along Colombia’s Caribbean coast, the walled Old Town will charm you with its cobblestone streets, brightly colored colonial buildings, and endless restaurants and boutiques to discover. And though charming, this city has a wild history to uncover, as Cartagena was the first Spanish colony in the Americas. With its convenient seaside location, it became an integral port city from which the conquistadors shipped treasures they had pillaged from native cultures back to Spain, while also importing slaves to the region from Africa. Then, to defend the city and its stolen goods from pirates, the settlers built a massive stone wall surrounding the entirety of it, creating a coastal fortress unlike any other. But aside from its fascinating past, Cartagena is also known for its beaches and tropical climate, with beautiful weather all year round. So pack a pair of salsa shoes, your swimsuit, and some shades for this unforgettable seaside getaway.

While in town, check out Cartagena’s Puerta del Reloj, otherwise known as Boca del Puente— the main city gate of the historic center of Cartagena de Indias, and the original entrance of the fortified city. Stretching between the Plaza de Independencia and Plaza de Los Coches, this “clock tower” has a fascinating history that once involved a working drawbridge during the colonial period! To get a feel for more of its cultural heritage, one of the best ways to see Cartagena is through a bilingual walking tour. With a great local guide, you’ll spend a few hours strolling the streets while learning about its fascinating history. Typically offered twice a day, you can catch a tour at 10 am and 4 pm— just remember to wear your best walking shoes!

Colombia is known for its world-class coffee, and Cartagena is no exception. While in town, you could spend entire days touring local cafes— from little local gems to upscale bistros, coffee flows throughout the veins of this great city. A great way to get acquainted with the local beans is to schedule a coffee tasting, where you get to try different flavors and learn about the coffee-making process, from sprouting to sipping. After all the caffeine, you might be ready to taste the local fare of the city, and in Cartegena, it’s not hard to find a good place to eat. Seek out a local dish, where you’ll get a healthy portion of fried fish, coconut rice, patacones (fried plantains), and a salad. Or, opt for elevated global fusion from one of their many international restaurants. After your meal, head out on the town to the Getsemani district, where you can enjoy a nice cocktail while trying your hand at salsa dancing! If dancing isn’t your strong suit, you’ll still have a blast watching the locals twist and spin to the music all night long.

Then, for a tropical beach day, take a quick boat ride over to Isla de Barú to lounge about its postcard-worthy white-sand beaches and palm trees, or opt for the Islas del Rosario, for a day of snorkeling its pristine coral reefs.

Don’t forget to check out our top resorts in Saint Augustine, and Riveria Beach