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Average Weather

 88°

Known for

Coffee, History and Culture

Official Language

Spanish

Picture Yourself in Colombia

Colombia, nestled in South America with coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, is rich in culture, history and biodiversity. Explore everything Cartagena, Colombia has to offer from historical neighborhoods bustling with life to alluring beaches and endless adventure opportunities.

Colorful Buildings in Old Town of Cartagena

Enchanting Neighborhoods

Cartagena is one of the most popular tourist cities in Colombia. A system of zones divides the city into three neighborhoods: San Pedro with a stunning, historic Cathedral and “Andalusian-style” palaces, San Diego featuring picturesque streets and plazas and Getsemaní with authentic street art, public plazas and performance art. 

Boats anchored in San Andres Island

Tropical Beaches

Crystal clear water and soft sand make Colombia’s beaches some of the most beautiful in South America. Take a trip to Playa Blanca, one of the most famous beaches in Colombia, with sugar white sand and clear, blue waters. Or visit the Rosario Islands, just off the coast of Cartagena, which are part of a national park and feature lovely beaches.

men and women dressed in outfits walking down streets in Colombia

Colorful Culture

A beautiful tapestry of cultures, Cartagena is the perfect place to explore. An abundance of historic sites are within the city limits. Plus, museums to learn about the country and its rich exports like coffee, gold and emeralds. You may even spot one of the beautiful Palenqueras – women dressed in colorful, traditional dresses carrying a variety of delicious fruit and sweets on their heads. 

Plated plantains with Colombian Caribbean Food

Delectable Dishes

Experience culinary delights brimming with flavor and offering a unique blend of cultural inspiration. Options include street vendors selling delectable bites, casual restaurants and gourmet experiences. There’s something for everyone from fried treats to ceviche and empanadas. Colombia has a treat to satisfy every vacation craving. 

Our Resorts

Aerial of pools with loungers and palm trees
Dreams Karibana Cartagena Golf & Spa Resort Colombia
Dreams Karibana Cartagena is the perfect spot to experience the warmth and richness of Cartagena, Colombia. Experience all the inclusions of Unlimited-Luxury® with limitless dining, top-shelf drinks and clubs for kids. Or explore this unique destination filled with excitement, culture and history.

Picture Perfect Colombia

Experience all the sights, sounds, tastes and adventures that Cartagena, Colombia has to offer. Fill your feed with pictures of every unforgettable moment.

Birds Eye View of Rosario Islands in Cartagena Colombia

Playa Blanca & Rosario Island

Escape to the crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches of Playa Blanca on Rosario Islands, just 100km off the shore of Cartagena. The Rosario Islands are part of the Corales del Rosario National Park making it a protected area full of biodiversity and coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling, swimming and admiring the beauty of Columbia.

Bridge to the top of Totumo Mud Volcano

El Totumo Mud Volcano

Located just outside of Cartagena, Totumo Mud Volcano is a small, once active volcano with huge benefits and an even bigger history. Relax in its pool of naturally warm ash mud that is known for the healing properties. After, your guide will lead you to Manzanillo del Mar Lake to rinse off before starting your next adventure.

Flags in the streets of the City of Getsemani

Unique and exciting Getsemaní Neighborhood

Located just a short distance from the historic center of Cartagena, Getsemaní offers visitors a unique experience in an authentic neighborhood. The streets are alive with excitement, color and engaging street art. Don’t forget to try the delicious variety of street food including empanadas, dedidos de queso and amazingly fresh fruit.

View of Castillo San Felipe Barajas with Statue in front of Castle

Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas

Overlooking the grand city, the huge castle of Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas is not to be missed on your visit. This grand construction was started in 1639 and completed 150 years later. A crowning landmark in the city, visitors can walk through the battlements, explore underground passages and admire the alluring architecture.

Gold Artifact displayed in the Museo del Oro

Museo del Oro Zenú and Caribe Jewelry Museum & Factory

Delve into the fascinating world of Colombian gold and emeralds. The intimate Museo del Oro Zenú holds a fascinating collection of the gold and pottery of the Zenú (also known as Sinú) people, who inhabited modern day Colombia before the Spanish Conquest. Special exhibitions and guided tours are offered in both English and Spanish. Caribe Jewelry was founded in 1983 and throughout the years, this jewelry has undergone an exponential growth from a small workshop to a consolidated large family business, well-known among the jewelry stores in Cartagena for its quality and exceptional service.

Events in Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena has unforgettable experiences awaiting you! Don't miss these annual events.

women cooking food over stove

Fried Food Festival

February

Entice your tastebuds at one of Cartegena’s most celebrated food festivals. Chefs compete in a frito competition—one of the signature street snacks made from corn flour, beef and other delicious ingredients fried into a crispy, golden pocket you’ll want to taste for yourself.

Movie Theater rope for Film Festival

Cartagena Film Festival

March

This renowned film festival, the oldest in Latin America, puts a spotlight on the promotion of Colombian television series, Latin American films and short films.

women holding a basket of fruit on top of her head

Cartagena Independence Day

November

The celebrations of Cartagena’s Independence Day are must-see events. The streets come alive with parades, dance shows and “bandos” (neighborhood celebrations). The festivities conclude with the “Fiestas de la Independencia” and the crowning of the “Queen of Cartagena”.

People Dancing in the Streets of Colombia

Carnival de Barranquilla

Days leading up to Ash Wednesday

One of the largest celebrations of Carnival in the world occurs in Barranquilla in the days leading up to Holy Week. Barranquilla is located just a few hours outside of Cartagena and offers visitors the chance to take part in traditions that date back to the 19th century. The festivities begin the Saturday before Ash Wednesday with the Battle of the Flowers. UNESCO declared this celebration one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2003.

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