City trip Cartagena, Colombia

When is the best time to go?

Cartagena has a tropical climate with constant temperatures of 27 to 32 degrees year-round. The dry season from December to April is the best time: sunny and stable weather, and the sea is calmest for boat trips to the Islas del Rosario.

January to March is the peak of the dry season. July to August (mini-dry season, veranillo) is also a good option: less rain than the rest of the rainy season, and prices are significantly lower than December. Avoid October, the wettest month (230mm of rain). The rest of the rainy season (May to November) has short tropical showers - rarely an all-day affair.

The neighborhoods of Cartagena

• Ciudad Amurallada (Walled City) UNESCO-listed heart of the city. Colorful colonial facades, baroque churches, romantic squares (Plaza de los Coches, Plaza de Bolivar), boutique hotels. Most tourist restaurants and the highest hotel prices. Walking the city walls at sunset is a must.
• Getsemani Just outside the city walls, named one of the "coolest neighborhoods in the world" by Forbes in 2018. Best street art, nightlife centered around Plaza de la Trinidad, and the most affordable restaurants. Authentic and safe for tourists.
• Bocagrande Modern Cartagena with high-rise buildings, shopping streets and a long beach. Less colonial character but good for a beach day, affordable restaurants, and shopping.
• El Centro The center of the Walled City around the great cathedral and Plaza de Bolivar. Busy by day, quieter in the evening. Most museums and historic buildings are here.
• La Boquilla Authentic fishing village on the narrow strip north of the city, near the airport. Local atmosphere, mangrove kayak tours, and much cheaper food than the city center. Almost off the tourist map.

Top 5 things to do in Cartagena

• Castillo San Felipe de Barajas The largest Spanish fort in South America, built in the 17th and 18th centuries. Entry for foreigners approximately COP 50,000 (about 10 to 11 euros). Open daily 8:00 to 18:00. Free on the last Sunday of most months (not in December or January). The tunnel system inside the fort is impressive.
• City walls (Murallas) Free. Walking along the nearly 11-kilometer city walls is one of the best things to do in Cartagena. The most spectacular view is at the Baluarte del Reducto, looking out over the Caribbean Sea at sunset. The busiest spot is at sunset - arrive early to get a good spot.
• Islas del Rosario National park about 35 to 45 minutes by speedboat from Muelle de la Bodeguita. Group tour with boat, buffet lunch, and beach access: approximately 45 to 75 euros per person. Important: the national park fee of approximately 6 to 7 euros per person is almost never included and is charged separately at the park control point. Book directly at the Muelle de la Bodeguita.
• Playa Blanca White beach on Isla Baru, accessible via the same boat tours or with a local lancha. Better beach than Bocagrande and cheaper than the Rosario Islands. No national park fee. Day trip boat approximately 20 to 40 euros return.
• Palacio de la Inquisicion Historical museum about the Spanish Inquisition on Plaza de Bolivar. Entry approximately 5 to 7 euros. An impressive colonial building in the center of the Walled City.

Flights and transport from the Netherlands to Cartagena

KLM flies daily direct from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to Cartagena Rafael Nunez airport (CTG), flight time approximately 9 hours 45 minutes with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Return tickets from approximately 365 euros in low season; average around 716 to 900 euros.

Book at least 3 months in advance for the best prices, especially for December to April (dry season). Avianca via Bogota and Copa Airlines via Panama City are alternatives.

Getting around Cartagena: the Walled City is compact (15-minute walk from one end to the other) - walking is the only logical option within the walls. Taxis have a minimum fare of COP 12,250 (approximately 2.50 euros) per trip; no meters in most taxis, so negotiate the price before getting in.

Taxis from the Walled City to Bocagrande: approximately 3 to 5 euros. Cartagena airport (CTG) is close to the city center, taxi approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

What does a trip to Cartagena Colombia cost?

Cartagena is the most expensive city in Colombia but very affordable by European standards. Budget travelers (hostel, street food, free activities): 37 to 60 euros per day. Mid-range (private room, restaurant meals, boat trip): 83 to 130 euros per day. Accommodation in the Walled City is 15 to 20% more expensive than in Getsemani. Castillo San Felipe: approximately 10 euros. City walls: free. Islas del Rosario tour: approximately 45 to 75 euros plus 6 to 7 euros national park fee. Return flights from Amsterdam from approximately 365 euros.

Insider tip: kayaking through the mangroves of La Boquilla

The fishing village of La Boquilla lies on the narrow strip between the Caribbean Sea and the Cienaga lagoon, just north of the city near the airport. Here, local guides offer kayak tours through the mangroves for approximately COP 30,000 to 50,000 (6 to 10 euros) per person - a fraction of what similar tours cost in tourist areas.

Authentic Afro-Colombian community, fresh fish straight from the boat, and almost no other tourists. Accessible by taxi (approximately 15 minutes from the center). The best insider experience in Cartagena.