Cartagena de Indias sits on a sheltered bay on Colombia's Caribbean coast. Its walled old town and fortresses are a UNESCO World Heritage site, and most visitors split their days between the old town, Getsemaní and a boat trip to the islands.
The walled city and Getsemaní
Inside the walls, the San Pedro and San Diego quarters are best seen on foot. Getsemaní, just outside, was the city's popular quarter. The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, the great fortress on the hill east of the old town, guarded the approach by land.
Taxis
Cartagena's taxis have no meters. The city sets the fares every year by zone, so ask the price before you get in. At the airport's official taxi ranks you get a slip with the official fare.
Boats to the Rosario Islands and Barú
Boats to the Rosario Islands leave from the Muelle de la Bodeguita, the authorised pier in front of the city walls. Before boarding you pay a port fee, in cash and in pesos. The islands are part of the Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo national park, which charges its own entry fee. Many tours leave these charges out of their price.
Signal on the islands
On Isla Grande and the smaller islands, mobile coverage is limited, and places to stay often rely on their own Wi-Fi. Download maps, tickets and bookings before the boat leaves.
Weather
Cartagena is hot all year, with averages of about 27 to 29 °C. December to April is the dry season; from May to November it rains, most of all in October.
Good to know
- Airport. Rafael Núñez is a short taxi ride from the old town: see our Cartagena airport guide.
- Emergencies. Call 123, Colombia's free national emergency line.
