Once a highly prized port within the Spanish empire, modern day Cartagena bursts with color and charisma, tempting all who visit to live a little louder. Located on the Caribbean coast, the city enjoys a year-round tropical climate, making it a perfect beach getaway. A weekend in Cartagena is all you need to catch the highlights of this Colombian jewel.
Remnants of colonial Spanish influence can be seen in the crumbling Walled City, which was built in the 1600s to deter pirates and has come to represent the heart of Cartagena, teeming with restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
Saturday: White Sand Beaches and Live Entertainment
Baru Islands for Fun in the Sun
Plan for a quick breakfast because you’ll be heading out early for a day tour of Playa Blanca on the nearby Baru Islands. Cartagena is well set up for tourism and you’ll find plenty of tour operators at most hotels and in agencies throughout the Walled City.
Most beach tours include a typical lunch of fried fish, rice, and salad with a drink. You’ll have several hours to hang out by the beach and paddle in the lukewarm, crystalline waters of the Caribbean ocean. Be mindful as you’ll be approached often by people selling massages, fresh oysters, and much more. While they might offer a ‘free’ sample, be warned – they might demand payment afterwards. Boats and jet skis are easily rented at the shoreline.
The tour will end mid-afternoon and they’ll likely drop you off near the Clock Tower in the Walled City, which is a popular spot for booking additional tours and excursions. After dark, it’s where you’ll find street arepas (corn meal patties) being flipped on pop-up food carts and musicians tuning makeshift instruments while dancers twirl in the background.
Sunset Views and Live Salsa
After changing into your evening attire, head back to the Walled City for an unmatched rooftop view of the sunset at El Baluarte. Happy hour runs from 5 PM to midnight and a live band will serenade you as you watch the sun’s slow descent into the sea.
Next, you’ll want to attend Crazy Salsa’s weekly Crazy Rumba dance lesson and party, which begins at 7 PM and includes a live band. You might feel exhausted after two hours of dancing, but if you can muster some Saturday energy, walk to nearby Alquímico for cocktails on their rooftop bar and a couple of rounds of billiards. This venue is well-known for its craft cocktail menu.
Sunday – Fortress and Graffiti Tour Plus More Salsa
Dessert for Breakfast and a Colombian Castle
Treat yourself to a traditional Colombian breakfast of savory pastries and coffee at Mila, an all-day bakery and dessert parlor near Cartagena’s historic cathedral in the Walled City. This locale serves as the cultural hub of the city, where the most popular bars, restaurants, and shops are situated.
Afterwards, you can walk or grab a quick taxi to the Castillo San Felipe Fortress for an informative tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site. The fortress, built in the mid-17th century, was a response to the frequent pirate attacks and political conflicts of the time.
Subsequent advancements in military technology rendered the fortress obsolete after the Battles of Cartagena de India. The Colombian government acquired it as a national landmark in the late 19th century. Largely abandoned for over a century, serious renovations were undertaken in 1928. The fortress is open to visitors daily and provides stunning views of the Walled City. By scheduling your tour right after breakfast, you’ll beat most of the afternoon heat.
Graffiti and Cheap Eats in Getsemani
Stroll over to the gritty yet charming neighborhood of Getsemani, which is practically indistinguishable from the nearby Walled City. You’ll know you’ve found it when you step onto streets adorned with colorful streamers. Take in the vibrant street art, pose for playful pictures with the statues in Trinidad Square, and take a moment to relax in this laid-back corner of bustling Cartagena.
Getsemani is somewhat off the tourist track, allowing you to discover cheaper eats and less street performances from locals. You can easily find a food or juice cart for a quick bite or groceries to prepare your own meals. If you prefer to dine in, you can enjoy an affordable menu del dia or ‘menu of the day’ at numerous mom-and-pop restaurants around Getsemani.
Souvenir Shopping and More Mojitos
After lunch, cross back into the Walled City to browse the artisan shops located beneath the wall. Here, you’ll encounter emerald jewelers, local artists selling their work, along with your usual souvenirs like t-shirts, magnets, and keychains.
Cartagena is undeniably colorful and picturesque, and you’ll likely see fellow tourists pausing amid vibrant walls and alleyways for spontaneous photographs. Some locals seize this opportunity to earn extra income and may charge tourists for photos with them. While it may sound like a hustle, the temptation is understandable when you see the gorgeous women in bright layered dresses balancing tropical fruit on their heads.
Cartagena runs hot, and you’ll notice the city tends to slow down around mid-afternoon when the temperatures peak. If you’re not in the mood for a siesta, cool off with 2-for-1 happy hour drinks at Cuba 1940.
Peruvian Cuisine and Famous Salsa Clubs
Cartagena offers a wealth of fine dining options, with many restaurants drawing inspiration from its southern neighbor, Peru. Cuzco serves an intriguing fusion of Colombian and Peruvian dishes, featuring an array of seafood options. The restaurant’s arched brick entryways and exposed wood ceilings create a unique dining atmosphere, reminiscent of a renovated tunnel within the city’s fortress. Like many places around the Caribbean capital, Cuzco frequently hires a live band to entertain guests in the evenings.
No trip to Cartagena is complete without indulging in an exhilarating night of salsa dancing. Café Havana is a popular spot in Getsemani, where your cover charge includes a drink ticket, and bartenders are known for their generous pours. Live bands perform salsa sets Monday through Saturday and every day during the high season in December and January.
