Cartagena de Indias is a city that can overwhelm you if you arrive without a clear plan. There's too much to do and too many tour sellers trying to sell you exactly the same thing. This guide is the honest selection of a Cartagena native who knows her city inside out: the 25 plans that are truly worth it, organized by category.
On the water: the 7 best nautical plans
1. Day trip to the Islas del Rosario: Cartagena's star plan. Private boat, snorkeling on living coral, a lobster or seafood lunch at a palafito eatery, and white sand beach. Book in advance, especially during high season. See our Sunny Day excursion.
2. Bay Sunset Tour: 2-3 hours sailing the bay as the sun sets over the colonial walls. Romantic, photogenic and totally different from any other plan. See Magical Sunsets.
3. Kitesurfing in Manzanillo del Mar: For those seeking adrenaline. Classes for beginners or free sessions for advanced riders. See Kitesurfing Courses.
4. Scuba diving in the Rosario: The reefs of the National Park have some of the best dive spots in the Colombian Caribbean. Discovery dives for beginners and dives for advanced divers available.
5. Private boat rental for the day: Your own captain, your own schedule, your own destination. Nohemi's fleet has 5 boats for groups of all sizes.
6. Night snorkeling: An uncommon but extraordinary experience: the reef at night has a completely different life. Octopus, lobster and fish you can only see with an underwater flashlight.
7. Deep-sea sport fishing: For those who want a more active experience beyond the islands. The waters of the Colombian Caribbean hold snapper, kingfish, mahi-mahi and occasionally marlin.
On land: 7 plans in the Walled City
8. Walking the walls at sunset: The 17th-century walls are Cartagena's most iconic walk. At sunset they fill with locals, musicians and the city's best atmosphere. Free.
9. San Felipe de Barajas Castle: The most important military fortress in South America. The internal tunnels are fascinating and the view of the city from the top is spectacular. Admission: $22,000 COP for foreigners.
10. Getsemani at night: Cartagena's most authentic neighborhood is full of street art, local bars and a completely different energy from the touristy Centro Histórico. A must.
11. La Popa Convent: Cartagena's highest colonial convent, with 360-degree panoramic views of the city and the bay. Going up at 6-7 AM avoids the heat and the tour groups.
12. Palace of the Inquisition: The most impressive colonial building in the Centro Histórico, with a museum included. Admission: $20,000 COP.
13. Plaza de Santo Domingo: The liveliest square in the Centro Histórico, perfect for breakfast at one of the cafes overlooking the colonial church or for buying crafts directly from the artisans.
14. Horse-drawn carriage tour at night: The colonial carriages that ride through the historic center at night, with the illuminated walls in the background, are a romantic and iconic experience.
Food: 5 culinary plans
15. Bazurto Market at 7 AM: Cartagena's most authentic market. Tropical fruit, fresh fish of the day, aromatic herbs and the best sancocho in the city. Going with a local is a must.
16. Lunch at a palafito eatery: Fresh seafood right over the sea in the Islas del Rosario. The most authentic culinary experience in the region.
17. Food tour with Nohemi: A culinary tour of the restaurants and eateries tourists never find on their own. See Food Tour.
18. Corozo juice at the market: Corozo is a wild Caribbean berry with a uniquely tangy, refreshing flavor. Fresh corozo juice is the most "Cartagena" drink you can have, and it costs $4,000 COP.
19. Dinner in the Centro Histórico: The dining scene in the Centro Histórico blends tradition with contemporary cuisine. There's everything from $30,000 COP eateries to $200,000 COP per person restaurants.
To round out the experience: 6 more plans
20. Salsa or cumbia classes: Cartagena is pure Caribbean and music is its language. Dance academies offer cumbia, mapalé and salsa classes for tourists for $50,000-$80,000 COP per session.
21. Playa Blanca in Baru: Colombia's most photogenic beach. Busier than the Islas del Rosario but with undeniable beauty. Best on weekdays outside high season.
22. Islas de San Bernardo: A bit further than the Rosario (2 hours by boat) but much less crowded. For those wanting something more remote and peaceful.
23. La Boquilla: The fishing neighborhood north of Cartagena, where artisanal fishing happens and vueltiao hats are made by hand. An authentic local experience just 15 minutes from the city.
24. Rosario Aquarium: Open pools with nurse sharks, rays and turtles in their natural habitat. A favorite with kids.
25. Kayaking through the mangroves: The mangrove channels of La Boquilla are a unique ecosystem explored by kayak with a local guide. Marine wildlife, silence and pure nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need for the essentials?
3 well-organized days: the Walled City and Getsemani, the Islas del Rosario, and a bay sunset. With 5 days you can add kitesurfing, diving and the Bazurto market.
What's the best time of year?
December-March: less rain, perfect beaches, best wind. It's also high season with more tourists and higher prices.
What does Nohemi recommend most?
The private day trip to the Islas del Rosario with a seafood lunch. It's Cartagena's most complete and authentic experience.