Welcome to colorful Cartagena, Colombia, a city rich in history, culture, and charm. Located on the Caribbean coast, Cartagena is a popular destination for travelers looking for a unique and memorable experience.
Backpackers, however, should be aware that Cartagena is the current crown jewel of Colombian tourism, resulting in it being one of the most expensive locations throughout the country.
It’s not necessarily cheap here, but it’s not expensive either. We stayed in Cartagena for a week but would recommend a much shorter stay.
Everything in this blog you can knock out in a day, so let’s check out some low-cost activities to keep your travel budget in check while visiting Cartagena.
Hit the Streets
The city’s historic old town, known as the Walled City, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite Cartaegena’s raging heat and humidity, the old city center is undeniably beautiful.
You’ll want to stroll the quaint streets for hours, but be sure to stay hydrated because you guessed it, the best way to explore the Walled City is on foot.
The colorful colonial buildings, churches, covenants, and charming plazas will transport you back to the 16th century. Wander through the streets and alleys and take in the sights and sounds of the vibrant city.
A highlight here is the Plaza de la Trinidad, a bustling square filled with street performers, vendors, and locals. A great place to people-watch and enjoy the sunshine.
The next stop on your Cartagena walking tour is the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. This massive fortress dates back to the 16th century. The fort was built by African slave labor under Spanish supervision to protect Cartagena from invaders. At the top, you’re offered breathtaking views of the city and the Caribbean Sea.
You can explore the tunnels and ramparts of the fortress and learn about its history at the on-site museum. Head to the top to take in the panoramic views from above.
Indulge in Street Food
To taste Cartagena’s culture, head to Barrio Getsemani, the cool part of town, located just outside the Walled City. This colorful and lively neighborhood is known for its street art, live music, and local cuisine.
You can sample traditional Colombian dishes such as arepas, empanadas, and ceviche at one of the many street food stalls or restaurants located around the city. The street food scene is on point here.
After a few drinks, you’ve got to hit up a food cart and try some cheap Colombian eats you won’t find anywhere else. Our favorites included mote de queso and patacón con todo.
Getsemani is also one of the best places in the city to shop for souvenirs. Vendors here sell handicrafts, jewelry, and clothing.
🌎 BROS TIP: No trip to Cartagena would be complete without experiencing the city’s vibrant nightlife. The city is famous for its salsa dancing, with numerous clubs and bars where you can dance the night away. One of the most popular spots is Cafe Havana, a Cuban-themed bar that features live music and dancing every night of the week.
Head to the Beach
If you’re looking for a beach escape, Cartagena has a few options. We hit up Playa Marbella and Playa de Crespo in town. If you’re looking to cool off, take a dip in the ocean, or relax for a few hours, it will do. But just don’t expect anything spectacular.
If visiting the lettered sign of the location you are in is your thing, you can head over to Letras de Cartagena and take your photo at the massive Cartagena sign. The letters are made with plastic that was recovered through the city’s recycling collection center. The project was sponsored by Esenttia and was the first of its kind in the country.
Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca is located an hour south by taxi and is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, with crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches. Accommodations are cheap but the wifi will be slim to none. You can do a day trip and take a boat from Cartagena to Playa Blanca or book a tour with transportation and lunch. We took an Uber to Playa Blanca because it was the best deal then stayed overnight. Be prepared for crowds and to be bombarded by beach vendors!
Another option is the Rosario Islands, a group of small islands south of Playa Blanca. The islands are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Colombia, where you can enjoy snorkeling, diving, and other water sports. We heard they are much less crowded.
Accommodations
The hostel prices in Cartagena are higher than those in the rest of Colombia, but the city has some decent options. The average price for a 6-bed dorm is 30,000 COP per night ($8). A 4-bed dorm around, 45,000 COP to 70,000 COP per night ($10- $15). And a private room will cost about 130,000 COP ($30) per night. That’s typically as low as it gets, so you can taper your expectations.
You can also consider budget hotels which are abundant in Cartagena and often cheaper than private hostel rooms. Two-star hotels can cost as little as 60,000 COP ($14) per night but expect to pay closer to 100,000 COP ($23). Airbnb is another option with the starting price for an entire home/apartment being around 350,000 COP ($79) per night.
Is Cartagena Worth it?
It’s hard to say because every traveler is different. What some may find joy in, others may hate. For the Bros, we wouldn’t necessarily recommend going out well out of your way to come here but overall, had an enjoyable time. If it works for your itinerary, you have some extra time, and feel a connection to Cartagena then go for it!
With a rich history, a vibrant culture, and lively nightlife, Cartagena makes for an enjoyable and quick stop when traveling around Colombia. Will you discover this captivating and colorful city on the Caribbean coast during your stay in Colombia? Hit us with some comments below!
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