Call 
The Jewel Of The Caribbean Coast
The sultry city of Cartagena is a remarkable addition for travelers exploring Colombia. Once the main trading port between
the Americas and Europe, Cartagena is now a warm and welcoming city full of unique experiences. Here, travelers can
expect to find beautiful architecture, fascinating history, and some of the most beautiful beaches with
golden sands and turquoise waters.
If your luxury trip to Colombia takes you to Cartagena, don’t miss the chance to explore this unique oceanfront city. Enjoy
fine dining, rich culture, and tropical adventures while visiting the “Jewel of the Caribbean Coast.”
Experience Cartagena
GASTRONOMY1 / 5
A city that hugs the Caribbean coastline is a promising destination if you want to find excellent culinary options. Some of the most popular dishes in Cartagena include mojarra, Colombian empanadas, arepas, and ceviche! The flavors here are fresh and full of Colombian spice, making it a true foodie paradise. If you want to taste a little bit of everything, take a food tour to get the best local flavors.
CULTURE2 / 5
The unique location and history of Cartagena make this city a cultural hub full of enriching experiences. You can visit some of the most historic Colombian sites, like Palenque, Old Town, and even the UNESCO Heritage Site known as the Walled City. In order to protect the city from continuous pirate raids, the officials of Cartagena spent years constructing a fortress around their city. Now, they stand as a site to explore the swashbuckling history of this town.
ADVENTURE3 / 5
Cartagena is an exciting city full of unique adventures for a heart-pounding vacation. There are plenty of ocean activities to enjoy, from kayaking around the Walled City to snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea. Embark on a day trip to the Rosario Islands if you want even more water adventures, like a tour through the mangroves. You can even take a horseback ride along the beach if you want an unforgettable trip.
NATURE4 / 5
Cartagena de Indias is celebrated for its breathtaking natural wonders, especially those that line the Caribbean coast. If you want to relax on one of the most beautiful beaches, head to Playa Blanca. This famous destination is known for its turquoise waters and golden sands, as well as the access it gives you to the magical Rosario Islands off the coast.
WELLNESS5 / 5
If you want to relax and indulge in a rejuvenating luxurious trip, you need to stay in Cartagena. There are so many excellent spas and wellness opportunities throughout this city. If you want a completely natural and unforgettable activity, visit the mud baths of Totumo Volcano for holistic healing thanks to the minerals in the mud. Or, opt for something with a few more amenities, like one of the five-star spas and therapeutic centers around Cartagena.
BROWSE THROUGH SAMPLE
Signature Colombia Itineraries
Our custom-designed itineraries are suited to the needs and
preferences of each traveler, every time.
When booking a vacation to Colombia, we’ll keep your travel goals in mind. Whether you’re looking to experience the
art and culture of Bogota, sip your way through the coffee region, or unwind at the sunny beaches – Colombia has
something for everyone and our travel designers are eager to craft the perfect trip for your luxury tour of Colombia.
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DISCOVER THE
Best Time To Travel
Exploring the majesty of Colombia is a wonderful experience any time of year, but if you wish
to experience Cartagena at its best, consider it when you are traveling.
Visit between December and April if you want to enjoy the warm, tropical climate during the dry season. Visiting during the
rainy season is doable if you really want to avoid larger crowds, but be prepared for daily rains and intense humidity.
BEST MONTHS TO VISIT
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Insider Tips
GET THE INSIDER KNOWLEDGE FROM EXPERTS IN TRAVEL
With travel experts who have explored Colombia, the Kuoda team knows the
ins and outs of the country and the best way to experience it. and sustainability.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO1 / 5
Explore the Walled City, a UNESCO Heritage Site If you want to immerse yourself in the unique history of Cartagena, then you have to visit the Walls of Cartagena. This fortress was built over the course of two centuries by defensive city officials who were trying to keep pillaging pirates out of Cartagena. Today, these walls still stand firmly after over 400 years of attacks from outsiders. Take a walking tour of this walled city to get an insightful lesson on this impressive fortress.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO2 / 5
Discover Castillo San Felipe de Barajas If you want to discover the greatest fortress ever built by the Spaniards, you need to explore Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. This mighty structure consumes an entire hilltop and took over a century to perfect. Intricate tunnels weave throughout the fortress, which gave soldiers a strategic advantage over any attackers. These tunnels were used to deliver provisions, execute evacuations, and communicate quickly when Cartagena was under attack. Travelers can visit the Castillo today and even tour some of the tunnels for an immersive history lesson.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO3 / 5
Visit Playa Blanca for a Beach Getaway If you wish to relax and soak up some sun, be sure to visit Playa Blanca, the most famous beach in Cartagena. From here you can also travel by boat to visit the Rosario Islands, an archipelago about an hour south of the Bay of Cartagena. Here we suggest going kayaking through mangrove tunnels, snorkel or scuba dive, or just enjoying the soft sand and bright blue waves.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO4 / 5
Become an Expert on Emeralds at the Caribe Jewelry Museum & Factory Did you know Colombia supplies a majority of the world's emeralds? It’s true! This region is known for mining the purest gems on the planet and has been doing so since the 3rd century. Spend an afternoon at the Caribe Jewelry Museum and Factory if you want to become an emerald expert, learn the rich history of Colombian jewels, and even shop around for some gems yourself. You will even be able to see Petra, the largest emerald ever found in Colombia, weighing over 200 pounds!
WHAT TO SEE AND DO5 / 5
Learn About the Complex History of Colombia If you want a look at some of the lesser-known history of the Americas, takes a tour of the Inquisition Palace, which shows a darker side of the city. The palace displays some of the instruments used during the Spanish Inquisition and pre-Colombian, colonial, and independence-era art. You can also visit the Museo de Oro y Arqueología, which contains an interesting collection of gold artifacts and pottery from the Sinú culture.
WHERE TO EAT1 / 5
Restaurante Celele Celele is the passion project of Chefs Jaime Rodrígues Camacho and Sebastián Pinzón Giraldo, who spent years studying the flavors of the Caribbean coast before opening this incredible dining spot. Recently listed as one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, diners can expect nothing but excellence when they eat here. The techniques and recipes featured at Celele are an authentic reflection of Colombian culture.
WHERE TO EAT2 / 5
Alquímico Alquímico, which translates directly to “Alchemical,” is a unique bar concept with three floors that offer completely different experiences. On level one, guests can visit La Mansión, where the “essence of Alquímico” comes alive using experimental methods for innovative cocktails. Level two is El Balcón, serving classic cocktails with a bar chemist spin. And on level three, the Terraza is a lively tiki bar that offers a party vibe with tropical cocktails.
WHERE TO EAT3 / 5
Carmen Restaurante Enjoy an elegant dinner in downtown Cartagena when you book a table at Carmen Restaurante. Operated by a dynamic trio of chefs, artists, and culture-loving creatives, this restaurant uses modern techniques to elevate local Caribbean ingredients. The menu celebrates traditional cuisine from the region but is still willing to innovate and explore new flavors for a uniquely delicious dining experience.
WHERE TO EAT4 / 5
Sambal Bistro Caribeño If you want to indulge in fiery Caribbean flavors then you need to dine at Sambal Bistro Caribeño. This Cartagena restaurant is a favorite amongst seafood lovers and local foodies who enjoy seafood and Latin cuisine. Sit down for a leisurely brunch during the weekend, or visit for a late-night bite to eat if you’re in the mood for excellent drinks, fresh shellfish or seafood, and classic Colombian dishes done right.
WHERE TO EAT5 / 5
Alma Restaurant & Bar Alma Restaurant offers the best traditional cuisine from Chef Heberto Eljach. This passionate, energetic culinary destination invites you to enjoy exquisite coastal recipes, like seafood casserole, a variety of ceviches, and a menu that celebrates quality ingredients and the cultural favorites of Cartagena’s locals. Once you’re done with an exceptional dinner, head over to Alma’s bar, where you can enjoy a craft cocktail and some live music.
WHERE TO STAY1 / 5
Casa San Agustín This chic hotel experience combines traditional Colombian style with modern amenities for a balance of class and innovation. Casa San Agustín is an impressive luxury hotel, with its own private beach club on the Caribbean waterfront, a pool inside the main villa, and specialty packages for any guests who want to upgrade their experience. Enjoy this contemporary hotel to the fullest with a trip to their spa or a craft drink at their poolside bar.
WHERE TO STAY2 / 5
Hotel Quadrifolio Step into Hotel Quadrifolio, a 17th-century colonial building with brilliantly restored interiors that make this an intimate and timeless retreat in the center of Cartagena’s walled city. Here, the rooms are just one of the places you can enjoy total relaxation. There are also a tranquil heated pool, a beautiful terrace with a jacuzzi, and even a private boat that may invite you on a cruise around Cartagena Bay.
WHERE TO STAY3 / 5
Bastión Luxury Hotel For a taste of 16th-century opulence in the modern city of Cartagena, stay at the Bastion Luxury Hotel in the heart of Cartagena's old town. Hotel Bastión is made for the traveler who wants to experience local culture. From this property, you can access historic sites such as The Clock Tower or Las Bovedas Square. You’ll also be a short walk from the Modern Art Museum and the Gold Museum to continue your study of Colombia’s unique history!
WHERE TO STAY4 / 5
Casa de Alba Stay in an elegant Caribbean mansion surrounded by Cartagena's best food, shops, and museums. Casa de Alba is a boutique hotel that provides guests excellent access to the city’s best activities, like Bolivar Park and Santo Domingo Square. There are two pools for travelers to enjoy during their stay, one of which can be found in the charming central courtyard that makes this hotel feel like a regal palace.
WHERE TO STAY5 / 5
Casa Lola Considered an artistic jewel of Cartagena, Casa Lola is a boutique luxury experience in the heart of Old Town. This cozy yet elegant site is designed as a place where tradition interacts with modernity. Old colonial architecture merges with more republican constructions. Antiques and modern art overlap. This hotel focuses on making every little detail important, so you can enjoy your accommodations as much as you enjoy the rest of the city.
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