Colorful colonial houses on a historic street in Cartagena, Colombia

Is Cartagena, Colombia Safe? A Traveler’s Safety Guide

Cartagena is one of the most photographed cities in South America. Its colonial Walled City sits right on the Caribbean coast, with bright balconies, leafy plazas and old stone walls that once kept pirates out. It is also a city many first-time visitors wonder about before they book. Is Cartagena safe?

For most travelers, the answer comes down to where you go and the habits you bring. This guide covers how safe Cartagena is for tourists, the most popular areas to stay and explore, the scams to watch for, what changes after dark, and the health and weather precautions that matter most on the coast.

How Safe Is Cartagena for Tourists?

Tourism is a big part of daily life in Cartagena, especially in the historic center. The areas visitors spend most of their time in are busy and full of people from morning until late evening.

Still, safety is never a simple yes-or-no answer. For most visitors, the realistic risks are the everyday kind: pickpocketing in crowds, phone snatching, taxi overcharging and pushy street sales. Risk goes up away from the main tourist areas, on empty streets and late at night.

Check the U.S. State Department Advisory

Before any trip to Colombia, read the U.S. State Department's current travel advisory for the country at travel.state.gov. It gives Colombia an overall advisory level, adds region-by-region warnings and is updated as conditions change. Read the full text, not just the headline level. It explains which areas carry extra warnings and lists practical cautions for visitors.

You can also enroll in the State Department's free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety alerts while you travel.

Safest Neighborhoods in Cartagena

Most visitors spend their time in three neighboring areas near the water. Each has its own feel, and all three are popular with travelers.

The Walled City (Centro Histórico)

The Walled City is the heart of Cartagena and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Narrow streets lined with colonial homes lead to plazas and churches, all wrapped in a six-mile-long stone wall that once protected the city from pirates. Landmarks include the Clock Tower, the Peace Plaza, the Royal Custom House, the Church of San Pedro Claver and Simón Bolívar Park.

As the city's main tourist area, it is busy day and night. That crowd is part of its appeal, but crowds also attract pickpockets and persistent vendors, so keep your bag in front of you in busy plazas.

Getsemaní

Just outside the walls, Getsemaní is a colorful neighborhood bursting with color and brimming with street life. It is known for its murals, small restaurants and lively plazas that fill with locals and visitors in the evening.

Getsemaní is popular during the day and in the busy evening hours. After dark, stay on the main, well-lit streets and skip quiet side streets.

Bocagrande

Bocagrande is Cartagena's modern side: a narrow strip of land lined with high-rise hotels, apartment buildings, restaurants and a long Caribbean beach. It feels more like a resort district than a historic neighborhood, and many visitors like its beach access and wide streets.

The main things to watch for here are insistent beach vendors and keeping an eye on your valuables on the sand.

Common Scams and Petty Crime to Watch For

Most problems in Cartagena are about money, not danger. Knowing the common tricks makes them easy to avoid.

  • Taxi overcharging. Fares are often set by zone rather than by meter, so agree on the price before you get in. Ask your hotel what a fair fare looks like, or have them call a taxi for you.
  • "Free" gifts. A vendor may slip a bracelet on your wrist, hand you a hat or start a beach massage, then ask for money. A polite, firm "no, gracias" and walking on is usually enough.
  • Pushy beach sales. On popular beaches you may be approached again and again for drinks, snacks and boat trips. Settle prices before you accept anything.
  • Pickpocketing and phone snatching. Crowded plazas, markets and street shows are prime spots. Don't leave your phone on a café table near the street.
  • ATM and card trouble. Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers during the day, and cover your PIN.
  • Short change. Count your change and carry small bills for street purchases.
  • Street touts selling tours. Book excursions through your hotel or a reputable operator, not someone who approaches you on the street.

On a Caravan tour, shopping stays in your hands. Caravan will not bring you to overpriced shops in exchange for payments, and you get free time in the Walled City to shop for jewelry, leather goods, fashion accessories and fine handcrafts wherever you choose.

Is Cartagena Safe at Night?

Cartagena comes alive after sunset. The air cools a little, plazas fill with music and diners, and the old streets glow under the lamps. The busy parts of the Walled City and Getsemaní stay lively well into the evening, and that crowd helps keep them comfortable.

Risk rises when streets empty out, when people have been drinking and when visitors wander into unfamiliar areas. A few habits go a long way:

  • Stay on main streets and in busy plazas. Avoid empty side streets and beaches late at night.
  • Use a taxi called by your hotel or restaurant instead of hailing one on the street.
  • Watch your drink, and never accept drinks, snacks or cigarettes from strangers. Travel warnings for Colombia have cautioned visitors about criminals who drug people to rob them.
  • If you meet someone through a dating app, meet only in public places.
  • Carry only the cash you need for the evening, and go out with a companion or your group.

Health and Weather Precautions

For many visitors, Cartagena's biggest everyday challenge isn't crime. It's the heat.

Heat and Sun

Cartagena is hot and humid year-round, and the midday sun is strong on the stone streets. Wear light, breathable clothing, a hat and sunscreen, and plan your walking for mornings and late afternoons. Drink water often. On Caravan tours, bottled water is provided on motorcoaches in Latin America.

Rain, Mosquitoes and Food

Rain often arrives in short, heavy downpours that can briefly flood streets, so pack a compact umbrella and shoes that grip on wet stone. Mosquitoes are common on the coast and can carry illnesses such as dengue. Bring insect repellent, and talk with your doctor or a travel clinic about vaccines and other precautions before you go.

Many travelers stick to bottled water and choose busy restaurants where food is cooked fresh. Colombian food is part of the fun, so read up on bandeja paisa, Colombia's classic hearty breakfast, before your trip.

Elevation Elsewhere in Colombia

Cartagena is on the coast, but many Colombia trips also include mountain cities. Caravan's tour begins with three nights in Bogotá at an overnight elevation of 8,660 feet, followed by three nights in Medellín at 4,905 feet. If you have breathing or heart issues, consult your healthcare professional before you travel.

Practical Safety Tips

  • Read the State Department advisory and enroll in STEP before you leave.
  • Keep your passport in the hotel safe and carry a copy.
  • Wear a small cross-body bag in front, and split your cash and cards.
  • Leave flashy jewelry and expensive watches at home.
  • Arrange airport transfers ahead of time. Caravan provides transfers to Rafael Nunez International Airport (CTG) at the end of the tour.
  • Learn a few Spanish phrases. A friendly "gracias" helps everywhere.
  • Agree on prices before any taxi ride, massage or boat trip.
  • Trust your instincts. If a street feels wrong, turn around.

These are the same habits that help in any busy destination. For a comparison, see our Guadalajara, Mexico safety guide, and check our Colombia travel tips for packing and clothing advice.

FAQs

Is Cartagena safe for tourists?

Most visitors enjoy Cartagena without problems by staying in the main tourist areas and taking everyday precautions. Petty crime and scams are the most common issues. Check the U.S. State Department's current advisory for Colombia before you go.

What are the safest areas in Cartagena?

The Walled City (Centro Histórico), Getsemaní and Bocagrande are the areas most popular with travelers. They are busy and close together, which makes them easy to explore.

Is it safe to walk around Cartagena at night?

The busy streets and plazas of the Walled City and Getsemaní stay lively in the evening. Stick to well-lit, crowded areas, avoid empty streets and beaches late at night, and use taxis called by your hotel or restaurant.

What scams are common in Cartagena?

Watch for taxi overcharging, "free" bracelets or massages followed by a demand for payment, pushy beach sales and pickpocketing in crowds. Agreeing on prices first prevents most problems.

Is a guided tour a good way to see Cartagena?

A guided tour takes much of the guesswork out of a visit. On Caravan's tour, professional tour directors fluent in English lead the trip from start to finish, and airport transfers are arranged for you at the end.

See Cartagena With Caravan

If you'd rather focus on the sights than the logistics, Caravan's Colombia with Cartagena tour is a fully guided 10-day trip from USD $1695. After Bogotá and Medellín, you fly to Cartagena, with the flight included, for a relaxing three-night stay on the Caribbean coast.

You'll take in sweeping views from La Candelaria Monastery, stop for photos at the 17th-century Castillo de San Felipe and enjoy a walking tour of the Walled City. You'll also visit the Colombia National Aviary on Baru Island and the colorful Getsemaní neighborhood, with free time to shop and relax.

Travelers have chosen Caravan Tours since 1952. To check dates or ask questions, call 1-800-CARAVAN or 312-321-9800.

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Tipping Culture In Colombia

Like every money-related issue, tipping can be fraught. 

In the U.S., about 4.3 million people are employed in tipped wage jobs, while roughly 23 million people are gig workers: contractors on platforms “gig” platforms who often accept tips. 

Yet, tipped work isn’t as commonplace in all countries and cultures. As a traveler, it’s wise to adapt to the tipping culture of the place you’re visiting when it comes to tips. 

Fortunately, with this guide, you can do exactly that on your next trip to Colombia. 

Tipping Culture in Colombian (Overview)

Similarly to the United States, tipped wage jobs and gig work comprises a growing part of the Colombian economy. Roughly 56% of all employed Colombians work in the informal sector, a job category where tips are often key to a stable income. 

Moreover, 870,000 people in Colombia work in the tourism industry, where services are often tipped, and the gig economy grew by 16% in 2024.

Yet, while tipped wage work is more prevalent than it used to be in Colombia, cultural norms about tipping are still in flux. In surveys, Colombians hold a widely varied range of opinions about tips, and no cultural consensus has been reached.

As a result, in most circumstances, it’s a safe bet to say tips are often appreciated, but not socially expected. That is, it’s usually nice to tip for services, but it’s often not rude to refrain from tipping. 

That said, every trend has exceptions. While “tips aren’t expected, but they’re appreciated,” is a good rule of thumb, it’s important to stay aware of how these norms can change in different industries and settings. 

A lavish Columbia resort

Please Tip In Cash

Colombians in service roles vary widely in how much access they have to electronic banking services or payment apps. As a result, physical cash is your best bet when it comes to tips.

The standard currency in the country is Colombian pesos (COL$ or $ COP). While there are COL$ coins, it’s easiest to stock up on banknotes for tipping.

Consider keeping lower-denomination notes on hand for tips. The typical exchange rate for the smaller banknotes is:

1,000 COP =  $0.24 USD (slightly less than 25¢)

2,000 COP =  $0.48 USD

5,000 COP = $1.21 USD

10,000 COP =  $2.42 USD

20,000 COP = $4.84 UDS

50,000 COP =  $12.10

It’s unlikely for a visitor to need any denomination above 20,000 COL$ to tip. 

A delicious Columbian dessert form a street vendor

Quick Tips For Tipping In Colombia

Tipping doesn’t have to be stressful. Just keep a few strategies in mind during your travels. 

  • Among certain, more traditional Colombians, money is considered a private matter. So, tipping discreetly is most polite. 
  • Instead of handing cash to housekeeping staff directly, place it in a clearly marked envelope on the bed or a desk in the room. 
  • Beware of the “beach massage scam.” Unlike scammers, real massage therapists do not approach or solicit people. They also have clearly marked prices. Do not engage with scammers. 
  • While tipping is often polite, service professionals in Colombia will never demand a tip. There is far less social pressure to tip in Colombia than there is in the United States. 

How Much To Tip In Colombia (Cheat Sheet)

Use our “cheat sheet” to determine at-a-glance how much to tip different service professionals in Colombia. Remember, higher tips are often customary in upscale establishments, and you can always tip more for outstanding service.

  • Restaurant Server: 5,000 COP or10%
  • Street Food Vendor: None customary. Optionally,round up to nearest 1,000 COP
  • Bartender: 1,000 COP – 2,000 COP (small venue), 10% – 15% (upscale venue)
  • Taxi Driver: 10%
  • Rideshare Driver: 1,000 COP or 10%
  • Colectivos Driver: None customary
  • Massage Therapist: 10% – 15% (standard), or 10% – 20% (luxury)
  • Manicurist: 15%, or more for preferred manicurist
  • Hairstylist / Barber: 10% – 15%
  • Hotel Housekeeping: 5,000 – 10,000 COP per room, per night
  • Luggage Porter: 1000 COP per bag
  • Valet: 5000 – 10000 COP per service
  • Informal Tour Guide: 40,000 to 50,000 COP
  • Agency Tour Guide: 10% of the tour price
  • Tour Bus Driver: 5,000 – 10,000 COP per 3 hours

Tourist transportation in Columbia

Simplify Tipping In Colombia—and Other Travel Conundrums—With Caravan 

At Caravan, our dedicated travel directors make our guests’ adventures stress-free. Trips like our Colombia 10 Day Tour are all-inclusive, with curated accommodations, meals, transport, and activities booked well in advance.

Experience Colombia without all the travel-planning stress. To book your spot, just call 1-800-227-2826. Or, dial 1-312-321-9800 for more information. 

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Medellín Flower Festival, Feria de las Flores

Every summer, Medellín, Colombia becomes a celebration of joy, music, and vibrant florals. Féria de las Flores, or the Medellin Flower Festival, is an exciting, world-record-breaking cultural event in the heart of Colombia.

What Is The Medellín Flower Festival?

The Medellín Flower Festival, or Féria de las Flores, is one of the largest festivals in Latin America. The booming cultural event often lasts over a week, during which the people of Colombia gather to celebrate flowers, their culture, and Medellin’s unique history.

Origins of Féria de las Flores

Arturo Uribe organized the first Medellin Flower Festival in 1957. The purpose was to celebrate the nation’s flower industry, particularly highlighting the work of silleteros.

Silleteros are flower gardeners who blend both skillful artistry and deep botanical knowledge. Drawing on both long tradition and new ideas, the silleteros of Colombia have elevated the floral arts to new heights—putting Medellin on the map.

To honor them, Uribe held a parade. The silleteros adorned themselves with flowers and gathered up beautiful arrangements, then carried them through the streets of Medellin. This was so popular, it became the focal point of the entire festival.

The first Medellin Flower Fair was only five days long, and most of it centered on a floral expo in the Metropolital Cathedral. Yet, as the festival’s popularity grew, so did its length—and its purpose.

Today, Féria de las Flores is a bold, 10-day celebration of Colombian identity. While flowers are still central, it’s now an event filled with traditional dance, popular music, and dozens of parades, competitions, and expos. You don’t want to miss it!

Where & When Is The Medellin Flower Fair Celebrated?

The Medellin Flower Festival is held in multiple venues, including Jardín Botánico de Medellín, one of the largest botanical gardens in Colombia.

It’s usually held in the latter half of the Summer.

This year, it will be held from August 1st – August 10th, 2025. Tickets are expected to go on sale in April.

Event Highlights of Feria de las Flores

Concerts and performances by global artists are always big draws at the festival. In 2024, Marc Anthony was one of the headliners for the fest, performing at the “La Eterna” concert.

While 2025’s performers haven’t yet been announced, there are plenty of events we already know to look forward to. Annual highlights of Medellin’s Flower Festival include:

Desfile de Silleteros (Flower Growers Parade)

This iconic parade is the one that started it all. In modern iterations, the Desfile de Silleteros parade kicks off the whole event. It’s then followed throughout the week with other cultural parades—including a parade of bicycles, antique cars, birds, horses, and elaborate floral-decorated floats.

Trovadores Performance

Trovadores are poets in a traditional style. Their recitations and freestyle verses are a beloved cultural tradition among contemporary Colombians.

Canine Walk of the Flower Festival

Last year, the Canine Walk broke the Guinness World Record for most dogs walked at an event. This dog-friendly celebration is popular across cultures.

Medellín Concert Performances

There are usually at least four big concert events during the Medellin Flower Festival. Previous headliners include Ana Gabriel and Fonesca. Who will lead the 2025 concert series?

Colombian Floral Arrangement Competition

The silleteros have another place to shine during the festival: the arrangement competition. Each year, florists compete in diverse categories, including traditional, emblematic, commercial, and monumental silletas. Prizes are awarded for creativity, craftsmanship, and originality.

Fireworks

Just as flowers are a burst of color from the soil, the fireworks show dazzles with bursts of color in the sky. Sitting with family and watching the fireworks is a popular way to end the evening.

How To Attend Feria de las Flores In Medellin, Colombia

The parades and most outdoor events during the festival don’t require specific tickets. However, attendees need to purchase tickets ahead of time to attend certain concerts and special events.

Tickets are expected to go on sale in April. Stay tuned to arts and culture news in the city to learn when preorders go on sale.

Experience The Beauty of Medellin, Colombia With Caravan

At Caravan, we curate all-inclusive trips to beautiful destinations like Medellín, Colombia. Our expert guides hand-pick cultural events like Feria de las Flores, transportation, excellent lodging, and authentic meals—then book them all well ahead of time. The only thing guests need to do is enjoy!

If you’re interested in experiencing the vibrancy of Colombia, we invite you to our all-inclusive 10-Day Tour of Colombia.  If you’d like to join in, or just want more information, call us toll-free at 1-800-CARAVAN or 1-800-312-321-9800.

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Bandeja Paisa: The History & Art of a Classic Colombian Breakfast

In Colombia, Bandeja Paisa is an iconic, delicious, and, above all, gigantic dish. Discover the secrets of this popular Colombian meal with Caravan’s expert guides.

What Is Bandeja Paisa?

The literal English translation of “Bandeja Paisa” would be “platter of Paisa.” It is, in essence, the heart of the Paisa region of Colombia on a plate. It typically includes a maize stew or pudding called “mazamorra,” a savory stuffed arepa, pinto beans, rice, a fried egg, diverse pork parts cooked several different ways, and semi-sweet, savory fruits like avocado and plantains.

As the dish’s popularity spread from Paisa nationwide, it became adopted and adapted in a wide variety of Colombian regions.

What Is The Paisa Region In Colombia?

Paisa is a northwestern part of Colombia among the Andes mountains. It encompasses six departments (formal regions): Antioquia, Caldas, Risaralda, and Quindío in full, and portions of Tolima and Valle del Cauca. Medellín, Pereira, Manizales and Armenia are popular cities in the Paisa region.

The region was first the home of the Indigenous Caribes and Chibchas, who mingled with Andalusian, Basque, and Extremaduran immigrants, some (but not all) of whom were colonizers sponsored by the Spanish crown in the 1500s – 1600s.

The semi-isolation imposed by the mountains, and the unusual blend of cultures of origin, led the Paisa region to develop an extraordinary, unique culture. Over the centuries, Paisa’s culture birthed a regional dialect of Spanish called “español antioqueño” (Antioquian Spanish), the musical genres Pasillo and Paisa Trivia, and, of course, iconic Colombian cuisine.

Bandeja Paisa History: Origins Of An Iconic Dish

Culinary historians believe Bandeja Paisa evolved over generations and centuries, drawing on widely diverse influences. Cooks in the Paisa region used locally available resources, including pork, while influenced by culinary techniques of indigenous, Andalusian, Basque, Spanish, African, and French cultural groups.

Spanish settlers brought domesticated pigs to Colombia in 1525, solely for lard production. But, everyday folks in Paisa used all parts of the pig for food.

Paisa’s cooks cultivated the art of chicharrón (fried pork belly and pork rinds), chorizo (pork sausage), morcillo (pork blood pudding or blood sausage), ground pork meat, and pinto beans boiled and tenderized with ham hock (pork knuckle). As Spanish pigs began to breed with local pigs, new feral pigs like the zungo became common, and so too did the act of hunting and trapping them in the Colombian mountains.

As a result, varieties of pork became staple ingredients in Bandeja Paisa. Today, pork is a staple crop in Colombia.

Records of Bandeja Paisa In 1950

Over the years, the dish was adapted by many cooks. But, it wasn’t until 1950 that bandeja paisa became officially named and standardized in recipes and gastronomical studies. Naming and standardizing an “official” version of bandeja paisa gave it cultural weight internationally—and sparked significant debate among Colombia’s chefs.

Colombia’s (Unofficial) National Dish

In 2005, the Colombian government wanted to make the dramatic platter of bandeja paisa the official, national dish of Colombia. This started a big debate. Does Bandeja Paisa truly represent all of Colombia, or only the Paisa region? What exactly does official Bandeja Paisa include?                                                                                                                                                                                                          Is it truly the most representative dish if most Colombians don’t eat it, or only eat it on special occasions?

Ultimately, the government put away the idea of an official national dish. But, many chefs and restaurants chose to celebrate the heritage of Colombian cuisine independently, proclaiming bandeja paisa Colombia’s (unofficial) national dish anyway.

Ingredients & Prep

There are two crucial elements of bandeja paisa:

  • The beans, rice, and mazamorra must be cooked overnight, to let the flavors truly deepen
  • The dish must be served on a huge tray (no diet-size plates allowed!)

Beyond that, it’s up to the individual chef the best way to prepare and plate the variety of porks, arepas, and fruit on the dish.

Popular Bandeja Paisa Varieties

Varieties of bandeja paisa can be found in almost every region and restaurant in Colombia. Popular versions of Bandeja Paisa include:

  • Bandeja de Arriero, a version popularized by Colombian mule transporters
    • This version sometimes included beef as well as (or instead of) pork
  • Bandeja Montañera, the “mountain tray” version of the dish, incorporates more vegetables.
    • This version often includes garlic, onions, tomatoes, and peeled carrots alongside the green plantain.
  • Bandeja Antioqueña is a less-pork-focused version of the dish, often including steak and liver.
    • In Tolima, Bandeja Antioqueña swaps out fried plantain for french fries.
  • “Seven Meats Platter,” an adaptation in higher-end Colombian restaurants, elevates the dish from its “peasant” origins.
  •  This version adds a wider variety of meats, and it requires serving the dish on an ostentatious tray even larger than the traditional platter.

Try Bandeja Paisa On Caravan’s Colombia Tour—In Medellín And Beyond!

Caravan has been offering elegant, all-inclusive travel experiences since 1952. For over seven decades, our safe, pre-planned tours have brought travelers to the world’s most extraordinary destinations—at one, affordable rate.

Caravan has honed the art of crafting all-in-one travel packages, each guided by experts. Every affordable trip includes meals, transportation, and rooms—no surprises!

Caravan’s Colombia with Cartagena guided tour is ten days of extraordinary experiences. Whether that’s dining in Medellín, experiencing the art and culture of Guatape, or exploring Cartagena’s beaches.

At Caravan, we guarantee safety and adventure alike.

Take an unforgettable trip without the stress of planning it. Travel with Caravan, and we’ll do the work for you! Just call one of our agents at 1 (312) 321-9800, or call 1-800-CARAVAN.

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Best Beaches In Cartagena: Which One Is Right For You?

Did you know spending time at a beach can decrease mental health risks by up to 40%?

Why not give yourself the gift of well-being, and spend some time at the many beautiful beaches of Cartagena, Colombia? In this guide, discover what makes Cartagena’s ten best beaches so great.

Does Cartagena Have Beaches?

Yes. Cartagena is a port city, built on the shores of the Caribbean Sea in Colombia.

The city encompasses a peninsula, Isla de Barú, and several islands–including those comprising Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park.

What Is The Typical Sea Temperature At Cartagena’s Beaches Each Season?

The temperature of the sea at Cartagena’s shores is relatively stable. The warm waters’ heat levels rarely shift. Instead, they stay within an under-five-degree range.

In February, the beaches’ coldest month, the sea ranges from 79.6°F to 81.7°F on average. In the average October, the sea’s warmest month, the water temperature doesn’t drop below 84.4°F, and it reaches highs of 86.3°F.

What Are The Best Months For Enjoying Beaches In Cartagena?

Like most places in the Caribbean, Cartagena Colombia has two seasons: a wet season and a dry season.

The dry season is better for visitors, as it’s far less likely any activities will be rained out. Cartagena’s dry season runs from December through April.

Within that range, February is an ideal month to visit, as tourist traffic drops off and, often, travelers can take advantage of “off-season” discounts.

Top 10 Beaches In Cartagena, Colombia: Best Beaches At A Glance

1. Playa de Bocagrande

Playa de Bocagrande is the nearest beach to Old Town Cartagena, the walled city.

It’s known for beautiful sunset views and a party-like atmosphere. It’s one of the most popular, bustling beaches in Colombia.

2. Beaches of Barú Island (Isla de Barú)

The Isla de Barú is surrounded by Cartagena Bay, a canal, and the Caribbean Sea. The water is pristine, clear as crystal, and multicolored schools of fish flit near the shore. Relax on the picturesque pink and white sand, or enjoy the isle’s top-rated recreation.

3. Playa Blanca

Among Barú Island’s beaches, Playa Blanca is a jewel. The perennially popular spot is the site of seaside breakfast, family amenities, and cozy bungalows for rent.

4. Manzanillo Del Mar

This expansive, white-sand beach is perfect for a day of swimming. Yet, the spot’s highlight is truly cinematic: it’s the only Cartagena-area beach where visitors can ride horseback along the shore.

5. Playa Laguito

Near Bolivar Park and the Cartagena coast, Playa Laguito is a beach of golden sands and plenty to do. Snorkel, paddle board, or simply enjoy tropical beachside food and drink at this memorable shore.

6. Palmetto Beach Cartagena

Visitors often describe Palmetto Beach as one of Cartagena’s hidden gems. It’s affordable, full of family-friendly activities, clean and safe. Palmetto Beach also offers exquisite views of the cityscape at sunset.

7. Playa Libre Cartagena

The remote Playa Libre Beach can only be reached by boat. Quiet and serene, it’s a peaceful spot away from the busier, more commercial sides of the islands.

8. Playa Castillo Grande

Playa Castillo Grande is an underrated beach on the Cartagena shore. Plenty of affordable cabanas are available to rent, and the sand is kept sparking clean. Most intriguing is the sea. At Castillo, few waves meet the shore, and the ocean itself acts almost lake-like. The calm is restorative.

9. Fisherman’s Beach

This peaceful beach in the La Boquilla fishing village, in Greater Cartagena, is one of the most tranquil locales.

10. Tierra Bomba

The beaches of Tierra Bomba are known for their extraordinary wildlife and natural beauty. Travelers can experience guided tours of the island’s unique flora and fauna. From the island’s Punta Arena beach, visitors can even explore by kayak.

As they do, they may reach the Castle of San Luis de Bocachica; Tierra Bomba’s island harbor is one of the few ports to the centuries-old fort.

On Your Next Trip, Relax. Caravan’s All-Inclusive Tour Has It Covered.

Caravan’s travel experts began offering guided, All-In-One tours in 1952, and over half a century later our reputation has only grown. Our Colombia Tour hasn’t been outdone yet!

For more information about our 10-Day Colombia Tour, or to make reservations, please contact our office!

Call toll-free at 1-800-CARAVAN (227-2826) to book a tour, or contact one of our agents at 1 (312) 321-9800 for more details.

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