Cartagena Blog

News, Articles, Photos, and Insider Tips showing the very best of what Cartagena offers

We welcome you to explore all the best that the Cartagena Blog offers. Here you’ll find the information you need to plan the perfect vacation in our beautiful and historic city by the sea. These insider tips will help you make the best of your time away and feature a little bit of everything for everyone. You will find updates about the best times of the year to visit Cartagena, highlighted local hotspots and attractions across the city and islands, upcoming featured events and seasonal celebrations, and even spotlighted rental properties in Cartagena’s old city.

Cartagena has so much to offer: sun and sea; spectacular shopping; world-class eateries; historic forts, cathedrals, ruins, and living history left over from colonial and pirate days. It might be difficult for a first-time traveler to pick and choose. That’s why we’ve created this blog to showcase the best of “The Key to the West Indies.”

Looking for relaxed luxury? An exciting adventure? A trip into the past? Cartagena awaits!

Café Havana

August 5, 2015

Café Havana – Cartagena’s Cuban Hotspot Who would have thought a Cuban-themed nightclub owned by a traveling Spaniard would be one of the hottest nightclubs in Cartagena? It’s true. Locals and visitors alike are drawn to the tasty cocktails and the authentic sounds of live salsa bands from Thursday night right through the weekend at Café Havana. Café Havana is probably the…

Catedral de Cartagena

July 30, 2015

Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria in Cartagena de Indias (la Catedral de Cartagena) Officially designated as Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of St. Catherine of Alexandria, this outstanding 16th century cathedral is more commonly referred to as the Cathedral of Cartagena (la Catedral de Cartagena). In a city crowded with beautiful buildings, this one stands out with brilliant yellow walls and a domed…

Latin Dance

July 25, 2015

Passionate Latin History Told Through Dance Music and dance are such an integral part of Latin Culture that it’s almost impossible to separate one from the other. When you set foot in the tropics you can feel the syncopated rhythms and the exotic beats running through you. And there’s nowhere better to immerse yourself in the joyous expression of Latin Dance than…

Walking Tours

July 19, 2015

Walking Tours in Cartagena Looking for the perfectly authentic way to experience the vibrant culture and rich history, delectable dishes, and colorful characters Cartagena has to offer? A walking tour of the city lets you experience this Caribbean gem in a completely uncensored way. Walking tours in Cartagena put you in the heart of the city right at street level—see and smell…

San Pedro Claver

July 14, 2015

Iglesia de San Pedro Claver The Iglesia de San Pedro Claver (or the Cathedral of Saint Peter Claver) is an ornate Catholic church in the heart of Cartagena’s historic old Walled City. The building is dedicated to a 17th century Spanish priest (later elevated to sainthood) who gave his life to the service of God and those in need. The building itself…

Hay Festival

July 7, 2015

The International Hay Festival - Cartagena's “Festival of Ideas” During the last weekend of January (the 28th – 31st in 2016) Cartagena will play host to myriad thought leaders from around the globe--interesting, well-known, and controversially outspoken individuals who have left their indelible fingerprints on the world. The Hay Festival, if you’re not familiar, is a travelling show designed to promote ideas…

Spanish Colonial Architecture

July 1, 2015

Spanish Colonialism's Indelible Mark on Central and Southern America During the 16th and 17th centuries, Cartagena, Colombia was one of the most important ports in the Spanish Empire, funneling slave labor into the new world and riches (gold and emeralds, tobacco, sugar cane, and coffee beans) out. As such, the port of Cartagena, Colombia, (founded in 1533) became home to some of…

El Corredor Cultural

June 25, 2015

Dive Into the Arts with Cartagena’s El Corredor Cultural Cartagena has turned the last Friday of every month into a celebration of the local arts scene with the creation of the El Corredor Cultural—a free to the public “alternative entertainment” event. From 5PM until 7PM local musicians, graphic artists, and dancers take to the walls of Cartagena’s old Walled City to showcase…

Film Festival

June 19, 2015

International Stars Descend on Cartagena During the Film Festival (FICCI) Every March the Festival Internacional de Cine de Cartagena de Indias brings starring actors and actresses as well as acclaimed directors from all over the world to Cartagena. The festival (which celebrated its 55th year in 2015) has become a cultural touchstone in Cartagena and represents not only a showcase for local…

Simón Bolívar

June 12, 2015

Simón Bolívar: The Great Liberator of Latin America Simón Bolívar born Simón José Antonio de la Santísima Trinidad Bolívar y Palacios on 24 July, 1783, is a national hero to millions of Central and South American people who, quite literally, owe their nation’s freedom to him. He embraced radical ideas of self-rule and led the bloody campaign to throw off the yoke…

Plaza de Bolivar

June 8, 2015

The Plaza de Bolivar in Cartagena Colombia This cozy, shaded square sits in the heart of Cartagena’s historic Walled City and is a haven for travelers and locals alike. There are plenty of benches and places to sit under the shade of trees to escape the heat of the day while exploring Cartagena. The Plaza de Bolivar is also the perfect spot…

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

June 1, 2015

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas The massive Castillo San Felipe de Barajas sits atop the Hill of San Lázaro, overlooking Cartagena de Indias as it has done for centuries. Now instead of Spanish soldiers and crack-shot gunners defending the harbor and city from pirates and rival empires, the fort is full of travelers searching out the rich history of this Caribbean seaport…

Getsemani District

May 25, 2015

Experience the Rebirth of Getsemani Cartagena Firsthand Cartagena’s Old City offers travelers authentic Spanish Colonial charm but if you’re looking to mingle with locals and travelers “in the know” then you’ll want to take time to visit Getsemani. This neighborhood has quickly turned into something of a cultural hub for this historic city and has jumped onto the international travel scene attracting…

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