There are quite a few activities to participate in in Cartagena, Colombia.

Cartagena Colombia : Activities, Attractions, & The Best Places To Visit

ByHaley Posted on
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Traveling To Cartagena, Colombia And Looking For All The Best Activities, Attractions, And Places To Visit That Aren’t Related To The Party/Nightlife Scene?

I lived in Colombia for a little while to teach English, but when the teachers went on strike I had a lot of time to go out and explore places like Cartagena, and experience all the best activities, attractions, and places to visit around the city. It wasn’t my absolute favorite place in the country, but it was the best beach destination that I visited so it can definitely be worth checking out.

馃嚚馃嚧 The Best Activities, Attractions, & Places To Visit In Cartagena, Colombia

Although it wasn't my favorite place, there are many reasons why you should visit Cartagena, Colombia.

Cartagena is located on the northernmost coast of Colombia, and although there aren’t many other nearby destinations to visit (other than Barranquilla and Santa Marta), it can definitely still be worth a visit if you love the outdoors, the beach, old Spanish style architecture, and a little Spanish history.

The Old Walled City

There are so many great places to visit in this country that I'm not sure I'd put either of these at the top of my list.

The Old Walled City is the main attraction in Cartagena, Colombia and it’s also the best and safest place to stay in this city (although a little expensive) and there are a few interesting activities and places you can visit within these walls:

  • walk around the outer edges of the wall, find a spot to sit, and watch the sunset over the water

The Beach

The beach right in Cartagena, Colombia isn't the prettiest (although there are still plenty of activities), but nearby there are some prettier ones.

Although the beaches right in Cartagena, Colombia aren’t the prettiest (pictured above), nearby there are some beautiful white sand and blue water beaches (like Playa Blanca), where there are tons of water, nature, and outdoorsy type activities.

  • Nexxt Tours – 7-8 hour National Aviary of Colombia and Playa Blanca tour
  • WINDSPOT – private kitesurfing experience

San Felipe de Barajas Fort

The fort is one of the main historical sites here.

Since it’s one of the main attractions and places to visit in Cartagena, Colombia, the Spanish fort just outside of the walled city is a must-see when visiting this coastal Caribbean city, and it may even be included as one of the activities on some guided tours.

If you do visit on your own, I highly recommend going as early as possible because it gets really hot in Cartagena and when you’re up on the top of the fort, there is no shelter from the sun.

The Islands

The best time to go to Cartagena, Colombia for weather is in the spring and winter.

Outside of just going to one of the beaches in Cartagena, Colombia, one of the most popular activities to do here off the coast is to visit one or many of the nearby islands.

  • Bora Bora Travel.co – top 3 Islands of Bora Bora, Pao Pao, and Islabela with lunch included

Other Interesting & Unique Nearby Attractions

Other than all the activities and attractions you can see in Cartagena, Colombia, there are a few other nearby places you can visit.

While those listed above are the main activities, attractions, and places to visit right in or next to Cartagena, Colombia, there are a few other places you can visit that are somewhat nearby to this coastal city:

  • Fundaci贸n Loros
    • a 1,000 acre natural reserve that rehabilitates and releases parrots and macaws rescued from illegal trafficking
    • by visiting you contribute to preserving ecosystems, empowering local farmers, and protecting biodiversity
    • this tour takes you on a UTV safari through this natural area where you could see not only birds but also monkeys
  • Fishing & Crabbing
    • learn from local fisherman the traditional ways of baiting crab traps, capturing fish, and more
    • this half day tour lets you learn from local fisherman, swim, see local wildlife, and eat lunch
  • Palenque

馃搯 How Many Days Do You Need In Cartagena

There are quite a few activities to participate in in Cartagena, Colombia.

Cartagena wasn鈥檛 my absolute favorite place to visit in Colombia, but I think it can still be worth a short trip to see some of the interesting history, the beautiful architecture, and the pretty beaches.

鉃★笍 If you鈥檙e more into nature, the history, and the culture of Colombia like me, then I think Cartagena can easily be visited in 2-3 days to see the old walled city (the best area to stay in Cartagena), spend the day at the beach, or go on a few guided tours.

鉃★笍 If you prefer the party/nightclub scene of Cartagena, then you might want to add a few extra days to still explore the Cartagena area but also spend the weekend doing those activities.

*锔忊儯 If you’re still trying to decide where to visit in Colombia, here are a few comparisons between Cartagena and Medellin as well as Cartagena and Bogota to help you decide

馃攣 Sum Up: Activities, Attractions, & Places To Visit In Cartagena, Colombia

Although Cartagena wasn’t my absolute favorite place to visit in Colombia, I think there are still a good amount of outdoor/water activities, interesting historical attractions, and a few beautiful natural places to visit so it can definitely be a city worth adding to your itinerary. I don’t think you need too much time in Cartagena, but I’d recommend visiting in the winter and spring for the best weather or the fall for the cheapest and possibly least crowded time.

Haley

Haley is the owner and author of Adventure Evermore, a travel blog that encourages users to explore, adventure, & bucket list around the world, no matter what anxieties or other difficulties they may have. When she's not writing blog posts about her favorite destinations, she's reading, playing soccer, or watching sports, movies, or TV (especially The X Files).