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South America

CartagenaColombia

A walled Caribbean colonial city with bright façades, warm nights and islands offshore.

The vibe

BeachyRomanticEnergeticHistoricArtsy

Derived from Cartagena’s strongest Destination DNA attributes.

Where is Cartagena?

Map showing the location of Cartagena, ColombiaCartagena, Colombia is in South America. The marker shows its approximate position.
Simplified location map: Cartagena, Colombia, South America.

Cartagena is on Colombia's northern Caribbean coast, west of the mouth of the Magdalena river.

At a glance

Country
Colombia
Region
South America
City size
Large city
English
Low

Why you might like Cartagena

  • Historic landmarks
  • Beach
  • Warm & sunny
  • Island
  • Nightlife
  • Food

Cartagena's old town is a compact grid of balconies, bougainvillea and colonial churches inside seventeenth-century walls, with Getsemaní next door for bars and street art. Boats run out to the Rosario Islands for clear water, and it stays hot and humid all year.

Cartagena in facts

Country
Colombia
Region
South America
City size
Large city · ~1M residents

Urban area population · UN World Urbanization Prospects and national statistics offices, 2024

English proficiency
Low · 480/800

Country-level score · EF English Proficiency Index 2025

Why Cartagena stands out

  1. The walled Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, encircled by centuries-old Spanish colonial fortifications.

  2. Balconied houses in pastel colors line narrow streets shaded by bougainvillea in the historic center.

  3. Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is one of the largest Spanish fortifications built in the Americas.

  4. Getsemani neighborhood, once a working-class quarter, is now known for street art and rooftop bars.

Good to know

  • The city is hot and humid year-round, with a rainier season roughly from May to November.
  • The Rosario Islands are reachable by boat for day trips from Cartagena's harbor.
  • Walking the walled city is best done in early morning or evening to avoid peak heat.

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