Things to Do in Cartagena de Indias

October 20, 2026

Travel advisory: At the time of writing, the US State Department rates Colombia Level 3, “Reconsider Travel” (issued 31 March 2026). The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to certain border and rural regions, including the southern part of Bolívar Department, which is far from the coastal city of Cartagena. For visitors here the everyday risks are phone and chain snatching, drinks spiked with scopolamine, and unlicensed taxis. Use app or hotel-booked cars, accept nothing from strangers, and read the US State Department and UK FCDO pages before you book.

Cartagena de Indias sits on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, and most things to do here fall into three groups: history on foot, days on the water, and evenings of live music. Prices below are quoted in Colombian pesos (COP) at about 3,200 COP to the US dollar, so check the same-day rate.

History and the old city

The Walled City is free to walk, and the walls themselves are open to the public. Colombia’s tourism site gives about 11 km of walls in total. Go early or late, because the heat in the middle of the day is intense and the official visitor advice is to wear sun protection and comfortable shoes. Do not climb on the walls themselves.

The Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas is open daily from 7am to 6pm. The full adult rate for foreign visitors is 38,000 COP (roughly US$12), and children under 6 are free. The ramps are steep and the tunnels can be slippery. See the official fortress page for the current tariff and online tickets.

Snorkelling and diving in the Rosario Islands

The protected area of Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo has snorkel and dive spots around Isla Grande and Isla Tintipán. Boats leave from the Muelle de la Bodeguita, a crossing of 45 minutes to an hour. Three separate cash charges usually sit outside the tour price: a pier-use fee (roughly 18,000 to 34,000 COP, so confirm with your operator), park entry (13,500 COP in the Rosario sector, as reported for 2026) and compulsory accident insurance (reported at about 8,800 COP). Visitors without the insurance cannot land. Expect coral, reef fish and sea turtles. Wear the lifejacket, and never swim near moving boats.

Mangroves and kitesurfing north of the city

At La Boquilla, local fishermen take visitors through the mangrove channels of the Ciénaga de la Virgen in dugout canoes. Listings show about 45 minutes on the water, from about US$60 as part of a shared excursion to about US$125 for a private outing.

Kitesurfing is based at La Boquilla and Manzanillo del Mar, both on the road toward Barranquilla. Schools such as Nativo Kite and Pure Kitesurf are listed there, with a one-hour private lesson at about US$70 to 76. The season follows the trade winds, roughly December to April.

Music and nightlife

Live salsa is the main evening activity. Café Havana, on the edge of Getsemaní, is listed with a nightly live band. Quiebracanto, in the old centre, lists socials on Wednesdays and Fridays and classes on Thursdays and Saturdays, with entry about 20,000 COP. Check current hours before you go. Drinking alcohol in public spaces is illegal, so keep drinks inside the venue. A chiva party bus, a night tour with music and club entries, is another option; ask exactly what is included before you pay.

A day at the Totumo mud volcano

The Totumo mud volcano is about 55 km north-east of the city, roughly 1 to 1.5 hours by road. Entry is about 20,000 COP, and mud massage, photos and rinsing off cost extra. There are no lockers. Weekday mornings are calmer than the afternoons when cruise buses arrive.

Practical tips

Drink bottled water and skip the ice.
Agree a taxi fare before you get in, or use an app.
Keep phones and jewellery out of sight in Getsemaní after dark.
Hurricane season runs 1 June to 30 November, and October is the wettest month. The port captaincy’s sea flags decide whether boats sail.

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