Flight Destinations
Flights to Cartagena
Places in Colombia
Flights to Africa
Flights to Asia
Flights to Australia
Flights to Caribbean
Flights to Central America
Flights to Europe
Flights to Indian Ocean
Flights to Middle East
Flights to North America
Flights to Pacific Islands
Flights to South America
Cartagena is one of the largest cities in Colombia, and is known for its modern beach resorts. Given the city's history as a target for Caribbean pirates, it is no surprise that there are miles of stone walls and several fortresses surrounding the city to be seen!
The Fortress of San Felipe of Barajas was built in 1657, up on a hill that overlooks the harbour. This is the largest of several forts that surround the Cartagena area, and it is open for tourists to explore. Many of the walls and fortifications are still intact and the site is generally very well-preserved. Fort San Jose is also a good spot to visit, though it is on a small island off the coast so you will have to get a boat tour to see it.
City Walls
Around the old part of the original city of Cartegena are the remains of the stone walls. They are very much intact, and they still have cannons in place along certain areas and in some parts the walls are as much as 20 metres thick.
Cartegena Old Town
Within the city walls is the old colonial portion of the city, and a favourite spot for tourists. The Spanish architecture is wonderful and there are many old churches to see as well. In particular, you should try to see the Iglesia de San Pedro Claver and the Iglesia de Santa Domingo. You can enter the old quarter of the city at the Clock Tower building.
Islas del Rosario
You can take a boat tour out of Cartegena to these beautiful little Rosario Islands and spend the day. You can also visit the aquarium facilities on the island, and most tours spend some time at Playa Blanca on the mainland coast nearby.
Cartegena’s Beaches
There are many beaches in the Cartegena area; Playa Blanca is the nicest white sand beach of the area, and it is south of the city (easily reachable by taxi). Much closer to the city are the beaches at Bocagrande and Laguito. Another short taxi ride away is the Boquilla Beach and a bit farther than that is the Manzanillo Beach. The currents are mild at all the beaches, so they are safe for swimming but not great for surfing.
Volcan del Totumo
About 30 miles away from Cartegena is the 15 metre high mud volcano known as the Volcan del Totumo. Visitors can take a bath in the hot mud, then go for a more cooling dip in the nearby lagoon to clean up!
Flights to Cartegena
The Rafael Nunez International Airport (airport code: CTG) in Cartagena is one of the busiest in Colombia, and can be reached from town by taxi or public bus (one block from the airport). From the UK, flights to Cartegena with Iberia Airlines travel via Madrid and Bogota, and Air Europa Lineas Aereas has a similar route that stops in Madrid but then in Caracas. Flights to Cartegena with Continental Airlines have a more American route, with transfers in New York City and then Miami.Cartagena Tourist Attractions
Castillo de San Felipe de BarajasThe Fortress of San Felipe of Barajas was built in 1657, up on a hill that overlooks the harbour. This is the largest of several forts that surround the Cartagena area, and it is open for tourists to explore. Many of the walls and fortifications are still intact and the site is generally very well-preserved. Fort San Jose is also a good spot to visit, though it is on a small island off the coast so you will have to get a boat tour to see it.
City Walls
Around the old part of the original city of Cartegena are the remains of the stone walls. They are very much intact, and they still have cannons in place along certain areas and in some parts the walls are as much as 20 metres thick.
Cartegena Old Town
Within the city walls is the old colonial portion of the city, and a favourite spot for tourists. The Spanish architecture is wonderful and there are many old churches to see as well. In particular, you should try to see the Iglesia de San Pedro Claver and the Iglesia de Santa Domingo. You can enter the old quarter of the city at the Clock Tower building.
Islas del Rosario
You can take a boat tour out of Cartegena to these beautiful little Rosario Islands and spend the day. You can also visit the aquarium facilities on the island, and most tours spend some time at Playa Blanca on the mainland coast nearby.
Cartegena’s Beaches
There are many beaches in the Cartegena area; Playa Blanca is the nicest white sand beach of the area, and it is south of the city (easily reachable by taxi). Much closer to the city are the beaches at Bocagrande and Laguito. Another short taxi ride away is the Boquilla Beach and a bit farther than that is the Manzanillo Beach. The currents are mild at all the beaches, so they are safe for swimming but not great for surfing.
Volcan del Totumo
About 30 miles away from Cartegena is the 15 metre high mud volcano known as the Volcan del Totumo. Visitors can take a bath in the hot mud, then go for a more cooling dip in the nearby lagoon to clean up!
When Should You Visit Cartagena?
It is generally hot in Cartagena and the temperature is stable through the year. Daytime temperatures are around 32C (89F) and that will drop to a slightly cooler 25C (77F) in the evenings. Rains are going to be the heaviest in October and November, and then again in April and May.
Flights to Arauca
Flights to Armenia
Flights to Bahia Solano
Flights to Barrancabermeja
Flights to Barranquila
Flights to Bogota
Flights to Bucaramanga
Flights to Cali
Flights to Cartagena
Flights to Caucasia
Flights to Chigorodo
Flights to Leticia
Flights to Manizales
Flights to Medellin
Flights to Monteria