3 perfect days in Cartagena, Colombia

If Cartagena isn’t on your bucket list, you’re going to want to add it right now. This charming Colombian port town is filled with rich culture, interesting history and one amazing food scene. In the Old City, colorful building facades line cobblestone streets while music plays from vendors selling fresh fruits and hot, cheesy arepas streetside. Over the last few years, Cartagena has become much easier to get to (Jetblue now offers direct flights from New York and Fort Lauderdale), making it an ideal long weekend getaway. In just a couple of days, you can get a fantastic glimpse of what this Spanish colonial town has to offer. Follow our lead as we guide you on a 3-day tour of Cartagena, Colombia’s most adored Caribbean beach town:

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A brightly colored street in Cartagena | Photo by Compass + Twine

Day 1: Local Eats and Exploring The Old City

Start your day with breakfast at Pasteleria Mila, a bright and lively café beloved by locals and tourists alike. Their bold coffee will jolt you awake, and the breakfast arepas are the best in town.

Breakfast arepa at Mila | Photo by Compass + Twine

With a full belly, it’s time to explore the Old City. Built by the Spanish in the 16th century, a fortress wall still surrounds the oldest part of Cartagena. Boutiques selling vibrant textiles lure you in while city squares buzz with music from daylight to dark. There are several amazing artisan shops in this area, including the dreamy Casa Chiqui Boutique, an upmarket interior design store off Carrera 6. For a local souvenir, pop into a neighborhood cigar shop or one of the many emerald jewelry stores.

Street vendor selling hats, bags, and othersouvenirs | Photo by Compass + Twine

Once you’ve worked up an appetite for lunch, visit the street vendors for a bowl of fresh fruit, more savory arepas or a fried plantain sandwich. Enjoy the food in one of the town’s many parks or squares, where there’s usually plenty of impromptu dancing going on. As day turns to dusk, there’s no place better to soak in the sunset than Café del Mar. Located on top of the old fortress wall, this relaxed café is famous for it’s mojitos and waterfront views. If the crowded scene isn’t for you, walk 5 minutes down the street towards Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa. Directly in front of the hotel, you’ll find a wonderful outdoor terrace bar with a long list of localrums, wooden rocking chairs, and a peaceful scene. Don’t stay all evening here, though, because you can’t miss dinner at La Vitrola. Everybody who’s anybody dines at this iconic restaurant, where the food is good but the atmosphere is even better. Live jazz music emanates throughout the restaurant, and a serious looking bouncer stands at the door, allowing only those with advance reservations to enter.

Day 2: Morning History Lesson and Evening Dance Class

Hire a driver to take you beyond the city walls to a few old Spanish constructs, where time seems to stand still. First, explore San Felipe de Barajas Castle, the impressive fortress of San Felipe. Many consider it to be the most spectacular fort constructed by the Spanish empire outside of Spain. Because Cartagena was such a strategically important city and a gateway to their other colonies, Spain spared no expense to defend it. In 1984, both the fortress and the city were granted the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond the fort, another can’t-miss site lies high on a hilltop above the city. The beautiful Convento de la Popa, serves as both a museum and active chapel. The convent’s flower-filled gardens are meticulously maintained and the panoramic views of the city below will take your breath away.

View of the city below from Convento de la Popa | Photo by Compass + Twine

When you’re back within the walls, head straight to lunch at El Boliche Cebicheria. With seating for only 14, some consider this to be one of the best ceviche spots in the world. Fresh and inventive dishes are served alongside cold, local beer at this laid-back eatery. You may have to wait to get a seat, but it’s definitely worth it.

El Boliche Cebicheria | Photo by Compass + Twine

For the afternoon, head across town to the bohemian Getsemaní neighborhood. Similar to the Lower East Side of New York City, the once gritty area has been emerging, with youthful spirit, into one of Cartagena’s coolest neighborhoods. Getsemaní is also home to the famous (or infamous) Café Havana, the ultimate late night party spot. Pony up to the bar around 11pm and feel the excitement build. The party really doesn’t get started until after midnight, when live salsa music roars through the dancing, rum-filled crowd.

Day 3: Island Time

>By now, you’ve explored and eaten your way through Cartagena, so for your final day it’s time for some relaxation. A short boat ride away, to the Rosario Islands or Isla Baru, you’ll find beautiful white-sand beaches and that signature cerulean Caribbean water. Depending on what you’re looking for, day-trip options range from expensive, private experiences on more quiet waterfronts to inexpensive boat shuttles to and from the bustling main beaches. Some of the larger beach stretches can be packed with bartering “beach boys”, which is sometimes annoying but part of the gig.

View from the balcony at Isla Baru | Photo by Compass + Twine

We recommend hooking up with some of the nicer boutique hotels to join their secluded day-trips. Hotel Casa San Agustin runs a nice little experience out to their sister property on Isla Baru, and the cost includes transportation, lunch and drinks.

Fresh fish for lunch at Isla Baru | Photo by Compass + Twine

Tagged: Caribbean, Latin America