We kindly ask our guests to please respect our wishes and AVOID booking Horse Carriage Rides.

We are highly against the cruelty these horses endure and would hate to support this horrific activity in any way possible.

Thank you so much ♡

* You can always get COP (colombian pesos) before your trip, but we find it easier to pay with credit card. This being said, please make sure your credit card lets you do international payments. If you want to tip people, you are more than welcome to use COP or even USD.

*The easiest and most economical way to get around the city is walking or using uber! Try avoiding taxis as they can try charging you more.

*As you walk the streets of the Old City, sometimes you will find guys dropping beats and freestyle rapping about you and your friends as you walk by. This can be a lot of fun, but if you are interested in hearing a song about yourself, be sure to have some cash on hand to give them a tip. If you aren’t interested firmly say no thank you or “No Gracias”

*You will come across street vendors trying to sell a range of food, drinks and souvenirs. Just make sure you negotiate a good price and pay in cash.

*The iconic women dressed in colorful outfits known as Palenqueras, will accept a propina (tip) for a photograph or you can just buy some of their exotic fruits you've never heard of like lulo, granadilla, etc and they’ll let you snap a pic with them.

*If you venture out on a trip to one of the islands, you'll see that some of them can be quite busy and touristy. There is no shortage of people trying to make money, for example, people selling souvenirs or ladies selling massages. They can be fairly persistent at times, so either say ‘no, gracias’ very clearly or if you do want a massage or souvenir, make sure to agree on a price beforehand.

Walk La Ciudad Amurallada

Walk the "Walled City"! There are a ton of great boutique stores and Colombian designers with local outposts, wonderful Paleta Shops and Mangobiche sellers on every corner within the "Walled City".

Cartagena is an incredible walking city. For those who want a bit more structure to their stroll, there are a number of free walking tours available. These tours are an amazing and quick way to learn more about the city during your short stay. Feel free to 'Google' to learn about other available walking tours.

For our bibliophiles or simple fans of magical realism, there are also Gabriel Garcia Marquez-specific walking tours. GGM lived in Cartagena as a young man and the city inspired some of his most famous works, including Love in the Time of Cholera and Of Love and Other Demons.

Getsemaní

This neighborhood of Cartagena is filled with arts, murals, crumbling buildings, local homes, kids playing soccer, and an absolute ton of amazing street art here.

Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas

This is the most famous landmark in Cartagena, and it’s pretty hard to miss. Climb and explore the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas (San Felipe de Barajas Castle) in the early morning or late afternoon to explore the maze-like tunnels and watch the sun sink behind the rampart walls.

This magnificent fortress built from 1656-1769, is proof that the pirates of the Caribbean did exist. Some 300 years ago, the city repelled attacks of French and English pirates from this castle's massive stone and coral walls.

RESTAURANTS:

Celele

Colombian Caribbean food

The only restaurant in Cartagena on the list of the 50 best restaurants in Latin America.

Candé

Colombian Caribbean food

Quebracho

Steakhouse Latin Barbecue

Mar y Zielo

Caribbean Latin Seafood

Mistura

Fusion Cuisine

Masaki Sushi Wok

Sushi/Japanese cuisine

La Girolata

Italian Cuisine

NIGHT LIFE:

Seven 7 Times

Nightclub, Live Shows

La Movida

Indoor/Outdoor Nightclub

Alquimico Rooftop

Multi-level & awarded cocktail bar, with vibrant rooftop

Botika Santa Clara Bar

Cocktail Bar with the best view of the Caribbean Sea