ENJOY
Cartagena
TRAVEL INFO
Passports
Don’t forget your passport! Please double-check the expiration date before traveling. Many countries (including Colombia) will not allow entry if your passport is set to expire within 6 months of travel. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
CheckMig
Please complete the immigration registration form 48 hours before your trip, as the airline requires proof of completion to check-in. Complete the same step to return to the US. Click Here
RAFAEL NÚÑEZ INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Cartagena’s Rafael Núñez International Airport sits on the Caribbean coast and is only about 10 minutes from the historic Old Town. Major airlines such as LATAM, Delta, American Airlines, United, Aeroméxico, Copa Airlines, and Avianca operate direct flights into Cartagena.
While authorized taxis are available 24/7 outside the airport, Uber is the most recommended option for convenience, safety, and transparent pricing.
Approximate taxi fares for reference:
Getsemaní: $14,000 COP
Historic Center (Ciudad Amurallada): up to $18,000 COP
Bocagrande: around $30,000 COP
For context, $1 USD is approximately $4,100 COP.
SECURITY IN CARTAGENA
Cartagena is a beautiful and safe destination for our celebration. The city is known for its welcoming atmosphere, and we want you to feel at ease as you join us for this special occasion. With a strong focus on tourism and hospitality, Cartagena offers a secure environment for all visitors. From the historic streets to the scenic beaches, we’re excited to share this incredible city with you, and we’re confident you'll feel right at home!
CHILD CARE (CARTAGENANNY)
For guests who may need childcare, we recommend a trusted local service: Cartagenanny. Special discounted rates are available when you mention the code: MARYCUETER.
Contact:
Lili Rueda: +57 318 629 4974
Hotels
Cartagena offers a wide variety of charming accommodations, from luxury hotels to beautifully restored colonial homes. We warmly invite you to choose the stay that best suits your style and comfort.
COFFEE, BREAKFAST & BRUNCH
Época Espresso
Arepa de huevo & French toast; great coffee.
Cra. 5 # 34 - 52
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 315 8008072
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Ely Café
French toast and amazing croissants.
Calle 7 # 2 - 50
Cartagena, Colombia
+57 316 8752466
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Café San Alberto
Award-winning Colombian beans.
Cra. 3 # 35 - 18
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 318 7964457
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MILA PASTELERÍA
Chic bakery & dessert spot.
Cl. de la Iglesia # 35 - 76
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 317 2573024
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ÁBACO LIBROS Y CAFÉ
Coffee & books combo.
Calle 36 # 3 - 86
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 (605) 6786143
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CREPES & WAFFLES
Colombian chain, casual vibe, great for lunch/dessert.
Pl. de San Pedro Claver
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 305 7434343
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LUNCH & DINNER FAVORITES
Celele
Top-15 Latin America, avant-garde coastal food.
Cra. 10C # 29 - 200
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 301 7420389
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DON JUAN
Elegant Colombian cuisine.
Av Carlos Escallon 34-01
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 (605) 9174654
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Candé
Live folkloric music, posta cartagenera recommended.
Calle de la Serrezuela # 39 - 10
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 (605) 6685291
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HARRY’S SASSON
Inside Charleston Santa Teresa, refined classics.
Cra. 3 # 31 - 19
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 (605) 6501015
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M COCINA ÁRABE
Bocagrande staple for Lebanese dishes.
Cl. 6 # 3 - 24
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 300 2395658
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JUAN DEL MAR
Caribbean-inspired seafood.
Plaza de San Diego, 8 - 12
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 312 7148778
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La Vitrola
Old-school Cartagena, iconic interior.
Cra. 2 # 33 - 66
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 (605) 6648243
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Agua de León (Restaurant)
Colombian fusion & fashion-forward crowd.
Calle de Ayos # 4 - 46
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 315 2780517
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LA ÚNICA
Mexican fare, famed for tacos & carajillos.
Cra. 8 # 38 - 476
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 315 2780517
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El Árabe Internacion
Lebanese-Colombian classics, best pistachio ice cream.
Cra. 3 # 8 - 836
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 (605) 6783200
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MARE RESTAURANTE
Contemporary seafood & terrace dining.
Cra. 6 # 32
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 304 4129411
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SAN VALENTÍN
COCINA Y TRAGOS
Dinner with live music & cocktails.
Cl. 37 #2886 6 - 33
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 310 4153330
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BUENA VIDA
MARISQUERÍA
Casual rooftop seafood with vibrant decor.
Calle del Porvenir, Esquina
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 322 3061025
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SAN NICOLÁS
RESTAURANTE BAR
Local favorite for live music dining..
Cl. 25 #8b162
Getsemaní, Cartagena
+57 310 6221662
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Casa Pestagua
(RESTAURANT)
Ideal for dinner. Try: Lobster Ceviche and langostinos en mantequilla agria de tomates.
Cra. 3 # 33 - 63
Cartagena, Colombia
+57 (605) 6649510
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BARS, CLUBS & NIGHTLIFE
El Barón
Old-Fashioned 'Puro' & Aperol Spritz.
Cra. 4 # 31 - 7
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 315 6463018
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Alquímico
Rooftop mixology, ranked top 10 globally.
Calle Colegio # 34 - 24
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 316 5331932
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La Jugada
Multi-level party scene.
Cra. 6 # 34 - 25
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 316 3194481
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LA MOVIDA
Cocktail club with local DJs.
Cl. 31 # 3 - 37
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 316 5875350
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El Coro
Gothic-style bar in Sofitel Santa Clara.
Cra. 8 # 39 - 36
Hotel Santa Clara
+57 (605) 6504700
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DONDE FIDEL
Salsa only, always packed.
Portal de los Dulces, Cra. 4
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 314 5261892
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Bazurto Social Club
Champeta + Afrobeat + party culture.
Cra. 9 # 30 - 42
Getsemaní, Cartagena
+57 317 6481183
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Café Havana
Live salsa music, iconic vibe.
Cra. 10 #ESQUINA
Getsemaní, Cartagena
+57 312 4082896
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QUIEBRACANTO
Intimate salsa bar with locals.
Cra. 8b #25-30
Getsemaní, Cartagena
+57 300 4300432
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SHOPPING
St. Dom
High-end Colombian designers.
Cra. 3 # 33 - 70
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 (605) 6354380
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Silvia Tcherassi
Fashion-forward boutique.
Calle 31 # 31 - 11
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 (605) 6790051
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AGUA DE LEÓN
Luxe multi-brand store.
Cl. 35 # 3 - 16
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 315 2181536
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MAYGEL CORONEL
Edgy, feminine resort wear.
Cl. 34 # 18 Local 1
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 301 4711734
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ESTEFANÍA
Soft, boho-chic collections.
Calle San Juan de Dios # 3 - 25
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 300 6124694
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AGUA BENDITA
Iconic Colombian swimwear.
Cl. de la Iglesia # 35 - 16
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 300 3278066
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BAOBAB
Handmade accessories & clothing.
Calle Estanco del Tabaco 35/30
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 315 3745527
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TOUCHE
Colombian beachwear.
Cl. de San Juan de Dios # 3 - 25
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 311 2135638
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SOLOIO
Menswear boutique.
Cl. San Pedro Claver # 31 - 06
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 320 5781506
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LA SERREZUELA
Upscale mall in an old bullfighting ring.
Cra. 11 # 39 - 21
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 (605) 6421795
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ONDA DE MAR
Colombian swimsuits & tropical resort wear.
Pedro De Heredia # 31
Centro Histórico, Cartagena
+57 (605) 56477949
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MUST-SEE SIGHTS & MUSEUMS
CHURCHES
IGLESIA SAN PEDRO CLAVER
Sanctuary dedicated to Saint Peter Claver, 'the apostle of the slaves,' known for his tireless defense of human rights and work with the enslaved. If it appears closed during the day, you can enter through the side, as it also functions as a museum with access to the church.
Neighborhoods & Cultural Spots
BEACH CLUBS & ISLAND DAY TRIPS
THINGS TO DO IN THE CITY
CARTAGENA CURATED PLAYBOOK
14 days of indulgent, culture-rich experiences you can mix-and-match around the wedding events
How to Use This Guide
1. Pick any day and slide it before/after the wedding celebrations.
2. Each day has a signature experience + optional upgrades—choose one or layer several if you’re feeling adventurous.
3. All times are gentle suggestions; Cartagena rewards a slow, sun-kissed pace.
14-DAY ITINERARY
(choose from any day, any order)
1. OLD CITY IMMERSION
# Today’s Itinerary
Clock-Tower → Cathedral → Plaza Bolívar & Gold Museum → Palace of the Inquisition → San Pedro Claver → Santo Domingo Church & Botero “Gertrudis” → Las Bóvedas artisan vaults → sunset wall-walk.
KEY DETAILS & UPGRADES
• Guided walking tour recommended.
• Best coffee pauses:
Época / Libertador / Casa Carolina.
• Snap a photo with palenqueras
(tip = COP 5k-10k).
• Dinner choices:
Cocina de Pepina · Celele · Don Juan
2. ROSARIO ISLANDS LUXE HOP
# Today’s Itinerary
08:00 fast boat (snorkel gear aboard) → coral-reef stop → choose club: Gente de Mar / IslaBela / EcoHotel (Isla Grande) · Hotel Majagua (Majagua) · Isla del Sol · Bora Bora · Pao Pao · Amare · Cholón party cove
KEY DETAILS & UPGRADES
• Add Oceanario (dolphins, turtles) or Isla Bocachica fort.
• Return ~17:00→private salsa / champeta class (1 h).
3. CASTLES, STREET EATS & CRAFT RUM
# Today’s Itinerary
Sunrise visit Castillo San Felipe → Bazurto Market deep-dive (arepa de huevo, tropical fruit stands) → Street-food safari in Getsemaní → Rum-&-chocolate pairing at El Barón
KEY DETAILS & UPGRADES
• Evening cocktails: Alquímico rooftop.
4. RIVERS & COASTAL RHYTHM
# Today’s Itinerary
10:00 pick-up → Chambaculera boat (live champeta, drums) through Ciénaga de la Virgen → beach fish-fry (mojarra, patacón) → return mid-afternoon
KEY DETAILS & UPGRADES
• Spa / pool siesta afterwards.
5. TIERRA BOMBA CLUB-HOP
# Today’s Itinerary
20-min boat → pick any club on the island: Makani · Éteka · Blue Apple · Fénix · Namasté
KEY DETAILS & UPGRADES
• Mix of paddle-boards, DJs, yoga decks & spa cabanas.
• Return by sunset → live music in Getsemaní.
6. AFRO-CARIBBEAN ROOTS & WELLNESS
# Today’s Itinerary
08:00 van → San Basilio de Palenque (drum workshop, culture walk, coconut-milk stew lunch) → back by 16:00
KEY DETAILS & UPGRADES
• Rooftop yoga at Casa Carolina or designer browsing (St Dom, Silvia Tcherassi, Agua de León).
7. ICONIC HOTELS + DESIGNER & EMERALD DAY
# Today’s Itinerary
Morning coffee in Sofitel Santa Clara courtyard → peek at Harry Sasson's Harry's Cartagena (reserve lunch) in the Charleston Santa Teresa Hotel → Pop to Charleston Santa Teresa rooftop bar → Personal-shop circuit: St Dom → Silvia Tcherassi → Maygel Coronel → La Serrezuela → private emerald lesson
KEY DETAILS & UPGRADES
• Dinner: 10-course "New Colombian" at Celele (book early).
8. NATIONAL AVIARY & PLAYA BLANCA / TRANQUILA
# Today’s Itinerary
07:30 boat / van to Aviario Nacional (170 bird species) → continue to Playa Blanca or quieter Playa Tranquila for turquoise swim & lunch. Try "jugo de corozo".
KEY DETAILS & UPGRADES
• Optional: sunset plankton tour add-on (Transport waits).
9. MUD & MANGROVE MARVELS
# Today’s Itinerary
Morning Volcán Totumo mud-bath → rinse in lagoon → optional mangrove canoe glide near Galerazamba's pink salt flats
KEY DETAILS & UPGRADES
• Return to city ~14:00 → rooftop siesta.
10. COSTEÑO COOKING CLASS
# Today’s Itinerary
Market run with chef → hands-on class: coconut rice, fried fish, posta cartagenera, patacón → feast & cocktail pairing
KEY DETAILS & UPGRADES
• Afternoon free for photos in Getsemaní's graffiti alleys.
11. DAY-CHIVA CITY TOUR (MUST-DO)
# Today’s Itinerary
09:00 Day-Chiva open-air bus (live city guide, chilled costeño beers) → landmark photo stops → drop-off around 12:30
KEY DETAILS & UPGRADES
• Afternoon options: second island hop, boutique crawl, or spa.
12. NIGHT-CHIVA FIESTA
# Today’s Itinerary
20:00 Night-Chiva pick-up → onboard music, open bar → ends at club La Movida
KEY DETAILS & UPGRADES
• Pre-party dinner at Candé (folklore show).
13. SCUBA & OCEAN PLAY
# Today’s Itinerary
Morning two-tank reef dive (or Discover Scuba) with Diving Planet from Club Náutico → snorkel friends join sand-bar swim → seafood picnic on Isla Arena
KEY DETAILS & UPGRADES
• Golden-hour catamaran back (DJ on deck).
14. BOCAGRANDE BEACH FINALE
# Today’s Itinerary
Choose carpa & chairs with vendors (COP 30-50 k) → casual massage (agree time & price) → legendary shrimp cocktail or full seafood platter, plus mojarra / pargo frito & coconut rice → stroll Avenida San Martín boutiques → dinner at M Cocina Árabe
KEY DETAILS & UPGRADES
• Pack & airport transfers.
CARTAGENA’S BEST-KEPT TOURIST TIP: Don’t Get Overcharged
Whether it’s a beach massage, a taxi ride, a boat tour, or a shrimp cocktail on the sand — there’s an easy way to make sure you’re paying a fair price.
Just save this number on WhatsApp: +57 304 251 1127
This is Titán Chat, Cartagena’s official tourist support line — run by the city government. It’s totally legit, safe, and trustworthy.
You can message them at any time on WhatsApp to:
- Ask what a fair price is for any service (like taxis, beach food, boat rides, massages, etc.)
- Report being overcharged — even if it doesn’t feel “off,” if something seems expensive or way higher than expected, you can reach out.
Just say something like “report case” and they’ll step in to help. If needed, the police will come and help you get your money back.
It’s not confrontational, it’s not dangerous — it’s not like in the U.S. Cartagena’s tourist team handles it quickly and kindly, and it gets resolved fast. This is one of the city’s best tools to keep visitors protected and relaxed.
OFFICIAL CITY PRICE LIST
Want to double-check average prices before saying yes to anything? Here’s the official guide to what you should expect to pay for:
- Taxi rides
- Beach services (massages, chairs, seafood)
- Island boat trips
- Local food and drinks
- City tours, and more.
CURATED THINGS TO DO IN THE CITY
Explore everything from historic sites and food tours to island escapes and shopping guides — all recommended by the city’s tourism team.
Perfect for filling free days around the wedding!
https://www.visitcartagena.com.co/explore?lang=en