A jewel of the Caribbean - a romantic walled port city of brightly colored colonial buildings. Walk the 11km ramparts at sunset, soak up graffiti art in Getsemaní, and feel Colombian passion in nighttime salsa clubs. A day trip to the Rosario Islands and a stay in a boutique hotel inside the Walled City are unforgettable. Ideal for honeymoons and couples.
Best Season
The December-April dry season is ideal. Caribbean weather means hot and humid year-round.
Budget
Daily budget around 80,000-180,000 KRW (accommodation 40,000-100,000, meals 20,000-50,000, transport and tours 20,000-30,000).
Transport
About 15 minutes by taxi from Rafael Núñez Airport to the old town. The Walled City is fully walkable. SIM cards available at the airport. Cards accepted in the Walled City, but cash (pesos) needed for stalls and boat tours. Tipping 10%.
Visa
Korean passport holders can stay visa-free for up to 90 days.
Safety
The Old Town and Bocagrande are relatively safe. Watch for beach touts and use taxis at night.
Popular attractions in Cartagena
Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site preserving 16th-century Spanish colonial walls and buildings.
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Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
South America's largest Spanish colonial fortress, built to defend against pirates.
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Rosario Islands
A Caribbean archipelago of coral reefs and crystal water, about 1 hour by boat from Cartagena.
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Signature food of Cartagena
Ceviche Cartagenero
🍱 TraditionalCartagena-style ceviche of Caribbean seafood blended with coconut milk. COP 20,000-45,000 per plate. Try La Cevichería in Getsemaní.
Arepa de Huevo
🍢 Street FoodA deep-fried corn cake stuffed with egg - a breakfast favorite along the Caribbean coast. COP 3,000-8,000 each. Available at stalls near the Walled City entrance and in Getsemaní.
Coco Lemonada
🍵 DrinkA refreshing Caribbean drink of fresh coconut water blended with lemon. COP 5,000-12,000. Available at stalls in the Walled City and on the beach.