Bovados Cartagena Colombia

Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena Vacations

See Cartagena hotels or trip ideas to Colombia.

Sizzling Culture, Sun-Kissed Beaches, Timeless Marvels

Explore the cobbled streets of Cartagena, where colourful architecture meets rich cultural experiences

Discover the remarkably well-preserved city of Cartagena, which is located on the Caribbean coast. Cartagena is completely surrounded by a network of forts and “Las Murallas,” or thick stone walls, which were constructed to defend the city from invading pirates, creating a beautifully atmospheric city.

With UNESCO World Heritage status, the old walls house a labyrinth of flagged alleys, leafy plazas and carved wooden balconies overflowing with brightly coloured bougainvillea. Restored convents and colonial buildings have been transformed into museums, offering a glimpse into Cartagena's past, displaying everything from religious arts to pre-Colombian ceramics and pre-Hispanic gold. The Palace Inquisition offers a hauntingly interesting experience, showcasing instruments of torture from Cartagena's colonial days. Beautifully decorated churches are dotted around the city, and handicraft markets line the streets, selling vibrantly coloured paintings, coconut carved jewellery, and Panama-style straw hats.

The best way to experience the history and charm of the city is to simply roam around; escape the glaring sun in an eccentric café, or ride a horse-drawn carriage through the streets. In the afternoon plazas come to life with street entertainers, jazz bands playing a pulsing beat, and local merchants preparing a spread of delicious treats like arepas (fried cornmeal with a variety of fillings) and buñuelos (maize cheese balls).

Beyond the old town, indulge in a variety of day trips. The archipelago of Isla del Rosario is a short boat ride away, made up of idyllic islands surrounded by coral reef and warm-turquoise waters. The sugar-sand beach of Playa Grande on Baru Island attracts countless visitors with its swaying palms and snorkelling opportunities.

Cartagena offers the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. Former convents and colonial mansions have been beautifully restored into luxury boutique hotels, and an array of fine dining and cocktail bars are dotted around the city. To experience the best of this historic city, please contact us to learn about our favourite places, from the best seafood haunt to our favourite hotel. Let us arrange the perfect trip for you, to this incredible and stunning destination.

Our favourite Cartagena lodges and hotels

Best places to stay in Cartagena

hotel
Pool Hotel Quadrifolio Cartagena Colombia

Hotel Quadrifolio

Cartagena, Colombia, South America
Exclusive boutique hotel in the heart of Cartagena
$$
Colombia cartegena market bags colourful min

Colombia

Festivals, beaches, coffee plantations, and amazing biodiversity
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Amanda

Amanda

Latin America Specialist
Start Planning
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

Sep 17, 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

Jul 31, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

Jul 3, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

Jun 28, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

Jun 5, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

Jun 5, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

Jun 5, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

Jun 5, 2024

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