If you’re cruising in or out of Cartagena, Colombia, chances are you’ll have some time to kill in the port city before or after you spend time on one of the cruise ships. But don’t worry—there’s plenty to do in this South American gem! In this article, we’ll give you some ideas on how to spend your downtime in the Cartagena Cruise portarea, some things you can do to pass the time on shore excursions, what food the area is known for, and a few top hotels to stay at in this walled city if cruise visitors want to spend more time here.
Cartagena, Colombia Rich in History and Culture
Cartagena is a city located on the northern coast of Colombia. Founded in 1533 by Spanish explorer Pedro de Heredia, Cartagena served as a key port for the Spanish Empire due to its strategic location on the Caribbean Sea.
In the centuries that followed, Cartagena was attacked numerous times by pirates and privateers looking to plunder its wealth. However, the city’s fortifications kept it safe from harm until modern times.
In 1984, Cartagena’s old city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Today, it is a popular tourist destination, known for its well-preserved old city, which is surrounded by walls and fortifications. The old city is home to a number of historic landmarks, including the Palace of the Inquisition, the Cathedral of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, and the Torre del Reloj (Clock Tower).
Cartagena is also famous for its vibrant Afro-Colombian community and its traditional festivals, such as the Carnival de Barranquilla. Visitors to the city can enjoy its many museums and art galleries, as well as its lively nightlife scene. Whether you’re interested in history or culture, Cartagena has something to offer everyone.
Explore the Old City, Go on Nature Walks, Visit Museums and Churches and Eat at Local Restaurants
Cartagena is a beautiful city located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. It is known for its colonial architecture, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture. Visitors to Cartagena can explore the old city, which is full of historic buildings and sites.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Cartagena. If you’re interested in history and culture, be sure to visit the Palace of the Inquisition, which was built in 1610 and served as the headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition in Colombia.
For breathtaking views of the city, take a stroll through Las Bóvedas, an 18th-century fortification that now houses shops and restaurants. And no trip to Cartagena would be complete without seeing the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas (San Felipe De Barajas Castle), a fortress built by the Spanish in 1536 that protected the city from pirate attacks.
If you’re looking for something more low-key to do, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea at one of Cartagena’s many cafes. Or check out one of the city’s many boutiques and shops—you’re sure to find some souvenirs to bring home with you! And if you need a break from all the walking, hop on one of Cartagena’s horse-drawn carriages for a leisurely tour of the city.
For something more active, you can go snorkeling or scuba diving off one of the nearby islands and check out the coral reefs. We like Rosario Island (Islas del Rosario) Or, if you just want to relax, you can spend the day lounging on one of Cartagena’s many beaches.
There are also plenty of nature walks and parks to enjoy, as well as museums and churches. Of course, no trip to Cartagena would be complete without trying some of the local cuisine.
Cartagena is Known for Its Great Food
In addition to its beautiful beaches and rich history, Cartagena is also known for its delicious local food. The food in Cartagena is a reflection of its diverse cultural heritage. You’ll find plenty of seafood dishes as well as Caribbean and African influences. The city has plenty of great restaurants, offering everything from fresh seafood to traditional Colombian dishes.
Be sure to try arepas (a type of cornmeal cake), ceviche (fresh seafood marinated in citrus juice), empanadas (fried pastries filled with meat or cheese), Arroz con coco (coconut rice), and platanos maduros (sweet fried plantains). And wash it all down with some fresh jugo de tamarindo (tamarind juice) or aguardiente (a type of Colombian liquor)! Even the tropical fruit selection is amazing!
Places to Stay in Cartagena Range from Budget-Friendly Hostels to Luxurious Hotels
Cartagena is a beautiful city located on the coast of Colombia. It is well-known for its colonial architecture, stunning beaches, and friendly people. There are also a variety of places to stay in Cartagena, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels.
Visitors can choose to stay in one of the many hotels located in the city center or opt for a more relaxed holiday by renting an apartment or villa near the beach. No matter what your budget or preferences are, there is sure to be a perfect place to spend some downtime in and near the Cartagena cruise port for you.
Top Hotels in Cartegena
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay and spend some downtime in and around theCartagena cruise port, here are a few top hotels in the area:
• Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa: A luxury hotel located in a converted convent near Plaza Bolívar.
• Tcherassi Hotel + Spa: A stylish boutique hotel located in Getsemaní district.
• Casa San Agustin: A luxurious boutique hotel located in El Centro district.
Try Out the Local Cuisine
Cartagena is widely considered to be one of the best places to eat in Colombia. The city’s cuisine is a delicious mix of Afro-Caribbean and Spanish influences, and there’s something to suit every taste. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as arepas (corn cakes), ceviche (fresh seafood marinated in citrus juice), and sancocho (a hearty stew).
And of course, no visit to Cartagena would be complete without sampling some of the world-famous Colombian coffee. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a gourmet meal, you’re sure to find something to your taste in Cartagena.
To help you decide for yourself, we have a map for you to look over:
Currency Used in Cartagena
In Cartagena, the Colombian peso is the official currency. However, US dollars are also widely accepted. If you’re looking to get the best exchange rate, it’s best to withdraw pesos from an ATM or exchange your dollars for pesos at a local bank or currency exchange office.
When it comes to tipping, it’s customary to leave a 10% tip in restaurants. However, you’re not expected to tip taxi drivers for a taxi ride or other service providers.
Tips for Making Your Trip as Smooth as Possible
Cartagena is a beautiful and historic city located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. The city is full of colonial architecture, stunning beaches, and friendly people. It is also a great place to eat, with a wide variety of local and international cuisine available.
Getting around Cartagena is relatively easy, as the city is small and compact. However, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to make your trip as smooth as possible.
First, it is important to note that many of the streets in Cartagena are cobblestone streets, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. It can really take a toll on your knees and hips if you don’t have great footwear – the streets of Cartagena will have you in pain the next day. Second, the city can be quite hot and humid, so be sure to drink plenty of water and take breaks often. Finally, as with any major city, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings safe.
Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to bet back to the cruise ship terminal if you are out and about exploring the narrow streets on your shore tour.
With these tips in mind, you are sure to have a great time exploring Cartagena but we suggest you check in with the U.S. State Department if you are a US citizen.
Tips for Women in Caragena
As a woman, there are a few things to keep in mind when traveling to Cartagena. First, it is important to dress conservatively, as the locals are quite traditional.
Second, be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings safe. Finally, don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it – the locals are very friendly and helpful. With these tips in mind, you are sure to have a great time in Cartagena.
Tips for LGBTQ+ People in Cartegena
There are a few things to keep in mind if you are LGBTQ+ and visiting Cartagena. First, it is important to dress conservatively, as the locals are quite traditional. Second, be aware of your surroundings and who you can trust.
Finally, there are resources available if you need help – the Colombian government has a tourism website with information for LGBTQ+ travelers, and there are also a few local organizations that can help. With these tips in mind, you are sure to have a great time in Cartagena.
When to Visit Cartagena
The best time to visit Cartagena is from December to April if you are looking at different cruise lines and trying to figure out when a visit to South America is in your future. This is when the weather is dry and sunny. However, the city is beautiful year-round, so if you can’t travel during that time, don’t worry – you’ll still have a great time. Just be sure to pack your sunscreen!
No matter what time of year you visit, Cartagena is sure to delight. From its stunning architecture and beaches to its delicious food and friendly people, this city has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
Final Thoughts on How to Spend Your Downtime in the Cartagena Cruise Port
Whether you’re cruising into or out of the Cartagena cruise port, there’s no need to worry about what you’ll do to spend your downtime—there’s plenty to keep you occupied! In this blog post, we’ve given you a brief history of the area, some suggestions for things to do while you’re here, what kind of food you can expect to find, and some top hotels where you can stay. So go ahead and enjoy your time in this beautiful port city!