La Popa hill rises behind the city, the highest point in Cartagena, and on its summit stands the Convento de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, known simply as La Popa. Augustinian Recollect friars founded it in 1606, and the hill has been a place of pilgrimage ever since, dedicated to the Virgen de la Candelaria, the city’s patron. The convent itself is a calm, whitewashed building wrapped around a cloister of flowers and a well, with a small chapel whose altar glows with gold leaf and oil paintings. But most visitors come for the view: from the terraces you see the whole city laid out below, from the walled town and Getsemaní to the towers of Bocagrande, the bay, the islands and, on clear days, far along the coast. Colombia’s tourism board calls it the best view of Cartagena, and it is easy to agree. It is a short visit, usually combined with the castle on a city tour or a taxi ride.
How it works: the convent opens daily from morning until late afternoon, with a modest entry fee and a lower rate for children, according to a 2025 city guide in El Universal. Take a taxi or join a tour, since the road up is steep and winding; agree the fare and a waiting time with the driver before you set off, because taxis are scarce at the top. Walking up from the city is not recommended.
What to expect: a ticket office, then the sanctuary, the convent and a cloister with a small museum of religious art, followed by the viewing terraces. The chapel is still a place of worship, and Mass is held at weekends, so dress modestly and keep your voice down. Every February the hill hosts the fiestas of the Virgen de la Candelaria, when pilgrims climb in procession.
Making the most of it: visit in the morning for the clearest views, or late afternoon for soft light, and bring a zoom lens to pick out the castle and the walls. Combine it with Castillo San Felipe, which lies on the way.
What to expect
The experience
A hilltop colonial convent with a cloister, a gilded chapel, a small museum and terraces with the widest panorama in Cartagena.
Best time
Morning for the clearest air and views, or late afternoon for warm light over the city and bay.
How long
About an hour at the top, plus taxi time up and down the hill.
Tips
Go by taxi or tour and agree a waiting fare in advance, dress modestly for the chapel, and bring a zoom lens.
Quick picks
- Best for
- The single best panorama of Cartagena, with a peaceful colonial convent as a bonus.
- Families
- A short, easy visit, though younger children may find the cloister less exciting than the view.
- Couples
- The flower-filled cloister and sweeping view make a romantic stop on a city tour.
- Pair with
- Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, which lies on the way down.
- Time needed
- Two hours including transport.
Good questions
How do you get to the Convento de la Popa?+
Take a taxi or a tour, because the road is steep and walking up is not recommended. Agree the fare and a waiting time with the driver before leaving.
When was La Popa convent founded?+
Augustinian Recollect friars founded it in 1606. It is dedicated to the Virgen de la Candelaria, the city’s patron.
Is there an entry fee?+
Yes, there is a modest entry fee with a lower rate for children. It is paid at the ticket office at the top.
What can you see from La Popa?+
The whole city, from the walled town and Getsemaní to Bocagrande, the bay and the islands. Tourism officials call it the best view in Cartagena.
Is there a dress code?+
The chapel is still a place of worship, so modest clothing is respectful. Shoulders covered and no beachwear is a good rule.