Cartagena is one of the easiest cities in Latin America to fall for. The walled old town is compact, walkable and photogenic at every turn, the food is excellent and the Caribbean is on the doorstep. But the heat is serious, the island trips need a little planning, and the rules for the national park changed in 2026. Here is how to shape a first visit.
When to go
Cartagena is hot all year. The driest, breeziest months run from December to April, which is also the busiest and most expensive season. October and November are usually the wettest, with short, heavy downpours that often clear quickly, so plan outdoor sights for the morning. November has a big bonus: the Independence festivities. In 2026 the official agenda runs until 16 November, with civic holidays on 11, 12 and 13 November, the Gran Desfile along Avenida Santander on 12 November and the Cabildo de Getsemaní on 15 November. Expect parades, music and crowds, and book rooms early for those dates.
How many days
Three full days covers the essentials: one for the walled city and museums, one for Castillo San Felipe, Getsemaní and La Popa, and one for the Rosario Islands. Four or five days lets you add the Aviario Nacional on Barú, a lazy pool day and a second island trip.
What to book ahead
Book the two guided walks early in your trip, because they set up everything else: the Walled City and Getsemaní walking tour, which meets at Plaza de la Aduana, and the San Felipe Castle and Getsemaní tour, which includes castle entry and meets at Plaza de la Trinidad. For the Rosario Islands, choose an authorised operator and confirm two things before you pay: the national park entry fee, and the mandatory accident insurance that every visitor to the park has needed since 1 March 2026. Rangers check it, and people without it are turned away. Museums and La Popa can be bought at the door.
Getting around
The walled city and Getsemaní are best on foot, and most sights are within fifteen minutes’ walk of each other. Use taxis for La Popa, Bocagrande and Marbella; agree the fare before you get in, or use a ride-hailing app. The airport is close, about fifteen minutes from the old town. Island boats leave from the La Bodeguita dock on Avenida Blas de Lezo, usually between 8:00 and 10:00. For the Aviario on Barú, there is no public transport, so take a taxi, a private driver or a shuttle from the Clock Tower.
Where the headline sights fit
Day one: the walled city tour in the morning, lunch, the Museo del Oro Zenú and the Palace of the Inquisition on Plaza de Bolívar during the midday heat, then sunset on the city walls. Day two: the castle tour, which starts in Getsemaní, then a taxi up to the Convento de la Popa for the view, a siesta, and an evening of street food and salsa around Plaza de la Trinidad. Day three: the Rosario Islands by boat, back in time for dinner in the San Diego quarter. Day four: San Pedro Claver church and museum in the morning, then the Aviario Nacional and a swim on Barú.
Beating the heat
Start early, rest in the middle of the day and go out again for the evening, as locals do. Carry water, wear a hat and light clothes, and use reef-safe sunscreen on the islands, where single-use plastics are banned.
Money and manners
Cards work in hotels and most restaurants, but carry Colombian pesos for taxis, vendors and island fees. Street sellers can be persistent; a smile and a firm no thank you is enough. Keep phones and jewellery discreet in crowds, and use registered taxis late at night.