The Ultimate Girls Trip to Cartagena, Colombia for Culture, Sun & Fun

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Advisor - Janelle Reid
Curated By

Janelle Reid

  • Arts & Culture

  • Birthdays

  • Black Travel

  • Boutique Travel

  • City Travel

  • Sustainable Travel

  • Cartagena

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

  • Entertainment

A picture of two people wearing colorful dresses walking down a street with colorful houses and various flags hanging from above at daytime.
Curator’s statement

Cartagena is a port city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Cartagena is culturally significant as it is home to a UNESCO world heritage site, but with its tropical climate it makes for a popular beach destination. It’s an energetic city that is aesthetically pleasing, with colorful murals, vibrant florals and a beautiful skyline. Cartagena is easy to navigate and perfect for a jam-packed girls trip.

The Fora Difference

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Killer perks

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Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay in Cartagena, Colombia

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Things to do in Cartagena, Colombia

A woman sitting in a swimming pool looking out to a sandy beach volleyball court, surrounded by a wooden fence and palm trees.

Places to go:

Walled City

The walled city, also known as the old city, is known for its colonial neighborhoods, picturesque cobblestone streets lined with colorful walls and street performers that merge the old-world with modern boutique shopping and restaurants. Walled City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

San Felipe de Barajas Fort

San Felipe de Barajas Fort offers a historical view to discover the interior of the “guardian of Cartagena.” The fort quite literally offers one of the best vantage points in the old city.

Getsemani

Getsemani is an artsy charming neighborhood just outside of the walled city with vibrant street art that celebrates Afro-Colombian culture.

Plaza de San Diego

San Diego Square has some of the best restaurants in the walled city. The square dates back to the 17th century and was designed by the same architect responsible for Cartagena’s cathedral.

Beaches & tours:

Blue Apple Beach Club

Blue Apple Beach Club is a black-owned, solar-powered beach club and resort located on Isla Tierra Bomba. A quick 20-minute boat ride from Cartagena you are transported to crystal blue waters and white sand beaches, laid-back luxury accommodations and farm-to-table menus.

Totumo Mud Volcano (El Totumo)

El Totumo is an active volcano located near sea-level just outside of Cartagena. The mud volcano is a somewhat small heated bath of mineral-rich dense mud that is thought to have therapeutic properties. Guests are given the option of adding on a massage or a photography session from a local attendant. Once you are done relaxing in the mud, head over to the lagoon to wash off.

Places to eat & drink in Cartagena, Colombia

A picture of a neon sign saying Cartagena Alquimico beneath a red neon heart.

Celele

Intimate restaurant, so reservations are a must. The chef is serving up unique menu items encompassing contemporary Caribbean cuisine.

Alquimico

Multi-level bar with craft cocktails. Some of the best in Cartagena

Movich Hotel Rooftop

Overlooking an infinity pool, the Movich hotel rooftop has clear views of the old city and beach.

La Cevicheria

Anthony Bourdain approved.

Juan Del Mar

Relaxed restaurants serving tapas with meat and seafood focus.

Mar y Zielo

Gastrobar serving authentic Colombian dishes with a Peruvian twist with the option to dine on the open-air rooftop.

Sambal Bistro

Committed to local ingredients to provide a unique dining experience that celebrates Colombian Caribbean cuisine.

Townhouse

Unbeatable views plus a fun boozy brunch offered every Saturday and Sunday.

Advisor - Janelle Reid

Travel Advisor

Janelle Reid

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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Scottsdale Before the Veil: A Curated Bachelorette Itinerary for Scottsdale, Arizona. This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Cartagena.