Located on the northern coast of Colombia, Cartagena is a city with a long history, rich culture and endless charm. From exploring the charming Walled City to lounging on beautiful beaches, vacations in Cartagena, Colombia offer a wealth of experiences that will surprise and appeal to the whole family.
With its colorful streets, colonial architecture and vibrant atmosphere, it’s no wonder this coastal gem is one of the most beautiful. The most visited city in South America. Families looking for an unforgettable adventure will find the ideal getaway in this beautiful, historic city.
You will soon be enchanted by the magic of Cartagena that inspired Nobel Prize winner Gabriel García Márquez to write his most beautiful words.
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Best Luxury Hotels in Cartagena, Colombia
The two larger hotels in the historic center were both former convents and retain Spanish architecture and influence on the area. Yellow stucco, lush vines and plants incorporate both attributes. The Charleston Santa Teresa has a small rooftop pool with views of the city and ocean, while the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara’s pool is set in a lush, tranquil courtyard surrounded by palm trees.
I traveled in early March before the heat was at its peak, so I highly recommend a hotel with a pool to cool off after an afternoon of sightseeing. This will be a welcome break from the tropical climate during your vacation in Cartagena, Colombia. Both hotels offer a variety of options for families, including spacious adjoining rooms and suites.
There are also many beautiful boutique hotels built into restored colonial buildings. These hotels have fewer rooms but are full of Colombian charm and character, including saint augustine house.
four seasons Revitalizing a series of landmark buildings dating back to the 16th century. This gives the Getsemaní neighborhood a more authentic charm.
Stroll through the Walled City
One of Cartagena’s most iconic landmarks is its historic Walled City, a 16th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by thick stone walls and lined with cobbled streets, this lively neighborhood is an architectural marvel. It has important historical landmarks, museums, churches, boutiques, restaurants, and lively squares full of vendors and street performers.
Families can spend hours wandering the narrow streets, admiring the colorful facades of colonial-era buildings and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. We chose to stay in the Walled City for 4 nights in downtown Cartagena.
Dining options
We found our favorite restaurant in the Walled City (and one of the highest rated restaurants in Cartagena). alma Serving traditional and innovative Colombian cuisine. We chose the items mentioned in Travel & Leisure and Condé Nast and were not disappointed. Coco Forest Ceviche is served in coconut. With creamy coconut, fresh lime, spices and cilantro, it’s not to be missed.
We were able to see the entire city, have lunch, and explore all the walled city sights on foot. We took the same precautions and level of urban awareness as walking in most major cities and felt safe.
To make the most of your vacation in Cartagena, Colombia, I recommend booking a walking tour of the Walled City and Getsemani (see below). You’ll learn about pieces of history and see things you might otherwise miss. All tours can be customized based on your interests and how long you want (and are able) to walk. Book tours as early as possible during your stay. This way, you can easily explore the city during the rest of your trip.
My kids love the culture and history in pirate stories. As we wander the charming streets, we look for special door knockers pointing out the vibrant frescoes and the Museum of the Inquisition. We even got to experience chocolate making. It includes instructions and practical exercises on how to dry, select, bake, grind and shape your own chocolate. A range of activities for everyone is at your fingertips.
Climb up to the Convento de la Popa
To enjoy the panoramic view of Cartagena, a quick visit to La Popa is a must. Perched atop a high hill overlooking the city, this historic 17th-century monastery offers beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea, the port, and the vast urban and colonial landscape. As you take a rental car or taxi along the winding roads to La Popa, you’ll pass more residential, modern urban neighborhoods.
Once at the top, families can explore the monastery’s grounds, chapel and gardens while admiring the stunning views. Our hotel arranged a taxi for us to La Popa. The taxi waited for us for 20-30 minutes before taking us to Castillo San Felipe and waiting again before taking us back to the hotel. I recommend having the concierge secure your transportation.
Explore San Felipe Castle
If you want to experience history and adventure, a visit to the Castillo de San Felipe is a must. Built by the Spanish in the 16th century, this majestic fortress played a vital role in defending Cartagena from pirate attacks. Now, it has become a popular tourist attraction for all types of travelers, including families with children. My daughter loves racing her dad to the top of the mountain and exploring tunnels and hidden passages. Try to go early and don’t forget water, sunscreen and a hat!
Marvel at the culture of Gessemani
No trip to Cartagena is complete without exploring the vibrant neighborhood of Gesemani. Once a grittier area, Geysemani has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. It is now a thriving center for arts, culture and creativity. Families can stroll the bustling streets of the neighborhood, admiring colorful murals and hanging art, browsing artisanal shops, and sampling delicious food from street vendors. Don’t forget the tortillas!
We walked back from the Walled City through a park where local monkeys and sloths played hide and seek with tourists.
At Getsemani we find Seleleanother favorite restaurant of ours, and an incredible culinary experience. The restaurant is rated one of the best in Latin America and also boasts one of the world’s top chefs. The taste and artistry are so extraordinary that I still dream about it.
Both restaurants are great for my vegetarian kids – they are big eaters and have complex tastes. That being said, I haven’t noticed that most upscale restaurants have any children’s menus. You can check out the restaurant’s online menu or ask a concierge to help you plan ahead.
Relax and unwind in Baru Island
One of the best ways to relax and unwind after a few days of exploration and adventure is to take a day trip to Isla Baru. This tropical paradise features white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and lush palm groves. This is the perfect place for families to relax and enjoy a day in the sun. You can choose between a 45-minute private transfer or a shared boat transfer (available through your hotel). Families can spend quality time swimming in the ocean and pools, snorkeling, or building sandcastles on the island’s idyllic shores. Alternatively, you may choose to simply lounge in the shade with a refreshing drink in hand.
We chose to stay at the Sofitel Baru Cala Blanca, which is often cited as one of the best hotels in South America. Here we stayed in the Cala Blanca Family Suite. The 1,300-square-foot space has two bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a living room and dining area connected to the bedrooms. As a bonus, your patio also has a private hot tub with sweeping ocean views. After a long day we were able to enjoy the sunset while taking a leisurely bath which was perfect. Other activities include cooking classes, spa treatments, kayaking, paddle boarding, National Aviary tours and bike tours.
A children’s villa is available from 9am to 5pm for children aged 3 to 12 years old, with additional babysitting services available in the evenings. There are three delicious restaurants on site, as well as additional bars and lounges throughout. After three rejuvenating nights, it was hard to pack up and leave this paradise on our last day.
Cartagena Colombia Vacations and children
From the historic charm of the old town to the natural beauty of Isla Baru, Cartagena offers a range of experiences. This destination is perfect for families looking for adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. With its rich history and vibrant culture, this charming city is sure to impress. This is the ideal destination for your next South American family vacation.
We had the perfect 4 night vacation in Cartagena, Colombia. However, if you want a complete itinerary, you can do it in 3 nights before starting your tropical vacation in Baru. So start your South American adventure and wander the streets of magical Cartagena, Colombia.
Upgrade your Colombia family vacation
Booking these Cartagena hotels through Luxe Recess will include exclusive amenities such as resort points, daily breakfast for two, and upgrades based on availability.
- Sofitel Baru Nueva Cala Blanca
- Sofitel Legend Cartagena Santa Clara
- Four Seasons Cartagena
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