Nestled along the northern coast of Colombia, Cartagena de Indias is a city rich in history, culture, and charm. From exploring the enchanting Walled City to lounging on beautiful beaches, a Cartagena, Colombia vacation offers a wealth of experiences that will surprise and entice the whole family.
With its colorful streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant atmosphere, it’s no wonder that this coastal gem is one of the most visited cities in South America. Families seeking an unforgettable adventure will find the ideal getaway in this beautiful, historic city.
You will quickly be transported by the magic of Cartagena that inspired Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez to write some of his most beautiful words.
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Best Luxury Hotels in Cartagena, Colombia
The two larger hotels within the historic center are both former convents that capture Spanish architecture and influence in the region. Yellow stucco, lush vines, and flora are infused in both of these properties. The Charleston Santa Teresa Hotel boasts a small rooftop pool that allows for views of the city and the ocean, while the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara has a pool nestled among planted palm trees within a lush and serene courtyard.
Having traveled at the beginning of March, when the heat was not even at its peak, I would highly recommend a hotel with a pool to cool off after an afternoon of sightseeing. It will be a welcome break from the tropical climate on your Cartagena, Colombia vacation. Both hotels have multiple options for families, including spacious adjoining rooms and suites.
There are also many beautiful boutique hotels built into the restored colonial structures. These hotels have fewer guest rooms and an abundance of Colombian charm and character, including Casa San Agustin.
The Four Seasons revitalized a collection of landmark buildings dating as far back as the 16th century. This brings even more authentic charm to the Getsemaní neighborhood.
Walking 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 cobblestone streets, this animated neighborhood is a marvel of architecture. It boasts important historical landmarks, museums, Churches, boutique shops, restaurants, and lively plazas filled with vendors and street performers.
Families can spend hours wandering through the narrow streets, admiring the colorful facades of the colonial-era buildings and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. We chose to have 4 nights in the city in Cartagena, staying in the Walled City.
dining options
We found our favorite restaurant (and one of Cartagena’s highest-rated) in the Walled City. Alma offers traditional yet innovative Colombian cuisine. We chose items mentioned in both Travel and Leisure and Condé Nast and were not disappointed. The Coco Woods Ceviche arrives within a coconut. It contains creamy coconut mixed with fresh lime, spices and cilantro and is not to be missed.
We were able to see the whole city, eat lunch, and explore all the walled city attractions on foot. We took all the same precautions and level of urban awareness we would take when walking around most major cities and felt safe.
To get the most out of your Cartagena, Colombia vacation, I would recommend booking a walking tour of both the Walled City and Getsemani (see below). You’ll learn pieces of history and see things that you might otherwise miss. All tours can be tailored to your interests and how long you want (and are able) to walk. Book the tour early in your stay. This way, navigating the city for the remainder of your visit will be easy.
My kids loved the culture and the history from pirate tales. We looked for special door knockers as we walked the charming streets to pointing out vibrant murals and the Museum of the Inquisition. We even did a chocolate-making experience. It included an explanation and hands-on practice of how to dry, select, roast, grind, and shape your own chocolate. A range of activities for all are at your fingertips.
Climbing up to Convento de la La Popa
For a panoramic view of Cartagena, a quick visit to La Popa is a must. Sitting atop a high hill overlooking the city, this historic 17th-century convent offers beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea, the port, and the sprawling urban and colonial scenery. As you drive the winding road to La Popa via rental car or taxi, you pass through more residential, modern, urban neighborhoods.
Once at the top, families can explore the convent’s courtyard, chapel, and garden while taking in the stunning views. Our hotel arranged a taxi for us to La Popa. The taxi waited for us for 20-30 minutes, then drove us to Castillo San Felipe and waited again before driving us back to the hotel. I would recommend having a concierge secure your transportation.
Exploring Castillo de San Felipe
For a dose of history and adventure, a tour to Castillo de San Felipe is warranted. This imposing fortress, built by the Spanish in the 16th century, played a crucial role in defending Cartagena from enemy pirate attacks. It’s now a popular tourist attraction for all types of travelers, including families with kids. My daughter loved racing her father to the top and exploring the tunnels and hidden passageways. Try to go earlier in the day, and do not forget water, sunscreen, and a hat!
Marveling in Getsemaní’s Culture
No visit to Cartagena would be complete without exploring the vibrant neighborhood of Getsemaní. Once a more gritty area, Getsemaní has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. It’s now a thriving hub of art, culture, and creativity. Families can wander through the neighborhood’s bustling streets, admiring colorful murals and hanging art, browsing artisanal shops, and sampling delicious food from street vendors. Don’t forget the arepas!
We walked here and back from the Walled City, leading us through a park where local monkeys and tree sloths played hide and seek with the tourists.
In Getsemani, we found Celele, our other favorite restaurant, and an incredible culinary experience. Rated as one of the best restaurants in Latin America, this restaurant also boasts one of the world’s top-ranked chefs. The taste and artistic presentation were so phenomenal that I still dream about it.
Both restaurants were great at accommodating my vegetarian children – they are great eaters and have sophisticated palates. That being said, I did not notice any kid’s menus in most of the upscale restaurants. You can check out the restaurant’s online menus or get a concierge to help you plan in advance.
Relaxing on Isla Barú
After days of exploration and adventure, one of the best ways to unwind is with an Isla Barú day trip. This tropical paradise boasts white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush palm groves. It’s the perfect place for families to enjoy relaxation and a day of sun. Choose from a 45-minute private transfer or shared boat transfers, which are available through your hotel. Families can spend their days swimming in the ocean and pools, snorkeling, and building sandcastles on the island’s idyllic shores. Alternatively, you can opt to simply lounge in the shade with a refreshing drink in hand.
We chose to stay at Sofitel Barú Calablanca, often touted as one of South America’s best hotels. Here, we stayed in the Calablanca Family Suite. This 1,300 square-foot space has two bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a living room and dining area connecting the bedrooms. As a bonus, there’s also a private hot tub on your terrace with sweeping ocean views. It was perfect after a long day, where we enjoyed leisurely soaks while watching the sunset. Additional activities include cooking classes, spa treatments, kayaking, paddle boarding, a National Aviary Tour, and a bicycle tour.
There is a Kids Villa available for ages 3-12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with additional evening hours available for babysitting. Three delicious restaurants are on the property, with additional bars and lounges throughout. It was hard to pack up on our last day to leave this paradise after three restorative nights.
A Cartagena, Colombia vacation with kids
From the historic charm of Old Town to the natural beauty of Isla Barú, Cartagena offers an array of experiences. This destination is perfect for families seeking adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. With its rich history and vibrant culture, this captivating city is sure to leave a lasting impression. It’s an ideal destination for your next South America family vacation.
We found 4 nights perfect for a leisurely Cartagena, Colombia vacation. However, if you want a full itinerary, you can do it in 3 nights before embarking on a tropical escape in Barú. So start your adventure to South America and wander the streets of magical Cartagena, Colombia.
Upgrade your Colombia family vacation
Booking through Luxe Recess at these properties in Cartagena will include exclusive amenities like resort credits, daily breakfast for two, and upgrades based upon availability.
- Sofitel Baru Calablanca, Baru
- Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, Cartagena
- Four Seasons Cartagena
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