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Visitor guide

Airport

Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) is Cartagena's main airport, about 15–25 minutes from Bocagrande depending on traffic.

Outside arrivals you will find authorized taxis and app pickup areas. If you land during rush hour or heavy rain, allow extra time; rides inside the city are short, but traffic toward Bocagrande can slow down quickly.

Safety

Cartagena welcomes millions of visitors each year. Bocagrande, the walled city, and Getsemaní are generally safe during the day with normal urban precautions.

As a visitor, avoid walking alone on empty streets late at night, agree on a fare before taking a street taxi, use ATMs inside banks or malls, and keep your phone, passport, and wallet discreet in crowded areas.

Weather

Cartagena has a tropical climate year-round: warm, humid, and often breezy near the coast. In late October and early November, temperatures are usually around 25–32 °C / 77–90 °F, with a hotter real-feel around midday.

October and November are part of the wetter season: you can get bright sun and a short, heavy downpour on the same day. Pack light clothes, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, and a small umbrella or light rain jacket.

Tourism

Cartagena de Indias is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Consider the walled city, Castillo de San Felipe, Getsemaní, Rosario Islands, and Bocagrande.

The walled city and Getsemaní are best for walking early in the morning or around sunset. For Rosario Islands, book with formal operators, confirm whether transport, port tax, lunch, and return time are included, and carry some cash for small expenses.

Maps

Quick links for navigation:

Local recommendations

Colombian Caribbean cuisine is a highlight: seafood, plantain, coconut rice, arepas de huevo, and tropical juices.

Try posta cartagenera, seafood casserole, mote de queso, coconut lemonade, and Colombian coffee. Street vendors are common in tourist areas; if you are not interested, a polite and firm “no, gracias” usually works.