Cartagena, Columbia Cruise Port: What To See in Cartagena
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Discover the enchanting colonial architecture, historic fortresses, and exotic wildlife of Cartagena during your day in port.
Cartagena Cruise Port Guide: (Jump To)
One of the most anticipated stops on our Panama Canal Cruise was the day at port in the Columbian coastal city of Cartagena. Our stop was very brief, lasting only from 7 am to 2 pm. We still managed to enjoy the city.
What to See in Cartagena
Cartagena was a historically important hub for global trade. The city spent many years under the rule of Spain. The Spanish influence is apparent in the colonial architecture on view in the historic central city. The Walls of Cartagena, the portions that remain of the historic city walls, are free to see.
The notable walled city entrance, and one of the most famous images of Cartagena, Monumento Torre del Reloj is a great starting point. Through the gates the wonders of old town Cartagena await.
Towering over the city is the Catedral Santa Catalina de Alejandria. The domed tower was built between 1577 and 1617. You can step inside for a free look around, but the exterior architecture is the real star.
The Plaza de Bolívar is a quaint park with a beautiful tree canopy and a statue of Simón Bolívar, an important figure in South American independence from Spain.
The plaza in front of the Sanctuary of Saint Peter Claver is a great place to sit and enjoy a piping hot Columbian coffee. Filled with metal art sculptures and surrounded by colonial architecture you can enjoy the beauty of the old city.
Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas is a Spanish-built fortress. The dominating hilltop fort is made of wide stone with a series of underground tunnels. We paid about US$4 each to self-explore the historic site. The view of downtown Cartagena from the fort’s highest point is well worth the steep climb.
A small free zoo, Park Cartagena, is located right outside of the cruise port. It is very easy to get to from the ship. Inside the park, you can see anteaters, monkeys, colorful macaws, and other South American creatures. The park also has an expansive gift shop.
How to Get Around Cartagena
From the cruise dock, you can easily walk to the taxi stand. It is located right outside of Park Cartagena. The driver took cash only, we paid USD$25 for the ride to the walled old town area.
Many of the taxi drivers will offer to stay with you all day for a flat fee. Some other cruise passengers mentioned they had success doing this, we opted to make our own path.
We explored all of old town on foot, including some shopping stops on Calle 36 and Calle 38 (36th and 38th street). This part of town is very friendly to walking. We spent about 90 minutes casually exploring and shopping down each narrow street.
After we finished in the old town, we walked across the Puente Heredia Nuevo Bridge to the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. The one-mile walk from the old town to the fort took about twenty minutes.
After visiting the fort we attempted to catch a taxi again, but the rates were much higher than on the way into town. It was a nice day and we had plenty of time before the ship was due to leave, so we decided to walk back on foot. That walk was pretty easy, but not very scenic. It took us about 45 minutes from the front of the fort to Park Cartagena. Some of the sidewalks were narrow and in disrepair.
Cartagena is one of those perfect cruise ship destinations, with a good amount of things to see in the brief time a cruise allows to explore a city.
What to See in Cartagena
Historic City Walls and Monumento Torre del Reloj
Catedral Santa Catalina de Alejandria
Plaza de Bolívar
Sanctuary of Saint Peter Claver
Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
Park Cartagena
Shopping on Calle 36 and Calle 38
