Cheap flights to Cartagena
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Quick summary
Country
Colombia
Continent
South America
Airport
CTG
Currency
Colombian peso
Time zone
UTC-5
Deals already spotted to Cartagena
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Cartagena airport
Rafael Nunez, about 3 km from the old city
Cartagena Rafael Nunez
The airport sits only about 3 km from the old city. Taxis have no meter, so agree the fare before getting in; urban buses are the budget option.
The walled city
Colombia's best-preserved colonial walled city
Cartagena de Indias was founded on 1 June 1533 by Pedro de Heredia and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. Walls and the largest fortress the Spanish built in their colonies protect a historic center that feels colorful, hot and romantic, a Caribbean port that has kept its colonial streets almost intact.
The siege that failed
After Francis Drake's attack in 1586, Philip II ordered walls and forts to be built. In 1741, British admiral Edward Vernon laid siege with 186 ships and 28,000 men against 6 ships and 4,000 defenders, and was beaten. Independence was proclaimed on 11 November 1811, ahead of the rest of Colombia.
Historic landmarks
Clock Tower, cathedral and Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
Balconies, plazas and fortresses
The Clock Tower is the main gateway to the walled city, and the walls themselves can be walked at any hour. Inside stand the Cathedral of Santa Catalina de Alejandria, the Palace of the Inquisition, the church and convent of San Pedro Claver and the Plaza de Santo Domingo, where visitors rub the breast of a Botero statue for luck. Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, first built in 1536 and rebuilt between 1639 and 1657, is the great fortress and, according to the official site, was never taken.
Getsemani and La Popa
Getsemani, a former working-class neighborhood, is now the street-art heartland around Plaza de la Trinidad, with salsa nights at Cafe Havana. The Convento de la Popa, on a 150 m hill, gives panoramic views over the city.
San Basilio de Palenque
This village is described as the first free town of formerly enslaved people in the Americas. Palenqueras selling fruit in traditional dress are a familiar sight in the old town.
Islands and beaches
Rosario Islands, Playa Blanca and the mud volcano
Rosario Islands
An archipelago of about thirty islands, 45 to 60 minutes from Cartagena by boat. Most visitors come on a day tour with lunch included.
Playa Blanca
On Baru island, reached by boat or by road. It is busy and vendors can be insistent, so avoid weekends.
El Totumo mud volcano
About an hour from the city, with a mud bath that is a favorite excursion. In town, Bocagrande, El Laguito, Castillo Grande and La Boquilla are the city beaches.
Food
Arepa de huevo, fresh fish and Caribbean flavors
The city's iconic dish is the arepa de huevo, a fried arepa filled with egg. Also look for cazuela de mariscos, fried fish with patacones and coconut rice, mote de queso and fritos cartageneros. Restaurants often named by guides include La Mulata, Donde Olano, Juan del Mar and La Cevicheria.
Trip length
How long to stay in Cartagena
The walled city
Two days is the minimum for the old town, its plazas and the walls.
Islands included
Add the Rosario Islands, Playa Blanca and the mud volcano.
Mompox and San Bernardo
Mompox is about six hours by bus, and the San Bernardo archipelago about two hours by boat.
When to go
When to visit Cartagena?
December to April
The dry season, and the best time to go. Highs stay around 31 degrees C with very little rain in January.
Mid-year
Temperatures stay high, with July highs around 32 degrees C, and rainfall picks up compared with the dry season.
Autumn
The wettest stretch, with October the rainiest month of the year.
Peak crowds
Expect crowds in mid-December to January, Holy Week and mid-June to mid-July. Bring mosquito repellent.
In pictures
Cartagena in pictures
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions about flights to Cartagena
What is the best time to visit Cartagena?
December to April, the dry season. Avoid the school-holiday peaks in mid-December to January, Holy Week and mid-June to mid-July if you prefer fewer crowds.
How far is Cartagena airport from the old city?
Rafael Nunez airport is about 3 km from the old city. Taxis have no meter, so negotiate the fare before you set off.
How many days do you need in Cartagena?
Two days at minimum for the walled city, four to five if you add the Rosario Islands and the mud volcano.
Is Cartagena safe for tourists?
One guide describes the city as fairly safe with common sense. Bring mosquito repellent.
How much does a flight to Cartagena usually cost?
The price depends mainly on your departure city, the period and how far ahead you book. The "opportunities" section above shows real examples of prices already detected by SniperAir for this destination.
How do I get alerted when a flight to Cartagena drops below my budget?
Create an alert profile with your departure airport, Cartagena as your destination and your maximum budget. You're notified automatically as soon as a matching price is detected.
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