Hi there! Or should I say Hola!
Welcome to Cartagena Explorer! I created this web site to share my love for Cartagena, Colombia and help others plan their own amazing trips.
Cartagena de Indias is a terrific destination with lots of fun things to do and see! It is becoming more accessible and more popular with international visitors every year as more and more people fall in love with its historic charm and its vibrant culture, not to mention the year round warm weather.
Everything on this site is created based on my 11 years living in Cartagena and traveling the rest of Colombia. I aim to give practical advice for every type of traveler so they can enjoy Cartagena as much as I do.
You can read more about my background, my experience living in Cartagena, and the site at my about page.
This get started page is designed to highlight the most useful content on the site to help you get started planning a trip to Cartagena.
As you get started planning, I’d like to invite you to join my free Cartagena, Colombia Travel Tips Facebook Group where you can connect with not only me, but other travelers to Cartagena like you. I hope you’ll find it’s a great place to ask questions, get inspired, and share you own tips and beautiful photos in Cartagena.
Looking for something specific to start planning?
Here are a handful of my most useful guides to planning a trip to Cartagena. Click to links to check them out.
- Click here to see my practical, all inclusive guide on how plan a trip to Cartagena.
- Wondering where to stay? Read my guide to the best areas to stay.
- What to do and see? Check out my extensive list of over 75 things to do in Cartagena, prioritized into musts, shoulds, and could dos.
- Looking for guided experiences? See my picks for the best tours and excursions in Cartagena.
- You can get a special 20% discount on all the premium, private excursions offered by my partner travel agency. Get your discount with code ExploreColombia20 here.
- For more options, see the top Cartagena tours on Get Your Guide or see the top Cartagena tours on Viator.
- Want some help from a travel agent? My partner agency also offers full service custom and personalized itinerary planning and booking services in Cartagena and the rest of Colombia and can arrange your entire trip with 24/7 support. Learn more here.
- Want to know where to find the best beaches? See my guide to the beaches of Cartagena.
- Spoiler: The best beaches are in the nearby Rosario Islands. Learn all about the Rosario Islands here.
- Want to know what to expect upon arrival or departure? Read my guide to Cartagena’s airport.
- Want to know the best time to visit? Check out my article on when to visit Cartagena.
- Wondering what to pack? See my Cartagena packing list.
- Want to know what to expect upon arrival and departure? Read my practical guide to the Cartagena Airport.
- Want to know about getting around once in Cartagena? See my guide to public transportation in Cartagena. You might also want to click here to learn the taxi prices in Cartagena or read about using Uber in Cartagena.
- Want to see more of Colombia on your visit? Check out the Explore More of Colombia section of the site to see what other destinations you can discover in this amazing country.
That should be plenty to get you started, but please browse or search the site for more information!
Cheers and Happy Exploring!

Join the Cartagena Explorer Community
Please give me a follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
And don’t forget to join the Cartagena, Colombia Travel Tips Facebook group! Not only do I hope you can find answers to any other question you have, but I hope you’ll share how great your trip was and your own tips for fellow travelers after your trip there too!
See My Latest Guides and Articles
See my latest blog posts below: