Plan a CruiseCartagena Cruise Port Guide
Cartagena is consistently Colombia's most visited cruise port, renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage site and celebrated for its stunning colonial architecture. The port itself is located about 4 km from the historic Old City, in an industrial area that is not particularly inviting. However, the cruise terminal offers a welcoming reception with local music, landscaped gardens, a duty-free store, cafeteria, Juan Valdez coffee shop, and a shopping area featuring handicrafts, emeralds, jewelry, pre-Columbian items, souvenirs, leather goods, and cigars.
The Old City is the principal draw, particularly the walled districts of El Centro and San Diego. It's a treasure trove of churches, monasteries, plazas, palaces, and mansions with their characteristic overhanging balconies. While captivating, be aware that the Old Town can be crowded with homeless individuals seeking money. Despite this, Cartagena is considered one of the world's most beautiful and fascinating cities, serving as a historic hub for trade between Europe and South America.
Getting Around from the Port
Upon arrival, a complimentary shuttle bus transports passengers from the ship's pier to the cruise terminal. From the terminal, taxis are readily available. The ride to the Old City takes approximately 10 minutes and costs around $20 USD for up to four people, one way, when taken from inside the port. While the normal fare outside the port is about $10, the practical option for cruisers is the taxi service from the terminal.
Once in the Old City, all major sites are easily walkable. Exploring from one end to the other takes about 30 minutes, but the charm lies in wandering the streets and discovering the various attractions and people along the way. Horse-drawn carriage tours are also an option, costing about $60 USD for a half-hour ride or $200 USD for two hours. It is advised to avoid public transportation due to safety concerns.
Attractions and Activities
- Explore the Old City on Foot: Cartagena's historic center is best explored by walking. Wander through the districts of El Centro and San Diego, admiring the colonial architecture, plazas, and vibrant streets. Don't miss the central courtyard of the Santa Clara Hotel, a former convent transformed into a beautiful space. Maps for self-guided walking tours are available at the cruise terminal.
- Hop-on/Hop-off Bus Tour: For a broader overview, consider a hop-on/hop-off bus tour, which typically includes a 90-minute walking tour component, allowing you to see key sights at your own pace.
- Islas del Rosario Day Trip: For those seeking a natural escape, the Rosario Islands archipelago is a popular day trip. Located about 35 km southwest of Cartagena, this national park consists of 27 small coral islands surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and waters ranging from turquoise to purple. Tours depart daily from Cartagena's Muelle Turístico de la Bodeguita between 8 AM and 9 AM, returning between 4 PM and 6 PM. This excursion offers a chance for snorkeling and enjoying the Caribbean's natural beauty.
Dining & Shopping
At the cruise terminal, you'll find a duty-free store, a cafeteria, a Juan Valdez coffee store, and shops selling handicrafts, emerald gemstones, jewelry, pre-Columbian items, souvenirs, leather goods, and cigars.
Beyond the port, Cartagena offers extensive shopping opportunities. The Colombian textile industry is highly regarded for its quality and affordability, particularly for clothing and lingerie. You can find a wide range of craft and souvenir shops, usually open seven days a week. Popular shopping districts include Bocagrande and El Laguito, and the city's largest shopping mall is Centro Comercial Pierino Gallo. For a unique shopping experience, visit Las Bovedas, an old prison converted into an indoor market selling art and souvenirs.
When it comes to beverages, tap water is generally drinkable in major cities, but it's advisable to buy bottled water, such as Agua Manantial, which is recommended. Avoid ice cubes or any beverages that might contain non-distilled water; always confirm if drinks are made with tap or bottled/boiled water.
Safety
While major tourist areas like Centro Historico, Bocagrande, and Castilogrande are generally safer, petty theft and similar crimes are common. Always be vigilant of your belongings. It is strongly advised to avoid public transportation. A significant warning: under no circumstances should you exchange money with individuals offering to do so on the streets of Cartagena, as this is a known scam that will result in you being robbed. The Old Town also has a visible presence of homeless people asking for money.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Colombian Peso (COP), which uses the '$' sign, similar to the US dollar, so be mindful of the distinction. The peso can be highly volatile. Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas and shops. Never exchange your dollars for pesos with street vendors; you will be robbed. While not explicitly mentioned for ATMs, they are typically available in major cities. Spanish is the primary language spoken. Wi-Fi is available at the cruise port terminal for $3 USD per hour, with tickets purchased at cash registers. Cyber cafes in the Old Town are an inexpensive, though often slow, alternative for internet access.