Top Destinations

Cartagena de Indias

Bolívar – Caribbean Magic and the Colonial Elegance of Cartagena

The department of Bolívar is the gem of the Colombian Caribbean coast, dominated by the incomparable city of Cartagena de Indias, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This region offers a sensory experience: the scent of the sea, the vibrant colors of colonial architecture, history told by ancient walls, and the lively, musical atmosphere of the Caribbean. It is the preferred destination for luxury hotels, historic boutique hotels, and romantic ocean getaways.

Cartagena de Indias – The Walled City

The heart of Bolívar is the Walled City of Cartagena. We recommend getting lost in the alleys of Getsemaní and San Diego in the late afternoon, when the heat subsides and the colors of the colonial houses shine under the lights, and then concluding with a cocktail atop the walls at sunset. The best luxury boutique hotels are located right within this historic center.

Beaches and Offshore Islands

For beaches, the best experience is a day trip to the Rosario Islands (Islas del Rosario), easily accessible by boat from Cartagena. In particular, Isla Grande offers crystal-clear waters and coral reefs for snorkeling. For those who don't want to travel far, the urban beaches of Bocagrande and Castillogrande offer a convenient sunbathing refuge.

Gastronomy and Caribbean Flavors

Bolívar's cuisine is a triumph of Caribbean flavors. Try Pescado Frito (fried fish) with Arroz con Coco (coconut rice) and Patacones (fried plantain). For a fine dining experience, the city of Cartagena hosts renowned gourmet restaurants. Don't miss the fresh exotic fruit juices.

Top 3 Luxury and Charm Hotels in Cartagena

Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena: A former 17th-century convent, the pinnacle of luxury and history within the walls.
Hotel Caribe by Faranda Grand: A historic Art Deco icon, beachfront in Bocagrande.
Casa San Agustin: An elegant boutique hotel with a pool in the colonial heart, combining history and sophisticated design.

Where to Eat: Top 3 Restaurants (Cartagena)

Celele: Innovative cuisine from the Colombian Caribbean, celebrating local ingredients (Voted among The World's 50 Best Restaurants).
Alma (Casa San Agustin): Contemporary Caribbean cuisine in a refined colonial atmosphere.
La Vitrola: A classic for its lively atmosphere, cocktails, and live music (often Salsa), ideal for an elegant and fun dinner.

Curiosities and Traditions

Bolívar is the birthplace of the great writer Gabriel García Márquez. Walking through the streets of Cartagena is like stepping into a page of his novels, breathing in 'magical realism'. The Palenqueras, women selling colorful fruit in traditional attire, are a living symbol of Afro-Colombian culture.

Useful Tips and Official Links

Cartagena is served by the Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG). Inside the walls, the city is easily walkable or traversable by horse-drawn carriage. For island excursions, book with a reliable operator.

Colombia Travel - Official Tourism – General and regional information
Gobernación de Bolívar – Institutional Portal

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16 Charming and Luxury Hotels in Bolivar

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Casa Carolina Luxury Wellness Hotel

Historical building,
Cartagena de Indias
-
Location Map

9.1
Score from 78 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

5 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Bastión Luxury Hotel

Historical building,
Cartagena de Indias
-
Location Map

8.9
Score from 594 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

51 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena

Resort,
Cartagena de Indias
-
Location Map

9.2
Score from 528 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

127 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Hotel Capellán de Getsemaní

Resort,
Cartagena de Indias
-
Location Map

8.9
Score from 187 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

30 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Hotel Casa Noi

Historical building,
Cartagena de Indias
-
Location Map

Gift vouchers accepted

1 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Casa Pestagua Relais Châteaux

Historical building,
Cartagena de Indias
-
Location Map

9.6
Score from 232 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

16 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Hotel Boutique Casa del Coliseo

Historical building,
Cartagena de Indias
-
Location Map

9.1
Score from 329 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

12 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Casa La Cartujita

Historical building,
Cartagena de Indias
-
Location Map

9.3
Score from 363 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

2 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Hotel Casa La Factoria by Faranda Boutique, a member of Radisson Individuals

Historical building,
Cartagena de Indias
-
Location Map

8.7
Score from 417 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

28 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Hotel Boutique Casa Del Arzobispado

Historical building,
Cartagena de Indias
-
Location Map

9
Score from 336 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

10 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Hotel Boutique Casona del Colegio

Historical building,
Cartagena de Indias
-
Location Map

9.2
Score from 1184 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

13 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Leones de Alba Hotel Boutique

Historical building,
Cartagena de Indias
-
Location Map

8.5
Score from 129 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

10 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Hotel Casa San Agustin

Historical building,
Cartagena de Indias
-
Location Map

9.7
Score from 168 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

31 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Hotel Casa Don Sancho By Mustique

Historical building,
Cartagena de Indias
-
Location Map

9.5
Score from 56 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

6 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Hotel LM A Luxury Boutique Hotel

Historical building,
Cartagena de Indias
-
Location Map

8
Score from 1 review/s
Gift vouchers accepted

7 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Hotel Mansión

Historical building,
Cartagena de Indias
-
Location Map

8
Score from 1 review/s
Gift vouchers accepted

7 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

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