Things to Do in Cartagena Colombia on a Day in Port

Table Of Content

• Cartagena Cruise Port Guide
• CCL's Carnival Legend ship to homeport in Galveston TX in 2025
• Top Food and Drink Spots Near the Cartagena Cruise Port

Indulge in delicious Colombian cuisine and let Cartagena's charm captivate you. The main attraction of the port of Cartagena in Colombia is its old walled city. It was founded in 1533 by the conquistador Pedro de Heredia. The churches, forts and palaces bear witness to Spanish colonial architecture of the 16th and 17th century. Cartagena’s old city is its principal attraction, particularly the inner walled town consisting of the historical districts of El Centro and San Diego.

Cartagena Cruise Port Guide

When visiting the city, having some local currency on hand for small purchases and transactions is important. You can exchange your foreign currency at banks close to the port, where you will find reliable rates. Cartagena boasts an impressive array of tapas, bars, and eateries, offering a gastronomic adventure for every foodie.

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When planning your trip, check the cruise schedule in Cartagena for arrival and departure times. Be cautious if you’re traveling alone in Colombia due to the country’s history of violence. Staying in groups or using reputable tour companies outside popular tourist areas is recommended. The local currency in Cartagena, Colombia, is the Colombian peso.

Top Food and Drink Spots Near the Cartagena Cruise Port

The cruise terminal in Cartagena is conveniently located within walking distance of the ship. The walk from the terminal to the old town is along the waterfront promenade, offering beautiful views. If docked on the southern pier or mooring by the terminal, walking is the fastest way to exit the port. A pedestrian path is clearly marked on the pavement leading directly to the entrance to the Terminal.

What to Do in Cartagena, Colombia in One Day in Port

In between the aviary’s you will find small outdoor cafe’s with wi-fi, great souvenirs shops and small kiosk. The must see of cruise destination Cartagena is the old colonial city. Many people want to know if you can walk from the cruise terminal to the old town.

Is it safe to get off a cruise ship in Cartagena, Colombia?

Next time I take a Panama Canal or any cruise that includes Cartagena, I’m going to plan my shore excursions well in advance. This is too cool of a place to miss out on some really excellent experiences. If I’m ever again on a Crystal Cruises Panama Canal cruise with a stop in Cartagena, I will dish out the $209 for any nightlife dinner experience.

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Indulge in the culinary delights of Cartagena and explore the local cuisine that this vibrant city has to offer. Embark on a food walking tour that will take you to some of the best restaurants in town, where you can savor traditional dishes and experience authentic flavors. Cartagena's amazing display of impeccably restored buildings of historical significance and beauty are a delight. Cruise travelers shouldn't miss the opportunity to visit and enjoy the walled city of Cartagena de las Indias - a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. Meandering the streets of Cartagena's Old City is a memorable experience. Cafes and restaurants with shaded outside seating an invitation impossible to decline.

The Cartagena cruise terminal is an amazing place to kick off your trip to the city and is an attraction in itself. To get to the exit of the port you will have to walk through a beautiful aviary. Inside you will meet many exotic bird like flamingos, parrots, anteaters, red howler monkeys and so much more.

If you are going on shore excursions, you will not need to go into the Cruise Ship Terminal but you will meet your transportation at the dock. Cartagena, Colombia, has experienced significant improvements in safety and security in recent years, making it a relatively safe destination for cruise ship passengers. The cruise line prioritizes passenger safety and would not put you at risk. Stroll down Calle Mayor, a bustling street in the port area, to experience the vibrant atmosphere and discover local shops and restaurants. Take advantage of visiting Palacio Consistorial, known for its stunning architecture.

At the terminal, I followed the signs to the bird sanctuary. It was a hilarious cacophony of squawking and screeching by dozens of free-flying, rainbow-colored macaws. As I wandered the elevated wooden path, I found two anteaters rolling about in the sand and little monkeys scampering past, looking for fruit. Despite gale force wind, torrential rain and rough seas, we arrived on time into Cartagena, a fortressed 16th century Spanish city. This was my first visit to Cartagena and I knew little about this tropical city. Key West was our first port of call and then onto Cartagena, Colombia.

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Should you prefer a sit-down ride back after spending hours exploring or shopping downtown, shuttle bus services stand by at your disposal. The castle is not far from the Old Town but the walk between the two is too long to visit both in one day. Unless you are booked on an excursion visiting this imposing military structure will take precious time from an exploration of the walled city. Naturally, it is mainly an industrial port with a southern section with two piers for cruise ships and a Terminal close by.

Most banks in Colombia do not exchange money; you will need to visit a money exchange located in a major city. You will see money changers on the streets of Cartagena, but those are not the best place to do any transactions. Credit and Debit cards are becoming more prevalent in Colombia, but online transactions are still not very common. The Bocagrande and El Laguito districts have good shops, and the city's largest shopping mall is the Centro Comercial Pierino Gallo. Las Bovedas is an old prison that is now an indoor market selling works of art and souvenirs. To make the most of your visit to Cartagena, having all your booking information ready is important.

Cartagena is famous for its emerald, gold jewelry, and Pre-Columbian artwork. If you plan on a shopping expedition, it is best to concentrate on the walled Old Town area stores. If you choose to go to the terminal, there will be a shuttle that will take you from the ship to the terminal. Inside the terminal are a restaurant, an ATM, taxis, and a marketplace of vendors that sell a wide variety of products. The prices in Colombia are marked with a dollar sign, so be sure to remember that the prices you see are in pesos.

Cartagena Colombia Shore Excursions

Table Of Content

• Amazing experiences coming soon
• Colombia Cruise Port Guide
• Best Time to Visit
• Local Cuisine & Best Places to Eat
• Tours Excursions Transportation:

The Taxis traveling from the port will pass by a modern Convention Center before stopping right in front of the Teatro Colon although some may take you a bit farther. Regardless of the exact place where taxis stop, it will be one of side of a large square with one side opening into a bay. On the right side you will see a gated garden - the Parque del Centenario.

Amazing experiences coming soon

The city is large, so if you want to see some of the more distinctive sites, it would be best to book an excursion.

Colombia Cruise Port Guide

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Regardless of the official taxi rates, do make sure before entering the taxi that the price is absolutely clear. I’m not advocating for women to wander the streets of any foreign city alone. Even though I’m not a fan of group excursions, I will take a shore tour if I don’t feel comfortable or if I want to visit an out of the way point of interest. Cartagena began to flourish as a trading town in the 15th century when Spain used the area for international trade between the “old” and “new” worlds.

Best Time to Visit

You can easily walk to all of the different sites in the Old City. From one end to the other is about 30 minutes but half the fun is all of the sites and people along the way. From here, you are just minutes away from the bustling city center and main shopping street by foot. The stroll offers an immersion into the local scenery that’s hard to beat!

Colombian coffee and handmade hats and jewelry from Cartagena are popular gifts. The cruise terminal is a nice easy walk from the cruise ship. There was a crew shuttle that ran between the boat and the terminal area. The best time to visit Cartagena is winter and summer, when the weather is optimal for outdoor activities. Whether you want to explore the historic city center with its charming cobblestone streets or relax on the beautiful beaches, you’ll find that Cartagena offers something for everyone.

Cruise Terminal Information

On the northern side of the square, a fortified wall with a clock tower marks the entrance to Old City. The large square in between these landmarks is known as Paseo Camellon de los Martires and pays homage to those that died for the Independence of Cartagena. Right outside the gangway, the cruise traveler will find a small Tourist Information Kiosk but, be aware, it is only open for the first couple of hours after the ship docks.

For two straight days, we rocked and rolled our way to South America. On a cruise to Cartagena, Colombia, you’ll discover the essence of this coastal city just moments after you disembark. It’s not hard to fall in love with Colombia’s energy, its friendly locals, and the sheer variety of things to do here.

The port is usually included in Southern Caribbean itineraries (leaving roundtrip from Florida USA) and often in Panama Canal transition itineraries. The city has population around 920,000 (metro around 1,3 million). Overall my favorite part of this port terminal was the birds. I am such a bird nerd that I was in awe that there were Scarlet Macaws, Toucans, and other parrots within a couple of inches from me. If you want something a bit more upscale, this restaurant will fit the bill. The contemporary cuisine will have a distinct Colombian flavor.

Cartagena Cocktail Time

Navigating through Cartagena is made easy and convenient with the various transportation options at the cruise port. Shuttle bus services operate round-the-clock, providing a fast and efficient way to get you where you want. Once outside, on a large parking lot, the cruise traveler will find officially licensed Taxi drivers and some independent tour operator offering their services. Taxi fares are displayed in small blue signs (US$20 for a single ride to the Old Town; $25 for a 1-hour tour; et cetera). However, be aware that pricing is per car and, therefore, works out cheaper to share a van (up to 8 passengers) than a taxi for 4.

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I much prefer to wander around a city, stopping for lunch or a drink in-between window shopping and mindless meandering. If you’re sticking close to the city center and the port while docked on your cruise to Cartagena, Colombia, you’ll find plenty to see and do. Cartagena also has a robust bus system for travelers who are there for a longer period of time. Buses regularly take trips just beyond the city to smaller towns and other sights. Taxis here are generally affordable and can get you across the city faster than if you try to navigate the bus system. Cruise ships dock at the Cruise Ship Terminal located on Manga Island.

Colombia is currently ranked South America's 3rd-largest market - after Brazil and Argentina. The port of Cartagena de Indias (as it is officially called) is located approximately 3.5km (2 miles) from the old city, in the Manga neighborhood. We were so ready for an iced cold drink that we bought the largest size we possibly could. If you still dare to brave the system, TransCaribe is the city’s public transit network with numerous buses that service the city’s main arteries.

Stay in the main tourist areas, such as the old town, when exploring Cartagena, Colombia. These areas are well-patrolled and generally safe for visitors. To purchase a beach pass, you can visit the designated area at the cruise port or inquire directly with your cruise line. Check if any restrictions or requirements apply before purchasing your pass, such as age restrictions for certain activities. The Cartagena Cruise Port in Colombia offers a variety of activities and attractions for cruise passengers. One popular attraction is the zoological forest, where exotic species like howler monkeys can be seen.

The rooftop of the Art Lifestyle Hotel, across from San Filipe Fortress (Romancing the Stone was partly filmed inside the wall) was a welcome relief from the tropical heat. Up to the 3rd floor rooftop restaurant and terrace for a frothy lemonade and coconut milk drink, a few photos. Soon, we were on our way back to the ship, in time for a late lunch. Charleston, South Carolina and the entire east coast were getting slammed from winter storm Grayson. Our Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Serenity voyage was supposed to originate in Charleston for a Panama Canal cruise.

The Cartagena Cruise Port in Colombia offers beach passes for cruise passengers. These passes provide access to the stunning sandy beaches along the oceanfront. With a beach pass, you can enjoy sunbathing, partake in beach activities, and even try water sports like jet skiing or snorkeling. Sometimes there is also a catamaran tour offered in the port. It costs 30 dollars and it gives you a quick tour of the town. Find the catamaran right next to the flamingo garden at the cruise terminal.

If you’re interested in jewelry, diamonds, or luxury watches, check out Cruise Shop Save for expert advice on where to shop for these items in Cartagena. Our extensive guide provides all essential information, from terminal details and transport options to local attractions, ensuring your time ashore is nothing short of adventurous. The Port is around 4km (2,5 miles) from the entrance of the Old Walled Town and the taxi ride shouldn't take more than 15 minutes. Although some crew members choose to walk, it is not advisable to cross the neighborhood of the port on foot.

AmaWaterways offers pre-cruise packages in Medellin (3-night) or Cartagena (2-night), plus a 5-night combo (Medellin plus Cartagena). In 2020, RCG-Royal Caribbean Group's subsidiary company Pullmantur Cruises had ~50% market share of Colombia's ship cruising market. Pullmantur started operations here in 2014, and in 2019 Colombia was its 3rd-largest market (after Spain and Brazil) operated year-round with 1 liner (Pullmantur Monarch). The ship was homeported in Cartagena and Colon Panama for roundtrips to Southern Caribbean port destinations.