Activities in Cartagena
Cartagena is a city where history, culture, and coastal beauty collide in unforgettable fashion. Located on Colombia’s northern Caribbean coast, this port city is a favorite for travelers seeking sun-soaked charm, rich colonial history, vibrant street life, and a taste of Afro-Caribbean soul. Whether you choose to visit the contours of the walled-city with one of our trusted travel partners, or to explore the islands at your own leisure, be sure not to miss these island highlights:
Clock Tower:
Located within a 7 minutes radius from any of the tourist areas in Cartagena, the Clock Tower is nestled within the heart of the city famously labeled El Centro. WEl Centro is a photogenic labyrinth of boutique hotels, luxury shops, and street vendors selling fruit, hats, and handicrafts. At night, it transforms into a romantic maze of candlelit courtyards, salsa rhythms, and horse-drawn carriages.
El Totumo:
Cartagena’s Floating Mud Spa
* El Totumo is an active mud volcano (not your typical fiery type), located in the municipality of Santa Catalina, about 17–52 km northeast of Cartagena.
* Though modest in size—rising only about 15 meters (49 feet)—it’s surprisingly popular, earning the title of one of Colombia’s smallest volcanoes.
The Experience
* Visitors climb up a wooden staircase to reach a crater that holds dense, warm mud—about 10 to 15 people can soak in it at once.
* Once inside, the mud’s thickness makes you float effortlessly, offering a surreal, weightless sensation.
Healing (and Relaxing) Properties
* The mud is rich in minerals like silica, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, iron, and sodium chloride. These are believed to:
* Detoxify the body
* Smooth and clean the skin
* Help relieve muscle and joint soreness.
* Many visitors describe their skin feeling noticeably softer and refreshed even days after the experience.
Bocagrande and Hollywood Beaches:
Cartagena isn’t just about colonial charm—it’s also a vibrant beach city, and Bocagrande is its modern beachfront face. Lined with high-rise hotels, lively shops, and soft sandy stretches, this peninsula just minutes from the Walled City offers a full Caribbean beach experience with a city skyline.
