Cartagena preserves the walled colonial city with brightly painted bougainvillea-draped Getsemaní streets, San Felipe fortress above the harbour, and the Rosario Islands' coral reefs and Caribbean coves accessible by speedboat.
Highlights
Cartagena
Rosario Islands
Santa Marta Access
Tayrona Access
When to Visit
Dec-Apr
Trade-wind dry season with Cartagena walking pleasant under 32°C, Hay Festival in late January, and Cartagena Independence Day November 11 with parades through the walls.
May-Jul
Caribbean still warm for Rosario Islands, brief afternoon storms breaking the heat, and rates dropping after high season ends mid-March.
Aug-Oct
Wettest months with afternoon storms common, but Cartagena Film Festival in early March aside, the walled city walking remains accessible between showers.
Nov
Cartagena Independence celebrations early November fill the city with parades, dry season returning, and rates building toward December peak.
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