The top 3 most instagrammable spots in Cartagena

CARTAGENA: [pronounced: Car-ta-henna]

So you’re visiting the coastal city of Cartagena and you want to have the hottest feed on the ‘gram?

Say no more… we’ve got you covered with the top 5 most instagrammable spots in Cartagena, Colombia.

Instagrammable [noun]

A photo or a picture that is worth posting on Instagram.  “Oh! That’s a nice photo, it’s Instagrammable”

Before we go any further, let’s do a quick recap about Cartagena.

Cartagena is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Colombia. It is located on the Caribbean (Atlantic) coast and its weather oscillates between 24°C – 31°C  (75°F – 88°F) year-round.

The city was founded by Spanish “settlers”, and its rich history is tainted by the shameful past of the slave trade. In fact, it was this practice that brought much of the riches to this city between the 16th and 18th centuries, as Cartagena became an important hub for the slave trade in the American continent.

The colonial walled city and fortress of Cartagena, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are owed to the hard work of the enslaved African people. 

Cartagena is currently home to 1 million people and its main economic driver is tourism. It is a popular destination for tourists, especially those from North America and Europe.

So, let’s get right to business. What are the must-visit destinations in Cartagena if you want to show off to your friends on the ‘gram?

1. Clock Tower

Considered one of the 5 most beautiful public clocks in the world, the clock tower is the entryway to the colourful, historic centre of Cartagena. As soon as you walk through this gate, you’ll find cafés, restaurants, boutiques, souvenir shops, and an array of options for a night out on the town.

When I visited Cartagena in March 2021, my friends and I took pictures at the clock tower with the well-known Palenqueras, African-descent women with colourful dresses carrying large platters of tropical fruits on top of their heads. I could write a blog post on its own about Palenqueras, but in summary, these are women native of San Basilio de Palenque, a small village about an hour south east of Cartagena, which became the first free town of the Americas, a safe haven for former slaves.

My friend Paulina from Mexico, happily posing with Palenqueras. These women make their living partly by posing for pictures with tourists.

The bright and colourful facades, balconies, and tall wooden doors are most certainly Instagrammable spots.

Many of the streets in the historic centre of Cartagena are cobblestone. I highly recommend wearing a comfortable pair of shoes; Birkenstocks, sneakers or Crocs if you’re into them!

2. Getsemaní

A short 10-minute walk from the clock tower, you will find yourself in the hip neighbourhood of Getsemaní, an up-and-coming colourful district with some of the most beautifully restored 16th, 17th, and 18th century Spanish Colonial architecture in all of Latin America. 

The bohemian vibe of Getsemaní attracts tourists from all corners of the world and all walks of life. What was once a slum of the walled city of Cartagena, is now a booming city boasting top-of-the-line boutique hotels, hip coffee shops, acclaimed restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife. Many locals argue that this neighbourhood has fallen prey of gentrification, and we have to be cognizant of their feelings.

Callejón angosto (the narrow alleyway) is one of my favourite attractions of Getesemaní for its colourful scenery. A few years ago, this alleway was infamous for its drug dealings. In 2018, residents decided to change this situation and bring hope and life to the callejón angosto, by hanging colourful umbrellas across the alleyway.

Some of the most beautifully restored 16th-, 17th- and 18th-century Spanish Colonial architecture in Latin America, all protected by nearly 7 miles of fortified walls, the most extensive in South America and originally built by the Spaniards to keep pirates at bay.

3. Islas del Rosario

Approximately 40 km (24 miles) by boat, you’ll find yourself in the beautiful Islas del Rosario (Rosary Islands) located right on the Caribbean sea. 

Last March, I visited Bora Bora Beach Club, located on one of the islands, where I enjoyed a relaxing, sun-filled day with my girlfriends. The staff were kind and attentive to our and other guests’ needs, and our investment was absolutely worth it.

You have to buckle up for a wild ride on the motor boat though. The boat ride takes anywhere between 45-60 minutes and it can be bouncy…. especially on the way back to Cartagena, as the sea gets choppier in the afternoon. Do not eat anything heavy right before you board the boat. It won’t be an enjoyable ride.

An aerial view of Bora Bora Beach Club in Islas del Rosario (photo credit: Rest Agencia Turística)

So there you have it. Three of the most Instagrammable spots in the beautiful city of Cartagena, in my native Colombia. Tag me on Instagram (@thelife.youcrave) if you do visit any of these locations in the near future. I’d love to know you’ve followed my advice!

A last piece of advice, if I may give you one, is: please tip generously. The people of Cartagena live mainly off tourism. If you are traveling from North America, Europe, or other areas of the world where the currency is stronger than the Colombian peso, please consider my advice. You never know how big of an impact you could be having in their lives.

THE END!

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