Cartagena Audio Tours

Start tours early, ideally by 8am before the full heat builds. The walled city has shaded lanes and the sea breeze helps, but midday in the open is genuinely punishing. Carry water, wear light breathable clothing, and plan a two-hour lunch break in an air-conditioned restaurant during the hottest part of the day.

The streets inside the walls are almost entirely flat and paved, making Cartagena one of the more accessible walking cities in South America. The wall walkway itself is easy to reach from several points around the perimeter. Cobblestones in some older sections can be slippery when wet.

The walled city and Bocagrande tourist areas are generally safe for walking during the day and evening. Getsemani has improved significantly in recent years and is lively and popular, though standard nighttime awareness applies. The areas further from the tourist core require more caution. Jewelry and phone snatching can occur so carry minimal valuables.

Arepas de huevo, cornmeal fritters filled with egg, are the classic Cartagena street snack. Ceviche de camaron made with local shrimp is excellent everywhere. For a full meal, the restaurants inside the walled city range from expensive to mid-range, while Getsemani has better value options without sacrificing quality.