🌎 South America Colombia 4-day itinerary

4 Days in Cartagena on a Budget: Neighborhoods, Scams to Skip, and Where to Actually Eat

A practical itinerary built from what long-term residents and repeat travelers actually recommend, not what the glossy guides recycle.

Updated April 23, 2026
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Quick answer

Plan 4 days in Cartagena with a mid-range daily budget of $65-80 (excluding accommodation). Visit in February or early March for the driest weather with slightly fewer crowds than the December holiday peak. Book island tours online through verified platforms, never from street vendors. Download InDriver or Uber before landing since taxis have no meters and negotiating fares in Spanish is your first test.

Cartagena is two cities stacked on top of each other. The first is a UNESCO-listed walled colonial city where every building is painted in saturated yellows, blues, and corals, bougainvillea spills from carved wooden balconies, and horse carriages share narrow cobblestone streets with fruit vendors and salsa music. It is photogenic in a way that feels almost unreal. The second city is the one that operates underneath: a place where you will be approached to buy something every 30 seconds inside the walls, where taxi drivers quote prices based on how confused you look, and where a plate of ceviche costs triple if your table faces anything famous.

The key to Cartagena is knowing which neighborhoods to eat in (Getsemani, not the Walled City), which scams to recognize (the bracelet tying, the 'free' oysters, the banknote switch), and when to show up (6 AM for empty streets, 8 PM for Plaza de la Trinidad coming alive). Get those three things right and the city is extraordinary. Four days gives you enough time to explore the Walled City, spend a day on the islands, eat your way through Getsemani's food scene, and still have a morning for the Testaccio-like food market at Bazurto if you go with a guide.

Budget travelers do remarkably well here. A street lunch of arepa de huevo and fresh juice costs about $2. A full dinner with beer at a Getsemani trattoria runs $8-12. A taxi anywhere in the city rarely breaks $5. The expensive part is the islands and any restaurant inside the walls with a view, but you can skip both of those and still have one of the best food trips in the Americas.

Travel essentials

Currency

Colombian Peso (COP)

Language

Spanish

Visa

US citizens enter visa-free for up to 90 days (extendable to 180 days per year). Complete the free Check-Mig form online 72 hours to 1 hour before your flight. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Proof of onward travel required at immigration.

Time zone

COT (UTC-5, no daylight saving time)

Plug type

A, B · 110V, 60Hz

Tipping

Restaurants add a 10% 'propina voluntaria' (voluntary tip) to the bill. The waiter will ask 'desea incluir el servicio?' and you can accept or decline. In local spots, rounding up to the nearest 1,000 COP is sufficient. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.

Tap water

Bottled or filtered only

Driving side

right

Emergency #

123

Best time to visit Cartagena

Recommended

December through March (dry season), with February being the sweet spot for weather and slightly lower prices than the holiday peak

Peak season

December 15 through January 15 (highest prices, fully booked accommodation, largest crowds in the Walled City)

Budget season

June through October (wet season with afternoon rain showers, lowest hotel rates, fewest tourists)

Avoid

October

The wettest month with 230mm of rainfall and 16 rainy days. Afternoon storms are longer and more frequent, limiting beach and outdoor time. Some island tours cancel in heavy rain.

Tropical climate with consistent 88-90°F (31-32°C) heat year-round. The dry season (December to March) has almost no rain and constant trade wind breezes. The wet season (May to November) brings afternoon downpours that typically last 1-2 hours, with October being the wettest month at 230mm of rainfall.

Dry Season

peak crowds

December to March · 88-89°F highs, 75-77°F lows (31-31.5°C highs, 24-25°C lows)

The driest and most comfortable period. January averages only 4mm of rain with 9 hours of daily sunshine. A steady Caribbean trade wind keeps the humidity manageable. February is widely considered the single best month to visit, with the least rain and slightly fewer crowds than the December holiday spike.

  • New Year's Eve celebrations (December 31): Street parties across the Walled City and Getsemani
  • Canto del Mar Music Festival (January 4-12): Live music across venues citywide
  • Hay Festival Cartagena (late January to early February): International literary festival with authors, panels, and cultural events
  • Festival del Frito Cartagenero (February 1-15): Celebration of fried street foods, especially arepa de huevo

Shoulder Season

moderate crowds

April to May · 89°F highs, 78-79°F lows (31.5-32°C highs, 25.5-26°C lows)

April is still relatively dry and one of the best value months (20-30% cheaper accommodation than the dry season peak). May marks the transition to the wet season with quick afternoon storms, though mornings are usually sunny and clear.

  • Semana Santa / Holy Week (April, dates vary): Religious processions through the Walled City, some businesses close
  • Cartagena International Film Festival (April): Screenings and events across the city

Wet Season

low crowds

June to October · 89-90°F highs, 78-79°F lows (31.5-32°C highs, 25.5-26°C lows)

Temperatures actually peak during this period (90°F/32°C in June-August). Rain comes in intense afternoon bursts that clear within 1-2 hours. Mornings are typically sunny. October is the wettest month with 230mm of rain and 16 rainy days. Hotel prices drop significantly.

  • Voces del Jazz y del Caribe Festival (mid-August): Jazz performances across Cartagena's historic venues
  • Cartagena International Guitar Festival (October): Classical and contemporary guitar concerts

Independence Season

high crowds

November · 89°F highs, 78°F lows (31.5°C highs, 25.5°C lows)

Still rainy but drying out compared to October. The Independence celebrations in mid-November completely transform the city's energy, making it one of the most exciting times to visit despite the weather.

  • Cartagena Independence Day and Festival (November 11-17): The city's biggest celebration with parades, drum ceremonies, street parties, and the Balleneras boat parade along the bay
  • National Beauty Pageant (November): National event held in Cartagena with associated festivities

Getting around Cartagena

The Walled City and Getsemani are compact and best explored on foot. Everything within the walls is a 15-minute walk, and Getsemani is a 10-minute walk from the Clock Tower gate. Beyond these neighborhoods, taxis and Uber are cheap and practical. Cartagena taxis do not use meters. Fares are set by zone, and drivers will quote a price before you get in. Ride-hailing apps (Uber, InDriver, DiDi) eliminate the negotiation entirely and are the safest option after dark. The airport is only 6 km from Old Town, making transfers quick and cheap.

Walking

Recommended $

The best way to experience the Walled City and Getsemani. Streets are narrow, pedestrian-friendly, and packed with details you will miss from a car. The two neighborhoods are adjacent and connected through the Clock Tower gate. Bocagrande is too far to walk from the center (20-30 minutes by taxi).

The heat and humidity are brutal from 11am to 3pm. Plan indoor activities (museums, lunch) during that window and walk in the early morning or after 4pm. Bring a refillable water bottle.

Uber / InDriver / DiDi

Recommended $

All three apps work in Cartagena and show transparent pricing before you confirm. Typical city rides cost $2-5 USD. InDriver lets you set your own price (often cheaper than Uber) but only accepts cash. Uber drivers may ask you to sit in the front seat to avoid friction with taxi unions.

Always use a ride app after dark instead of hailing taxis on the street. GPS tracking and digital receipts are your safety net.

Taxi

$

White and yellow taxis are everywhere. No meters. The city sets official zone-based fares, but drivers sometimes quote higher prices for tourists. Minimum fare is about 12,250 COP ($3). Night surcharge (9pm-5am) adds 1,100 COP. The airport uses a kiosk system that prints fixed-fare receipts.

Ask your hotel front desk what the correct fare should be for your destination before hailing a taxi. Carry small bills (5,000 and 10,000 COP notes) since drivers rarely make change.

Airport Transfer (CTG to Old City)

$

Rafael Nunez Airport is less than 6 km from Old Town. The airport taxi kiosk system prints a receipt with the fixed fare: about 20,200 COP ($5) to the Walled City. Uber runs about 25,000-30,000 COP ($6-8). A Transcaribe bus costs only 2,600 COP but is not practical with luggage.

The airport kiosk taxi is the simplest option. Type your hotel name, get a printed receipt with the fare, and hand it to the driver. No negotiation required.

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4-day Cartagena itinerary

1

Walled City, Castillo San Felipe, and Getsemani at Night

Colonial architecture by morning, the neighborhood that actually has a pulse after dark

  • Early morning walk through the Walled City 2 hours · Free · in Walled City

    Start at 6-7 AM when the streets are nearly empty. The light is best for photography, vendors have not yet set up, and cruise ship passengers are still at sea. Walk from the Clock Tower through Plaza de los Coches, past the Cathedral, to Plaza Santo Domingo. By 10 AM the same streets will be shoulder-to-shoulder.

  • Castillo San Felipe de Barajas 1.5 hours · 25,000-30,000 COP ($6-8) · in San Lazaro

    Go early or late in the day. There is almost no shade on the fortress walls and the midday heat is punishing. The tunnel system underneath is cooler and worth exploring. This is the largest Spanish colonial fortification in the Americas.

  • Lunch in Getsemani 1 hour · 15,000-25,000 COP ($4-6) · in Getsemani

    Walk from Castillo San Felipe down to Getsemani (15 minutes). La Cocina de Pepina serves traditional costeno food (fish soup, posta negra) at local prices. The same quality meal inside the walls would cost double.

  • Getsemani street art walk and siesta 2 hours · Free · in Getsemani

    The murals in Getsemani are constantly changing. The streets around Calle de la Sierpe and Calle del Pozo are the most concentrated. After walking, retreat to air conditioning during the 1-4 PM heat. This is not optional.

  • Plaza de la Trinidad evening 2-3 hours · 15,000-30,000 COP ($4-8) for dinner and drinks · in Getsemani

    The plaza comes alive after 7 PM. Food carts sell arepas, empanadas, and cold beer. Locals sit on the church steps. Musicians play. This is the most authentic evening experience in Cartagena. Pizza Carbon does a two-person pizza for 18,000 COP ($5) with a view of the whole scene.

2

Rosario Islands Day Trip

Caribbean water, white sand, and the vendors you need a strategy for

  • Boat to Rosario Islands or Isla Grande Full day (depart 8-9 AM, return 3-4 PM) · 120,000-240,000 COP ($30-60) for a shared tour with lunch · in Marina

    Book online through Viator, GetYourGuide, or your hotel. Never buy from street vendors with laminated folders near the Clock Tower. Budget tours overpack boats and spend 6 hours on water for only 1.5 hours at the beach. A mid-range tour with a beach club on Isla Grande is worth the extra $20-30.

  • Beach time on Playa Blanca or Isla Grande 3-4 hours · Included in tour (beach chair rental: 10,000-20,000 COP extra) · in Rosario Islands

    Playa Blanca is beautiful but overrun with vendors offering 'free' massages and oysters that turn into aggressive charges. If you go, walk past the main beach to Playa Tranquila for fewer people. Better option: book a beach club day pass on a smaller island.

  • Evening rooftop drinks in the Walled City 1.5 hours · 25,000-40,000 COP ($6-10) for cocktails · in Walled City

    Cafe del Mar on the city wall has sunset views but overpriced drinks. For better value, look for rooftop bars on Calle del Colegio or near Plaza San Diego. The view is the same, the drinks are half the price.

3

San Diego, Palacio de la Inquisicion, and Bazurto Market

The quiet side of the walls, colonial history, and the market tourists are afraid of

  • San Diego neighborhood morning walk 1.5 hours · Free · in San Diego

    San Diego is the quieter residential pocket inside the walls. More cafes than clubs, a student-artist vibe, less vendor harassment than Centro. Walk past the Sofitel Santa Clara (a converted 17th-century convent) and through the small plazas where locals drink morning coffee.

  • Palacio de la Inquisicion (Museum of the Inquisition) 1 hour · 22,000 COP ($6) · in Walled City

    The building itself is one of the finest examples of colonial architecture in Cartagena. The museum covers the Spanish Inquisition's operations in the Americas with original instruments and documents. Not for the squeamish.

  • Bazurto Market guided food tour 2-3 hours · 100,000-150,000 COP ($25-38) for a guided tour · in Bazurto

    Do not visit Bazurto alone. This is the city's main local market with incredible food (huge pots of arroz con mariscos, fresh ceviches, fried everything) but it is chaotic, not tourist-friendly, and petty theft is common. Go with a guided food tour. Anthony Bourdain filmed here with the chef of La Cevicheria.

  • Afternoon in Getsemani: cooking class or free time 2-3 hours · Cooking class: 150,000-250,000 COP ($38-63). Free time: whatever you spend on snacks · in Getsemani

    Several restaurants in Getsemani offer cooking classes where you learn to make ceviche, patacones, and coconut rice. Book through your hotel or Airbnb Experiences. If you skip the class, this is the afternoon to try a trapizzino-style arepa de huevo from a street vendor and wander the murals you missed on Day 1.

  • Dinner on Calle de la Tablada 1.5 hours · 30,000-50,000 COP ($8-13) · in Getsemani

    This street in Getsemani has some of the best mid-range restaurants in the city. Try the cazuela de mariscos (creamy coconut seafood stew) or posta negra (slow-cooked beef in dark panela sauce). Both are Cartagena signature dishes you will not find this good anywhere else.

4

Tierra Bomba, the Jewish Quarter, and a Sunset Send-off

A quieter island, the neighborhoods tourists skip, and the evening ritual

  • Morning boat to Tierra Bomba Island 3-4 hours · 15,000-20,000 COP ($4-5) round-trip water taxi from Bocagrande, plus 20,000-30,000 COP for beach chair and lunch · in Tierra Bomba

    Tierra Bomba is the closest island to Cartagena and the easiest day trip. Less dramatic than the Rosario Islands but far less hassle: no hard-sell vendors, no overcrowded boats, and you can leave whenever you want. Water taxis run regularly from the Bocagrande dock.

  • Late lunch at El Boliche Cebicheria 1 hour · 25,000-40,000 COP ($6-10) · in San Diego

    Back in the Walled City, this San Diego spot serves some of the best ceviche in Cartagena. Try the tamarind version. The fish is caught that morning.

  • Walk through Plaza de Bolivar and the Cathedral 1 hour · Free · in Walled City

    If you have not yet visited the Cathedral of Santa Catalina de Alejandria (free entry, cover shoulders and knees), do it now. The plaza is quieter in the late afternoon than the morning. The Museo del Oro Zenu (free entry) is a quick 30-minute stop for pre-Columbian gold artifacts.

  • Sunset walk along the city walls (Las Murallas) 1 hour · Free (or 5,000-10,000 COP for a cold beer from a wall-top vendor) · in Walled City

    Walk the top of the old city walls from Baluarte de Santo Domingo toward the Clock Tower. The wall vendors sell cheap beer and the sunset over the Caribbean turns the colonial buildings gold. This is the best free experience in Cartagena.

  • Final dinner in Getsemani 1.5 hours · 30,000-60,000 COP ($8-15) · in Getsemani

    For your last meal, try the patacon con todo (fried plantain platform loaded with meat, cheese, and sauces) at a Getsemani street cart, or sit down at La Casa de Socorro for upscale costeno food. End at Plaza de la Trinidad one more time.

How much does Cartagena cost?

Budget

$40

per day

Mid-range

$80

per day

Luxury

$200

per day

Cartagena runs on a simple pricing rule: the closer to a famous wall or church your table sits, the more you pay for worse food. A plate of ceviche inside the Walled City costs 40,000-60,000 COP ($10-15). The same dish, often better, costs 15,000-25,000 COP ($4-6) in Getsemani, a 10-minute walk away. The same split applies to accommodation: a boutique hotel in the Walled City starts at $120/night, while a comparable room in Getsemani runs $40-70. The Colombian peso makes everything cheap by US or European standards, but only if you eat and stay where Colombians do. Budget travelers who stick to street food, Getsemani restaurants, and public transport can spend as little as $30-40/day. The biggest budget trap is island day trips booked from street vendors (overpriced, overcrowded) versus the same tour booked online (half the price, half the crowd).

Category Budget Mid-range Luxury
Accommodation

Hostel dorm in Getsemani (budget), boutique hotel in Getsemani or San Diego (mid-range), converted colonial mansion in the Walled City (luxury). Book early for December-January and Semana Santa.

 $8-25 $40-100 $150-500
Food

Street food arepa de huevo: $0.50-1. Menu del dia lunch: $3-4. Getsemani dinner with beer: $8-13. Walled City restaurant dinner: $15-25. A full day of street food costs about $4-6.

 $8-12 $20-35 $50-80
Transport

Walking is free and covers most of the tourist zone. Uber/InDriver city rides: $2-5. Airport taxi: $5 (fixed rate from kiosk). Taxis do not use meters, so agree on the price first.

 $2-4 $6-10 $15-25
Activities

Castillo San Felipe: $6-8. Free walking tour: tips only. Rosario Islands shared tour with lunch: $30-60. Bazurto Market food tour: $25-38. Many churches and plazas are free.

 $5-8 $25-40 $60-120
Drinks

Local beer: $1.25-2.50. Fresh juice from a street vendor: $0.75-1.25. Rooftop cocktail in the Walled City: $6-10. Coffee: about $1.25.

 $2-4 $6-10 $15-25
SIM / Data

Claro or Movistar SIM card with 20-30 GB: 35,000-65,000 COP ($9-16) from a shop in the Walled City or at the airport. eSIM via Airalo works if your phone supports it.

 $8-16 $8-16 $8-16

Where to stay in Cartagena

Getsemani

artsy bohemian

Just outside the walls, Getsemani used to be the grungy backpacker quarter but has gentrified rapidly (a Four Seasons was under construction in 2025). The streets are a gallery of colorful murals, hanging flags, and painted umbrellas. Plaza de la Trinidad is the heart, packed every evening with food carts, cold beer, locals sitting on church steps, and live music. The vibe is younger, more bohemian, more local than the Walled City. You get craft cocktail bars next to family-owned lunch spots where a full meal costs $4. Some side streets feel seedy late at night, but the main areas are safe and well-trafficked.

Great base budget travelers solo travelers foodies nightlife seekers

Walled City (Centro Historico)

historic old town

Walking through feels like stepping into a colonial painting. Narrow cobblestone streets hemmed in by buildings painted in vivid yellow, blue, and coral. Elaborate wooden balconies drip with bougainvillea. Horse carriages, street musicians, and fruit vendors compete for space. The police presence is heavy and constant. It is beautiful and relentless. You will be approached to buy something every 30-60 seconds. Restaurants inside the walls are roughly double the price of the same food quality in Getsemani. Best experienced at dawn (empty, golden light) and dusk (warm, less crowded than midday).

first-time visitors history lovers photographers

San Diego

artsy bohemian

A quieter pocket inside the walls. San Diego feels like the residential cousin of Centro. More cafes than clubs, a student-artist vibe, and bars that close by midnight. Street performers jam in the small plazas in the evenings. Home to the Sofitel Santa Clara, a converted 17th-century convent that is arguably the most beautiful hotel in Cartagena. Less vendor harassment than Centro proper, with better restaurants at slightly lower prices. Walking here after dark is safe while people are around.

Great base couples repeat visitors travelers wanting Walled City access without the chaos

Bocagrande

beach party

A completely different feel from the colonial center. Modern high-rise condos and chain hotels line a narrow peninsula that looks and feels like Miami Beach transplanted to Colombia. The beach runs the length of the strip but the water is murky, the sand is crowded, and vendors patrol constantly. Past Calle 6 toward Laguito, beaches improve and thin out. Good supermarkets, shopping, and restaurants. Safest neighborhood overall but corporate and resort-like rather than authentic. Not walkable to the Walled City (15-20 minute taxi).

families beach seekers security-conscious travelers

Manga

local residential

A residential island connected by bridge with bay views, fishing boats, and a calm atmosphere. Far fewer tourists than anywhere else on this list. Small restaurants and apartment buildings line the waterfront. The most affordable accommodation in Cartagena at $30-50/night, though you sacrifice convenience. Some pockets are fine, but walking back from downtown at night is not recommended. Best for longer stays or travelers who prioritize price over proximity.

digital nomads long-term travelers budget travelers

Cartagena tips locals wish tourists knew

  1. 1 The 'no dar papaya' rule governs daily life. It literally means 'don't give papaya' and translates to 'don't make yourself an easy target.' It is not just about hiding valuables. It means not looking lost, not being loud in English while drunk, not wearing beach clothes to walk the city. Dress like you know where you are going, even if you do not.
  2. 2 Dress smarter than you think you need to. Wearing shorts and flip-flops screams 'tourist' and increases vendor harassment and scam attempts noticeably. Colombians in Cartagena wear trousers and smart-casual clothing even in 90-degree heat. Match the standard and you blend in.
  3. 3 Always say 'Buenos dias' or 'Buenas tardes' before any interaction. Not doing so is considered rude. This applies to shopkeepers, taxi drivers, hotel staff, and anyone you approach for directions. Even butchered Spanish effort gets better treatment than polished English.
  4. 4 The 'propina voluntaria' (voluntary tip) on restaurant bills is genuinely optional. The waiter will ask 'desea incluir el servicio?' You can say no. In local spots, rounding up to the nearest 1,000 COP is sufficient. Do not tip 15-20% like in the US.
  5. 5 Gelato quality has a Cartagena equivalent: the arepa de huevo test. If the shell is soggy or cold, move on. A good arepa de huevo is fried to order, crunchy on the outside, with a runny egg inside. The best vendor is on the corner diagonal from Exito San Diego near the India Catalina statue.
  6. 6 Read Gabriel Garcia Marquez before you go. His childhood was in Cartagena, and 'Love in the Time of Cholera' is set in a thinly fictionalized version of the city. Travelers consistently say this was the single best thing they did to prepare. It transforms how you see the architecture, the heat, and the pace of life.
  7. 7 Do not use standalone street ATMs. Card skimming devices are common. Only withdraw cash from ATMs inside Bancolombia, Davivienda, or BBVA bank branches. Expect a 10,000-15,000 COP ($2.50-3.75) fee per withdrawal.
  8. 8 Sunscreen is 2-3x more expensive in Cartagena pharmacies than at home. Buy it before you fly. The equatorial sun is no joke, and you will burn through sunscreen faster than you expect.
  9. 9 Avoid the Narcos conversation. Many Colombians lost family members during the drug war era. Treating this history as entertainment, especially referencing the Netflix show with excitement, is deeply offensive. If someone brings it up, follow their lead.
  10. 10 The best hours in Cartagena are before 8 AM and after 7 PM. The Walled City is empty and golden at dawn. The plazas come alive with music and food carts at night. The hours from 11 AM to 3 PM are for air conditioning, museums, or lunch. Do not try to power through the midday heat.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cartagena Colombia safe for tourists?
The tourist zones (Walled City, Getsemani, San Diego, Bocagrande) are generally safe with heavy police presence. The main risks are petty theft, taxi overcharging, and street vendor scams, not violent crime. Use ride-hailing apps after dark, keep your phone in a front pocket in crowded areas, and avoid neighborhoods outside the tourist zones. The 'no dar papaya' rule applies: do not flash expensive jewelry, do not walk alone while visibly intoxicated, and stay aware of your surroundings.
How many days do you need in Cartagena?
Four days is ideal. Day 1 covers the Walled City and Getsemani. Day 2 is for an island day trip (Rosario Islands or Tierra Bomba). Day 3 lets you dig deeper with a Bazurto Market food tour and neighborhood exploration. Day 4 covers the sights you missed and a proper sunset wall walk. Three days is doable but rushed, especially if you want an island day.
What is the best month to visit Cartagena?
February. It has the least rainfall of any month (1mm average), consistent trade wind breezes, 9 hours of daily sunshine, and slightly lower prices than the December holiday peak. March is a close second. Avoid October (wettest month with 230mm of rain) unless budget savings are your top priority.
Do I need to speak Spanish in Cartagena?
You can get by without it in hotels and organized tours, but Spanish helps enormously everywhere else. Taxi drivers, street vendors, local restaurants, and anyone outside the tourist bubble speaks little to no English. Download Google Translate with the offline Spanish pack before you arrive. Even a clumsy 'buenos dias, cuanto cuesta?' gets noticeably better treatment.
Can you drink the tap water in Cartagena?
The water utility treats it to potable standards, but aging infrastructure makes bottled water the safer choice for visitors. A 600ml bottle costs about 2,000-3,000 COP ($0.50-0.75) from any shop. Brushing teeth with tap water is fine. Ice in restaurants and hotels is typically made from purified water.
What are the most common scams in Cartagena?
The bracelet-tying scam (someone ties a bracelet on your wrist then demands payment), 'free' oyster and massage bait-and-switch on beaches, the taxi banknote swap (driver switches your 50,000 note for a 5,000), palenquera photo ambushes (agree on a price before any photo), and fake tour operators selling island trips from laminated folders near the Clock Tower. Book tours online and keep your hands close to your body when approached by strangers.
What food should I try in Cartagena?
Start with arepa de huevo (fried cornmeal with a runny egg inside, $0.50-1 from street vendors). Try cazuela de mariscos (coconut-milk seafood stew) and posta negra (beef in dark panela sauce) at a Getsemani trattoria. Get a patacon con todo (loaded fried plantain) from a street cart at Plaza de la Trinidad. Cartagena-style ceviche is distinct from Peruvian ceviche, with suero costeno (sour cream) and sometimes coconut milk. Avoid the famous La Cevicheria (overhyped, overpriced) and eat at El Boliche Cebicheria in San Diego instead.

Sources

Facts, costs, and travel details in this guide were verified against the following sources.

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