THINGS RECOMMENDED TO DO WHILE IN CARTAGENA

City Sightseeing Cartagena —Open top double-decker bus sightseeing tour consists of a specialized circuit where you will be able to see the most important historical sites of the city.  The entire circuit is narrated in 5 different languages.  You can hop on and hop off as many times as you want on the 15 stops of the tour in 24 hours.  The circuit has a 90-minute duration.  Also included in this package is a 90 minute guided walking tour of theCentro Histórico .  This tour can be picked up in front of the Rio Casino on Av. San Martin. We highly recommend this to get a great up close overview of the area. 

COST: Adults–USD $22; Children–USD $18. The ticket is valid for 24 hours and as many trips as you want to take during that time.  Audio headphones are included. Buses run everyday.

http://www.city-sightseeing.com/tours/colombia/cartagena.htm

Museo de Oro Zenú — Housed in a charming colonial house on the Plaza Bolivar rescued by Colombia’s central bank, the Zenú gold museum boasts a priceless insight into the pre-Colombian culture of the Caribbean. Fortunately plenty of the pre-Colombian bling that fueled the Spanish land-grab through the Americas in the 16th century slipped through the sloppy Conquistadores fingers and some of the best examples of intricate gold-work survived their indiscriminate plundering. Two main exhibits celebrate the intricate metallurgical and ceramic arts of the Zenú indigenous population that have inhabited the area between the Sinu and Magdalena Rivers for more than 2,000 years.

OPEN: Tuesday to Sat 9 AM to 5 PM.  Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM.

ADDRESS: Cra. 4 No. 33-26, Plaza de Bolívar

ADMISSION:  Free

Castille de San Felipe Barajas – (San Felipe de Barajas Castle) Built by the Spaniards as a defense in colonial times, this is one of the oldest buildings in Colombia.  It was a fort built in 1657 as an attempt to keep out pirates while shipping out gold to Europe. The castle is located on the Hill of San Lázaro in a strategic location, dominating approaches to the city by land or sea. It was built by the Spanish during the colonial era. Construction began in the year 1536, and it was originally known as the Castillo de San Lázaro. It was expanded in 1657.  Visitors can enjoy a panoramic vista of the city from the high ramparts of the castle. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

ADDRESS: Avenida Arevalo, Pie de la Popa, Cartagena, Colombia

OPENING HOURS: Mon-Sun: 8 AM-6 PM

ENTRANCE FEE: Adults–COP $17,000; Children (Ages 6-13) COP $8,000; Audio tour is available for COP $10,000.

FOOD: Take water with you. It’s thirsty work making your way through the tunnels.

The entrance fee includes a video available in English and Spanish. Inquire about times for the video when they punch your ticket at the gate.

Convento La Popa de la Galera – After you visit San Felipe, head to La Popa Hill, which offers great views of the entire city of Cartagena and the harbor. Here you can also visit the 17th Century Santa Cruz monastery, which features a beautiful, restored courtyard.  Note:  It is recommended to take a taxi due to the steepness of the hill. Expect to pay about COP $40,000 as this includes waiting time.

HOURS:  Monday to Sunday 8 AM to 6 PM

ENTRANCE FEE:  Adults COP $8,000; Children COP $6,000.

Naval Del Caribe  (Caribbean Naval Museum)—The Naval Museum is located in the Old City.  Though 95% of the museum is in Spanish, there are many dioramas and displays that you can understand just by observing.  It depicts the history of the Cartagena harbor area in the last 500 years.  Displays are all in Spanish, but it is possible to hire an English speaking guide for USD $12.

OPEN:  Everyday 9 AM -7 PM

ENTRANCE FEE:  Adults COP $7,000; Children $3,000

ADDRESS: Centro Histórico, Plaza Santa Teresa, Calle San Juan de Dios No. 3-62

www.museonavaldecaribe.com

Palacio de la Inquisición – (Palace of Inquisition) is where the Spanish Inquisition tortured, judged and convicted men accused of crimes against religion. It is situated in ‘Plaza de Bolivar’ in the historic center. A tourist guide, in English, can be purchased for COP $35.000. Note that this actual tribunal of the Inquisition did not condemn many accused to death and the museum focuses more on practices of the Inquisition outside of Cartagena. (Next door to the Gold Museum).

ADMISSION:  Adult–COP $16,000/Child $13,000;

OPEN: Monday to Saturday 9 AM -6 PM; Sunday 10 AM -4 PM;

ADDRESS: Carrera 4 No. 33-26, Plaza de Bolivar

Aviario Nacional de Colombia (Colombian National Aviary) – In a walking tour through the Aviary you will encounter six different environments, located in an area of six acres, where you will see and learn about 1,800 birds, with over more than 135 different species.  This park is relatively new and very nicely done with gravel pathways.  Birds can be seen close up.  Insect repellant or suitable clothing and good walking shoes are suggested.  The park is about 1 hour drive by taxi.  It is suggested to reserve a taxi for a set price for about 4 hours.  The bellhops at the hotel can help arrange this. The cost for the taxi both ways plus waiting is about COP $240,000.  Tours are self-guided, but there is excellent signage in English and Spanish.  Bring a camera! My wife and I personally thoroughly enjoyed this venue. 

Address:  Km 14.5 vía Cartagena – Barú, pasando el Puente de Barú

Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 9 AM to 5 PM (last entry at 4 PM)

Entrance Fee:  Adults: COP $40,000; (USD $14)

                           Children: COP $ 35,000 (USD $12)

                           Under 2: Free.

                          *You may pay with VISA

Food:  Bring water with you.  Food is available at a coffee shop and a restaurant.

Bathroom:  Located in each coffee shop

** All Prices of these attractions are subject to change due to fluctuation of the Colombian Peso exchange rate**