Top 5 Cartagena Outdoor Activities: Explore & Adventure
Cartagena, Colombia, is truly a captivating coastal haven just brimming with chances to get outside and soak up the sun and local flavor. I mean, there are so many things you could do. From chilling on idyllic beaches to going on thrilling historical tours, the options for outdoor fun are plentiful Things To Do in Cartagena, let’s talk about some great ideas. So, if you’re wondering just how to spend your days in this beautiful city, let’s explore five seriously amazing outdoor activities that will really make your trip a memorable one.
1. Beach Bliss at Playa Blanca
First off, you absolutely have to experience Playa Blanca, which is often talked about as one of the most magnificent beaches in Cartagena. Actually, it’s a pretty amazing place. Think about it: super smooth white sand, the gentle lapping of super clear turquoise waters, and a radiant sun beaming down. You know, a totally idyllic spot for a day of ultimate relaxation and sun-kissed fun? It might be. You could just lounge on the beach, which is obviously a winner, soak in all that sunshine, take a dip in the unbelievably inviting sea, or try out some watersports if you’re feeling energetic Visiting The Beach. Now, just a heads-up, the beach tends to get somewhat crowded, most especially during peak seasons, that is.
I will also mention that If you go on a tour and they provide the food then its possible that it is included, but if it isn’t, the food and drinks there sometimes tend to be just a little bit more expensive than other parts of Cartagena, but still it’s almost worth it for the sheer beauty of the setting. You know, like everything in a resort area? It is what it is. Another recommendation would be to get there quite early to sort of secure a great spot and sidestep at least some of the crowds, as in get your umbrella situated and stake your claim! So, that sounds about right.
2. Island Hopping in the Rosario Islands
A trip to Cartagena wouldn’t be quite right without spending some time exploring the enchanting Rosario Islands. Very picturesque I should say. The Rosario Islands are really this archipelago of about 27 islands, giving you picture-perfect beaches, really incredibly clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. We are getting somewhere. I am thinking you can sign up for a boat tour to zip between a couple of these little paradise isles, stopping at spots like Cholón which has lively beach parties, or maybe Isla Grande which has seriously serene shores Cartagena Boat Tours. Now, do you fancy a day of snorkeling, swimming, or simply kicking back on the beach with the tropical breeze kissing your skin? If you want my opinion I’d say why not?
Oh yeah, there’s even an Oceanarium you could pay a visit to where you get a peek at the region’s really impressive marine life. Honestly, it really is quite fascinating! Like you can get an idea of just how many species are there. Some are endemic as well. So, it’s almost like you’re hitting a few vacation spots at once with just one boat ride. Seriously. Very convenient, is what I call that. To go with tours some tend to provide lunch and drinks, that is really convenient, others expect you to purchase them yourself. So, watch out.
3. Explore History at Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
Next, for those with a touch for history and culture, make absolutely sure to swing by the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. I recommend a morning trip here, I feel like its rather a good plan! This massive fortress actually has an absolutely brilliant strategic point, towering high over the city, providing just truly remarkable views. Like all over. A pretty decent history to observe I gotta say. Anyway, go out and explore the castillo’s intriguing network of tunnels, get to grips with its interesting past, and picture scenes from major battles that unfolded there Cartagena Historical place.
Here is a tip. What can also seriously up the fun is hiring a local guide, I swear they always give really vibrant stories and little-known bits of info. The guides really take you there. Still you are almost going to have a solid idea of how different parts of the castillo worked for strategy and defense. If that is even of any interest to you that is. It just gives you a fuller, seriously deeper insight. Actually, it will for real blow your mind. Tours can be found to go quite often!
4. Walking Tour of the Walled City
Talking of culture, you will almost be in a state of disbelief by the sheer magnitude of beauty that the walled city beholds! No question. What could genuinely be better than exploring the very core of Cartagena’s history by just taking a wander through the gorgeous Walled City? No cars. Anyway, what you will uncover is that the amazing UNESCO World Heritage site just so happens to be jam-packed with radiant colonial architecture, pretty scenic plazas, and vibrant streets that whisper of a bygone era. So you know, nothing crazy there. Wander the ancient walls, gaze upon the architecture, and lap up the lively vibe of this really charming locale Walled City. The most tourist-esque thing to do ever, and if its for a reason I can almost see why.
Keep an eye out for those cool photo opportunities as you traipse through, for example like the Puerta del Reloj, a famous clock tower, or the Palace of the Inquisition. Yet, the history lives in every corner really. It truly is a photographer’s dream, or those wanting to get instagramy photos, even more so! Like your dream coming true. Arguably some guided walking tours really make an enormous amount of sense here because they tend to lay on stories and insights that might just fly totally under your radar should you be going it totally alone. Actually its pretty important.
5. Get Muddy at the Totumo Volcano
Feeling like just a touch adventurous, that is? Why not embark on an absolutely amazing day trip to the Totumo Volcano? It sounds like a thing out of a movie but in reality, very common for the area of South America where it is based! Arguably! Get this. It is basically one of the tiniest volcanoes I believe, however, the totally unusual thing is that the crater is filled to the very top with gorgeously thick, seriously gloopy mud. Like you literally feel the earth is giving birth.
So, as you might imagine, folks, most especially tourists, will climb in for a fantastically soothing mud bath, believed in some part of the earth to host seriously medicinal properties. That might be true to a very limited degree I believe. Anyway then? To do it by the proper measures you let someone offer to rub it for you and pay them, but that really is another issue of your own deciding that is almost necessary if you don’t feel like it! So too it’s kind of personal. Then after your mud bath? You go get a wash in a nearby lagoon by some lovely local ladies who’ll absolutely make certain you are spick and span. In my head? Rather the fun! So fun is that? Basically so is yes.