Cartagena, Colombia Itinerary for Travelers Over 50
A soulful city of sunshine, history, and rhythm
By Maureen Atkinson, Founder of Lifeshiift
For women exploring purpose, connection, and adventure in later life.
Why Cartagena Captures the Heart
Cartagena is one of the most stunning walled cities in the Americas — a place where sunshine, music, and centuries of history blend effortlessly.
Founded by Spanish conquistadors in the 1500s, this Caribbean gem still bears its fortress walls, now framing a vibrant, walkable city surrounded by the turquoise sea. It’s a destination that awakens the senses: colorful streets, the aroma of Colombian coffee, and live music around every corner.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or returning after many years, Cartagena invites you to slow down, listen, and reconnect — with the city, and with yourself.
Top Areas to Explore
1. The Historic Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada)
Cartagena’s Old Town is the heart of its charm — a maze of narrow streets, pastel-colored colonial homes, and flower-filled balconies. Every corner reveals another plaza, a church, or a hidden café.
Take time to wander. Stop for juice from a street vendor or watch children playing in the square.
Don’t miss the Palace of the Inquisition, now a museum, and the Plaza de los Coches, once the site of a major slave market — a solemn reminder of the city’s layered past.
☀️ Tip: Walk in the shade whenever possible — the sun here is strong!
🎟️ Cost: Free to explore; museums average $5–10 CAD.
2. Getsemaní — Cartagena’s Creative Soul
Just a five-minute walk beyond the main gate lies Getsemaní, a once-rough district turned vibrant cultural hub.
By day, you’ll find families, street art, and musicians tuning up for the night ahead. By evening, the same streets pulse with music, dance, and energy — from salsa bars to open-air performances in Plaza de la Trinidad.
Walls once covered in graffiti are now galleries of storytelling — murals celebrating resistance, identity, and joy.
🎶 Why go: It’s where Cartagena’s spirit truly lives — bold, colorful, and full of life.
🍹 Cost: Drinks and street snacks around $3–10 CAD.
3. Parque del Centenario — The Green Heart Between Worlds
Between the Old Town and Getsemaní lies Parque del Centenario, a lush pocket of calm where locals gather for shade and conversation.
It’s also home to some delightful surprises: sloths, monkeys, and iguanas lounging in the trees!
Pull up a bench, sip a cold drink, and people-watch — this is Cartagena at its most relaxed.
🌳 Cost: Free.
💡 Best time: Late morning or late afternoon, when the park is shaded.
Four Experiences You’ll Love
1. Feel the Rhythm of the City
Music isn’t just background here — it’s the heartbeat.
You’ll hear saxophonists in church courtyards, percussion trios in plazas, and buskers in Parque del Centenario.
If you’re feeling adventurous, watch (or join!) one of the open-air party buses, known as chivas, that parade through the streets at night with live bands and laughter.
🎟️ Cost: Street music is free; chiva tours start around $25 CAD.
2. Taste Colombia’s Coffee Culture
Colombia has always grown some of the world’s best coffee — but now it’s celebrating it locally.
Cafés like Libertario and Epoca Espresso Bar serve single-region brews with care and artistry.
☕ Cost: Around $3–5 CAD per cup.
💡 Why go: Perfect for a mid-morning pause and conversation with friendly baristas.
3. Watch the Sunset from Terraza Municipal
Tucked beside a parking lot in Getsemaní, Terraza Municipal is a locals’ secret: an open-air bar lined with food trucks and waterfront views.
Grab a cocktail and watch the sun set over the Caribbean — if you’re lucky, you’ll see fireworks over the Walled City.
🌅 Cost: Drinks $10–15 CAD.
🕰️ Best time: Around 5:30–6:30 p.m., when the sky glows pink and gold.
4. Meet the Street Vendors of Cartagena
Fruit vendors in bright dresses, carrying bowls of papaya and pineapple, bring splashes of color and flavor to every corner.
It’s part of Cartagena’s sensory magic — sound, color, and life in motion.
🍉 Tip: Always carry small cash; prices are typically $1–3 CAD per serving.
When to Visit Cartagena
| Season | Best For | Weather | Crowd Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December–March (Dry Season) | Beach days, walking tours | Warm (28–32°C) | Busy | Best time for sunshine; book early |
| April–June (Shoulder Season) | Fewer tourists, lush greenery | Hot (30°C) | Moderate | Occasional showers, vibrant atmosphere |
| July–August | Local festivals | Warm (29°C) | Moderate | Slightly humid but lively |
| September–November (Rainy Season) | Budget-friendly stays | Warm (27°C) | Light | Ideal for quiet reflection and writing trips |
Why Cartagena Is Ideal for Travelers 50+
Cartagena offers everything women in this stage of life often seek — warmth, history, learning, and connection.
It’s manageable on foot, filled with character, and rich with opportunities for meaningful travel.
According to AARP, over 60% of travelers 50+ now prioritize “experiential travel” — journeys that spark personal growth. Cartagena does exactly that. It invites you to rediscover joy, curiosity, and belonging through rhythm, art, and the kindness of its people.
You’re not alone — many women in this season are rediscovering how travel can feel purposeful and freeing.
Plan Your Visit
🎥 Watch the Budget-Friendly Cartagena Itinerary on YouTube
🌍 Explore more Lifeshiift guides — from Rome to Taipei — for women rewriting what adventure looks like in later life.
