Travel to Colombia surged after the historic Peace Agreement signed in November 2016 ended a half-century-long conflict. Visitor numbers climbed rapidly: by 2018 a record 4.4 million travelers arrived, compared with roughly 1 million a decade earlier. That growth spurred better international air service and expanded travel options. Although the COVID-19 pandemic and related travel restrictions have temporarily reduced international arrivals, long-term demand is expected to rebound if the country remains stable.
Bogotá remains Colombia’s business and financial center, but many meetings and events now take place in more picturesque Cartagena, a Spanish colonial city built with visitors in mind. Inside the fortress walls you’ll find narrow cobblestone streets, large plazas, 17th-century churches and countless restaurants, boutiques and salsa clubs. Walking through the pedestrian-only streets of the Old Walled City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, evokes the charm of historic districts like New Orleans’ French Quarter. Bougainvillea drapes colorful facades, and beneath a historic clock tower vendors sell sweets made from tropical fruits such as guava, mango, papaya and coconut.
Cartagena sits on the Caribbean coast, offering easy access to warm, swimmable beaches. Within an hour by boat from the city are the Rosario Islands, which include Colombia’s only underwater national park. Snorkeling and scuba diving reveal vibrant coral formations and schools of neon-colored fish; sea kayaking through mangroves and overnight stays on quiet islands are also popular options. For business travelers, Cartagena combines meeting facilities with beachside leisure—so close at hand you can often celebrate a signed deal with a seaside dinner.
Business dress in Cartagena leans toward Caribbean casual. Men commonly wear short-sleeved collared shirts, slacks and closed shoes, while colorful sundresses are comfortable and appropriate for women.
One of Cartagena’s standout luxury properties is Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, a former 1621 convent converted into a flagship resort. Its outdoor Restaurant Jardín Santa Clara serves sustainable, health-conscious dishes beneath swaying palms. A locally favored nonalcoholic choice at lunch is coconut lemonade, especially refreshing in the humid summer months.
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For a more intimate dining experience, try El Santísimo. Chef-owner Federico Vega, trained at Le Cordon Bleu, blends French technique with Colombian flavors. Begin with crunchy Camembert triangles breaded in toasted sesame seeds and served with a sauce of sautéed ground cherries. Follow with large prawns in a mango, ginger and cilantro sauce, and finish with a crisp tulip filled with mango mousse.
For afternoon or evening meetings, consider Bocagrande, the contemporary beachside district. Taxis and ride apps are easy to find, and a short drive links Old Town with beachfront hotels such as the InterContinental Cartagena de Indias, where poolside drinks offer sweeping ocean views and dramatic sunsets. Closer to the city center, the boutique Movich Cartagena features a rooftop pool and bar with panoramic vistas.
Locals often dine at Club de Pesca, a popular waterfront restaurant near the illuminated walls of San Sebastián Fort. The alfresco setting overlooks the bay and highlights seafood dishes—think fried red snapper or a seafood stew finished with fresh coconut milk. For dinner with live performance, a horse-and-buggy ride to El Burlador de Sevilla brings flamenco shows and Spanish tapas.
Cartagena’s nightlife is lively. Café Havana kicks off salsa dancing around 10 p.m. and continues into the early morning with energetic live bands and a vibrant dance floor. If you prefer a quieter evening, enjoy a nightcap at El Barón in a historic outdoor plaza beneath San Pedro Claver church.
Upscale dining and lodging options are expanding: luxury brands have announced new properties, and as Colombia maintains peace and stability, more high-end hotels and international travelers are likely to follow. That continued growth promises even more choices for business and leisure visitors to Cartagena in the years ahead.