Watch: mixed picture🇨🇴 Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena for Black travellers
Almost half of Cartagena's population has African heritage, and its music, dance and food reflect it. Getsemani, first settled by Black residents, and nearby Palenque, the first free town for Africans in the Americas, are the main draws. Tourist zones are heavily policed.
Where to stay & explore
- Getsemani — First inhabited by Black shoemakers and blacksmiths; now known for cafes, murals and Plaza de la Trinidad.
- Walled City (Old Town) — Colonial centre with dining and nightlife; a heavily policed tourist zone.
- Bocagrande — Beachfront area popular with tourists.
Stay safe in Cartagena
- An experienced local guide says violent crime against tourists is rare and the main risk is petty theft, with heavy police presence in tourist zones.
- Avoid dark, lonely streets and areas such as Matuna at night.
- Beach vendors may overcharge; agree prices first. Agree taxi fares in advance or use Uber or InDriver.
- Dating-app robbery schemes involving scopolamine drugging are reported; meet people in public during the day.
Black heritage & culture
- San Basilio de Palenque — Village about an hour away described as the first free town for Africans in the Americas.
- Getsemani murals — Street art celebrating the city's African heritage.
- Castillo San Felipe de Barajas — Spanish fortress with views over the city and bay.
Getting around
Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps at night and agree fares beforehand. Palenque is about an hour southeast and is usually visited on a guided tour.
Black-owned in Cartagena
- BlackTravelCo · Cartagena / Medellín / Cali
Travel company running Afro-Colombian cultural tours, including Black history and art tours and Palenque trips, with bilingual local ambassadors.
Black-owned · Jarvis Houston and Alix Jean · Source · Website - Casa Noir · Cartagena (Getsemaní)
Boutique hotel in Getsemaní with African-inspired art and murals, a rooftop bar and jacuzzi. Can arrange tours to Palenque and the Castillo de San Felipe.
Black-owned · Shawn Roseburgh · Source · Website - Experience the Real Cartagena · Cartagena
Tour company running guided tours beyond the tourist areas, highlighting Afro-Colombian culture, Black towns and Black-owned businesses.
Black-owned · Alex Rocha · Source · Website
Sources: ebony.com · cartagenaexplorer.com. Editorial city guide compiled October 2026 — not official travel advice. Opening times and conditions change; check official advice (GOV.UK, travel.state.gov) before you go.