Hike· Cartagena· Other Caribbean
Walk the Walls (Cartagena Ramparts Loop)
10° 25.5′ N · 75° 33.2′ W · approximate
The Spanish ramparts still ring the old city, and cruisers walk the top of them at dawn: a full loop from Manga round the walls and back is about 4 miles, with birdlife, sea views and the bastions to yourself before the heat.
Practical
Coordinate approximate: placed at the Baluarte de Santo Domingo on the western wall (OSM position used for Café del Mar), a good start or sunset finish. The Cruiser's Guide (SY Stardust, 2019) calls it 'Walk the Wall (yellow dots)': Manga - around the wall - back is about 4 miles and takes about 1 hour 30 minutes; the wall alone takes about 50 minutes. Start at first light, or wait until about 4 pm when it cools. Climb up at Santa Teresa or Santo Domingo; finish with a sunset drink at Café del Mar on the western wall. Walking the ramparts is free. At night stick to busy streets and take taxis back (Wikivoyage).
Best for
Free sunrise or sunset walk on the colonial walls
Season
Year-round; before 8 am or after 4 pm
Nearby
- Café del Mar (Baluarte de Santo Domingo)Right here
- Plaza de Bolívar Museums (Museo del Oro Zenú & Palacio de la Inquisición)0.2 NM away
- San Pedro Claver Church & Museo Naval del Caribe0.2 NM away
- Cartagena Old Walled City0.3 NM away
- Corales del Rosario & San Bernardo Park Entry (Permit & Fees)0.3 NM away
- Hay Festival Cartagena de Indias (late January)0.3 NM away
- Muelle Turístico La Bodeguita (Island Boat Dock)0.3 NM away
- Colombia Clearance via Maritime Agent (Cartagena)0.4 NM away