If you’re visiting Cartagena, you may be looking for ways to experience this beautiful coastal city as someone who knows what’s going on around town. Maybe you've been here before or maybe it's your first time. Here are a few events that take place around the city on a regular basis; these are great ways to get to meet people and experience Cartagena with a little insider information before you arrive.
Zumba:
If you love to move and dance, Cartagena is the perfect city for you. Not only does Cartagena have an amazing night life, where you may learn some local dances such as salsa, champeta, but it’s also a great place to practice Zumba, too! Each Sunday night in Plaza de la Santísima Trinidad, located in Getsemani, there is a free Zumba class at 8 PM. Tourists and locals alike come out to enjoy this awesome opportunity and to dance Zumba in the city where dance rules all! Come on out and enjoy!
“Cine on the Roof”at Alquímico:
Each Sunday night at 7 PM, Alquímico, a local bar located in the historic center of Cartagena, hosts a movie on their amazing rooftop patio. Each week they feature a different movie and the event is free and open for all to come and enjoy. Alquímico has a great vibe, delicious cocktails and great food options as well. If you would like to make a reservation for a group, you can contact Alquímico at reservas@alquimico.com.
Walking Tour:
The best way to get to know the historic center of Cartagena is to wander around and explore through discovery. It’s fun to wander the city on your own, but the best way to learn all about the jewel of Colombia, is to wander around with a knowledgeable local guide. Through a walking tour you will learn all about the culture and history of Cartagena. There are both private and group options, with tours lasting from two to three hours. These tours are available with reservation every day of the week and usually begin at 2 PM. To reserve your spot, please click here
Champetú
If you are looking for a real Cartagena experience, you should check out Fiesta Champetú, a night devoted to Champeta music and dance, a music style that originated right here in Cartagena. Locations and entrance fees vary, but all are welcome to attend and you’re guaranteed to have a great time. Usually the parties occur every two weeks. It’s a great way to come out and experience the "real" Cartagena, and experience Champeta music, at the heart of where it originated. For more information you can visit the Champetu Facebook page.
Spanish Corner and English Corner
Each Wednesday and Thursday nights, Bar Arsenal hosts English Corner and Spanish Corner, respectively. Located on Calle del Arsenal in historic Getsemani, Bar Arsenal is a great location for exploring the city and these events are a great way to meet more people in town. English Corner occurs each Wednesday night and is a great place for locals and visitors to come and mingle and to practice English. It’s a great way for English speakers to help locals who are practicing vocabulary, listening and speaking skills, while enjoying an easy-going atmosphere with delicious drinks and food, though purchases are not necessary to participate in this event. Additionally, each Thursday the bar hosts Spanish Corner, an event where native Spanish speakers can help foreigners practice and improve their Spanish skills. These events are hosted by a local Spanish school, Raíces. To learn more about this event, please visit the Raíces: Spanish and Culture Facebook page.
Yoga al Parque:
Each Sunday and wednesday in Parque de la Marina, Santuario del Yoga, a local yoga studio, hosts a yoga session at 10 AM. The fee for this class is a voluntary donation. Additionally, Santuario del Yoga hosts classes in their studio every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7 PM. Classes are 25.000 pesos (about $8 USD) per class, or you can buy 4 classes for 40.000 pesos (about $14 USD) and you can use these classes anytime over the course of a month. For more information about Yoga in the park and other classes that they host, please visit the Santuario del Yoga Facebook page.
Festival del Amor Consciente:
The Festival del Amor Consciente is an festival held each month in Cartagena. It started as a way to expand consciousness in the realms of environmental concerns, social, emotional, mental and physical well-being, and a way to access local goods and products in and around Cartagena. It's a place where people can come together and celebrate the amazing things that we can do for our bodies. You will find delicious foods, yoga classes, beautiful products and more. The festival usually takes place each month. To find out when and where the next festival is, you can access their facebook page here.
Extra Tip:For additional authentic, local, Cartagena experiences, Click here and find activities including bird watching, coffee roasting, scuba diving, a movie bike tour and more. There are so many authentic experiences available to further explore Cartagena.
These are all great ways to really make your time in Cartagena special. You can meet locals and other foreigners alike and experience the special events that Cartagena has to offer.
