
Cartagena's walled old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a mosaic of colonial architecture, bougainvillea-draped balconies, and vibrant street art. Beyond the cobblestones lies a coastline of mangrove-fringed islands, coral reefs, and fishing villages where regenerative tourism is breathing new life into traditional communities. From farm-to-table cuisine rooted in Afro-Colombian heritage to eco-lodges powered by the Caribbean breeze, Cartagena offers a travel experience that nourishes both the traveler and the destination.

Found on a private island in the Rosario archipelago, Blue Apple Beach is a barefoot-luxury retreat committed to marine conservation and community empowerment. The surrounding waters are home to coral restoration projects, while the property itself is built from locally sourced materials and powered by renewable energy. Eat your fill of regenerative seafood, explore the mangroves by kayak, or simply sway in a hammock above the Caribbean.
Notes from the owner
"Ask for Captain Miguel for your island transfer — he knows the best route through the mangrove channels where you'll spot herons and iguanas along the way."
Old City
A refined boutique hotel in a restored 17th-century mansion with a pool tucked between colonial walls. Walking distance to everything.
Getsemaní
Eco-conscious design hotel in the creative heart of the city. Rooftop bar with Old City views, locally made furniture, and zero single-use plastics.
Cartagena's food scene is rooted in centuries of Afro-Colombian, Indigenous, and Spanish culinary traditions. Today's best kitchens are embracing regenerative sourcing — working directly with small-scale fishers, organic farms…
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