Cartagena is a popular tourist destination! We recommend booking flights 3-5 months out (Oct-Dec).
We recommend staying in the centro histórico (or "the old town") inside the ancient city walls. There are a handful of hotel options, along with Airbnbs available in that area. It is a ~20 minute drive from the airport and a short drive from the wedding venue. We have a group rate at the Charleston Santa Teresa for Friday to Monday—you'll have to reach out to the hotel directly to reserve, providing the code: CANAL&HALL2026. Contact +57 (605) 650 1026 or res@charlestonsantateresa.com. The rate will be subject to availability and is valid from now up until 30 days before the start date (or, February 18, 2026). Alternatively, we also recommend booking at the Sofitel Santa Clara, or smaller boutique hotels like Casa San Agustin, the Ananadá, Casa del Arzobispado, Hotel Quadrifolio, or Casa Pestagua.
We recommend booking your accommodation well in advance as March is considered high season in Cartagena. If you have any questions or need further recommendations, we're happy to help!
When flying into Cartagena as a foreign citizen, please be mindful that upon arrival, the customs line may take up 2 hours to get through. Should you fly in through a Bogotá connection instead, customs will be faster.
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays of 90 days or less. Just bring a valid passport with at least six months before expiration. // U.S. dollars can be exchanged easily at the airport, or you can withdraw Colombian pesos at ATMs. // No vaccines are required for entry, but some travelers choose to get routine travel vaccines when traveling to South America. Talk to your doctor if you have questions, but overall, we've never had issues. // Pack for warm weather, and don’t forget sunscreen! Like any destination, it's smart to stay aware during your travels. But please know that Colombia is full of warmth, life, and some of the kindest people you’ll ever meet. We love this country deeply—it’s where Gabriella's family is from—and we’re thrilled to be able to share its beauty with you. You’ll be in good hands. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions! We're here. And in the meantime, please look out for your upcoming invitation in the mail and re-visit this site then, once we have more information for you! Thank you :)