Timeline
16:29
Grab a quick bite at Kary Sen. It is open from 06:45 to 19:00, so you have plenty of time before the sun goes down. Use this hour to eat and settle in before the climb.
17:14
Walk up to La Popa. The 17th-century Santa Cruz monastery sits atop the 150-metre hill. Find a spot in the beautifully restored courtyard or near the edge that faces west. The view over the harbour is wide and clear.
17:59
Watch the sunset. On 15 January the sun sets at 17:59, sinking toward the WSW. The golden light begins around 17:29, painting the historic walls and the sea in warm tones. Stay for the moment the light fades.
18:44
Head down to Parque Maria Mulata area and find Salsa Donde Fidel. It is a great place to sit and people watch as the night gets going. The indoor seating is preferable if the humidity rises. Enjoy a beer and the local atmosphere.
Local tip
La Popa entrance is COP$8,000 for adults. Salsa Donde Fidel is open until 23:00 daily. Check the route down from La Popa to the park area if you are unfamiliar with the path.
Check before you go
- Kary Sen closes at 19:00. Ensure you finish eating before then.
- La Popa is a hill. Wear comfortable shoes for the walk up.
- Salsa Donde Fidel is open Mo-Su 10:30-23:00.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Cartagena (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).