About Bolívar

Bolívar Department is Colombia's Caribbean soul, where colonial history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes converge. The crown jewel is Cartagena de Indias, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose walled Old City boasts pastel-colored buildings, flower-filled balconies, and the imposing Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. Beyond the city walls, the Rosario Islands offer pristine white-sand beaches and coral reefs perfect for snorkeling. Inland, the majestic Mompox (Santa Cruz de Mompox), another UNESCO site, feels frozen in time with its serene plazas and colonial churches along the Magdalena River. The department's heart beats to the rhythm of cumbia and champeta, with festivals like the Cartagena International Film Festival and the Hay Festival of literature drawing global crowds. From the bustling markets of Turbaco to the serene mangrove swamps of the Canal del Dique, Bolívar offers an intoxicating blend of adventure, relaxation, and living history that captures the essence of the Colombian Caribbean.

Major Hub

Travel Tips for Bolívar

Getting Around

In Cartagena, the historic center is best explored on foot. Official yellow taxis are plentiful; always ensure the meter is used or agree on a fare beforehand. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Didi operate. For the Rosario Islands, organized boat tours or private lanchas (speedboats) depart from the Muelle de la Bodeguita. Local buses (colectivos) connect cities and towns but can be crowded. Renting a car is an option for exploring inland, but driving in Cartagena is chaotic. For Mompox, the most scenic route is a combination of road and river boat.

Best Time To Visit

December to April is the dry season, offering sunny days with minimal rainfall, ideal for beach visits and city exploration. However, this is peak tourist season, especially during the Christmas/New Year period and the Cartagena International Film Festival (March). The months of June and July also see less rain. Avoid the rainy season (May-November, peaking Oct-Nov) for heavy downpours and high humidity, though prices are lower.

Local Customs

Dress is generally casual but modest when visiting churches (cover shoulders and knees). Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated; 10% in restaurants if service charge isn't included, small change for porters and taxi drivers. The pace of life is relaxed—'mañana' attitude is common. Greet people with a friendly 'buenos días/tardes.' Engage in local festivals like the Independence celebrations in November. Bargaining is expected in markets but not in fixed-price stores. Respect is paramount in interactions.

Safety Information

Cartagena's walled city and tourist areas are generally safe, but be vigilant against pickpocketing and bag-snatching, especially in crowded markets and on beaches. Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics. Use only official taxis or reputable ride-hailing apps. Exercise increased caution in some suburban neighborhoods of Cartagena and when traveling to very remote rural areas. Common scams include overcharging taxis, fake tour guides, and street games designed to distract and rob. Keep valuables in hotel safes and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Health Information

Medical facilities in Cartagena are good, with several modern private hospitals (e.g., Hospital Universitario de Cartagena, Clínica de la Costa). In rural areas, services are limited. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended, especially for travel to rural and jungle areas. Malaria prophylaxis is advised for visits to low-lying rural zones outside major cities. Dengue, Zika, and chikungunya are present; use insect repellent. Drink only bottled or purified water. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is strongly recommended. Pharmacies are widely available in cities.

Languages Spoken

Spanish

Quick Facts

Currency

Colombian Peso (COP)
$

Timezone

America/Bogota -05:00 (GMT)

Calling Code

+57

Electricity

Type A, B; 110V, 60Hz
Socket types →

Driving Side

Right

Population

2.1 million

Area

25978 km²

Government

Departmental Government (Gobernación Departamental)

ISO Code

CO-35

About Bolívar

Places to visit in Bolívar

سازمان باغستانهای سنتی

مسیر پیاده روی ۳۱۳

مسیر پیاده روی ۳۱۳

پمپ بنزین قزوین و مجتمع رفاهی تمیز

میدان میرعماد

خوابگاه دانشگاه ازاد قزوین

حکاکی هندوانه و میوه آرایی

دفاع مقدس

مریم مقدس

سینا

مجتمع جانباز

مسیر پیاده روی سیدالشهدا

miremad hotel

بوعلی

مسیر پیاده روی غدیر