Things to do & places to visit in Bolivar Department, Colombia

Bolivar Department #1 destination in Colombia 2023. The average rating score is 4.33 based on 73.0k traveler reviews, of 89 attractions. Timezone: America/Bogota, current date and time: Saturday, May 04, 2024, 16:11.

Top things to do (37)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 PaleTur (81 reviews)
- my first time traveling to Palenque Colombia, with friends great experience.
Saturday: 8:30 AM - 11:00 PM Multi-day Tours • Sports Camps & Clinics • Taxis & Shuttles • Coffee & Tea Tours • Cooking Classes • Private Tours • Food Tours • Day Trips

I have an amazing time in Palenque Colombia, a great experience, I love the culture. this was one of my best days ever. hope to return soon. La paso increíble en Palenque Colombia, una gran experiencia, me encanta la cultura. este fue uno de mis mejores días. Espero volver pronto. See more..
5.0 Peace Travel Colombia SAS (70 reviews)
- Book Now!!!
Multi-day Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Fishing Charters & Tours • Private Tours • Day Trips

First and foremost, Cesar is the absolute best and attentive guide EVER!!!! Extremely knowledgeable about his country’s history and his passion to share the culture is second to none! am beyond grateful to have entrusted him with my tours in Colombia! I had so many great experiences that it’s hard to choose. I loved Cartagena, Tayrona National Park. Palenque and the African culture in Colombia is definitely at the top of my list of must do tours. My heart lies in MEDELLÍN and I almost didn’t want to leave Colombia!! Cesar and his team (my guides German for Communa 13 and Marlon for El Peñol and Guatape)are phenomenal!!! Always going above and beyond to make the experiences special. Colombia is a special place with special people. Book your flight now and find Cesar with Peace travel for a one of a kind experience tailored to your needs!!!! I have so many great memories and new friends who enjoy travelling. Wish I could share it all.Forever grateful Peace Travel❤️ See more..
5.0 Travel Palenque (70 reviews)
- Best Experience!
Multi-day Tours • Sports Camps & Clinics • Cooking Classes • Private Tours • Food Tours • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals • Paint & Pottery Studios • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Horseback Riding Tours • Day Trips

This was one of the best tour experiences I have encountered as I've been traveling. Ronal was so welcoming and let us into his home with open arms. We were able to learn so much about the community and people. From the food, dances, language, and friendly personalities. If you visit Colombia, this is a stop that's needed especially if you're African/African American and would love to learn about other people w/ different cultures who look just like you! Thank you again to Ronal, Tyler, and everyone who welcomed us! See more..
5.0 Monumento a Benkos Bioho (12 reviews)
- Spirited
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

We took a private tour out to this community from Cartegena. Good journey and site seeing on the ride. When we got there we stopped by the community center and got some deep historical knowledge. We dropped by what would be our eventual lunch location, a residents home. We then continued the walk through the town and got the historical context on the monuments and murals. We stopped by the town holistic medicinal specialist. Very interesting products! We participated in the cultural arts dance performance. Very interactive. We got a lesson on playing the drums to the music. Then the grad finally. The meal for lunch! Grilled fish smothered with a mild curry sauce with peppers and onions. Fresh fish! Served with coconut rice and beans. The drink was a citrus flavor sweetened with sugar can liquid. Refreshing. All served on a large plantain leaf with a wooden utensil made from a stick or twig. I definitely want to do this again. See more..
4.5 Walled City of Cartagena (23.1k reviews)
- Good to experience once but two days is enough
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites

The old walled city is undeniably beautiful but more than any other town or city in Colombia, it is one long hassle of consistently fending off street hawkers and after a few hours gets a little wearing. Recommend taking a good guide book rather than a guided tour, all places within the city are easily accessible. There is fairly constant heat and humidity so dress light. See more..
4.5 Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas (13.1k reviews)
- THE Spot to Visit_DvB
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles

Cartagena was always a desirable conquest for pirates and enemies of the Spanish Crown; and for this reason, the defense of the city from these threats was a question of priority for its inhabitants from the first decades of the existence of the city. Once the primitive nucleus of Cartagena and the outlying district of Getsemani were fortified, there was a need to erect a structure on San Lazaro Hill that would prevent an enemy attack from its peak, since the hill dominated the walls and the only entrance to the city, the Media Luna Entrance in Getsemani. In addition, this hill was the intermediate point between the city and the nearby Popa Peak, where some heavy guns and canons were installed between 1769 and 1780 to cross fire with the castle and make an enemy attack more difficult from the large beach of Playon Grande in Pie de la Popa. See more..
4.5 Plaza Santo Domingo (3.923 reviews)
- Unique part of the Walled City!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The plaza is the home to good food, alfresco dining, street entertainment, stunning historic architecture, a famous sculpture and people everywhere. It is located opposite the Santo Domingo Church in one of the oldest neighborhoods in the Walled City. A must see when touring the old town area. Photo opportunities are in abundance! See more..
4.5 Sanctuary of Saint Peter Claver (2.854 reviews)
- Beautiful Church and Museum
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Four hundred years ago jesuits established in Cartagena and founded a school and a church in downtown. During the XVII century a father called Pedro Claver dedicated all his life to the protection of the african slaves and became saint 300 hundred years later. To keep alive his legacy, jesuits came back to the city at the end of XIX century and started to collect pieces for a museum that includes precolombian, religious and african caribbean art and, of course, the chamber and other spaces where the saint lived and died. Nowadays it is the museum with the most complete collection of religious art in Colombian coast, and the building preserves the spirit of Claver, the spirit of Human Rights. See more..
4.5 Caribe Jewelry Museum & Factory (1.926 reviews)
- Handmade one of a kind
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

We stopped by the museum and was great! Then we walked in town into one of the stores I didn’t see anything I liked then Aixa and Ibeth let me know that they could custom make something for me. And sure they did within two days I had a handmade 18 k gold bracelet with Colombian emeralds. They even send me pictures of the progress.Loving it all ready! See more..
4.5 Plaza de San Diego (1.263 reviews)
- Another spectacular livable area of the city!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Another beautiful area filled with architecturally significant buildings in a cozy and friendly neighborhood. This area is representative of the history of the Walled City which is this part of the city. Theses are the kind of neighborhoods of our childhood. Well worth a visit! See more..
4.5 Oceanario (970 reviews)
- Wonderful day with so many cool sea animals
Spent 1-2 hours Aquariums

We arrived in Cartagena via a cruise ship and took a speed boat down to the Rosario Islands. Part of the tour was the Aquarium and lunch with some indigenous people. We loved both, but being able to hold sea turtles, see a Dolphin show and watch a man feed sharks that come right up to his feet was very cool. I highly recommend for a once in a lifetime adventure. See more..
4.5 Barrio Getsemani (737 reviews)
- A Happening Place
Spent More than 3 hours Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas

Getsemani has become the artsy, party neighborhood of Cartagena. There are vivid, painted murals, street performers, street vendors and crowds in the evenings, especially Friday and Saturday. Bright and vibrant. In some ways it reminded me of the French Quarter of New Orleans, without jazz but with Colombian music and vibe. See more..
4.5 Iglesia de la Trinidad (618 reviews)
- Beautiful at night
Saturday: Churches & Cathedrals

The Church sits at the heart of the small Trinidad Plaza which is the place to go for dinner and drinks. During the day, kids use the square to play soccer - at night it comes alive with street performers and bars. Highly recommended. See more..
4.5 La Gorda Gertrudis (548 reviews)
- Botero
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

An interesting Botero sculpture in the walled city. Great to take pictures with. There was a little bit of a line to do so. See more..
4.5 Templo de Santo Domingo (531 reviews)
- Still in daily use
Religious Sites

I preferred this church to the nearby cathedral. Building commenced over 400 years ago but progress was sporadic and slow taking over 100 years to complete in stages. An impressive main wooden altar and two impressive side altars as well as several minor ones. Large solid pillars evidence its age of and still in daily use for masses See more..
4.5 Aviario Nacional de Colombia (528 reviews)
- Visit the national aviary
Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

It was a great experience. Lot of birds and different animals, bring insect repellent ( or purchase one at the entry ) try to arrive before 3 pm so you can experience the flying bird live show. No worries about arriving to the aviary you can follow google maps instructions it will take you to the entry See more..
4.5 Plaza de La Trinidad (476 reviews)
- Nice busy area at night
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

Quiet by day it is the liveliest place in Getsemani at night. By day you can spend a few quiet contemplative minutes in the church that sits proudly in its community exuding a feeling of calm and serenity. At night the small plaza between the church and the couple of small restaurants around is transformed into the area where street performers entertain at night for tips. Fire dances, break dancing groups, street food sellers it is just packed with people enjoying themselves. the nearby restaurants do excellent pizzas family sized for 40,000COP with decent bottles of wine for 10,000, a pleasant place to spend the evening watching the world pass by. See more..
4.5 Catedral Santa Catalina de Alejandria (466 reviews)
- One of the more interesting religious buildings
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

A beautiful late 16th, early 17th century church that has had a full renovation in the last four years. The results are impressive. The baroque wooden retablo and the stations of the cross cravings on the side wall are very intricate as it the massive stone pulpit. The interior has a lovely light and airy feel to it and it is free to enter. See more..
4.5 Centro Historico (290 reviews)
- Old Spanish center of the city
Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Neighborhoods

The historical center is very interesting where you can find almost everything - bars, cafes, restaurants, shops... When looking for some shop you will be offered help from random salesmen who will eventually get money from the restaurant they bring you in and yes, you will be paying for that. The price can rise up to 100% of your bill. My recommendation is to find your place of interest yourself. Man needs to be careful here. The whole center is very nice though and is worth to visit it. See more..
4.5 La Serrezuela (248 reviews)
- Cartagena in a different perspective
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Shopping Malls

El antiguo Circo Teatro o Plaza de La Serrezuela, ubicado en el tradicional barrio San Diego, renace como el centro de cultura, entretenimiento, comercial y gastronómico más importante de la región, convirtiéndose en el nuevo ícono del Centro Histórico de Cartagena. El espacio comercial que rodea la icónica plaza ofrece una experiencia única a sus visitantes donde no solo encontrarán locales comerciales, sino también eventos, exposiciones y encuentros en las que primará la cultura Caribe. La Serrezuela cuenta con una oferta gastronómica, sin igual. Su variedad de marcas culinarias hacen de este lugar la mejor alternativa en el Centro Histórico de Cartagena para disfrutar de una experiencia única con vistas a la muralla, la Popa, el Castillo de San Felipe y al mar. Visitar La Serrezuela es conocer y reconocer un lugar de encuentro, donde la cultura, el arte, la música y el entretenimiento son parte esencial de esta mágica atmósfera. ¡Los esperamos! See more..
4.5 Bomba Beach Club (211 reviews)
- Love it!! Great Beach Day!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Beach & Pool Clubs

With the best view of the city, Restaurant and Beach Club just 10 minutes by boat from Cartagena, white sand beaches and delicious seafood. Once you arrive we lead you to a nice kiosko, with swing bed, hammoks and tanning chairs, those are for your personal use the whole day. As soon as you are comfortable and ready you can order a bite of fried plantains with cheese and hogao (tomato,onion and garlic sauce) a ceviche, a shrimp cocktail or a delicious lunch. From the beginning you can try our natural juices, margaritas (the best in the world), cocoloco, caipirinha, mojitos, beers and more. If you want to refresh you can enjoy our swimming pool or take a shower with fresh water in our outdoor showers. Access to the island is only possible by boat, but the trip took only 10 minutes, the boat leaves from Castillogrande beach behind Bocagrande hospital, there are usually many boats there, you must ask for Wendy she´s our host. We really recommend you to book in advance. Whats app! See more..
4.5 Centro Historico de Santa Cruz de Mompox (199 reviews)
- Beautifull an hot
Points of Interest & Landmarks

We went there by Unitransco bus from Cartagena for 70.000 single journey, tickets bought by internet with a trafel agengy. The terminal of the bus is 12 km from the old city of Cartagena. Taxi cost 30.000 one way. We did a boattrip on the Magdalena river and we saw many different birds and iguana's,you could also swim in the river. The atmosphere in Mompox is very relaxed and save and the prices are much lower than in Cartagena. We stayed in Cafe Mompox whicht was a very nice kolonial house with a helpfull family. See more..
4.5 Isla Grande (147 reviews)
- Beautiful Clear Waters
Islands

We spent a day our cruising the Rosario Islands. Sone of the beaches areceobderful, clear waters and white sands. Some good snorkeling opportunities. Facilities are limited and it's a bit rough and ready, but very relaxing all the same. See more..
4.5 Santa Barbara Church (119 reviews)
- An icon of Mompos
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

This beautiful yellow church down near the river is emblematic of Mompos, appearing, as a previous reviewer pointed out, in much of the publicity (lacking though it is) for this charming colonial town on the Magdalena River. It's a photogenic building, with a lovely interior, as well as a small adjacent courtyard. You can also access the belltower for a minimal fee (2.000COP) for stunning views over the town and the Magdalena River: climbing up this tower at the turn of the hour for the view and the chiming bells is one of Mompos' must-do attractions. See more..
4.5 Plaza de Mercado (44 reviews)
- Best from the river
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Sailing up river with the old market building bathed in the warmth of the Mompox sunset is a sight to behold. It really is a wonderful old town. The peace and tranquility makes viewing from the river a must. See more..
4.5 Jardín Botánico de Cartagena Guillermo Piñeres (38 reviews)
- Fantastically unexpected gem of a place
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Gardens

We offer specialised birdwatching tours. See more..
4.5 Plaza de Santo Domingo (24 reviews)
- A pleasant stop
Points of Interest & Landmarks

A charming church and plaza. A little out of the main town on route to the cemetery. Worth a walk. A place to sit for a while and watch the world go by. See more..
4.5 Church of San Francisco (20 reviews)
- Another Church
Churches & Cathedrals

In the same style as the church of Santa Barbra, this church also has an offset tower resembling a minaret and therefore of a Moorish influence. Worth a quick vist. This town is so small that you cannot miss any of its attractions. See more..
4.5 Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepcion (19 reviews)
- Recorriendo las calles de Mompox
Churches & Cathedrals

Llegar desde Cartagena hasta Mompox es una experiencia increíble, en especial encontrarse un lugar tan hermoso... que en pocas palabras enamora. See more..
4.5 Iglesia de San Agustin (17 reviews)
- A Magnificent Basilica
Churches & Cathedrals

A rather impressive Basilica founded by the monks of St Augustine. The exterior is rather ordinary but the interior, especially the altar, is striking. There are a number of miracles and legends attributed to this place. Worth a visit. See more..