×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
BlueBurbia | Cartagena Index
BLUEBURBIA
The Best of the Suburbs & the City
NYC Metro Area
Colombia > Cartagena

Cartagena

Urban   Coastal   Beaches  

Cartagena is a vibrant port city on Colombia's Caribbean coast, boasting a rich history, stunning colonial architecture, and a lively cultural scene. Known for its well-preserved walled old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Cartagena is a window into the past with its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and historic landmarks such as the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a fortress dating back to the 16th century. The city's strategic location has made it a key maritime port in the region, contributing to its diverse and dynamic character. Cartagena's old town is surrounded by modern neighborhoods that offer a contrast to the historical center, with contemporary restaurants, shopping centers, and nightlife. The city is also a gateway to pristine beaches and islands, such as Playa Blanca and the Islas del Rosario, which are popular destinations for both relaxation and water sports. Cartagena's cultural offerings include numerous festivals, music, and dance, reflecting the Afro-Caribbean heritage of the area. Visitors and locals alike enjoy the city's gastronomy, which combines fresh seafood with local ingredients and traditional Colombian flavors. Cartagena's charm lies in its ability to blend the old with the new, offering an experience that is both enchanting and exhilarating for all who explore its streets.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Cartagena is considered high, especially in the tourist-centric areas and the historic district, where prices for goods and services are elevated due to the city's popularity as a travel destination.

Area Hospitals

Cartagena is home to several reputable healthcare facilities, including the Hospital Universitario del Caribe, which provides a range of services and is known for its research and educational contributions to the medical field. Another notable institution is the Clínica Cartagena del Mar, offering specialized services and equipped with modern medical technology.

Living in Cartagena

Schools in Cartagena

Private Schools

Private schools in the vicinity include Colegio Jorge Washington (American, K - 12), Colegio Británico de Cartagena (British, Pre-K - 12), Colegio La Esperanza (Catholic, Pre-K - 12), Colegio Montessori Cartagena (Montessori, Pre-K - 12), Gimnasio Cartagena de Indias (Bilingual, Pre-K - 12)

Public Schools

The public schools in Cartagena are managed by the Secretaría de Educación Distrital de Cartagena, which oversees the education of students in the city. The district is responsible for providing education to a diverse student population and aims to offer quality education that promotes the development of skills and values necessary for students' personal and professional growth. Public schools in Cartagena offer primary and secondary education and are known for their focus on cultural heritage, as the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The schools work to integrate this cultural aspect into the curriculum, alongside traditional academic subjects.

Bi-lingual Schools

The British International School of Cartagena is a bilingual school offering the National Curriculum of England alongside Colombian curriculum elements. It caters to students from Early Years to Year 13 and emphasizes the development of bilingualism and global citizenship.

International Schools

The Jorge Washington School, also known as Colegio Jorge Washington (COJOWA), is an international school in Cartagena that offers an American-style education with classes taught in English. It serves students from preschool through 12th grade and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Local Schools

Copyright 1997-2025 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides