Take 01
1969
Burn! (Quemada)
Walled city ramparts, San Felipe Castle, Caribbean coast
10.3910°N, 75.4794°W
Cartagena
A UNESCO World Heritage walled city where colonial Spanish architecture meets Caribbean beaches - Colombia's most photogenic destination and a favorite for period pieces and luxury productions.
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Scene 01 — Filmed Here
Notable Productions in Cartagena
Take 02
2007
Love in the Time of Cholera
Centro Historico, Plaza Santo Domingo, Caribbean waterfront
Take 03
2011
Colombiana
Cartagena opening sequences, colonial streets, rooftops
Take 04
2019
Triple Frontier
Coastal Colombia exteriors, jungle approaches, harbor
Take 05
1986
The Mission
Colonial fortresses, Spanish-era architecture, Caribbean coast
Scene 02 — Locations
Filming Locations in Cartagena
From landmark monuments to hidden quarters — every district scouted and permit-mapped.
landmark
Torre del Reloj & Plaza de los Coches
Iconic yellow clock tower gateway to the walled city, opening to the historic slave trading plaza now lined with colonial arcades.
Calles del Centro Historico
Narrow colonial streets with colorful buildings, wooden balconies overflowing with flowers, and evocative Caribbean atmosphere. Every corner is a postcard.
Easy
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
Massive 17th-century Spanish fortress - largest colonial military construction in the Americas. Tunnels, ramparts, and commanding views.
Complex
Plaza Santo Domingo
Atmospheric plaza with the church of Santo Domingo, Botero's reclining figure sculpture, and surrounded by restaurants and colonial buildings.
Moderate
Getsemani Street Art
Vibrant murals throughout this working-class-turned-trendy neighborhood. Plaza Trinidad, local markets, and authentic Cartagena life.
Easy
Rosario Islands
Archipelago of 27 coral islands with private resorts, marine park, and Caribbean paradise settings. 45-60 minutes by boat from Cartagena.
Complex
Baru Peninsula & Playa Blanca
White sand beach accessible by road or boat. Less developed than Rosario Islands but easier logistics. Beach resort settings available.
Moderate
Convento de la Popa
17th-century convent on highest hill overlooking Cartagena. Panoramic views of city, port, and Caribbean Sea. Religious and historical significance.
Moderate
Walled City (Centro Historico)
UNESCO World Heritage core with colonial mansions, churches, plazas, and iconic bougainvillea-covered streets.
Getsemani
Bohemian neighborhood outside the walls with street art, local life, trendy hostels, and Plaza Trinidad nightlife.
Bocagrande
Modern hotel zone on a peninsula with high-rise resorts, beaches, and Miami-style architecture.
San Diego
Quieter historic quarter within the walls with boutique hotels, restaurants, and residential atmosphere.
Castillogrande & Manga
Upscale residential islands with waterfront mansions, yacht clubs, and quieter filming environments.
Scene 03 — The Case for Cartagena
Why Film in Cartagena
- ✓ Colombia's 40% cash rebate applies to Cartagena productions
- ✓ Year-round tropical climate (27-32°C) with distinct dry season (Dec-April)
- ✓ Unique colonial Spanish architecture rarely found elsewhere in Americas
- ✓ Compact walled city - multiple distinct locations within walking distance
- ✓ Beach and historical locations in single production day possible
Scene 04 — Logistics
Transport & Logistics
Airports CTG (3km / 10-15 min) ▼
Rafael Nunez International Airport (CTG) — 3km / 10-15 min
Taxi (~$5-8 USD)UberHotel shuttlesPrivate transfer
Local Transit taxi · rideshare · bus · ferry ▼
taxi
Primary transport in Cartagena. No meters - negotiate fares or use apps. Within walled city under $3 USD.
Crew tip: Taxis can't enter many walled city streets. Arrange drop-off/pick-up points. Horse carriages available for atmosphere.
rideshare
Uber and InDrive operate. Reliable alternative to negotiating with taxis.
Crew tip: Good for consistent pricing. SUVs available for equipment.
bus
Local buses (busetas) connect neighborhoods. Not practical for production use.
ferry
Boats to Rosario Islands and Baru from multiple docks. Private charters available.
Crew tip: Essential for island locations. Book marine support 2+ weeks ahead. Speedboats available for crew transport.
Production Parking difficult · Permits required
▼
Walled city is largely pedestrianized. Limited parking around walls. Bocagrande has hotel parking. Getsemani has some street parking.
Production vehicles typically park outside walled city walls or in designated lots. Equipment transported in by hand/cart for interior walled city locations. Cartagena Film Commission assists with permits and logistics.
Getting Between Locations ▼
Cartagena is compact - walled city walkable in 20 minutes end to end. Walled city to Bocagrande: 10-15 min by car. To airport: 10-15 min. To Baru by road: 45-60 min. Rosario Islands: 45-60 min by boat. Traffic generally light except around walled city gates.
Ready?
Plan Your Cartagena Shoot
From permits and crew to equipment and logistics — we handle everything on the ground so you can focus on capturing the Caribbean jewel.