Do you dream of making beautiful pictures of Cartagena in Colombia? Organizing photo tours to Colombia for the last 5 years, I have had the opportunity to photograph Cartagena from all angles. You will find here all the must-see places and subjects of Cartagena to inspire you and make exceptional holiday photos.
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The Palenqueras
The fruit sellers called Palenqueras, from the city of the same name, are the symbols of Cartagena de Indias. Today they have become top models and for 3000-5000 Cop, they will be happy to take some posed pictures for you.
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The Balconies
Cartagena’s architecture is unique and makes it one of the most beautiful cities in all of Latin America. Don’t hesitate to look up and take its typical wooden balconies. A tip, use a wide angle to get its converging line effects.
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The Cathedral
The first pictures you will see of Cartagena are probably of the Cathedral of Santa Catalina de Alejandria, which is the postcard par excellence of the city. To get it without too many cars to clutter up the landscape, you’ll have to get there before 8am.
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The Cumbia Dancers
The Caribbean coast is the cradle of Colombian Cumbia, which has its roots in the mixture of African, Indigenous and Spanish culture. In Bolivar Square, you will have the pleasure of attending dance performances, ideal for authentic photos. Of course, please consider contributing to the show with a voluntary tip.
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The San Pedro Claver Church
The Plaza de San Pedro Claver is one of the most iconic squares in the city. Its architecture is incomparable, it’s like Disneyland, so beautiful. You can take pictures of it at any time of the day, but I especially recommend you very early in the morning to have it before the installation of the restaurant terraces.
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La torre del reloj
The Clock Tower is another emblem of Cartagena, and one of the only pedestrian entrances to the city . You will be able to photograph it from every angle and at every hour, it will always make beautiful pictures. For these take as much a wide angle as a long focal length.
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Getsemani
Getsemani était à l’origine un quartier dédié aux familles qui n’avaient pas les moyens de se loger dans le centre historique. Les maisons sont construites sur 1 étage, mais l’architecture demeure magnifique. Ils ont eu la brillante idée d’installer des parapluie de couleur dans de nombreuses rues, ce qui les rendent très instagrammables.
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Cafe del mar
Cafés del Mar are famous all over the world. And this one lives up to the brand’s reputation. Ideally located on the city walls, don’t miss the sunset time to take beautiful pictures or timelapses. And don’t forget your tripod.
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Pictures of the craftsmanship
Pictures of ambiences are important, but to complete your photos of Cartagena, also think about details, such as handicrafts, souvenir shops, or engravings on old doors, fruit stands, etc…
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The Church of Santo Domingo
You will also need some interior and monument photos to vary your holiday album or report. So don’t hesitate to visit the church at the Santa Domingo square which is usually open all day long.
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Street vendors
Street vendors are forging Cartagena’s identity. From hats to fruit juices to the most beautiful paintings, you will find endless inspiration in photographing these informal workers. A tip to get up at dawn to photograph them when they settle in the city.
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Cartagena University
This university is an old cloister that has been converted. Its ochre facade makes it very photogenic. One of the best angles to take a picture of it is, in my opinion, at the corner of Calle Santos de Piedra with Calle San Agustin.
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Window Detail
In my photo workshops I often repeat this: One of the best strategies in street photography is to find a great frame and wait for an interesting subject to come in. In this picture I was sitting quietly on a bench with a coffee, and my camera ready to draw until this man and arrives to fit perfectly into my composition.
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Graffiti
Graffiti are the means of expression of the people, and even more so in Colombia. There is a real network of artists in all the big cities of the country. to photograph the most beautiful frescoes, direction the district of Getsemani. My favorite being that of Toto la Momposina
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Architecture Details
If Cartagena is nicknamed the pearl of the Caribbean, it is largely due to its unique architecture. In 1983, Cartagena became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the entire city has been admirably renovated. But even left abandoned, some Baptists remain incredibly photogenic.
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Street artists
Street art goes back to the foundation of Cartagena, where there have always been artists entertaining the public. A way of life that is not easy, however. So if you want to make some nice pictures don’t hesitate to give them change.
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la Gertruda de Botero
Probably one of the most famous artists in Colombia, Fernando Botero also contributed to the beautification of the city of Cartagena by donating one of his statues to the city of Cartagena, which can be found in the Plaza Santo Domingo. As you can see, if you don’t want to have anyone doing a selfie and spoil the picture, you’ll have to get up early.
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Drone photos
If you’re equipped with a drone, Cartagena is a very nice playground. But beware of the regulations, during the day, you won’t be able to fly it over the city, it would be too dangerous, prefer very early in the morning.
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Restaurant Facades
To change traditional photos, also think about photographing the city’s nocturnal atmospheres, especially at blue hour. like this restaurant located near the Sofitel Santa Clara, which is today one of the most Instagrammable Cartagena photos.
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Boca grande
The most famous images of Cartagena are often those of the old town and its historic centre. But Cartagena is also the juxtaposition between the colonial city and the modern city, which offers infinite possibilities of photos.
Last word
Do you want more information about Cartagena ? Feel free to let me know if you have any questions in the comments below. And If you liked these pictures of Cartagena, feel free to save them on Pinterest
