There are cities that feel like film sets — Cartagena, Colombia, is one of them. From its kaleidoscope of colours to its centuries-old fortresses standing guard over the Caribbean, Cartagena is layered, lively, and endlessly photogenic. With every step through its cobbled streets, I found scenes worthy of the big screen — bursts of colour, raw texture, dramatic light, and characters who tell the city’s story.

Being my first trip to South America, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. When you tell people you’re going to Colombia, the reactions were a mixed bag. Everything from “ooh, really? Is it safe?” to “are you getting travel insurance?”

But I’m happy to report that not only did our group feel safe, but we loved our time in this history-rich, stunning country.

The people were beyond friendly.

The scenery was gorgeous.

And the energy in the streets was palpable, unlike any other city I’ve visited before.

Here are a few of my favourites from Cartagena — and a few photography tips if you’re planning a trip there in the future.

Where We Stayed — Dreams Karibana Cartagena

Tucked just outside the city, Dreams Karibana Cartagena offered the perfect balance between laid-back luxury and proximity to the action. With its modern design, sweeping sea views, and endless palm-lined pools, it was a relaxing counterpoint to Cartagena’s buzzing streets (a quick 25-minute Uber ride away!)

Whether we were sipping cocktails by the infinity pool or recharging by the beach after a day of shooting in the city, the resort made sure we had space to unwind — and a few great photo ops of its own. There’s also a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course - Club Karibana - that we ended up slashing our way around too.

All in all, the service was excellent, food and drinks were solid and the rooms were clean, spacious and modern. If you choose to stay at Dreams Karibana Cartagena, I think you’ll enjoy yourself!

*DJI Mini 4 Pro - 1/640 | f/1.7 | ISO 130*

*DJI Mini 4 Pro - 1/3200 | f/1.7 | ISO 140*

*iPhone 15 Pro Max - 1/30 | f/1.8 | ISO 1600*

*iPhone 15 Pro Max - 1/1000 | f/1.9 | ISO 25*

*iPhone 15 Pro Max - 1/180 | f/1.9 | ISO 25*

The Walled City — Colour, Contrast, and History

The heart of Cartagena lies within ‘La Ciudad Amurallada,’ the historic walled city. Colonial facades drip with bougainvillaea, crumbling pastel walls glow in the Caribbean sun, and every street corner feels alive with music, street vendors, and the hum of daily life.

For photographers, this is visual paradise.

I will say, the vendors in this area of Cartagena were some of the most persistent we’ve ever come across. Nice people who are trying to earn a living - but prepare yourself to be approached relentlessly. I was curious about the price of some cigars on the street and let’s just say I made a new friend for a few hundred yards of our walk around the city.

Tip: Shoot early morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh shadows — Cartagena’s golden-hour light makes the pastel buildings glow.
Tip: Look for weathered textures — peeling paint, stone walls, wooden doors — they add character to your compositions.

Photo Highlights: Wide shots of candy-coloured streets, moody close-ups of architectural details, locals framed against vibrant walls.

*Fuji X-H1 + Fuji XF55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS - 1/420 | f/5.6 | ISO 2000*

*Fuji X-H1 + Fuji XF55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS - 1/1500 | f/13 | ISO 1600*

*Fuji X-H1 + Fuji XF55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS - 1/950 | f/5.6 | ISO 2000*

*Fuji X-H1 + Fuji XF55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS - 1/240 | f/5.6 | ISO 640*

*Nikon F3 + Nikon AI-S Nikkor 50mm f1.8 - Lomography LomoChrome Metropolis*

*Fuji X-H1 + Fuji XF55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS - 1/180 | f/5 | ISO 640*

*iPhone 15 Pro Max - 1/2300 | f/1.8 | ISO 80*

*Fuji X-H1 + Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN - 1/150 | f/22 | ISO 640*

*Fuji X-H1 + Fuji XF55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS - 1/400 | f/5.6 | ISO 1600*

*iPhone 15 Pro Max - 1/10000 | f/1.8 | ISO 80*

*Fuji X-H1 + Fuji XF55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS - 1/1250 | f/5.6 | ISO 1600*

*Fuji X-H1 + Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN - 1/1500 | f/8 | ISO 500*

Getsemaní — Grit Meets Art

Just outside the walls lies Getsemaní, Cartagena’s edgy, bohemian neighbourhood. Once overlooked, it’s now alive with street art, indie cafés, and raw, authentic energy. The murals here explode with colour, telling stories of Colombia’s culture and resilience.

Tip: Explore the side streets — the main squares are busy, but quiet alleys often offer the most intimate, cinematic frames.
Tip: Use leading lines — narrow streets, graffiti walls, and balconies create strong visual pathways for your shots.

Photo Highlights: Bold street art portraits, atmospheric alleyways, candid shots of daily life under Caribbean skies.

The Clock Tower & Plaza de los Coches — Iconic Frames

Torre del Reloj, Cartagena’s iconic Clock Tower, marks the gateway to the old city. The surrounding plaza, once a colonial trading hub, bustles with street performers, fruit vendors, and passing horse-drawn carriages — energetic scenes at every turn.

Tip: At sunset, position yourself for silhouettes and reflections — the light is warm, dramatic, and perfect for street photography.
Tip: Capture motion — the energy here is constant, so experiment with shutter speeds to show movement in your frames.

Photo Highlights: Sunset-lit street scenes, silhouettes under the Clock Tower, vibrant market moments frozen in time.

*Fuji X-H1 + Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN - 1/150 | f/5.6 | ISO 640*

*iPhone 15 Pro Max - 1/60 | f/1.8 | ISO 400*

Cartagena by Night — Shadows, Streets, and Soul

As the sun dips, Cartagena transforms — the heat softens, the streets glow under lanterns, and music floats through the air. The night brings a different mood — perfect for low-light photography.

Tip: Embrace high ISO and fast lenses for handheld night shots — the city’s ambiance is worth capturing authentically.
Tip: Focus on contrasts — warm lamplight against cool shadows creates striking, film-like frames.

Photo Highlights: Lantern-lit streets, silhouettes in colonial archways, candid moments under the Caribbean night sky.

*iPhone 15 Pro Max - 1/30 | f/1.8 | ISO 640*

*iPhone 15 Pro Max - 1/30 | f/1.8 | ISO 1000*

Final Frames: Cartagena’s Cinematic Soul

Cartagena isn’t just beautiful — it’s layered, lively, and full of contrast. Through my lens, I tried to capture more than just typical scenes — I wanted the mood, the textures, and the rhythm that make this city unforgettable.

If you’re drawn to cinematic travel photography, Cartagena offers a canvas of colour, history, and character. From its crumbling walls to its sunlit streets, every corner tells a story — all you have to do is frame it.

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