Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
4.5
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
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.
Duration: < 1 hour
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- LarryCape Coral, Florida6 contributionsIt’s a steep way up there but it’s worth itYou could cover the entire castle in less than an hour (depending on your fitness level). The way up is steep but once you’re up there, you’ll have amazing views of the city and could take pictures with the big Colombian flag 🇨🇴. The tunnels were fun, definitely not for the claustrophobics, but try them out! There’s a souvenir shop with drinks and ice cream at the top but bring bottled water with you on the way up, you’ll need it.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 April 2023
- Albert BCincinnati, Ohio395 contributionsMust StopTry to time your visit (60-90 minutes) to a cooler part of the day. Pace yourself walking up inclines. Tunnels are interesting to explore. Snack bar and small gift shop will catch your attention. Visit a must for any one interest in history.Visited May 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 29 May 2023
- DanuzaCambridge, Massachusetts950 contributionsAmazing place to visitGreat place to visit and walk around. Beautiful views and interesting history. You can get there by doing the city tour hop in and out, or any other way. Definitively worth a visit. It is a nice area to walk around during the day.Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 27 June 2023
- msa23_2000Chino Hills, California1,479 contributionsIt’s an old fort that you can explore a littleWe went late in the afternoon, and it was very very hot. Consequently, they were not many people up there. You can walk around and get some great city views and also some great photos of the old wall. Make sure to wander down any of the stairs, and it feels like you’re going through catacombs at the bottom.Visited June 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 2 July 2023
- 4NHTravelerNew Hampshire225 contributionsHistory in CartagenaThis castle is really cool. You can decide to take a guide or read the few information signs inside . When we went, it was very hot outside so we decided against a guide. A few people suggested that we should try to get more people and divide the cost of the guide among everyone in the group. My suggestion is to try to negotiate price if you’re blooming for a guide, as we were quoted at least 3 different prices to get a guide (cheaper was 100,000 pesos for 45 minutes (about $25). I think we probably would have gotten more out of the experience with a guide, but 45 minutes was a long time to my 17 year old so we passed.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 20 July 2023
- Abovetheclouds2,442 contributionsGo as the sun is setting.This is lovely. Such a nice walk. Remember there is history here and not just about taking photographs. Best time to go is near when the sun is setting. Cooler. Walk, learn and enjoy the views. There are some information boards too. Wear flat shoes. It gets windy so watch hats. What is nice as the sun sets is the youngsters flying kites. With the sun setting in the background, these are magical moments and why we travel. A few street vendors around who will be pushing you to buy drinks!Visited August 2023Travelled soloWritten 30 August 2023
- RICHARD B3 contributionsGrand San Felipe!The visit to the castle in Cartagena was amazing. Full of rich, history and incredible views from atop, the second highest point in Cartagena. Our guide Carlos was spectacular. He imported a wealth of information and knowledge and history, and was very thorough and complete information. Would definitely recommend this is a must see when in Cartagena. I especially loved going in the tiny, tunnels deep beneath the fort.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 September 2023
- Ron SToronto, Canada504 contributionsHuge FortOur tour stop was fairly quick, enough to stretch our legs and take in the upwards view of this huge fort. Like all areas in Columbia, there were many gypsies hawking trinkets which made the attempt to enjoy the sights a bit bothersome. We wish we had more time to explore.Visited December 2022Travelled with familyWritten 25 October 2023
- ajnavy04Denver, Colorado246 contributionsMust Visit in CartagenaThis is a stunning piece of military engineering. A must visit spot if you're visiting Cartagena. I'd recommend visiting as part of a tour group since there is not much information available about the fort on site.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 October 2023
- Lia HBogota, Colombia1,110 contributionsmust do in CartagenaWear comfortable shoes, bring a hat, and get ready for a nice workout. The place is filled with lots of history, beautiful sites, nice and windy up at the top. Buy the tickets at the bottom, where plenty of vendors will offer you water and tell you they don't sell water at the top. There is a cute little store when you reach the top, where they sell water, ice cream, fruit, and souvenirs! Lots of history to learn as well!Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 24 November 2023
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Popular mentions
4.5
13,155 reviews
Excellent
6,716
Very good
4,684
Average
1,480
Poor
202
Terrible
73
Savannahtaylor
Milwaukee, WI24 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
On a hot, humid, full sun day, the trek to the top was a little taxing. It was so worth it though. The views were spectacular, and there was a shaded area to rest in. The price to get in was cheap, so definitely worth a visit!
Written 7 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
egerena
Boston, MA131 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
The fortress lacks plaques explaining its historical impact and importance. To appreciate it you need to go on a tour. The entrance is steep and might not be fit for people with disabilities due to the lack of ramps. The view on top is beautiful and the place is kept very clean. Also, it is very windy.
Written 25 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jasmine38Chichester UK
Chichester, UK1,952 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
You can't really miss the so called castle, which is really a fort, as it's very large and the walls span the city. A key aspect of Cartagena's history and development so well worth a visit. Not a great deal to see as such, but interesting to wander the ramparts and explore some of the tunnels. Good views over the city too. There are good explanation panels around the site in English.
Written 18 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
beetcanner
Southern Nevada674 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
From here the views of the city are stunning on a hot sunny day. Perched on a rock, the fortress grants clear views out to sea and approach by land. Very strategic for defending Cartgena. Even though it opened in 1536, it now has a phone number. You don't need a guide per se, it is quite self-evident. Bring your camera. If the bugler is there, he will play your national anthem without explaining your nationality.
Written 28 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erika S
New York City, NY4 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
This is a must see spot if you visit Cartagena , the downside of this place the street vendors trying to push you to buy drinks
Written 25 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WanderingFarmer
Payson, UT418 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
This fortress is the biggest in the Caribbean it was a good hike up to the top of it. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable of the history. The reason I could not give this a 5 star is because of the trinkets and bobbles. They wouldn’t let you be and could be quite pushy.
Written 23 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rschagrin
Delray Beach, FL17,471 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Built in the 1600's to protect the city. It has tunnels and offers great views of the city.
A lot of rich history thru out the years. Good way to get exercise climbing to the top of the fort.
A lot of rich history thru out the years. Good way to get exercise climbing to the top of the fort.
Written 1 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ava G
10 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
A worthwhile visit to take in the history of San Felipe and to capture some wonderful views of the surrounding areas. The best time to go is early morning as it gets extremely hot and there are some steep climbs.
Written 31 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Siteseer1
Jacksonville, FL877 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
This is a large fortification in the middle of Cartagena. You also get nice views of the city as well. Visit early in the day as it gets hot up on the walls later on. Well worth the time, 1.5 to 2 hours to see it well.
Written 26 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CJToti
New Jersey355 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Although not truly a castle - it is actually a fortress, this is a must see in Cartagena. Absolutely stoning 1600s historic site from which you can see beautiful sunsets in Cartagena. 100% worth seeing ! If you go with toddlers, watch for the elevations - don’t let them climb on the walls.
Written 3 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it possible to do the course in English?
Ira S
Tucson, AZ880 contributions
When we were there, there were no guides. You walked around on your on. There are signs, and I do not remember if they were in English as well as Spanish. it might be a good idea to get what information you can on line before going.
Travelosivi
Panama City, Panama440 contributions
Is this place stroller friendly? Traveling with a baby. Also, if I want a guide, do I find one there or have to book one in advance? Thanks!
Lynda H
Davie, FL159 contributions
Yes its relatively stroller friendly. There is only a small portion of stairs. Its mainly all ramps. You can book a tour if you would like but if you decide to go by yourself there a plenty of people at the site that can be your guide.
martin r
Cartagena District, Colombia
cuanto es el precio actual por persona
fiorella3931
Bahia Blanca, Argentina39 contributions
hola!
el valor era de 25.000 colombianos,si mal no recuerdo,7 dolares aproximadamente por persona o en mi caso que eramos Argentinas 980 pesos.
espero haberte ayudado!
abrazo
va a estar abierto mañana 1 de enero 2020?
Galo E
Puerto Lopez, Ecuador31 contributions
No sabria responderle pero es muy provable que si ya que es sitio turistico
Parallel 40
New York City, NY493 contributions
Arriving by cruise. We have eight hours in Cartagena. If we are hiring a private guide, (very pricey) does San Felipe, recommended by friends, take too long out of the four hours we'd book? Seems the climb alone takes a while.Any idea how long?
Thank you
Maya
Norfolk, UK426 contributions
The climb is easy, only takes a few minutes. Great views from the top and fun to go in the myriad of tunnels, but don’t need to explore all, just go in to get an idea. Worth including in your 4 hr tour, the rest of time just walking around to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the beautiful buildings.
Have fun!
Jaaaz_04
Buenos Aires, Argentina26 contributions
Hola, en 2hs es posible recorrer todo el castillo ? La entrada tiene algun costo ?
Richarias
Province of San Luis, Argentina235 contributions
Dos horas alcanzan, todo depende de lo que te interese, por ejemplo yo soy apasionado de las fotos y dos horas me alcanzaron para hacer fotos y recorrer el castillo. No recuerdo el valor, pero si hay que pagar una entrada por persona.
Gabriela G
Buenos Aires, Argentina40 contributions
Alguien recuerda el horario de la visita guiada al Castillo? En febrero también es caluroso para visitar los túneles? Gracias por la ayuda!
J0seR2013
Oviedo, Spain2,176 contributions
Febrero también es caluroso allí!!
No recuerdo los horarios, pero son fáciles de encontrar en internet...
Desde que edad piden documentos de niños
FloridaMarvin
florida142 contributions
No tengo ningun idea, Voyager, pero no creo que piden documentos de ninos. Pero... llegar al cima es bastante dificile y hace mucho calor.
Cristina
Torrebelvicino, Italy19 contributions
How many time do we need for the visit?
gabriele1968
Milan, Italy873 contributions
Ciao dipende quanto tempo ti vuoi fermare, il castello non è enorme, ti direi da 1 ora a 2 ore, sicuramente se riesci andare per il tramonto è il momento più bello perché vedi il sole che scompare nel mare.
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Claim your listingCASTILLO DE SAN FELIPE DE BARAJAS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas:
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Great Battle: Fort of San Felipe (From RM 32.93)
- Shared Cartagena City Tour (From RM 207.28)
- Private City Tour of Cartagena (From RM 635.97)
- Cartagena 2 hr Bicycle Tour (From RM 527.76)
- Half-Day Tour of Cartagena by Air-Conditioned Vehicles (From RM 259.10)
- Hotels near Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas:
- (0.17 km) San Lazaro Art Hotel
- (0.18 km) Hostal Casa de Barajas
- (0.18 km) Lenora
- (0.19 km) San Felicin Hostel
- (0.19 km) Hotel Casa Salome
- Restaurants near Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas:
- (0.05 km) 7Cocos
- (0.18 km) Henrys - Rooftop San Felipe
- (0.13 km) La Colonia Drink & Foods
- (0.11 km) Patacon Con Todo
- (0.12 km) Mirador del Caraj0
- Attractions near Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas:
- (0.15 km) Baila Bolera
- (0.10 km) Centro Comercial Portal de San Felipe
- (0.13 km) Galeria y esmeraldas el castillo
- (0.20 km) Monumento a los Zapatos Viejos
- (0.28 km) Oceanario