Information
Landmark: Cerro de la PopaCity: Cartagena
Country: Colombia
Continent: South America
Cerro de la Popa, Cartagena, Colombia, South America
Overview
Cerro de la Popa rises 150 meters above the sea, the highest hill in Cartagena, and from its summit you can see the city sprawled out like a patchwork of terracotta roofs and sparkling blue water.From its heights, you can take in sweeping views of the city, the glittering Caribbean Sea, and the lush green fringe of mangroves.At the summit, visitors reach the Convento de la Popa, a 17th-century monastery whose white walls and sweeping views make it one of Cartagena’s most treasured historic and religious landmarks.So, why make the trip up to Cerro de la Popa, where the breeze carries the scent of blooming bougainvillea?✔ Best View of Cartagena – Enjoy a 360-degree view of the Old City, Bocagrande, and the coastline .✔ Rich History & Culture – Visit the Convento de la Popa , built in 1607 by the Augustinian monks .✔ Stunning Colonial Architecture – The convent features a beautiful courtyard, religious art, and historical artifacts .✔ Great Photo Opportunity – One of the most Instagrammable spots in Cartagena.✔ Sacred & Spiritual Atmosphere – The site is home to the famous image of the Virgin of La Candelaria , the patron saint of Cartagena .✔ Best View of Cartagena – Take in a sweeping 360° panorama of the Old City’s tiled rooftops, Bocagrande’s skyline, and the shimmering curve of the coastline.Step into Cartagena’s past at the Convento de la Popa, a hilltop monastery the Augustinian monks built in 1607, its stone walls still echoing with centuries of history.The convent’s graceful Colonial architecture surrounds a sunlit courtyard, where colorful tiles echo underfoot, and its rooms display religious art alongside centuries-old artifacts.✔ Perfect spot for a photo-probably one of Cartagena’s most Instagram-worthy views, with sunlit balconies spilling over with bright bougainvillea.The place feels steeped in reverence, home to the renowned image of the Virgin of La Candelaria, Cartagena’s beloved patron saint, her gaze calm beneath a crown of gold.Here’s how to reach Cerro de la Popa-start at the old city walls and follow the winding road uphill.By taxi-the easiest choice-you can get from the Walled City or Bocagrande in about 15 to 20 minutes, just enough time to watch the streets blur past in the warm air.Set the round-trip fare before you go-once you’re at the top, no taxis linger in the thin mountain air.Number two.Whether you hop on a tour bus or book a private guide, most city tours swing by Cerro de la Popa and the sturdy stone walls of Castillo San Felipe.On a private tour, you’ll usually have a guide, a ride from place to place, and stories that bring the past to life-like the scent of old wood in a centuries‑old chapel.Number three sat there, plain and sharp, like a black mark on white paper.Walking or hiking isn’t advised-the road climbs 1.5 km uphill, curving sharply like a coiled ribbon.It’s not a safe place for pedestrians-cars fly past just inches from the curb-so it’s best not to walk there.Cerro de la Popa stands out for its sweeping city views and the scent of fresh mountain air.Convento de la Popa, built in 1607, has stood for over four centuries, its weathered stone walls marking it as one of Cartagena’s oldest Augustinian monasteries.It has a quiet courtyard where the air smells faintly of jasmine, with solemn religious statues and graceful colonial-style buildings surrounding it.At the main altar stands the image of the Virgin of La Candelaria, Cartagena’s patron saint, her gold-trimmed robe catching the light.✔ Negotiate Taxi Fares – Set a round-trip price with your driver in advance.✔ Bring Water & Sunscreen – It gets very hot , especially midday.✔ Beware of Street Vendors – Some may be pushy, so be firm if not interested.✔ Go with a Guide – Adds historical context and security to your visit.Number two stood there in bold print, sharp as black ink on fresh paper.From the hilltop terrace, the city stretches out in every direction-the cobbled streets of the Walled City, Bocagrande’s glittering towers, the stone ramparts of Castillo San Felipe, and beyond them, the deep blue Caribbean and the busy port.Every year on February 2, thousands of pilgrims arrive for the Festival of La Candelaria, filling the air with music, incense, and the hum of prayer.
