Cartagena Among the World’s Top 20 Destinations, According to an Influential Travel Guide
Cartagena remains one of the most important cities in Colombia because of what it represents for the country’s international image and its thriving tourism industry. The charm of its history continues to capture the attention of specialists and ordinary people alike.
This time, it was the prestigious travel guide publisher and platform Lonely Planet, one of the largest in the world, that placed the pearl of the Colombian Caribbean among the 25 best destinations to visit in 2026. Cartagena ranked number 20 in the selection, which includes different destinations around the planet.
Colonial charm that coexists with Afro-Colombian heritage
One of the things that most caught Lonely Planet’s attention about Cartagena was the mixture of history, culture and Caribbean atmosphere that characterizes the capital of the department of Bolivar. It is not the first time that these very particular conditions have been highlighted by specialized websites and media outlets.
The historic center of the ‘Walled City of Cartagena de Indias’, as the ‘Corralito de piedra’ is also known, according to Lonely Planet, preserves a colonial charm that coexists with Afro-Colombian heritage, colorful markets and a cultural scene that remains active throughout the year.
The Getsemani neighborhood, famous for its atmosphere, music, art and flavor, is one of the places that Lonely Planet highlights as a reference. It is a picturesque place that offers gastronomy, bars and handicrafts.
But that is not all. They also highlight sites such as the Clock Tower, Plaza de los Coches, Plaza de la Aduana and Plaza de Bolivar, as well as the Palace of the Inquisition. Likewise, the Church and Sanctuary of San Pedro Claver, the walls and bastions. In addition, monuments and viewpoints such as the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas and La Popa hill.
For all these reasons, Cartagena ranked among other destinations in the world such as Utrecht, in the Netherlands, which ranked 19th, and Finland, which appeared at number 21. Ahead of Cartagena were places such as Peru, Jeju-do (in South Korea), Cadiz, Sardinia, Barbados, Mexico City, and Phuket, among others.
Some of the other recommended places
Botswana appeared in first place on the list, recommended for its natural landscapes and wildlife experiences in places such as the Okavango Delta and the Linyanti Reserve. Peru came second, while Jeju-do took third place.
In total, Lonely Planet presented 50 recommendations for 2026: 25 destinations and 25 experiences, among which different activities stand out, such as hiking and wild camping in Tajikistan, traveling along the Mekong River, searching for jaguars in the Iberá wetlands or attending a Premier League match in England.
Lonely Planet was founded in 1973 by Tony and Maureen Wheeler, and rose to fame for its iconic books aimed at backpackers and budget travelers, earning the nickname the traveler’s “blue bible.”
Today, it is a complete digital platform that includes mobile applications with an official app (Lonely Planet: Plan + Travel) that integrates interactive itineraries, maps and real-time recommendations based on artificial intelligence.
It also publishes books, annual guides and detailed manuals (such as its famous annual list of “Best Destinations”), for which it employs hundreds of writers and content creators (the Lonely Planet Correspondent Network) who visit places to offer real and local advice on where to eat, sleep and what to visit.