Things To Do
in Arjona
Arjona is a small historic town in the Bolívar department of Colombia, set in the Caribbean lowlands with a relaxed, small-town atmosphere. Its compact plaza, colonial-era church and colorful houses reflect traditional costeño culture and community life. Surrounded by agricultural land and near the foothills of the Montes de María, Arjona offers easy access to rural landscapes, riverine scenery and nearby coastal destinations.
Visitors will find simple hospitality, flavorful Caribbean-influenced food and a base for short day trips toward Cartagena and regional natural areas.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Arjona and check into your local accommodations, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this charming town. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local eatery while interacting with friendly locals and sampling traditional Colombian fare. Spend some time exploring the nearby streets filled with colorful murals and historical buildings.
Visit the historical Plaza de Armas, where you can admire the colonial architecture and visit the nearby church, Iglesia San Francisco. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant serving fresh seafood dishes that highlight the region's culinary offerings. Take a stroll through the town markets, where artisans display their crafts and handmade goods.
As the sun sets, unwind at a cozy café with a view of the square, sipping on fresh coffee or a refreshing limonada. Engage in conversations with locals or fellow travelers to learn more about the culture and history of Arjona. End the night with a leisurely walk, taking in the twinkling lights illuminating the town.
Start your day with a visit to the local museum to delve into the rich history of Arjona and its significance within the region. Join a guided tour if available to enhance your understanding of the various artifacts on display. Enjoy breakfast at a nearby café, sampling delicious arepas and café con leche.
Head to the local artisan workshops where you can see craftsmen at work and even participate in hands-on demonstrations. Have lunch at a friendly chibchombia that offers a taste of the region's traditional recipes. Spend the afternoon visiting a nearby botanical garden that showcases the unique flora of Colombia.
In the evening, dine at a local restaurant known for its fusion of traditional and contemporary Colombian dishes. Attend a cultural performance if available, featuring traditional dance and music that reflects the local heritage. Stroll through the nightlife scene, exploring shops and cafés that are open late into the night.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee (local café) | $0.80-2 |
| 🚌Local bus ride | $0.30-1 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-6 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel (per night) | $15-35 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic small-town Caribbean culture and food
- Compact, walkable center with friendly locals
- Good base for rural and riverine day trips
- Lower costs than nearby tourist centers like Cartagena
- Limited nightlife and fewer tourist services
- Few medical facilities and limited card acceptance
- Rural roads can be muddy in the rainy season
- Language barrier for non-Spanish speakers
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The bill, please
- "¿Dónde está la plaza/iglesia?" - Where is the plaza/church?
- "Muchas gracias" - Thank you very much
- "¿Me puede ayudar?" - Can you help me?
- "Soy vegetariano/a" - I am vegetarian
Places to Visit in Arjona
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic shots of town life, colonial facades, church architecture and morning bustle around the plaza.
Narrow streets with painted houses, laundry lines and local vendors create strong everyday portraits and street scenes.
Sunrise and sunset photos over the water, fishermen, reflections and riverine vegetation.
Panoramic views, farmland mosaics and opportunities for landscape shots of rolling hills and distant horizons.
Colorful fruit displays, vendors, and candid scenes of food preparation perfect for documentary-style photography.
Food in Arjona
Arjona Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Coconut rice paired with freshly fried fish — a regional classic commonly found in local fondas and restaurants near waterways.
Must-Try!
Twice-fried green plantain disks served with hogao, cheese or as a side, available at street carts and eateries throughout town.
A rich, brothy stew made with root vegetables, corn and meat or fish — comforting and widely served at lunchtime in local restaurants.
A popular Caribbean snack: a deep-fried corn cake filled with an egg — sold by street vendors and casual eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The central market is where locals buy produce, fruit, fresh fish and snacks; try seasonal tropical fruits, freshly squeezed juices and quick fritos from vendors.
Evenings and lunchtimes bring street stalls serving arepas, empanadas, patacones and corrientazos — ideal to sample inexpensive, authentic flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A warm greeting with a handshake or brief cheek kiss (among acquaintances) is common. Use polite forms such as 'buenos días' and the formal 'usted' with older people.
Churches and religious events are important; dress modestly for services and avoid loud behavior at religious sites.
Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially in markets or private settings; a quick '¿Puedo tomar una foto?' shows respect.
Locals are often friendly and welcoming; reciprocate politeness and accept small invitations or offers with appreciation.
Safety
Tipping in Arjona
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Arjona. For restaurants that provide table service, leaving 5–10% is a common courtesy; small tips for taxi drivers, porters or helpful guides are welcome. Street-food vendors and small cafés generally do not expect tips.
Cash (Colombian pesos) is the most widely accepted form of payment in town. Credit/debit card acceptance exists at some restaurants or hotels but is limited; ATMs are available but may be few — plan ahead and carry enough cash for markets and transport.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect hot, sunny days with lower rainfall — ideal for outdoor walks and photography. Midday heat can be strong, so plan activities for morning or late afternoon and stay hydrated.
Short, sometimes heavy showers are common and can make some rural roads muddy; bring rain gear and allow extra travel time for day trips. Mosquito activity increases after rains.
Periods between wetter and drier months can be humid with variable weather — check local forecasts and be flexible with outdoor plans.
Arjona at Night
Hiking in Arjona
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible hikes in the lower slopes of the Montes de María offer rural scenery, birdwatching and panoramic views; guided local walks provide context on flora, fauna and history.
Flat, scenic paths along the river are ideal for gentle hikes, photography and seeing local fishing and agriculture up close.
Unpaved tracks through agricultural areas allow exploration of local farming life and seasonal landscapes — wear sturdy shoes and check conditions during rainy periods.
Airports
How to reach Arjona by plane.
The closest major airport, offering domestic and international flights. Cartagena is about 40–60 minutes by road (depending on traffic) and is the primary gateway for travelers to Arjona.
A second regional option located northeast along the coast; travel time to Arjona is longer (around 1.5–2.5 hours by car) but can be useful for connections from northern Colombia.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents identify as mestizo, reflecting a blend of Indigenous and European ancestry common across much of Colombia.
The Caribbean region has a significant Afro-Colombian presence, contributing strongly to local music, cuisine and cultural traditions.
Many inhabitants are engaged in small-scale agriculture, fishing and commerce, and family ties and church activities shape community rhythms.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the dominant sport — local pickup games in open fields and organized youth leagues are common and a big part of community life.
Local festivals feature folkloric music, dancing and sometimes rodeo-style events or coastal traditions; these are cultural highlights during festival dates.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Arjona.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited; request vegetable-based corrientazos, sides like plantains, rice and salads, and seek out markets for fresh fruit. Communicate clearly ("Soy vegetariano/a") and be prepared to adapt dishes (ask to omit fish or meat).
Vegan and strict gluten-free options require planning — many traditional dishes use animal products or wheat in snacks. Stock up on fruits, rice-based dishes and enjoy patacones (confirm frying oil) and ask cooks about ingredients.
Cross-contamination is common in home-style kitchens and street stalls; carry any necessary medication and explain allergies in Spanish (e.g., "Tengo alergia a los mariscos").