Cartagena is a beach-and-history city, not a coffee-growing town — but it’s still one of the best places to dive into Colombian coffee culture. Beans from every growing region in the country end up here. This guide covers how to enjoy coffee in Cartagena, from a 30-second street tinto to a proper tasting.
Start with a tinto
Walk the Old Town in the morning and you’ll hear vendors calling out “¡Tinto!” as they push carts or carry thermoses. A tinto is a small, sweet black coffee served in a tiny cup. It’s cheap, quick and an essential part of daily life in Colombia. Have at least one.
Know your Colombian coffee regions
Understanding where coffee comes from makes every cup more interesting:
- Eje Cafetero (the Coffee Axis): the famous highlands of Caldas, Quindío and Risaralda — balanced, classic Colombian cups.
- Huila: known for bright, fruity, complex coffees that often win competitions.
- Nariño and Cauca: high-altitude coffees with vibrant acidity.
- Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta: grown on the Caribbean coast, not far from Cartagena — often chocolatey and smooth.
Visit specialty cafés
The Old Town and Getsemaní have a growing number of specialty coffee shops serving single-origin beans brewed as pour-over, Chemex, AeroPress or espresso. Ask the barista where the beans are from and how they were processed — washed, natural or honey — and taste the difference.
Book a guided coffee tasting
If you want to really understand Colombian coffee, a guided tasting is the way to do it. You’ll learn how coffee goes from cherry to cup, compare different origins and roasts, and pick up brewing tips to take home. It’s also a perfect plan for a hot afternoon or a rainy day.
Our pick: the coffee tasting experience at Café 472.
Bringing coffee home
- Buy whole beans from specialty shops and check the roast date.
- Look for the region and producer on the bag — traceable coffee is usually better coffee.
- Pack beans in your checked luggage or a sealed bag to keep them fresh.
Pair it with sweets
A coffee goes perfectly with something from the Portal de los Dulces — try a coconut cocada. Hungry for more? Read our guide to what to eat in Cartagena, and explore our top things to do in Cartagena.