The mangrove tunnels of nearby La Boquilla are an easy day trip from Cartagena. Guided tours will often combine a visit to the beach (one of the Playas De La Boquilla) with a boat or canoe tour of the mangroves, passing through Cienaga de Juan Polo and the Cienaga de la Virgen lagoons. Some tours will also include a closer encounter with local fishermen and offer insight into their craft. La Boquilla is an area of contrasts: the district of upscale hotels — Morros — borders on humble neighbourhoods populated by workers. When sitting down to tuck into no-frills seafood dishes served up by local eateries, make sure you're clear about the price of each item ordered from the get-go, as there have been reports of "surprise" bills amounting to several hundred US dollars.

In the summer, the city is crammed with outdoor restaurants and cafés. On balmy evenings, this is the place to be. Get together with friends, have a drink or a bite to eat and enjoy the great atmosphere.

Ta'if, known as the 'City of Roses', has a long tradition of rose cultivation, and visitors can explore this heritage by visiting local rose processing facilities. The delicate roses from Ta'if are used to create perfumes, aromatic rose water, and other products.