Mompox is a destination in the Colombian Caribbean with a rich historical, cultural, and natural heritage. In this travel guide, we’ll tell you how to get there from Cartagena de Indias, highlight must-do activities, and share some useful tips for your visit.
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Where is Mompox and How to Get There
Mompox, also known as Santa Cruz de Mompox or simply Mompós, is a town in the Bolívar Department in northern Colombia. Located between two branches of the Magdalena River, it is about a 5-hour drive from Cartagena de Indias.
To get to Mompox from Cartagena or other coastal cities like Santa Marta or Barranquilla, you can take a direct bus to Santa Cruz de Mompox. The journey takes between 5 and 8 hours, depending on your departure point.
If you’re traveling from Bogotá or Medellín, the best option is to fly to Cartagena and continue by land. The road is in good condition, and there’s no need to cross the Magdalena River by ferry. It’s worth mentioning that Mompox has an airport, but it usually only operates during Holy Week.
If you’re traveling in a group and don’t have a car, renting one is a great idea, as it allows you to travel at your own pace without relying on public transportation schedules. Plus, when splitting the cost among everyone, it could be more affordable than other transportation options. It’s also a much more comfortable choice if you’re traveling with children.
Find the Best Car Rental Deals Here
Here you can buy bus tickets to Mompox from Cartagena
How to find last-minute cheap flights? Booking your tickets in advance is ideal, but we know that’s not always possible. If you’re looking for great fares and want to save money, Skyscanner is an excellent option.
This platform compares flights from multiple airlines to show you the best available fares. Just click here, enter your departure city, destination, and travel dates. In seconds, you’ll see a list of the cheapest options, which you can filter by price, schedule, and layovers.
Is it safe to buy flights on Skyscanner? Yes, but with caution. Skyscanner does not sell tickets directly; instead, it redirects you to airlines and travel agencies. For added security, we recommend purchasing your tickets through the link that takes you directly to the airline’s official website.
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What to Do in Mompox, Bolívar:
1. Explore the Historic Center of Santa Cruz de Mompox
One of the best things to do in Mompox is to walk through the cobblestone streets of its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fascinating stroll will take you along the Albarrada del Río Magdalena, where you can admire colonial architecture in its beautiful churches and grand 18th-century houses.
Must-visit landmarks in Mompox include its temples, such as Santa Bárbara Church, the Immaculate Conception Church, and San Francisco Church. Also, don’t miss the Cemetery, the Cultural House, and the Market Square.
To fully enjoy Mompox, we recommend dedicating an entire morning to exploring the historic center. Keep in mind that Holy Week and the Jazz Festival, usually held in October, are the town’s most special events, so booking your accommodation in advance is essential.
Recommended Accommodations in the Historic Center: La Casa Amarilla, Portal de la Marquesa, Bioma Boutique Hotel, La Gloria Hotel, Hotel San Rafael, Portales de Santa Bárbara.
Book Your Guided Tour of the Historic Center Here
Tips for finding good, beautiful, and budget-friendly accommodation: The best way to get the best price on lodging is to book in advance. If you wait until the last minute, the most affordable and top-rated options may already be sold out, leaving you with fewer choices.
Our favorite platform for finding the best deals is Booking.com. Click here to save up to 15% or more on your stay. In many cases, you can book without a credit card, pay at the property, and cancel without penalty.
Additionally, if you book frequently, you’ll get exclusive discounts, free breakfasts, and room upgrades at no extra cost, helping you save even more on your trip.
Book your stay today with 15% off or more! Click here!
2. Enjoy the Gastronomy and Discover Momposina Filigree
Mompox is internationally recognized for its mastery of filigree, an ancestral jewelry technique that involves manipulating fine gold or silver threads, rolling and intertwining them to create stunning designs in rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
On the other hand, Mompox’s gastronomy is a true festival of flavors and colors that reflects its history and culture. When visiting this charming Heritage Town of Colombia, you must try traditional delights such as queso de capa, corozo wine, Momposino chorizo, and of course, fried mojarra.
If you’re wondering what to do in Mompox, two must-have experiences are participating in a Momposina filigree workshop at a local jewelry shop and visiting one of its restaurants to taste a typical dish. You can also book this workshop, an experience we personally loved.
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Tip: Save time and money by booking on platforms like GuruWalk, Civitatis, or Denomades. We recommend these sites because, in addition to being secure, they allow you to compare prices, read reviews from other travelers, learn about the itineraries in detail, and know exactly what each tour includes.
GuruWalk: Exclusively for free walking tours worldwide. Civitatis: Offers a wide variety of tours, guided visits, and excursions in hundreds of destinations. Denomades: Specializes in nature and adventure activities in Latin America.
On these platforms, you can book at very competitive prices, sometimes even better than at the destination! Plus, they offer a great variety of payment methods and, in many cases, have flexible cancellation policies that allow you to get a refund up to 24 hours before the activity starts.
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Check out available activities on Civitatis
Book the best tours in Latin America on Denomades
3. Spot Hundreds of Birds in the Ciénaga de Pijiño
The Ciénaga de Pijiño is located to the right of the Magdalena River branch that borders Mompox’s historic center, marking the division between the Bolívar and Magdalena departments. This floodplain ecosystem, located in the Momposina Depression, is an ideal destination for birdwatching.
One of the best things to do in Mompox is to take a boat tour through the Ciénaga de Pijiño, where you can see a great diversity of flora and fauna. During the ride, you’ll be able to spot herons, monkeys, and caimans. Additionally, you can observe traditional fishing techniques and enjoy a refreshing swim in its waters.
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Bonus: Watch the Sunset Over the Magdalena River
One of the must-do tours in Mompox is the wooden raft ride to watch the sunset over the Magdalena River. This activity, which usually lasts about 2.5 hours, allows you to sail along Colombia’s most important river and admire the historic center from a unique perspective.
During the ride, you will also hear stories from the Indigenous, Colonial, and Republican periods. As the sun sets and the buildings begin to light up, you’ll feel like you’re part of a magical realism scene.
If you love museums, don’t miss visiting the Casa de la Cultura. Here, you can explore various rooms dedicated to pre-Hispanic heritage and the lives and works of historical figures who shaped Mompox’s history.
If you enjoyed this guide to Mompox, we invite you to discover other fascinating destinations. Explore our travel guides with recommendations on what to see, where to stay, and the best experiences in different corners of Colombia and the world:
Palomino: How to Get There, and What to Do
Things to Do in Medellin: Itinerary for 3, 4, and 5 Days
Things to Do in Mompox in 3 Days
In our opinion, three days are enough to explore the main tourist attractions of Santa Cruz de Mompox and appreciate the richness of this beautiful destination in the Colombian Caribbean. We suggest following this itinerary:
On the first day, stroll through the cobblestone streets of the historic center. Then, enjoy an unforgettable sunset over the Magdalena River and stay in one of the best hotels in Mompox, such as La Casa Amarilla, Portal La Marquesa, and Bioma Boutique Hotel.
On the second day, wake up early to explore the Ciénaga de Pijiño and then take part in a Momposino filigree workshop, one of the town’s most emblematic traditions. Finally, on the third day, visit the Casa de la Cultura and immerse yourself in the region’s history before saying goodbye to this magical destination.
Now That You Know Where Mompox Is
Keep in mind that the weather in Mompox is warm year-round, with high temperatures and more intense heat in the afternoons. We recommend wearing comfortable and fresh clothing, as well as bringing sunscreen, a hat, and mosquito repellent.
Respect Mompox’s natural and cultural heritage. Do not leave trash behind, and if you visit the Ciénaga de Pijiño, make sure to keep your distance and avoid disturbing the species that live there.
Although Mompox offers various accommodation options, from hotels to hostels and guesthouses, availability decreases quickly during peak season. Therefore, we suggest booking in advance.
Other Experiences You Might Be Interested In:
Recommended: Free Walking Tour of Cartagena de Indias - 1 Day
On this free walking tour of Cartagena, you’ll stroll through the streets of the historic center while uncovering the secrets of one of Colombia’s most charming cities. From the Walled City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to San Pedro Claver Square, you’ll discover the most fascinating places.
During this 2.5-hour tour, you’ll pass by the Clock Tower and Plaza de los Coches, and visit iconic sites such as the Heredia Theater, the Palace of the Inquisition, and the Cathedral of Saint Catherine of Alexandria.
Free tour available every day and based on tips!
See all available tours in Cartagena
Recommended Tour: Tayrona National Park Day Trip from Santa Marta
On this tour, you’ll explore Tayrona National Natural Park. You’ll visit the beaches in the El Zaino sector, such as Cañaveral, Arrecifes, Arenilla, and La Piscina, until you reach Cabo San Juan, one of the most stunning spots on the Colombian Caribbean coast.
When booking, you can choose between joining the tour by hiking along the park’s trails (a total of 4 hours: 2 hours each way) or taking a speedboat to enjoy more time on the beach and skip the hike.
Guaranteed departures every day from Santa Marta!
Click here to check the price and book your spot for Tayrona
You may also be interested in:
Recommended Tour: La Guajira, Cabo de la Vela, and Punta Gallinas - 3 days / 2 nights
On this tour, you will visit Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas, have time to swim at the beaches of Mayapo, Punta Arcoiris, and Pilón de Azúcar, explore the Taroa dunes desert, the lighthouses, and enjoy the viewpoints of Bahía Honda and Bahía Portete.
The trip starts in the city of Riohacha at 8 a.m. and the package includes transportation in a 4x4 vehicle, accommodation in a typical ranchería, full meals, activities, and travel insurance.
Trip available every day from Riohacha!
Price per person from: $929,000 COP
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