Introduction: When El Cabrero Dressed in Colors
If you walk through El Cabrero on a Saturday at 10 in the morning, when the sun hasn't yet become intense and the neighbors are sweeping their doorways, you'll come across something you didn't expect. It's not just a residential neighborhood of low houses with balconies and grilles. It's an open-air gallery that grew without anyone's permission, first with rebellious brushstrokes and then with the brushes of local artists who decided that the walls of this neighborhood had something to say.
El Cabrero, that corner of Cartagena between the walled city and the sea, was always known for its middle-class buildings, its neighborhood stores, and the baseball stadium. But about five years ago, something changed. A group of graffiti artists, led by the artist known as Kike, began painting abandoned facades, the walls of old warehouses, and corners that were an eyesore. Today, in June 2026, the graffiti and mural route of El Cabrero is one of the city's best-kept secrets, far from the selfies of the Historic Center and the sunset photos on the walls.
📌 Transparency
This article contains sponsored/affiliate links. We may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
This article is so that you, who are looking for the Cartagena that doesn't appear on postcards, can arm yourself with your camera, sunscreen, and a lot of willingness to walk. I'm going to tell you which murals are unmissable, how to get there without getting lost, where to stop for a bite to eat, and how not to die from the heat in the process.
What to Do: The Route of the 8 Key Murals
I put this route together by walking the neighborhood several times, talking to neighbors, and with Kike himself, who gave me the tips. It's eight stops that will take you between two and three hours, depending on how long you stop to take photos. It starts at Calle 35 with Carrera 4, right where the neighborhood begins, and ends at Parque de El Cabrero, next to the sea.
1. The Welcome Mural: "La Sirena del Cabrero"
At the corner of Calle 35 and Carrera 4, on an exposed brick wall, you'll find a mermaid almost four meters tall who is not the typical blonde from fairy tales. This mermaid has black braids, coral earrings, and a gaze that follows you. It was painted by Kike in 2023, and the neighbors say it's a tribute to the women of the neighborhood who work in the market. It's the ideal starting point because it's easy to find and has good light in the morning.
Fun fact: Kike told me he used acrylic paint mixed with lime so it can withstand the sun and sea salt. "Here, rust eats everything except art," he told me laughing.
2. The Tribute to the Women of the Neighborhood
Heading up Carrera 4, half a block away, you come across a mural that covers an entire two-story facade. It shows three elderly women sitting on a sidewalk, with their printed dresses and a pot of sancocho next to them. It was painted by the collective Pinceladas Femeninas, a group of local artists who work with gender themes. Each woman represents a generation: the grandmother, the mother, and the granddaughter. The neighbors bring them dried flowers on weekends.
If you go on a Sunday, you might sometimes find one of the original models, Doña Rita, who lives next door and comes out to sweep the sidewalk while telling you what it was like to pose for the mural.
3. "El Gato Eléctrico" by Kike
On Calle 37, between Carreras 5 and 6, there is a giant cat that looks like it came out of a psychedelic dream. It has neon eyes, whiskers that are electrical cables, and a colorful background that changes depending on the time of day. This is the most Instagrammable mural on the route. Kike painted it in 2024, and says he was inspired by the stray cats that climb the light poles in the neighborhood.
Best time for the photo: Between 9 and 11 in the morning, when the sun hits directly and there are no shadows from the trees. After 2 PM, the branches of a mango tree cover part of the mural.
4. The Mural of the Forgotten Corner: "La Ventana al Mar"
At the intersection of Carrera 6 and Calle 38, there is a wall that used to be a garbage dump. Today it is a painted window that opens onto an ocean of deep blues, with dolphins and sailboats. It was made by the artist Carlos "Caco" Mendoza, who lives two blocks away. The idea was for people to stand in front of the wall and feel like they were really seeing the sea. And it works: many tourists stand mesmerized looking at the painting.
It's a good spot to rest, because there is a store on the corner where they sell coconut water for 4,000 COP.
5. "La Resistencia" on the School Facade
Colegio El Cabrero, on Calle 39, has a mural that covers the entire main facade. It was painted by students and guest artists in 2025, and is a tribute to Afro-Colombian culture. There are drums, masks, a woman with a turban, and children playing. It is the largest mural in the neighborhood, about 15 meters long. The teachers sometimes let visitors enter the courtyard to see it in full, but only if they ask at the reception.
6. The Memory Mural: "Los desaparecidos"
On Carrera 7 with Calle 40, a more serious mural. They are black and white portraits of people who disappeared during the armed conflict in Cartagena and its surroundings. It was painted by the collective Memoria Viva in 2022. It's not a cheerful mural, but it is important. The neighbors take care of it, and every April 9th they place candles on it. If you are sensitive to the topic, approach it with respect. It's not for selfies, but to stop and read the names written below.
7. "El Jardín Secreto" in the Alley
Between Carrera 8 and 9, there is an alley that looks like a trap, but if you go in, you'll find a mural that is a tropical garden: hibiscus flowers, heliconias, butterflies, and a hummingbird. It was painted by the artist Luisa Fernanda Rojas, who is a biologist by profession. She used ecological paint based on clay. It's a perfect spot for profile pictures, because the alley has little light and creates a dramatic effect.
8. The Finale at Parque de El Cabrero
The route ends at the main park, facing the sea. Here there is not a single mural, but a set of mosaics on the floor and on the benches, made by neighborhood children in community workshops. There is also a small mural by Kike on the guard's booth, with a message that says: "Art belongs to everyone." It is the ideal place to sit, watch the sunset, and review the day's photos.
Where to Eat or Drink on the Route
After walking, hunger strikes. El Cabrero is not the Zona Rosa, but it has authentic and cheap options.
Restaurante "El Sabor del Cabrero"
At Calle 36 # 4-12. It's a family-run eatery open Monday to Saturday, 11 AM to 7 PM. The daily menu costs 12,000 COP and includes soup, a main course (rice, meat, patacón, and salad), and natural juice. The fried fish on Fridays is a must. Doña Marta, the owner, will ask you if you've seen the mermaid mural yet. Yes, she is the one in the photo of the women's mural.
Arepa Stand "La Esquina del Gato"
At Carrera 5 with Calle 37, right next to the electric cat mural. It's a cart that sells arepas de huevo, arepas with cheese, and empanadas starting at 3,000 COP each. It's open from 7 AM to 1 PM, so it's perfect for breakfast before starting the route. The owner, Don José, is the one who takes care of the mural and will tell you how Kike convinced him to let them paint his wall.
Café "El Mural"
At Calle 38 # 6-20. It's a small café that opened a year ago, with tables on the sidewalk and walls full of photos of the neighborhood's murals. They sell Colombian coffee (4,000 COP), coconut lemonade (6,000 COP), and homemade desserts like arroz con leche (5,000 COP). The owner, Andrés, is a friend of Kike and sometimes organizes talks about urban art on Saturday afternoons.
How to Get There and Transportation
El Cabrero is a 15-minute walk from the Historic Center. If you are at the Torre del Reloj, you just have to go out through the Puerta del Reloj, cross Avenida Santander, and continue straight along Calle 35. In 20 minutes you'll be at the first mural.
If you are coming from Bocagrande or Castillogrande, take a bus that says "El Cabrero" or "Manga." It drops you off on Avenida Santander, two blocks from the neighborhood. The fare is 2,500 COP. You can also take a taxi or Uber, which will drop you off at the entrance of the neighborhood for about 8,000 COP from the Center.
By car: I don't recommend driving inside the neighborhood. The streets are narrow and there is little parking. Better to leave the car in the parking lot at Parque de El Cabrero (5,000 COP per hour) and walk.
Local Tips So You Don't Get a Cramp
- Ideal time: Start at 8 AM. The sun in Cartagena is unforgiving after 11 AM. At 8 AM the light is soft, there are fewer people, and you can take photos without annoying shadows.
- Sun protection: SPF 50 sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. El Cabrero has few shadows, and the sun is strong even in June.
- Water: Bring a bottle of water. There are stores along the way, but not all accept cards. Bring cash, small bills of 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 COP.
- Footwear: Sneakers or closed sandals. The streets have potholes and sometimes broken glass. Don't go in flip-flops, you'll hurt yourself.
- Respect: Don't touch the murals. Some have fresh paint or are fragile. And if you see a neighbor, say hello. The people of El Cabrero are friendly, but they appreciate that you don't come to invade their space.
- Language: Most neighbors only speak Spanish. If you don't know, use Google Translate or gestures. But try to say "thank you" and "good morning," it always opens doors.
Spray Paint Workshop: Is There a Date Available?
Kike and his collective Arte en las Calles organize graffiti workshops once a month, almost always on the first Saturday. In June 2026, the workshop is scheduled for Saturday the 13th, from 9 AM to 1 PM, at Parque de El Cabrero. It costs 40,000 COP per person and includes materials: one spray can, gloves, and a mask. You learn basic techniques, from tracing to shading, and at the end you paint a small mural on a board that you take home.
To reserve, you have to write to Kike's Instagram (@kike_graffiti_cartagena) or ask at Café El Mural. Spots are limited, maximum 15 people. If there is no spot, there is a waiting list and they will notify you for the next month.
Alternative: If you can't make the date, you can buy a spray can at the stationery store on Calle 37 # 5-30 (12,000 COP) and practice on a wall that Kike designates as a "free wall" at the back of the park. But careful: only on that wall, or the neighbors will kick you out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to walk through El Cabrero alone or with a camera?
Yes, it is safe during the day. El Cabrero is a quiet residential neighborhood, with families and shops. However, as in any place in Cartagena, don't walk around with your camera hanging around your neck at 6 PM. Keep your things in a backpack and don't go into dark alleys. If you go in a group, it's better. The police do rounds, but it's not constant.
Are there public restrooms on the route?
There are no public restrooms in the neighborhood. Restaurants and cafés have restrooms only for customers. If you buy something at El Sabor del Cabrero or Café El Mural, they will let you use the restroom without a problem. There is also a portable toilet at Parque de El Cabrero, but it's not always clean. Bring toilet paper just in case.
Do the murals change over time?
Yes, some are erased or painted over. Urban art is ephemeral. The "Los desaparecidos" mural was retouched in 2025 because it was fading from the rain. Kike's electric cat mural is maintained because he gives it a coat of varnish every six months. If you want to see them in their best condition, come soon. As of June 2026, they are all in good condition, but I can't guarantee they will be the same in a year.
Can I take photos for commercial use?
If you are a professional photographer or influencer and want to use the photos to promote a product, it's best to ask permission from the artists. Kike and the collectives usually charge a symbolic fee (from 50,000 COP) for commercial use. If it's just for your personal Instagram, there's no problem, but tag the artists if you know their accounts. It's good karma and gives them visibility.
Are there guided tours of the route?
Yes, there are informal tours. Sometimes Café El Mural organizes guided walks on Saturdays at 9 AM, for 20,000 COP per person, which include a coffee and a chat with a local artist. There isn't a fixed tour every day, so ask at the café or on Kike's Instagram. If you are a group of more than 5 people, you can arrange a private tour with Kike for 150,000 COP.