Hidden Manga: The Murals of Calle 2
If you walk along Avenida Santander, in Manga, you'll most likely pass by without noticing the alley that opens between two old buildings, right where the traffic begins to calm down and the boardwalk peeks out in the background. That narrow passage, almost invisible to the tourist rushing to the historic center, is Calle 2. And on its walls, for about five years now, a street art gallery has been taking shape that doesn't appear in traditional guides. There are no signs, no ticket booth, no opening hours. Just bricks, cement, and spray paint. Here you'll find murals that tell stories of mangroves, fishermen, and neighborhood resistance. As of May 2026, this remains one of the best-kept secrets of residential Manga.
I grew up watching the old walls of this neighborhood fill up with political propaganda and meaningless scribbles. But in 2021, a group of local graffiti artists, tired of the historic center getting all the attention, started asking neighbors for permission to paint. Calle 2, which connects the avenue to the boardwalk, was ideal: little pedestrian traffic, good natural light at sunset, and a continuous wall almost 200 meters long. Today, that stretch has over 30 murals, some signed by artists who have exhibited in Bogotá and Medellín, and others by local kids who learned to paint by watching YouTube tutorials.
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What to do
First things first: take your time. This isn't a route to do in 15 minutes. Each mural has details that are lost if you rush. The idea is to walk slowly, from the entrance on Avenida Santander (near the bridge connecting to El Laguito) to the exit that leads to the boardwalk, right in front of the Bay of Cartagena.
- Look for the 'mangrove mermaid': It's the most famous mural in the alley. It's about 50 meters from the entrance, on the left side. A woman with a fish tail made of mangrove roots, surrounded by herons. Painted by Karen "La Mona" in 2022. If you find it, take a photo and upload it with the hashtag #MalokalyElManga.
- Identify the styles: There's a bit of everything. From classic graffiti letters (bombs and tags) to hyper-realistic portraits. Pay attention to the signatures: some artists leave their tag in a corner. Try to find the one by "Seku", a graffiti artist from Manga who has been painting since he was 14.
- Talk to the neighbors: If you see someone sweeping the entrance or sitting on a chair, say hello. Many of them were the ones who gave permission to paint and know the story behind each mural. Doña Carmen, who lives on the second floor of the white building, can tell you how she convinced the artists to paint a huge fish on her wall because "that's what she saw since she was a girl".
- Photos at sunset: The light comes in just between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. at this time of year. The long shadows make the colors pop. If you're photographers, bring a wide-angle lens to capture the depth of the alley.
- Explore the boardwalk at the end: When you finish the route, you come out directly onto the Manga boardwalk. There you can sit on the edge, watch the fishing boats, and have a fresh coconut water sold from a cart right next to it.
Where to eat or drink
Manga is not the Zona Rosa or the Historic Center. Here the food is neighborhood-style, but the good kind. After walking the murals, you'll need something cold or a bite to eat.
- La Esquina del Sabor: On Calle 2 with Carrera 19, half a block from the alley entrance. They sell beef and chicken empanadas (1,500 COP each) and natural mango or corozo juices (3,000 COP). Open Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Don't expect luxury, but the flavor is legit.
- Pescadería El Mangle: Right at the boardwalk exit. They have fish ceviche in a cup (12,000 COP) and rice with coconut. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ask for the "ceviche of the day", which sometimes has fresh shrimp.
- Paletería La 2: A cart that parks on the corner of Avenida Santander and Calle 2. They sell artisanal popsicles of lulo, passion fruit, and coconut (5,000 COP). Perfect for the heat after walking. It's there almost every day from 2 p.m. until the ice runs out.
If you want something more sit-down, you can walk two blocks up to Avenida Jiménez, where there are restaurants like El Corral de la 19 (burgers from 18,000 COP) or La Casa de la Arepa (stuffed arepas from 8,000 COP). But the charm of Calle 2 is staying close to the alley.
How to get there and transportation
Getting to Calle 2 in Manga is easy if you know where to look. Manga is connected to the Historic Center by the Puente Román, and to El Laguito by the Puente Las Palmas.
- On foot from the Historic Center: Leave from Plaza de la Aduana, cross Puente Román (it's about a 15-minute walk). Upon reaching the Manga roundabout, follow Avenida Santander south. Calle 2 is on the left, just after Clínica Manga. Ask for "the alley of the murals", which the locals already know.
- By bus: Take any bus that says "Manga" or "El Laguito" from the Center. The nearest stop is "Avenida Santander con Calle 3". Ask the driver to let you know. The fare is 2,300 COP.
- By taxi or Uber: Ask to be dropped off at "Calle 2, Manga, in front of Clínica Manga". From the Center, the trip costs between 8,000 and 12,000 COP. From Bocagrande, about 10,000 COP.
- By bicycle: There are several public bicycle stations (Shared Bicycle System) on Avenida Santander. The closest one is on Calle 5. It's a flat and safe route.
Fun fact: The alley has no official name on Google Maps. If you search for "Calle 2 Manga Cartagena", the pin falls on the avenue, not the passage. That's why many tourists don't find it. Use the coordinates: 10.4135, -75.5432. That puts you right at the entrance.
Local tips
Here are some tips that only a local would give you:
- Don't go alone at night: The alley doesn't have strong lighting. During the day it's safe and there's neighbor activity, but after 7 p.m. it gets dark and lonely. If you're photographers, go in a group or with someone who knows the area.
- Bring water and repellent: Manga is hot and humid. There are no stores inside the alley, so buy water beforehand. Mosquitoes come out strong at sunset, especially near the boardwalk.
- Respect the houses: Some murals are on the walls of private homes. Don't knock on doors or go into the yards. The neighbors are friendly, but they don't like having their siesta interrupted.
- Ask for the 'mangrove mermaid' mural: It's the most famous, but it's not signposted. Ask any neighbor: "Where is the mermaid?" and they'll point you to it. If you can't find it, follow the smell of fried fish from the corner; it's right next to it.
- Wear closed-toe shoes: The alley floor is uneven cement, with some cracks. Flip-flops can be a risk for your ankles.
- Ideal time: Between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. there are fewer people and the light is soft. Or between 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., when the sun hits from the side and the colors explode.
Frequently asked questions
Are the murals permanent or can they be erased?
Most are permanent because the neighbors have protected them. Some have been repainted by the same artists when they wear down from the sun or rain. However, there is no official guarantee. If a building is sold or remodeled, the mural could disappear. That's why we recommend visiting soon; as of May 2026, they are all still intact.
Can I paint a mural myself if I'm an artist?
Not without permission. The walls are private property or public space. If you want to paint, first talk to the neighbors of Calle 2 or the Manga Community Action Board. They have a WhatsApp group where they coordinate new projects. You can also contact local artists through their social media; some offer workshops.
Are there public restrooms near the alley?
There are no public restrooms on Calle 2. The closest are the restrooms at Clínica Manga (100 meters from the entrance), but only for patients. You can also ask at a restaurant on Avenida Santander, like at La Esquina del Sabor, if you buy something. We recommend going to the bathroom before you arrive.
Is it safe to bring expensive photography equipment?
During the day, yes. There is neighbor activity and occasionally some tourists. But don't leave your cameras unattended. As on any street in Cartagena, keep your belongings close. If you go at sunset, go in a group. There have never been any reported robberies in the alley, but better to be safe.
How much time is needed to see all the murals?
It depends. If you just want to see them and take quick photos, 30 minutes is enough. If you want to stop at each one, read the signatures, talk to a neighbor, and look for the 'mangrove mermaid', plan for between 1 and 2 hours. There's no rush; the alley is small but full of details.
Historical or contextual introduction
Manga, a neighborhood that has transformed over time, has deep roots dating back to the colonial era. Originally, this area was a resting place for the Cartagena elite, who built beautiful houses and mansions that can still be appreciated in its architecture. As Cartagena developed, Manga became a place where tradition and modernity coexisted, giving rise to a vibrant cultural environment.
The alley that connects to the murals of Calle 2 is a reflection of this history. Although today it may seem like a simple passage, it is a space that breathes art and community, where local artists have found a canvas to express their experiences and their connection to the neighborhood. These murals not only beautify the surroundings but also tell stories of the past, cultural identity, and the struggles of its inhabitants.
An interesting fact is that in the 1980s, Manga was known for its nightlife, especially among young people, who found in its streets a place to socialize and enjoy music. Today, that spirit is still present, but it has reinvented itself with the urban art that now adorns its walls.
If you decide to visit this corner of Cartagena, don't forget to pay attention to the details of the murals, as each one has its own message and symbolism. Additionally, interacting with the artists or neighborhood residents can offer you a unique perspective on the evolution of Manga and its urban art.