Portal de los Dulces - a group of colorful objects
1 / 10

Portal de los Dulces

4.3
·66 reviews·Cartagena de Indias, Colombia

Discover Cartagena's sweet heart at Portal de los Dulces, a vibrant market offering traditional Colombian candies and local flavors.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Fewer crowds, fresh treats

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Portal de los Dulces - a group of colorful objects

Portal de los Dulces

Best Time

Morning

Fewer crowds, fresh treats

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Cartagena's sweet heart at Portal de los Dulces, a vibrant market offering traditional Colombian candies and local flavors.

4.3
(66 reviews)

"A great experience! local flavours and typical sweets!"

Vertical photo
TIP

💰 Bargain Smart

Vendors can be persistent. Have small bills ready and don't be afraid to negotiate prices politely.

🍬 Taste Before You Buy

Many vendors offer samples. Try a few different sweets to find your favorite before committing to a purchase.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Caballitos

Caballitos

Portal de los Dulces

Taste the iconic Caballitos, a delicious papaya and coconut candy that's a Cartagena classic.

Assorted Sweet Bites

Assorted Sweet Bites

Portal de los Dulces

Sample a variety of local flavors in small, mixed sweet treats for a delightful tasting experience.

Coconut Candies

Coconut Candies

Portal de los Dulces

Indulge in the rich, sweet taste of traditional coconut candies, a popular local delicacy.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Sweet Treats & Savvy Shopping

Explore the vibrant Portal de los Dulces for traditional Colombian sweets. Be prepared for sugary delights and friendly vendors. Bargaining is common, so have small denominations ready for your purchases.

Timing Your Sweet Tooth

The Portal de los Dulces is busiest during peak tourist hours. Visiting earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon can offer a more relaxed browsing experience and better interaction with vendors.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Fewer crowds, fresh treats
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Relaxed browsing
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

💰 Bargain Smart

Vendors can be persistent. Have small bills ready and don't be afraid to negotiate prices politely. Reddit

🍬 Taste Before You Buy

Many vendors offer samples. Try a few different sweets to find your favorite before committing to a purchase. Reddit

📍 Location Near Clock Tower

Easily find the Portal de los Dulces right in front of the iconic Clock Tower. Reddit

😋 Try the Caballitos

Don't miss the 'Caballitos,' a traditional papaya and coconut sweet treat. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

💰 Bargain Smart

Vendors can be persistent. Have small bills ready and don't be afraid to negotiate prices politely. Reddit

🍬 Taste Before You Buy

Many vendors offer samples. Try a few different sweets to find your favorite before committing to a purchase. Reddit

📍 Location Near Clock Tower

Easily find the Portal de los Dulces right in front of the iconic Clock Tower. Reddit

😋 Try the Caballitos

Don't miss the 'Caballitos,' a traditional papaya and coconut sweet treat. Reddit

⚠️ Beware of Over-Sweetness

Some mixed sweets can be intensely sugary. If you prefer less sweetness, stick to single-flavor options. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(66 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Portal de los Dulces a vibrant spot for traditional Colombian sweets, with many enjoying the variety and local flavors like Caballitos. While some found certain mixed sweets overly sugary, the affordable prices and the lively atmosphere near the Clock Tower make it a popular stop for edible souvenirs and a taste of Cartagena's heritage.

"Got to try some of those little mixed sweets for 7000 pesos but did not like them at all. They look like there are 6 different bites but they all taste only super sugary. Not impressed. Did not try anything else from the sweets."

Daniela Dermendzhieva

"Typical sweet treats! Try Caballitos (Papaya sweet treat). A coconut 🥥 candy 🍬 costs 0.4 USD (Fall 2022). Süße Nachspeise! Lecker 😋"

Nelson Perez

"Check out the sweets of Cartagena here. - 2022.08.18"

Van Hao

What People Like

Traditional Colombian sweets
Affordable prices
Lively atmosphere

What People Dislike

Overly sugary options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Portal de los Dulces is conveniently located in the historic Walled City of Cartagena, right in front of the iconic Clock Tower (Torre del Reloj). It's easily accessible on foot if you're exploring the old town. Taxis and ride-sharing services can also drop you off nearby. Reddit

Yes, absolutely! If you're staying within the Walled City or the Getsemaní neighborhood, it's a pleasant walk. It's a central spot, making it easy to combine with visits to nearby plazas and historical sites. Reddit

Approach from the main entrance of the Walled City near the Clock Tower. You'll see the colorful stalls and vendors immediately. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no entrance fee to access the Portal de los Dulces. It's an open-air market area where you can browse freely. You only pay for the sweets you choose to purchase. Reddit

The stalls are generally open throughout the day, from morning until early evening. However, hours can vary slightly, and it's most active during daylight hours. Reddit

No booking is required. The Portal de los Dulces is a public space, and you can visit anytime during its operating hours. Reddit

🎫 🍬 Onsite Experience

You'll find a wide array of traditional Colombian sweets, including coconut candies, papaya sweets (like Caballitos), guava paste, tamarind treats, and various fruit-based confections. Many are made with sugar and local fruits. Reddit

While most items are sweet, some offer a balance of fruitiness and sugar. It's best to ask vendors if they have less intensely sweet options or try small samples first. Some mixed sweets can be overwhelmingly sugary for some palates. Reddit

Yes, many vendors are happy to offer small samples of their sweets, especially if you show interest. This is a great way to discover your favorites. Reddit

Prices vary, but many individual candies or small portions are quite affordable, often costing less than a dollar. For example, coconut candies were around $0.4 USD in Fall 2022. Larger assortments or special items will cost more. Reddit

Vendors can be quite enthusiastic. A polite but firm 'no, thank you' usually suffices. If they continue, you can try moving to another stall. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Absolutely! The colorful stalls, vibrant sweets, and the backdrop of the historic city make it a very photogenic spot. The variety of textures and colors is fantastic for capturing the essence of Cartagena. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful. Midday sun can be harsh, but the bright colors of the sweets often hold up well. Consider the lively atmosphere during busier times for candid shots. Reddit

It's always polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of individuals. Many vendors are happy to pose, especially if you've purchased something from them. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Portal de los Dulces can be a fun stop for families, offering a colorful and tasty experience. Kids will likely be drawn to the bright displays and sweet aromas. Encourage them to try samples of different candies to discover new favorites. Be mindful that many sweets are very sugary, so moderation is key. The proximity to the Clock Tower also makes it an easy landmark for families to find and navigate. Reddit

Consider purchasing a variety of smaller sweets rather than one large, intensely sweet item. This allows kids to try different flavors without overindulging. The lively atmosphere can be exciting, but keep an eye on children in crowded areas. It's a great spot for a quick, sweet treat break during a day of exploring Cartagena's historic center. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The Portal de los Dulces is a budget traveler's dream for affordable treats and souvenirs. Many individual candies and small portions are very inexpensive, often costing less than a dollar. Sampling is free, allowing you to taste before you commit to a purchase. Don't hesitate to politely negotiate prices, especially if you're buying several items. Reddit

Instead of expensive trinkets, consider buying a selection of traditional sweets as unique and delicious souvenirs for friends and family back home. The experience itself is free, making it a great way to soak in the local culture without spending much. Just be aware of the intense sweetness of some options to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Taste of Cartagena's Sweet History

The Portal de los Dulces is more than just a place to buy candy; it's a living tradition in Cartagena's historic Walled City. For generations, this area has been the go-to spot for locals and visitors alike to sample and purchase traditional Colombian sweets. These treats often feature local fruits like papaya, coconut, guava, and tamarind, prepared using time-honored methods. The vibrant colors and distinct flavors are a direct reflection of the region's rich culinary heritage. Reddit

Many of the recipes passed down through families are still used today. You'll find everything from simple, sugary coconut chews to more complex fruit preserves. The experience of browsing the stalls, interacting with the vendors, and discovering new flavors is a quintessential part of visiting Cartagena. It’s a sensory delight, offering a sweet glimpse into the local culture and history. Reddit

While the sweets are undeniably the main attraction, the Portal de los Dulces also offers a chance to observe the daily life and vibrant atmosphere of the old city. The proximity to the Torre del Reloj (Clock Tower) makes it a central and easily accessible landmark for tourists. Be prepared for a lively environment, especially during peak hours, as vendors engage with passersby. Reddit

Navigating the Sweet Stalls

Visiting the Portal de los Dulces is an engaging experience, but it helps to know a few things beforehand. The stalls are lined up, showcasing a dazzling array of colorful sweets. Vendors are often eager to offer samples, which is highly recommended to find what suits your palate. Be aware that many of these traditional sweets are intensely sugary, so if you have a preference for less sweetness, communicate that to the vendors or stick to sampling single-flavor items. Reddit

Bargaining is a common practice here, though not always expected for very small items. It's polite to negotiate, especially if you're buying multiple items or larger quantities. Having small denominations of Colombian Pesos (COP) will make transactions smoother. For instance, a small coconut candy might cost around 0.4 USD (as of Fall 2022), but prices can vary. Reddit

Be prepared for friendly but persistent sales pitches. If you're not interested, a polite but firm 'no, gracias' should suffice. The Portal de los Dulces is a fantastic place to pick up edible souvenirs that are truly representative of Cartagena's local flavors. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2