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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, fresh treats
Portal de los Dulces
Best Time
Fewer crowds, fresh treats

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Cartagena's sweet heart at Portal de los Dulces, a vibrant market offering traditional Colombian candies and local flavors.
"A great experience! local flavours and typical sweets!"
💰 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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
Portal de los Dulces
Indulge in the rich, sweet taste of traditional coconut candies, a popular local delicacy.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sweet Treats & Savvy Shopping
Timing Your Sweet Tooth
Best Times
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.
🍬 Taste Before You Buy
Many vendors offer samples. Try a few different sweets to find your favorite before committing to a purchase.
📍 Location Near Clock Tower
Easily find the Portal de los Dulces right in front of the iconic Clock Tower.
😋 Try the Caballitos
Don't miss the 'Caballitos,' a traditional papaya and coconut sweet treat.
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.
🍬 Taste Before You Buy
Many vendors offer samples. Try a few different sweets to find your favorite before committing to a purchase.
📍 Location Near Clock Tower
Easily find the Portal de los Dulces right in front of the iconic Clock Tower.
😋 Try the Caballitos
Don't miss the 'Caballitos,' a traditional papaya and coconut sweet treat.
⚠️ Beware of Over-Sweetness
Some mixed sweets can be intensely sugary. If you prefer less sweetness, stick to single-flavor options.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
Approach from the main entrance of the Walled City near the Clock Tower. You'll see the colorful stalls and vendors immediately.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
No booking is required. The Portal de los Dulces is a public space, and you can visit anytime during its operating hours.
🎫 🍬 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.
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.
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.
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.
Vendors can be quite enthusiastic. A polite but firm 'no, thank you' usually suffices. If they continue, you can try moving to another stall.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
💰 Budget Travelers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Taste of Cartagena's Sweet History
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.
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.
Navigating the Sweet Stalls
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit