Hidden Mural Route in San Diego

San Diego: the neighborhood that painted itself a new face

If you arrive in Cartagena and only see the walls, the plazas full of vendors, and the restaurants with menus in English, you are missing the best part. North of the Historic Center, crossing Avenida Venezuela, is San Diego. For years it was the residential neighborhood of the walled city, with narrow streets, houses with flowered balconies, and a quieter pace. But about five years ago, something changed. Local and foreign artists began painting its facades, its doors, its corners. Today, San Diego is an open-air museum that few tourists know about.

In June 2026, the street art scene in San Diego is more alive than ever. Do not expect the institutional murals of Getsemaní or the quick graffiti of the Center. Here the art is more intimate, more hidden. Each mural has a story, an artist behind it, and a message that ranges from the political to the purely aesthetic. This guide takes you through the five murals you cannot miss, with exact addresses, context about the creator, and tips to make your photos look like covers.

What to do: the route of the 5 unmissable murals

The complete route takes between two and three hours walking at a leisurely pace, including stops for photos and a coffee. It starts on Calle del Sargento Mayor and ends on Calle de la Factoria. Bring water, sunscreen, and a camera with good battery. The murals are on the facades of private houses, so respect the space and do not make excessive noise.

1. "La Niña de los Manglares" – Calle del Sargento Mayor # 10-25

This mural by Cartagena-born artist Lina Rodríguez (known as LinaR) covers an entire two-story wall. Painted in 2023, it shows an Afro-Colombian girl wearing a vueltiao hat made of mangrove leaves, surrounded by birds and roots. LinaR is recognized for her work in Palenquera communities, and this mural is a tribute to the ecological resistance of the Ciénaga de la Virgen. The best light for photos is between 9:00 am and 10:30 am, when the sun hits directly. Approximate coordinates: 10.4235, -75.5462.

2. "El Pescador de Sueños" – Calle de la Universidad # 8-40

On a corner that looks like a dead-end alley, Bogotá muralist Carlos "Caco" Martínez painted in 2024 a fisherman holding a net full of starfish and colorful fish. The technique is airbrushing with acrylic details, and the colors change depending on the time of day: at noon the blues turn turquoise. Caco is known for his surrealist style, and he donated this mural to the neighborhood after a community workshop. For photos, the angle from the opposite sidewalk best captures the depth. Approximate coordinates: 10.4241, -75.5470.

3. "Mujer de Agua" – Calle de la Media Luna # 7-15

By Panamanian artist Sofía Quintero, this 2025 mural is one of the most photographed. It depicts a woman with hair made of Caribbean waves, with shells and corals embedded in the paint. Quintero worked with neighborhood children to add recycled glass details to the hair, which sparkle in the afternoon sun. The facade is narrow, so use a wide-angle lens or take the photo from the corner. Ideal time: 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm, when the golden light highlights the sparkles. Approximate coordinates: 10.4228, -75.5481.

4. "Raíces de San Diego" – Calle de la Cruz # 9-50

A collective mural coordinated by the local group Pinta Cartagena in 2022. Twelve artists from the city participated, and each painted a panel representing a neighborhood tradition: the domino game on the corner, the sale of arepas de huevo, the sound of the drums. The result is a collage of vibrant colors that changes depending on where you look at it from. The mural covers an entire block, so you can take sequential photos for a panoramic effect. There is no better time than noon, when the sun illuminates evenly. Approximate coordinates: 10.4230, -75.5468.

5. "El Abrazo" – Calle de la Factoria # 6-20

The most recent mural (painted in January 2026) is by Spanish artist Javier "Javi" Torres, who has lived in Cartagena since 2020. It shows two figures embracing, one with indigenous features and the other with African features, fused into a single body. The technique is oil on wall, something uncommon in street art. Torres says it represents the city's mestizaje. The facade faces a small square, ideal for full-body photos of the figures. Morning light (8:00 am to 9:30 am) is the best. Approximate coordinates: 10.4225, -75.5475.

Where to eat or drink: cafés and stops to recharge

The route will make you hungry and thirsty. San Diego has options that are not the tourist chains of the Center. Here are three places right on the way.

Café del Mural

On Calle del Sargento Mayor # 10-30, literally next to LinaR's mural. It is a small café with sidewalk tables, run by a local couple. The coffee is from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, and they have meat and cheese empanadas (two for $6,000 COP). Open Monday to Saturday, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. Reference prices from June 2026.

La Esquina del Jugo

On Calle de la Universidad # 8-35, half a block from Caco's mural. They sell natural juices of corozo, zapote, and lulo (from $4,000 COP) and chicken or ham sandwiches ($8,000 COP). It is a street stall, no chairs, but perfect for a quick hydration. Open every day from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Arepas de la Tía

On Calle de la Cruz # 9-45, right in front of the collective mural. A lady named Doña Marta has been selling arepas de huevo with hogao and suero costeño for 20 years. Each arepa costs $5,000 COP and is the most authentic thing you will find. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. It has no website or social media, only word of mouth.

How to get there and transportation

San Diego is inside the walled city, so getting there is easy if you are already in the Historic Center. From the Torre del Reloj, walk north along Calle del Sargento Mayor (about 10 minutes at a leisurely pace). If you come from Getsemaní, cross Avenida Venezuela via the pedestrian bridge on Calle de la Media Luna and continue straight.

For public transportation, buses on the Ternera or Manga routes drop you off on Avenida Venezuela, two blocks from the neighborhood entrance. The fare is $2,800 COP (June 2026). You can also take a taxi from anywhere in the city for about $8,000 to $12,000 COP, depending on traffic. I do not recommend Uber in Cartagena because drivers sometimes cancel if they see it is inside the walls.

If you come from the airport, the easiest option is an official taxi (fixed fare of $25,000 COP) or the Tourist bus that runs every 30 minutes and costs $5,000 COP, but it drops you off at Plaza de la Aduana, a 15-minute walk away.

Local tips

• Bring cash. Most food stalls and some cafés do not accept cards. There is a Banco de Bogotá ATM on Calle de la Universidad # 8-50, but it is sometimes out of cash on weekends.
• Do not go during siesta time. Between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm the neighborhood empties out, workshops close, and the murals are seen alone. Better to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
• Respect the houses. The murals are on private homes. Do not touch the paint, do not climb on windows, and do not enter patios. People are friendly, but excessive noise is not welcome.
• Wear comfortable shoes. The streets are cobblestone and some have holes. Flip-flops are tempting, but your feet will hurt after two hours.
• Ask the neighbors. Many murals have stories that are not written on the internet. If you see someone at their door, say hello and ask. They will tell you things that do not appear in any guide.
• Download the PDF map. Before you go out, download the interactive mural map in PDF from malokal.com/ruta-murales-san-diego. It has exact coordinates, reference photos, and a checklist so you do not miss any.

Frequently asked questions

Are the murals permanent or can they disappear?

Most are permanent because they are painted with authorization from the homeowners and with high-quality paint. However, some have been repainted by new artists or erased due to renovations. The "Raíces de San Diego" mural had a touch-up in 2025, but it remains intact. If you visit after June 2026, check the PDF map for updates.

Is it safe to walk alone in San Diego?

San Diego is safe during the day, especially on the main streets of the route. There is tourist police in the area and neighbors are watchful. At night, the streets get dark and there is less movement. If you want to see the murals with artificial light, better go in a group and leave before 8:00 pm. Carry only what you need and do not display expensive cameras on lonely streets.

Can I take photos with drones?

It is not explicitly prohibited, but the streets are narrow and electrical cables are abundant. Several neighbors complained about drone noise in 2025, so if you use one, do it in the small square on Calle de la Factoria, where there is more space. Avoid flying over private houses without permission. For aerial photos, it is better to climb the wall on Calle de la Media Luna, which offers a panoramic view of the neighborhood.

Historical or contextual introduction

San Diego, one of the most emblematic neighborhoods of Cartagena, has a rich history that intertwines with contemporary urban art. Originally, this sector was one of the most important areas of the colonial city, where walls and fortifications were built to protect Cartagena from pirate attacks. As the city grew, San Diego transformed, but its historical essence remained impregnated in its streets, which now serve as canvases for local and international artists.

In recent years, San Diego has seen a flourishing of street art, with murals that not only beautify the urban landscape but also tell stories of identity, resistance, and community. These murals reflect the cultural diversity of Cartagena and its people, becoming a form of expression that invites visitors to learn more about the social and political context of the city.

Exploring these murals is to delve into a visual dialogue that goes beyond the aesthetic, offering a perspective on the struggles and celebrations of the Cartagena population. As you walk through the streets of San Diego, make sure to pay attention to the details, as each work has its own narrative and meaning.

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