Parque Centenario

Serving as a "green" border between the Getsemaní and San Diego neighborhoods, Parque Centenario is Cartagena’s go-to spot for escaping the city’s hustle and bustle. Inaugurated in 1911 despite being unfinished due to a lack of funds, it was created as part of the celebrations marking the centenary of the city’s independence from Spanish colonial rule. Today, more bicentennial than centennial, this park offers rest, calm, and cool shade to locals, visitors, and a small community of wild animals that call it home. You may find yourself face to face with sloths, squirrels, white-crested marmosets, or iguanas freely roaming this green oasis. These diverse species were all rescued from the illegal animal trade and now live peacefully at Parque Centenario. These harmless creatures won’t disrupt your visit, in fact, they’ll make it delightfully unique!