Hi! My name is Angie and today I’ll be your guide to discovering the gyms in Cartagena de Indias. I love the fitness lifestyle, so I’ve visited every place I can train at—from the most expensive and modern gyms to the outdoor fitness bars and park gyms available to everyone. Some of them even have machines that don’t work anymore!

So, to help you fall in love with the fit life just like I did, I’m going to share my recommendations for the best gyms in Cartagena so you can choose the one that appeals to you the most.

SMART FIT AT MALL PLAZA

Let me tell you that this gym is one of the most recognized in the city. You’ll find everything here: areas to work on those muscles that are so hard to tone (with unique machines), cardio zones, and super-skilled trainers who can guide you through your routine. Plus, if you’re not very familiar with the city, don’t worry—the location of this gym is one of the safest and easiest to find.

Here, you’ll run into locals from Cartagena who use exercise as an outlet to clear their minds and release the stress of daily life and work. You’ll mostly see upper-middle-class locals working out between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., and also in the afternoon from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Personally, I avoid these hours because I prefer to train in peace and quiet. But if you, on the other hand, enjoy making friends and prefer to work out surrounded by people, then those are the best times to visit—if you don’t mind the crowds.

Prices:

• Black Plan: (≈ $14 USD) for the first 3 months, then  (≈ $27 USD)

• Fit Plan: (≈ $13 USD) for the first 3 months, then  (≈ $25 USD)

• Smart Plan: (≈ $30 USD), but with fewer benefits

Opening Hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 5:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

• Friday: 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

• Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

• Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Address: Mall Plaza El Castillo, Avenida Pedro de Heredia with Carrera 13
Google Maps Link
Smart Fit Website

I know for many travelers it’s important to keep up their workout routine while on vacation. However, the downside of this gym is that you can’t pay per day; only monthly subscriptions are allowed. And since it’s such a popular and well-known gym, you might find yourself distracted by influencers or super-fit people wandering around, making friends, and filming everything they see.

Imagine a movie-like gym—this location has all kinds of modern, well-maintained, and varied machines. Maybe that’s why everyone loves it.

This gym is also for you if you like socializing—it’s constantly visited by what I call the “stuck-up noses”: wealthy locals and national tourists who give the gym a luxurious and refined atmosphere.

BODYTECH AT CARIBE PLAZA

Talking about gyms for the “pupi” crowd (the stylish, fancy set), we arrive at Bodytech. The great thing about this place is that the staff is super attentive, the machines are even better, and don’t even get me started on the many perks they offer. In other words, Bodytech really knows how to win people over.

Another plus is its location inside a shopping mall, so after your workout you can grab a bite to eat or even do some shopping right there.

Every time I’ve trained at this gym, I’ve felt like I was in heaven—the quality of the machines is incredible, and there are so many varieties that I always find something new to try.

This gym attracts many wealthy locals and some tourists, all dressed in sportswear like magazine models, showing off their toned bodies, carrying huge water bottles, protein bars, or supplements.

Like Smart Fit, Bodytech doesn’t allow day passes. If you want to train here, you’ll need a monthly subscription, but that’s not a problem if your plan is to stay in this beautiful city for a while.

For me, the perfect time to go is the quietest: 2:00 p.m. But if you’re looking for company, the busiest times are 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Prices:

• Welcome Pack: month (≈ $30 USD)

• Start Now (Inicia Ya): (≈ $438 USD) year + 2 months free and 1 year of virtual nutrition

• Start (Inicia): (≈ $389 USD) year + 2 months free

• Year Orange Hour: (≈ $279 USD) /year

Opening Hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 5:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

• Friday: 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

• Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

• Sunday: 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Address: Cll 29D #22-62, Local 225, Cartagena
Google Maps Link
Bodytech Website

BODYTECH AT PLAZA BOCAGRANDE

Did you think there couldn’t be a gym with even more “strata” (luxury level)? The Bodytech branch at Plaza Bocagrande mall is classified as “one plus,” which means it’s on another level entirely.

The great thing is that it’s a safe place, with a fantastic atmosphere and top-notch service. Plus, after your workout, you can take a little stroll to the beach and enjoy the stunning view.

It’s very easy to get distracted by the noise and activity here—this is more of a social hub than a hardcore training spot. Every time I’ve visited, I end up in a Zumba class or chatting about nutrition with a big group of people. If socializing isn’t a problem for you, you’ll love this place.

This location has tons of machines—everything you could imagine—and the best part is that they’re always in excellent condition.

At 2:00 p.m., the gym is packed, mostly with young people who choose this gym as their training ally. Many tourists also visit, and of course, locals from the area make this gym their go-to spot.

You’ll also find ladies who love the healthy lifestyle, mostly from high-income backgrounds, attending 9:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. classes, then gathering afterward for coffee. These are the retirees we secretly envy—maybe because we still have a lot of life to enjoy!

Prices:

• Welcome Pack:  (≈ $39 USD) month

• Start Now (Inicia Ya): (≈ $550 USD) year + 2 months free and 1 year of virtual nutrition

• Start (Inicia): (≈ $513 USD) year + 2 months free

• Year Orange Hour: (≈ $368 USD) year

Opening Hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 5:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

• Friday: 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

• Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

• Sunday: 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Address: Bocagrande, Av. El Malecón, CC Plaza Bocagrande, 5th Floor
Google Maps Link
Bodytech Website

SPINNING CENTER CITY

Let me tell you, Spinning Center City, also located in Bocagrande, is perfect for a workout—and then heading out for my favorite activity in this city: walking along the beach! What better way to complete a fitness day than with a stroll by the sea?

Just for its amazing location, it deserves a spot on the list of the best gyms in Cartagena. And interestingly, despite that, not many people actually go to this gym.

Recently, there have been complaints about the air conditioning not being well-maintained. After all, training in a city as hot as Cartagena without AC makes it feel even tougher—clients feel like they’re literally “frying.”

But if what you want is to enjoy Cartagena’s warm, tropical sun, you know exactly where to find it.

Every time I train here, I notice the same thing: the machines are modern but not very varied. Even if they aren’t in perfect condition, they get the job done very well.

This gym is mostly visited by beginners and tourists. In general, you’ll find all kinds of people here—from middle-class locals and people just starting their healthy lifestyle journey, to more advanced fitness enthusiasts.

I have to confess, when I wasn’t very experienced with exercise, I always came here because it made me feel much more comfortable than any other place. There’s a certain warmth to the gym that makes it inviting.

If you plan to visit, it’s quieter in the mornings and busier in the afternoons. So, depending on your mood for socializing, you can choose which time slot works best for you.

Prices:

• Plan 1: 1-year membership + 1 month + access to all branches:  (≈ $200 USD)

• Plan 2: 1-year membership + 1 month, access to this branch only:  (≈ $175 USD)

• Plan 3: 6 months + 1 month, access to all branches:  (≈ $125 USD)

Opening Hours:

• Monday to Friday: 5:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

• Saturday: 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

• Sunday and holidays: 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Address: Cra. 3 #5a-34, 3rd Floor
Google Maps Link
Spinning Center Website

CARDIO SYSTEM (MANGA)

Here’s where you’ll really build some muscle! This gym is for people who come not to socialize or play around, but to train seriously.

If you don’t want any distractions, this is the place to go—you can fully focus on working your muscles.

And we can’t forget about the price—it’s super affordable, and this gym allows day passes.

Cardio System is a dream gym for people who love cozy, homey spaces. It’ll make you feel right at home while doing cardio or strength training in a safe and calm environment.

You’ll mostly find men here who are passionate about fitness and increasing their muscle mass. If you’re not comfortable in a space with lots of testosterone, this might not be the gym for you.

There’s no air conditioning. Being a small, home-like gym, they only have a few fans to cool the space.

It doesn’t have modern or highly varied equipment, but for its visitors, that’s not a problem. One common suggestion is to increase the weight of their dumbbells, which currently max out at 30 lbs, since dedicated gym-goers want to push themselves further.

Most visitors are local neighbors. The gym is located in the Manga neighborhood, Carrera 22 #25. It’s in a safe area, though slightly quiet.

The busiest time is from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., and the quietest time, when you can train without many people around, is from 9:00 a.m. to noon.

Here, you can pay per day. The prices are very accessible—you can train for an entire day for just (≈ $1.75 USD).

Prices:

• Day Pass: day (≈ $1.75 USD)

• Monthly rates: Check on their page

Opening Hours:

• Every day: 6:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Address: Barrio Manga, Carrera 23 #25-103, Callejón Olaya
Google Maps Link
Instagram Page

PARQUE CASTILLO GRANDE

What could be better than the location of this outdoor fitness space? I always visit this park with my friends because it has a great location and an incredible view.

This park is also one of the best spots for a casual CrossFit session, basketball, or soccer game.

It has an amazing vibe in the evening, and it’s a must-visit for anyone who is just getting to know the city.

Best of all, it’s completely free and has plenty of space to do squats or arm exercises with a few friends.

It’s a bit far, so be careful not to get lost on the way. In the evenings, it gets quite crowded, so if you don’t like being around lots of people, it’s better to choose a different time.

There aren’t many machines here since the training focuses on bars and sports. If you come in the afternoon, you’ll always find groups of people playing sports. By the way, in Cartagena, it doesn’t matter if you don’t know anyone—if you join in and offer to play, you’ll probably get included in a team. Good luck!

Many young people visit this park, along with families and even seniors who are still in great shape. And of course, we can’t forget the foreigners who love these social fitness spaces.

By 4:00 p.m., the park is full of life—a real celebration with people running around, music, and joy everywhere.

Prices: Free
Opening Hours: Anytime—you can go whenever you want since it’s a public, open space.
Address: Cra. 14 #5a-127 to 5a-1
Google Maps Link

PARQUE LINEAL DE CRESPO

If you love skating as much as I do, you have to visit this park with your friends or family. The great thing about this place is that it has plenty of space to enjoy some outdoor fun, with sun and Caribbean breeze.

Always bring sunscreen, because it gets very sunny and there isn’t much shade. Don’t forget your cap or hat, and wear the lightest clothing you can find.

I’ve been visiting since the park has police presence, and honestly, I’ve felt very safe, so I hope you don’t miss the chance to check it out.

The fitness machines are bio-healthy equipment and in very good condition. That said, most visitors don’t come here for the machines—they come for activities like cycling, skating, or running.

You’ll find all kinds of people here, especially families playing with their kids, and groups of athletes who share the same passion.

Prices: Free
Opening Hours: Anytime—you can go whenever you want since it’s a public, open space.
Address: Cl. 63 #1-12
Google Maps Link

SMALL LOCAL OUTDOOR KID PARK

The best thing about this park is that it’s right in front of the old fortifications, which motivates almost all visitors to complete their workout by jogging or walking along the walls.

Tourists love visiting Getsemaní, and for them, this park is the perfect spot to exercise.

There are only two exercise machines, which are not in great shape—they’re almost falling apart and urgently need maintenance because they’re a bit rusted due to the sea air.

This place is really the bare minimum for training. Don’t be discouraged; despite these limitations, some people still manage to make the most of it.

Remember to wear comfortable and light clothing because being outdoors exposes you to the sun. I think it can be a great finishing touch after a jog along the walls.

You’ll encounter many local athletes or backpackers practicing with their yoga mats.

On weekends, many people visit this spot. For example, I always come on Saturdays, and trust me, it’s one of the best experiences.

Prices: Free
Opening Hours: Anytime—you can go whenever you want since it’s a public, open space.
Address: Cl. 26 #25-103
Google Maps Link

I hope this list of the best gyms and fitness spots in Cartagena helps you enjoy the ultimate fitness experience in the walled city.

Cartagena is not only a tourist destination filled with history and paradisiacal beaches—it’s also a perfect place to stay active and healthy. From modern gyms with all the equipment to outdoor spaces where you can exercise while enjoying the sun and Caribbean breeze, the city offers options for every taste and fitness level.

Whether you’re looking for intensity, relaxation, or simply staying in shape while exploring the city, Cartagena has a space designed for you.

So no excuses: your workout routine can go hand in hand with the adventure and enjoyment this city offers. It’s time to move and enjoy Cartagena to the fullest!

We invite you to explore everything Cartagena has to offer. Click here to discover more places to exercise your body and mind.