Discover Tierra Bomba

When looking for hotels in Tierra Bomba, it’s worth distinguishing the island destination from nearby places such as Bocachica and Punta Arena. The island’s history tells of the production of building materials for Cartagena; forts, beaches, and nature activities offer different highlights. This can help you decide what to focus on during your trip, without treating the different places as one and the same.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

Tierra Bomba can be reached by lancha from the Muelle de La Bodeguita or by private boat from private marinas or piers in the city. There is also a lancha connection to nearby Bocachica, departing from the Muelle Turístico La Bodeguita in the historic center. These routes serve different destinations. When planning your trip, it may therefore help to decide first whether you want to focus on the island destination itself or on visiting the forts in Bocachica.

Punta Arena is also near Tierra Bomba. It is known for its beaches and the possible views of Cartagena. These features make it a different focus from Bocachica, which is shaped mainly by its location on the bay and the defensive structures there. Distinguishing between the places can help you organize your excursions and stay, without treating them as the same location.

The Island’s Kilns and Building Materials

A key part of the island’s history is the Tejar de San Bernabé, also called Tejar de los Jesuitas. In the 17th century, it was the main production center on Tierra Bomba. Located in the north of the island, it comprised two kilns: one fired ceramics, while the other produced lime. Its output supplied materials for numerous buildings in the city. The Tejar thus connects the island’s history with Cartagena’s architectural history.

One of the two historic kilns survived and was converted into a cistern by local residents. Another testament to the water supply is the Tejar de los Jesuitas well on Tierra Bomba, which the community still uses to obtain fresh water. The surviving kiln and the well still in use have different functions: one was converted, while the other continues to serve the community.

The Horno del Gran Diablo is also part of this history. The kiln in the Tierra Bomba settlement was used to make bricks, roof tiles, and other materials. These building materials were used for houses, churches, and military structures in the city. Together with the Tejar, the kilns show the role that building-material production played in Cartagena’s development.

Bocachica, Forts, and Historic Routes

Bocachica forms the entrance channel to Cartagena Bay. The Ángel San Rafael Battery and the forts of San Fernando and San José defended the city against pirates and other enemies. Ships were forced to enter through the channel, where they could be fired upon from both sides. Fort San Fernando de Bocachica stands at the entrance to the bay; the Sociedad de Mejoras Públicas carried out restoration work there.

The Ruta de los Hornos is an excursion to 38 archaeological sites of lime kilns. During the viceroyalty, these kilns were used to fire materials for the city’s forts and defensive walls. The forts of Bocachica can be reached by sea or on planned excursions through the island’s interior starting from Punta Arena. Options for these excursions include an approximately two-and-a-half-hour walk, a horseback ride, or a motorcycle ride. Check in advance which options are available for your visit.

Nature Experiences and Handicrafts

Nature and water activities on Tierra Bomba include birdwatching, night swimming to observe bioluminescent plankton, and local fishing aboard traditional canoes. They range from observing wildlife to experiences on the water. Nearby Punta Arena complements these offerings with its beaches and possible views of Cartagena.

Handicrafts are also among the experiences offered on the island: tours of Tierra Bomba offer items made by local workers. A stay can thus bring together a range of interests—from the history of the kilns and the fortifications of the bay to activities in nature and on the water.

Discover more destinations: Mompós, El Salado, Baldin, Galerazamba, El Carmen de Bolívar, Mozambique, Baru, La Siriaca.

For the broader travel overview: Bolívar.