Flavors that honor our roots, cocktails that awaken the senses, and a table made for sharing. That’s the experience at El Arsenal: The Rum Box.
1 / 10

El Arsenal: The Rum Box

4.6
·491k reviews·,

Experience Cartagena's finest rum and chocolate pairings at El Arsenal, home to the world's largest Colombian rum collection and exceptional cocktails...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

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Flavors that honor our roots, cocktails that awaken the senses, and a table made for sharing. That’s the experience at El Arsenal: The Rum Box.

El Arsenal: The Rum Box

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience Cartagena's finest rum and chocolate pairings at El Arsenal, home to the world's largest Colombian rum collection and exceptional cocktails.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The cocktails were hands down the best cocktails I've ever had in my life. The meals were incredible."

TIP

Book a Private Tasting

Consider booking a private rum tasting session tailored to your tastes for a personalized experience.

Try the Cartagenera de Pescado

Don't miss trying this local favorite dish featuring fresh fish with Caribbean flavors.

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Quick Facts

Open·Closes 10PM

Cuisine

International/Colombian Fusion

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+57 300 8110700

Address

El Arsenal: The Rum Box 24, Calle Arsenal #8b-19, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rum and Chocolate Pairing

Rum and Chocolate Pairing

Experience a unique rum and chocolate pairing that is both educational and delightful.

Cartagena- A Perfectly Romantic Trip | by Samantha DanielsGoogle Review
Exceptional Service

Exceptional Service

Enjoy exceptional service from friendly and knowledgeable staff members who enhance the dining experience.

Google Review+1
Colombian Rum Collection

Colombian Rum Collection

Home to the largest collection of Colombian rums globally, offering a taste of local liquors.

11 Best Restaurants In Cartagena ColombiaGoogle Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Book a Private Tasting

Consider booking a private rum tasting session tailored to your tastes for a personalized experience.

Try the Cartagenera de Pescado

Don't miss trying this local favorite dish featuring fresh fish with Caribbean flavors.

Visit on Weekdays

Visit during weekdays for potentially quieter evenings compared to weekends when it might get busier.

Ask for Wes or Alejandra

Request Wes or Alejandra as your guide for an enjoyable, funny, and knowledgeable rum tasting experience.

Tips

from all over the internet

Book a Private Tasting

Consider booking a private rum tasting session tailored to your tastes for a personalized experience.

Try the Cartagenera de Pescado

Don't miss trying this local favorite dish featuring fresh fish with Caribbean flavors.

Visit on Weekdays

Visit during weekdays for potentially quieter evenings compared to weekends when it might get busier.

Ask for Wes or Alejandra

Request Wes or Alejandra as your guide for an enjoyable, funny, and knowledgeable rum tasting experience.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

El Arsenal: The Rum Box is highly praised for its exceptional rum and chocolate pairings, unique cocktails, and delicious food. The staff consistently receives accolades for their friendliness, knowledge, and excellent service, even with language barriers. While the kitchen experienced an issue one night, the overall dining experience is described as magical and a must-visit in Cartagena.

"What a fantastic experience at The Rum Box!
We were warmly welcomed with a mini rum and chocolate pairing—a perfect start to the evening. The sharing platters were packed with flavor, each dish better than the last. After dinner, we were treated to a handcrafted rum chocolate made right in their own factory—a delicious touch! Sky, our waitress, was outstanding—knowledgeable, friendly, and happy to answer all our questions. This charming little gem in Cartagena is an absolute must-visit!"

Netty Yen

"If I’m ever back in Cartagena I would def visit this place again. The atmosphere and vibe is really nice. The drinks we ordered were great. We didn’t get to order much food as there was an issue in the kitchen that night but the sweet peppers were good. The rum and chocolate pairing was nice and informational as well.

This place is kid friendly as well, the bartender took my daughter and let her make her own n/a drink which I thought was really cute"

Giovanna Garcia

"We booked this rum tasting experience and it far exceeded our expectations. WES was our guide, and he was absolutely incredible funny, engaging, and extremely knowledgeable. He made the entire experience enjoyable from start to finish. If you’re considering booking, we highly recommend requesting WES . We’ll definitely be back and will be asking for him again! Also the chocolate and food there AMAZING!!!"

roisveli matos

What People Like

Rum and chocolate pairings
Exceptional cocktails
Knowledgeable and friendly staff

What People Dislike

Occasional kitchen issues

Frequently Asked Questions

It boasts the largest collection of Colombian rums globally and offers a unique rum and chocolate pairing experience.

11 Best Restaurants In Cartagena ColombiaGoogle Review

Yes, many staff members speak excellent English, making communication easy for international visitors.

Google Review+1

The 'Cartagenera de Pescado' is a local favorite, and shared platters are highly recommended.

Google Review

Yes, private rum tasting sessions can be booked for a personalized experience.

Cartagena- A Perfectly Romantic Trip | by Samantha Daniels

Yes, the restaurant is kid-friendly, and staff are accommodating to younger guests.

Google Review

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If you’re looking for the best restaurant in Cartagena home from home on your Colombian vacation then El Arsenal : The Rum box is the one to visit. Tucked away in hip and happening Getsemaní, Colombia’s coolest neighborhood, this friendly drinking den has two nearby venues working in tandem to create superior culinary experiences and exceptional cocktails.Home to the biggest collection of Colombian rums in the world. Here you can taste the rich and golden fruits of Colombia’s local liquors and rich, culinary traditions.

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A special and romantic activity for the two of you to share is a tasting some rum and savoring on some Colombian chocolate. Hi Cartagena will book this unique experience for you and you will spend 2 hours with the rum master, Abraham at El Arsenal, The Rum Box. Here you will taste endless unique and special rums as shooters and sippers, get a true education on the history of rum and leave feeling tipsy, satiated and ready for another romantic evening in Carta.

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Sanghrajka recommends rum tastings at El Arsenal with Abe, the owner. Meals, by the way, should be balanced out with plenty of dancing, and the travel expert advises newbies to follow the “Salsa Trail” during their honeymoon—it’s a fun way to interact with locals and travelers alike while learning the steamy dance in community centers around town. After all, a honeymoon in Cartagena is sure to produce great things.

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Rum seems to be the most popular liquor in Cartagena (this is the Caribbean after all!), and El Arsenal: The Rum Box has a great selection of rums. Best of all, by the time you’re being seated you’re already being served a small tasting of rum and chocolate. Michael and I stayed for just one drink, but this would be a great place to hole up for the evening.

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The promising name of this bar hints at the tasty rums you can get here—aside from signature cocktails and other irresistible concoctions. The bearded, super-friendly owner Abe, regularly comes up with new recipes. So put your drink in his hands and ask him to surprise you.

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