Colombia bans horse-drawn carriages in touristy Cartagena

The city of Cartagena, Colombia, has banned traditional horse-drawn carriages in its tourist areas, with the ban starting December 29, 2025, replacing them with electric buggies. 

The Caribbean city had for decades one of its symbols in the horse-drawn carriages that take tourists along its cobblestone streets. But animal rights activists have denounced that these outings cause injuries in the animals. The city government partnered with Corpoturismo to introduce 62 new electric vehicles, showcasing a shift towards modern, animal-friendly transportation.