Medical Tourism Center: Hospital Serena del Mar

Cartagena’s Most Modern High-Complexity Hospital,


Hospital Serena del Mar – Carlos Haime – is the most modern high-complexity medical center in Colombia’s Caribbean region. Located just 15 minutes from Cartagena’s historic center and operated by the Santa Fe de Bogotá Foundation, one of Latin America’s most respected healthcare institutions, the hospital delivers comprehensive care guided by the values of respect, commitment, honesty, excellence, responsibility, and character.
As part of the Serena del Mar master development, the hospital was designed to provide world-class healthcare through advanced technology, multidisciplinary medical teams, and a fully person-centered model focused on safety, dignity, and human warmth.

Get a Free Quote!
Quick pricing for your treatment abroad.
Name
Privacy Policy acknowledgement
Get a Free Quote!
Name
Privacy Policy acknowledgement

A Modern Hospital Designed for Excellence

Why Hospital Serena del Mar for Medical Tourism?


Hospital Serena del Mar was created to transform healthcare in Cartagena and the Caribbean region, offering high-complexity services within a modern, healing environment. With 50,000 square meters of built space, the hospital brings together state-of-the-art technology, multidisciplinary medical teams, and a person-centered care model operated by the renowned Santa Fe de Bogotá Foundation, one of Latin America’s leading healthcare institutions.
Its architectural design, created by Moshe Safdie, maximizes natural light, green views, and open spaces to create a therapeutic atmosphere that supports both physical recovery and emotional well-being for patients and their families.
Backed by national and international certifications, strategic collaborations, and a clear international vision, Hospital Serena del Mar offers an excellent option for patients seeking high-quality treatment in Cartagena at competitive prices compared with North America and Europe.

Medical Specialties

World-Class Care Across Key Medical Fields

Hospital Serena del Mar offers more than 60 medical specialties and subspecialties supported by advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies. Key areas include:

Orthopedics & Joint Replacement (supported by the HSS collaboration)
Cardiovascular Surgery & Cardiology
Neurosurgery & Neurology
Oncology & Hematology
Minimally Invasive & Laparoscopic Surgery
Trauma & Emergency Medicine
Gastroenterology & Digestive Health
Pulmonology & Respiratory Care
Urology & Andrology
Endocrinology & Diabetes Care
Nephrology
Critical Care & Intensive Care Units
Advanced Diagnostic Imaging – including the only PET-CT scanner in Cartagena

The hospital’s multidisciplinary teams include physicians trained locally and abroad, supported by nursing and technical staff committed to evidence-based practice and humanized care.

Hospital Serena del Mar Accreditations & Affiliations

Internationally Recognized for Safety, Quality & Person-Centered Care


Hospital Serena del Mar has obtained internationally recognized certifications and partnerships that reinforce its commitment to safe, high-quality, humanized healthcare:

  • Joint Commission International (JCI) – Accreditation for hospital quality and patient safety.
  • ICONTEC–ISQua Certification – International evaluation of quality management and organizational excellence.
  • Planetree Certification – Recognition for person-centered, humanized care.
  • Operational leadership by the Santa Fe de Bogotá Foundation, a regional leader in ethical, scientific, and humanized healthcare.
  • Strategic collaboration with Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York, supporting orthopedic and trauma care.

History & Location

A Hospital Built for Global Standards


The story of Hospital Serena del Mar is rooted in the vision of Colombian businessman and philanthropist Carlos Haime, who imagined a master-planned “dream city” that integrated health, nature, and well-being.
In 1968, he acquired the land that would one day become Serena del Mar, designed to elevate quality of life through access to top services, green spaces, and economic opportunity. Today, his son Daniel Haime leads the project, turning that dream into reality with world-class institutions like Hospital Serena del Mar.

Located only 15 minutes from Cartagena’s historic center, the hospital sits within a modern, safe, and thoughtfully designed community focused on wellness and healing.

Facilities & Patient Comfort – A Healing Environment
• Spacious, modern inpatient rooms with natural light and privacy
• Advanced operating rooms for high-complexity surgery
• Dedicated ICU, NICU, and specialized monitoring units
• Calming waiting and family areas integrated with natural surroundings
• Design centered on therapeutic views, gardens, and open spaces

About Hospital Serena del Mar

Excellence Rooted in Innovation, Quality & Humanism


Hospital Serena del Mar’s care model is guided by values of humanism, scientific rigor, and safety, supported by the Santa Fe de Bogotá Foundation’s recognized leadership in ethical and high-quality healthcare.
Its mission is to provide health services with the highest standards of quality and safety, contributing to the well-being of individuals and communities.
Its vision is to be recognized nationally and internationally as a benchmark in comprehensive, high-quality healthcare and knowledge generation.

Institutional principles:
• Respect
• Responsibility
• Creativity
• Commitment
Core values:
• Honesty
• Excellence
• Character
With cutting-edge technology, international certifications, and strategic alliances such as the partnership with HSS, Hospital Serena del Mar continues to strengthen its position as a high-complexity reference center for Colombia and Latin America.

International Patient Experience Center

A Dedicated Team for Your Medical Journey in Colombia


The International Office at Hospital Serena del Mar provides personalized assistance for patients traveling from abroad, ensuring a safe, organized, and supportive experience throughout their medical journey.

Before Your Stay:
• Scheduling and coordination of medical appointments
• Support planning accommodations in Cartagena
• Partnerships with nearby hotels for convenience
• Pre-authorization assistance with international insurance companies

During Your Care:
• In-hospital accompaniment
• Coordination and communication with insurance providers
• 24/7 assistance for patient and family needs

Returning Home:
• Medical reports in Spanish or English
• Support in arranging follow-up appointments
• Communication with treating physicians abroad

After Your Stay:
• Ongoing support for questions, documentation, and continued communication with medical teams

The International Office offers:

  • Direct access to specialists for appointment requests.
  • 24/7 patient assistance phone line.
  • In-hospital accompaniment and navigation.
  • Coordination with insurers for authorizations and guarantees.

Visa & Entry Information

Simple Travel Requirements for International Patients


Many international travelers — including those from North America, Europe, and several Latin American countries — can enter Colombia visa-free for short stays. Others may require a visa or electronic travel authorization depending on nationality. Entry requirements may vary, so patients should always confirm the latest regulations with the nearest Colombian consulate or official government sources.

Passports should generally be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the date of arrival.
Carrying printed or digital confirmation of appointments at Hospital Serena del Mar can help streamline immigration procedures.

Travel Tips:

  • Fly into Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG), located in Cartagena and close to Serena del Mar.
  • Select accommodations near the Serena del Mar area or in the Bocagrande / Centro Histórico zones for convenient transportation.
  • Consider travel insurance that includes international medical coverage and trip interruption protection.
  • Allow a few extra days before and after major procedures for rest, post-operative follow-up, and fit-to-fly clearance.

Hospital Serena del Mar’s Health Professionals

A Team Dedicated to Clinical and Human Excellence


Behind Hospital Serena del Mar’s reputation stands a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, and healthcare professionals who share a unified philosophy: combining scientific rigor with empathy, respect, and human warmth. More than 60 medical specialties and subspecialties work together to deliver world-class healthcare to Cartagena, the Caribbean region, and international patients.

Hospital Serena del Mar’s medical teams are supported by continuous education programs, evidence-based protocols, and the leadership of the Santa Fe de Bogotá Foundation, one of Latin America’s most respected healthcare institutions. Their collaborative approach ensures safe, precise, and compassionate care in every stage of the patient journey.

  • Multidisciplinary teams across internal medicine, surgery, cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, pediatrics, neurology, and more.
  • Physicians with national and international training, many involved in clinical research and medical innovation.
  • Nursing and technical staff educated in evidence-based practices, infection control, and patient-centered communication.
  • Continuous training and development initiatives aligned with international standards and the Santa Fe Foundation’s humanized care model.
  • A unified commitment to delivering safe, high-quality, respectful, and compassionate healthcare to every patient.

⭐ Patient Reviews