The formulation of strategies and policies to adapt to climate change are becoming a norm in both developed and developing urban areas around the world. The city of Cartagena, Colombia has recently identified its vulnerabilities to tackle climate change events framed in the Plan 4C, in order to formulate guidelines, to improve its competitiveness and adaptation to climate change in a city that is emerging as an international touristic centre and a national economic hub. However, much has been documented about the social and environmental realities of the city which contrasts with its economic outlook and image. This article aims to analyze such reality by taking into account social, economic and ecological factors based on documented data of the city. The analysis demonstrates that several urban zones require urgent sustainable intervention based on the context and by that, this article attempts to argue that the use of an integral and inclusive approach plays a critical role in this specific complex social, economic and environmental context if the strategies and plans of the city to adapt to climate change are to be met. Keywords: Climate Change, Cartagena, Resilience, Social Exclusion, adaptation strategies, Inclusiveness, CBA