Cartagena, Colombia-7-day-itinerary
Cartagena, Colombia 7-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
- Arrive at Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG)
- Take a taxi or Uber to your accommodation in the historic center (approx. COP 15,000 / USD 5)
- Check-in to your hotel, such as Hotel Casa San Agustín or La Casa de las Olas
- Explore the colorful streets of Getsemaní neighborhood and visit the famous Café Havana for lunch
- Walk through the historic center and admire the colonial architecture, visiting Plaza Bolívar, Cathedral of Cartagena, and Palacio de la Inquisición
- Enjoy a traditional Colombian dinner at La Cevichería
Day 2: Beach Day and Sunset
- Take a boat tour to Islas Rosario (approx. COP 120,000 / USD 40) for snorkeling and relaxing on the beach
- Return to Cartagena in the afternoon and enjoy the sunset at Café del Mar, located on the city wall
- For dinner, try some seafood at La Macarena
Day 3: History and Culture
- Visit Museo de la Inquisición (approx. COP 20,000 / USD 7) to learn about the Spanish Inquisition in Colombia
- Explore the vibrant neighborhood of San Diego, known for its street art and cultural attractions
- Stop by Plaza de San Diego and visit the Iglesia de San Diego
- Enjoy lunch at Café San Alberto, a popular spot among locals and tourists alike
Day 4: Day Trip to Castillo Grande
- Take a day trip to Castillo Grande, a picturesque coastal town located about an hour away from Cartagena (approx. COP 80,000 / USD 25)
- Relax on the beach, enjoy fresh seafood, and explore the town’s charming streets
- Return to Cartagena in the evening and enjoy dinner at La Castilla
Day 5: Nightlife and Music
- Spend the evening exploring Cartagena’s vibrant nightlife
- Visit Café Demócratas, a popular spot for live music and cocktails
- Dance the night away at Quiebra-Cacha, a trendy nightclub in Getsemaní
Day 6: Day Trip to Palenque
- Take a day trip to Palenque, a scenic coastal town located about two hours away from Cartagena (approx. COP 120,000 / USD 40)
- Visit the stunning beaches, waterfalls, and hiking trails of Parque Nacional Natural
- Enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants in Palenque
- Return to Cartagena in the evening and enjoy a farewell dinner at La Vitrola
Day 7: Departure
- Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring any last-minute attractions
- Take a taxi or Uber back to Rafael Núñez International Airport (approx. COP 15,000 / USD 5) for your departure flight
Things to Know
- Cartagena is a coastal city with high humidity and temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F)
- Spanish is the official language, but many locals speak some English
- Colombian peso (COP) is the local currency; USD 1 approx. COP 3,000
- Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas and at night
Transportation
- Taxi: available everywhere, approx. COP 5,000 to COP 10,000 (USD 2 to USD 4)
- Uber: widely available, approx. COP 5,000 to COP 10,000 (USD 2 to USD 4)
- Bus: a affordable option for longer trips, approx. COP 1,000 to COP 3,000 (USD 0.35 to USD 1)
Tips
- Negotiate prices when shopping at local markets
- Try local fruits and street food
- Be respectful of the local culture and history
- Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen
Other Things of Interest
- Volcán de Lodo: a mud volcano located just outside Cartagena, offering a unique spa experience
- Convento de la Popa: a historic convent with stunning views of the city
- Casa Museo Rafael Núñez: a museum showcasing the life and legacy of former Colombian president Rafael Núñez
Enjoy your trip to Cartagena, Colombia!