Cartagena Itineraries. 3 Days, 1 Week, Budget Travel

Time-Based Itineraries

Plans to help structure your visit based on its duration.

From a brief layover to an extended exploration.

Duration Overviews

24-hour Layover: Focus on Old City highlights: Clock Tower, Plaza de Bolívar, San Felipe Castle, city walls.
Weekend Getaway (2-3 days): Old City, Getsemaní, island trip to Rosario Islands or Playa Blanca.
One-week Comprehensive: Deep city exploration, Rosario Islands, Mud Volcano, Mangroves, Palenque or cooking class.

Interest-Based Routes

Tailor your itinerary to specific passions and interests.

Historical & Heritage Focus

Immerse yourself in Cartagena's rich past.

Sites & Activities

Explore the Old City: plazas, churches, colonial architecture.
Visit San Felipe Castle and the Palace of the Inquisition.
Include the Gold Museum for its artifacts.
Day trip to San Basilio de Palenque for cultural depth.

Consider booking your historical tours on GetYourGuide.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Experience thrill and nature around Cartagena.

Outdoor Thrills

Rosario Islands: For snorkeling, diving, or beach relaxation.
El Totumo Mud Volcano: A unique therapeutic experience.
Consider parasailing or jet-skiing at Bocagrande beach.

Food & Culinary Experiences

Savor the flavors of Colombian cuisine.

Gastronomic Journey

Prioritize food tours in Getsemaní.
Participate in cooking classes that include market visits.
Explore Mercado de Bazurto, ideally with a guide.
Try various local eateries, from street food to fine dining specializing in seafood.

Family-Friendly Itinerary

Create memorable moments for all ages.

Activities for Families

Choose accommodations with pools, especially in Bocagrande.
Plan activities for mornings and late afternoons to avoid midday heat.
Include shorter boat trips to nearby islands.
Visit Parque del Centenario to spot iguanas and sloths.

Budget-Based Plans

Adjust your travel style to fit your financial comfort.

Backpacker's Guide

Stay in hostels, eat street food, walk, use TransCaribe, focus on free tours.

Mid-Range Traveler

Boutique hotels, mix mid-range restaurants and street food, use taxis/ride-sharing, balance tours and independent exploration.

Luxury Experience

5-star hotels, fine dining, private transfers, exclusive tours, yacht charters, spa treatments.

Long-Term Stay

Consider renting an apartment in Getsemaní or Bocagrande. Enroll in a Spanish language school for immersion.

Seasonal Specialties

Align your itinerary with Cartagena's seasonal rhythms and events.

Dry Season Highlights Dec-Apr

Optimal for outdoor activities with lower humidity.

Best for Outdoor Exploration

Ideal for beach activities and island hopping.
Comfortable for city walking due to lower humidity.
Book everything well in advance due to high demand.
Minimal rain for uninterrupted outdoor enjoyment.

Enjoy the vibrancy of peak tourist season.

Wet Season Highlights May-Nov

Fewer crowds and lush landscapes.

Benefits of Off-Peak Travel

Expect more rain but fewer crowds and lower prices.
Good for cultural activities, museums, and cooking classes.
Enjoy the lush green landscapes after the rains.
Be prepared for afternoon showers; carry an umbrella or a Light rain jacket.

Off-Season Exploration Strategies

Maximizing your visit during quieter times.

Benefits of Quieter Periods

Lower prices on flights and accommodation.
Fewer crowds at popular attractions.
More relaxed and authentic experience.

Adaptable Planning

Be flexible with your plans to accommodate potential rain.
Pivot to indoor activities like museums or cooking classes during downpours.
Plan your visit around major festivals or events if they interest you.

Art & Architecture Emphasis

Explore Cartagena's artistic and structural beauty.

Artistic Exploration

Spend extensive time on walking tours of the Old City.
Focus on colonial and republican architecture.
Take a dedicated street art tour in Getsemaní.
Visit local art galleries and the Museum of Modern Art.

Spiritual & Wellness Journey

Find tranquility and rejuvenation.

Mindful Experiences

Focus on quiet moments in the Old City's churches.
Incorporate a spa day or wellness treatments.
Embrace mindful exploration and the calming presence of the Caribbean Sea.
Find serene courtyards in boutique hotels.

Two-Week Itinerary Outline

Week 1: Cartagena Focus

Follow the 'One-week comprehensive experience' itinerary for Cartagena.

Week 2: Medellín Exploration

Fly to Medellín (Days 8-11). Explore Comuna 13, Botero Plaza, cable car, and a day trip to Guatapé.

Week 2: Bogotá Conclusion

Fly to Bogotá (Days 12-14). Visit world-class museums, historical sites. Depart from Bogotá.

Effective Planning

Remember to book activities and experiences on platforms like GetYourGuide to streamline your trip.

Quick Itinerary Ideas

Concise itineraries for specific interests or durations.

One-Week Overview

A balanced itinerary for a comprehensive experience.

Weekly Activities

Days 1-3: Cartagena City Focus (landmarks, museums, Getsemaní, castle).
Day 4: Rosario Islands Exploration (snorkeling, beaches).
Day 5: Mud Volcano & Mangroves (unique therapeutic experience).
Day 6: Cultural Immersion or Relaxation (Palenque or cooking class).

Day 7: Revisit favorites or last-minute shopping before departure.

Weekend Getaway Focus

Maximize a short visit with experiences.

Short Stay Highlights

Day 1: Old City & Getsemaní Immersion (landmarks, street art, cafes).
Day 2: Island Escape (full-day boat trip for beaches and snorkeling).
Day 3 (optional): Historical & Local Insights (San Felipe Castle, Convento de la Popa).
Evenings: Sunset from city walls, fine dining, or local seafood.

-Hour Layover Itinerary

Hit the main highlights in a concise timeframe.

Morning & Afternoon

Morning: Explore Old City (Clock Tower, Plaza de Bolívar, Cathedral).
Lunch: Traditional "menu del día" in Old City.
Afternoon: San Felipe de Barajas Castle.

Evening Experience

Evening: Sunset walk along city walls (Las Murallas).
Drinks at Plaza de la Trinidad, soaking in local nightlife.
Return to airport.

Art & Architecture Itinerary

Discover the city's visual and structural heritage.

Artistic & Architectural Highlights

Extensive walking tours of the Old City's colonial and republican architecture.
Dedicated street art tour in Getsemaní.
Visit local art galleries and the Museum of Modern Art.
Consider sketching or photography walks.

Spiritual & Wellness Itinerary

Seek tranquility and self-care in Cartagena.

Calm & Reflection

Focus on quiet moments in the Old City's churches (e.g., San Pedro Claver Church).
Find serene courtyards in boutique hotels.
Incorporate a spa day or wellness treatments.
Embrace mindful exploration and the calming presence of the Caribbean Sea.

Important Travel Advice

Pace Yourself

Do not try to pack too much into each day. Cartagena's heat and humidity mean you will likely move at a slower pace.

Essential Habits

Build in time for relaxation, hydration, and spontaneous discoveries to fully enjoy your trip.

Final Itinerary Tip

These suggestions offer a starting point; personalize them to match your preferences for a memorable Cartagena adventure.

Cartagena Itineraries