Things To Do in Cartagena, Colombia: My Ultimate 5 Day Itinerary

I truly love the historical city of Cartagena. The beaches, the art, the climate, and the people will have you calling Cartagena a go-to destination for years to come.

I originally moved here with an open heart and mind.  Many didn’t understand my decision to teach abroad, let alone my choice of Colombia. But this isn’t their path- its mine. I am so glad I followed it, because now I am here to tell the tale and share some traveling gems with you.

After 9 months of living in Cartagena I want to share my favorite cafes, activities, tours, and restaurants in a 5 day sample itinerary. You can see most of Cartagena in 3 days (we are a small city) but if you also want to include a visit to the beautiful nearby city of Santa Marta add on the extra two days. 

Cartagena is typically 85-87 degrees daily with matching humidity levels. However, if you visit May through June it tends to be cooler. July to October it’s windy and rainy and therefore the best months to visit are December to March.

So here goes the itinerary I HIGHLY recommend for exploring Cartagena.

Day 1: Centro/Walled City: Cartagena History Day

1. Have breakfast at Epoca Cafe ($15 USD for 2 people)
2. Walk Centro Historical aka the Walled City aka Old Town.
3. Visit the San Felipe Castle ($11 COP/ $3 USD)- you can choose to explore it alone or find a tour guide there onsite or via TripAdvisor
4. Get street food for lunch or stop by Caffe Lunatico (they have a beautiful view of Castillo San Felipe approx. $25 USD for 2 people).
5. Later have dinner at Cande also in Centro next to Serrezuela Mall (be sure to make reservations in advance approx. $30 USD for 2 people).
6. Walk the streets of Getesmani for live entertainment until you become tired most people will be out until 3:00 a.m
7. If you’re feeling adventurous take a horse carriage ride through Centro. While you ride, take photos and listen to the driver teach you about the Walled Cities history (in Spanish approx. $10-$15 USD by the hour).

Day 2: Afro-Colombian History

1. Contact Experience Real Cartagena Tours and book your Palenque Tour.

This tour is approx. 7 hours and it will  introduce you to Afro Colombian history from Afro-Colombian tour guides. They will take you on a nice air conditioned bus to Palenque, which is an hour from Cartagena. Palenque is the first free African town in the Americas. This is an all day tour and although lunch is included be sure to pack snacks and plenty of water. I also recommend hand sanitizer and tissue paper for bathroom breaks. ( approx. $100 USD per person)

2. REST time
3. Get cute and have dinner at Carmen (Book reservations in advance approx. $40 for 2 people)

If you have some energy board a Chiva Bus, a Colombian party bus where music is loudly played and you and your friends will be chauffeured to Cartagena nightlife (approx. $12 USD per person)

Day 3: Island Day

1. Have Breakfast at Ely (reservation not needed, they fill up quickly approx $15 USD for 2 people)
2. Island time. I like Blue Apple Beach which is located a 20 minute boat ride away on the Afro-Colombian island of La Tierra Bomba. ($25-$60 USD per person depending on which package you choose)

3. If you want to try another Island, contact APA Tours Cartagena to reserve a trip to Playa Blanca in Baru islands or Rosario Islands. (Approx $30 USD per person)

4. Later, dress up and have dinner at Baruco (I highly recommend their seafood rice approx $30 USD for 2 people)
5. Dance and get a drink at Alquimico

Day 4 & 5: Santa Marta & Parque De Tayrona

Santa Marta is a 4.5 hour bus/car ride from Cartagena. You can hire a driver via the InDriver app this could cost about $100-$150 USD or you can take a Marsol bus for $12 USD.

1. You decide if this will be a day trip or overnight trip. Many people prefer overnight because this way you get the opportunity to explore more of Parque de Tayrona or spend more time on the Santa Marta beaches. 

If you love nature I highly recommend visiting Parque de Tayrona. Keep in mind No pets are allowed and proof of yellow fever vaccine required.

If you choose not to go to Santa Marta consider a chill day in Cartagena.

Day 4: Chill Day in Cartagena

1. Breakfast at Cafe De La Manana or Erase Un Cafe Bar (approx. $20 USD for 2 people)
2. Visit a nearby beach in Crespo or Bocagrande
3. Get a massage at Uraku  ($75 USD for 2 people)
4. Watch the Sunset at Cafe Del Mar
5. Get your COVID 24 hour test if returning to the U.S (I recommend SiS Diagnostics in Bocagrande they are open 24 hours. Approx. $30 USD)

Have dinner at Mar y Zielo or Celele (check the menus for your preference approx. $30 USD for 2 people).

For daily transportation I recommend the Uber app. If you prefer not to use Uber, download the InDriver app. This app allows you to dictate the price. Most trips are $8,000 COP everything listed here aside from Santa Marta should not exceed $10,000 COP. Please be mindful of Taxis they tend to overcharge even the locals.

I hope this itinerary is helpful. Everything mentioned is included in my Instagram guides and feel free to reach out with any questions.

I truly hope you consider a trip to Cartagena. It’s a beautiful city with much to see and explore.