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Colombia · Trip plan

4 days in Cartagena

A walled colonial city of bougainvillea balconies on the Caribbean.

Best time
Dec – Apr
Ideal length
4 days
A day, mid-range
$180 per person
Trip for two
about $1,440

Planning a 4-day trip to Cartagena? Here's a day-by-day Cartagena itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.

Why go now

December to April is the dry season, with breezy sunny days, and January brings the Hay Festival of literature and music.

Cartagena is Colombia's Caribbean jewel: a fortified colonial port with brightly painted streets, great food and a buzzing nightlife.

  1. Jan: a good time to go
  2. Feb: a good time to go
  3. Mar: a good time to go
  4. Apr: a good time to go
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec: a good time to go

December to April: 26–32°C, dry and breezy.

Create my Cartagena trip

Don't miss

Best things to do in Cartagena

  • 01

    The Walled City

    UNESCO colonial streets, plazas and colourful balconies.

  • 02

    Getsemaní

    Street art, salsa bars and Plaza de la Trinidad at night.

  • 03

    Rosario Islands

    Coral islands with clear water an hour by boat.

  • 04

    Castillo San Felipe

    The largest Spanish fortress in the Americas.

Day by day

Cartagena itinerary for 4 days

  1. D1

    Day 1: Walled City

    Morning
    Walk the Walled City's plazas: Plaza Santo Domingo with its Botero statue, the cathedral and the Palace of the Inquisition.
    Afternoon
    Rest through the midday heat, then browse the boutiques in San Diego.
    Evening
    Sunset on the city walls at Café del Mar, then dinner in a courtyard restaurant.

    Mornings and evenings are coolest for walking.

  2. D2

    Day 2: Fortress and Getsemaní

    Morning
    Explore Castillo San Felipe de Barajas and its tunnels.
    Afternoon
    Walk Getsemaní's street art and colourful lanes.
    Evening
    Salsa at Café Havana and street food in Plaza de la Trinidad.

    Café Havana gets packed after 11 PM.

  3. D3

    Day 3: Rosario Islands

    Morning
    Boat to the Rosario Islands for snorkelling and white beaches.
    Afternoon
    Lunch of fried fish and coconut rice.
    Evening
    Back to the city for dinner.

    Choose a reputable boat operator.

  4. D4

    Day 4: Home

    Morning
    Coffee and arepas.
    Afternoon
    Last shopping for emeralds or hats.
    Evening
    Fly home.

    The airport is close to the old city.

Want it hour by hour?GoRoam plans every stop with times, maps, costs and bookings for your dates.

Shorter or longer

Cartagena in 3, 4 or 6 days

3 days in Cartagena

Follow days 1 to 3 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.

6 days in Cartagena

Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering.

What it costs

Cartagena trip budget

StylePer person, a day4 days for two
Budget$80$640
Mid-range$180$1,440
Luxury$500+$4,000

Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Cartagena is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.

Where to stay

Best hotels in Cartagena for every budget

  • Budget

    Hostels in Getsemaní

    Getsemaní

    Lively and affordable.

    from $30 /night

    Prices
  • Mid-range

    Boutique hotels in the Walled City

    Centro

    Courtyards and plunge pools.

    from $200 /night

    Prices
  • Luxury

    Sofitel Legend Santa Clara

    Centro

    A converted 17th-century convent.

    from $450 /night

    Prices

What to eat

Food to try in Cartagena

  • Arepa de huevo

    Fried corn cake with an egg inside.

  • Ceviche cartagenero

    Shrimp ceviche with a sweet-tangy sauce.

  • Limonada de coco

    Coconut limeade.

Getting there

How to reach Cartagena

Travel
Rafael Núñez airport is 15 minutes from the old city; direct flights from Miami, New York and Bogotá.
Getting around
Walk the old city; taxis and boats for further.
  • Agree prices with street vendors and taxis first.
  • Walk the walls at sunset for the breeze.

Before you go

What to pack for Cartagena

  • Power bank and charging cables
  • Passport and visa printouts
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Swimwear and flip-flops
  • Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples
  • A forex card or some local cash
  • Travel insurance

Good questions

Cartagena trip FAQs

How many days are enough for Cartagena?

4 days are enough to see the highlights: The Walled City, Getsemaní, Rosario Islands. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.

How much does a 4-day Cartagena trip cost?

Roughly $80 a day per person on a budget, $180 mid-range and $500+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $1,440 for 4 days.

What is the best time to visit Cartagena?

Dec – Apr. December to April is the dry season, with breezy sunny days, and January brings the Hay Festival of literature and music.

Where should I stay in Cartagena?

Budget: Hostels in Getsemaní (Getsemaní), from about $30 a night. Mid-range: Boutique hotels in the Walled City (Centro), from about $200 a night. Luxury: Sofitel Legend Santa Clara (Centro), from about $450 a night.

How do I reach Cartagena?

Rafael Núñez airport is 15 minutes from the old city; direct flights from Miami, New York and Bogotá.

Is 3 days enough for Cartagena?

Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 3 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 4 days is the comfortable length.

What is the weather like in Cartagena?

December to April: 26–32°C, dry and breezy.

What food should I try in Cartagena?

Arepa de huevo: Fried corn cake with an egg inside. Ceviche cartagenero: Shrimp ceviche with a sweet-tangy sauce. Limonada de coco: Coconut limeade.

How do I get around Cartagena?

Walk the old city; taxis and boats for further.

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