Cartagena
A walled colonial city on the Caribbean — pastel buildings, bougainvillea-draped balconies, and salsa spilling out of every plaza after dark. Cartagena is Colombia's most romantic destination and the perfect first or last stop on a longer trip.
Planning Your Trip
The best time to visit Cartagena is December to April (dry season), when you'll find pleasant weather and manageable crowds. Budget travelers can expect to spend around $45/day, mid-range travelers about $110/day, and luxury travelers upwards of $320/day — covering accommodation, food, transport, and activities.
A 3-day visit is ideal for Cartagena, giving you enough time to cover the major highlights while leaving room for spontaneous discoveries. Use our AI trip planner to build a custom itinerary tailored to your style and budget.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Local Tips & Insider Advice
- Stay inside the walled city (Centro Histórico) or Getsemaní — outside is mostly business hotels
- Visit Castillo San Felipe in the morning before the Caribbean sun gets brutal
- Day-trip to the Rosario Islands for snorkelling — book through your hotel, not beach hawkers
- Bring cash for street vendors; cards are sometimes refused even at upscale restaurants
Explore Cartagena
Top-rated places on the map
3-Day Sample Itinerary
Here's a suggested 3-day route through Cartagena that covers the highlights while leaving room for spontaneous discoveries. Customize this plan with our AI trip planner.
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Upcoming Events
Concerts, shows & sports happening in Cartagena
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