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Cartagena

Colombia

Pace: balanced Romantic Historic Vibrant Tropical
Ideal trip length
3 - 7 days
Busiest
Dec-Feb
Cartagena
Destination
Dates
Guests 1 room, 1 adults, 0 children
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Where to stay

Hotels in Cartagena

Book direct on our own Cartagena hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.

At a glance

Climate
Tropical
Languages
Spanish and English
Local currency
COP (COP)
Local time
(GMT-5)
Ideal trip length
3–7 days
Cost level
3 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Walled City
Tap water
Bottled water recommended
Tipping
10% for good service

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 75 · Good

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Arepa de huevo Ceviche Pescado frito Arroz con coco

When to visit Cartagena

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: January, February Busiest: Dec-Feb
  1. Jan
    90

    Dry, sunny, busy

  2. Feb
    90

    Dry, sunny, busy

  3. Mar
    85

    Dry, hot

  4. Apr
    80

    Hot, humid, dry

  5. May
    70

    Humid, some rain

  6. Jun
    65

    Humid, rain showers

  7. Jul
    60

    Humid, rain showers

  8. Aug
    55

    Humid, rainy, storms

  9. Sept
    50

    Humid, heavy rain

  10. Oct
    50

    Humid, heavy rain

  11. Nov
    60

    Humid, rain lessens

  12. Dec
    85

    Dry, sunny, busy

Things to do in Cartagena

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

3 places

Visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

San Lázaro 2.5 hrs

Explore the impressive Spanish fortress offering panoramic views of the city.

Outdoors Good for children

Day Trip to Rosario Islands

Offshore 8 hrs

Escape to pristine Caribbean islands for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxation.

Outdoors Good for children

Mud Volcano El Totumo

Santa Catalina 4 hrs

Bathe in the therapeutic mud of a small volcano, followed by a lake rinse.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the evening

2 places

Experience Getsemaní Nightlife

Getsemaní 4 hrs

Enjoy vibrant street art, live music, and delicious food in the bohemian neighborhood.

Outdoors

Sunset Cruise on Cartagena Bay

Cartagena Bay 2 hrs

Enjoy stunning sunset views over the bay with drinks and music.

Outdoors Good for children

Any time of day

2 places

Explore the Walled City

Walled City 3 hrs

Wander through colorful colonial streets, admire architecture, and discover hidden plazas.

Outdoors Good for children

Taste Local Street Food

Walled City 2 hrs

Savor authentic Colombian snacks like arepas, empanadas, and fresh fruit juices.

Outdoors Good for children

Cartagena itineraries

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For couples

2 Days in Cartagena — Romance

Ignite your passion amidst the colonial charm and Caribbean allure of Cartagena.

This two-day itinerary is crafted for couples seeking a blend of historic charm, tropical beauty, and intimate moments. Explore the romantic streets of the Walled City, unwind on pristine Caribbean islands, and savor exquisite cuisine, all designed to create unforgettable shared experiences. Perfect for honeymoons, anniversaries, or simply a passionate escape.

2 Days 9 Stops
See the full plan
Things to book

Tours and activities in Cartagena

Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.

Practical ratings

Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.

Eating & Culinary

Arepa De Huevo 95 · Outstanding
Ceviche 87 · Outstanding
Pescado Frito 78 · Very good
Arroz Con Coco 70 · Good

Signature Experiences

Explore The Walled City 95 · Outstanding
Visit Castillo San Felipe De Barajas 91 · Outstanding
Day Trip To Rosario Islands 87 · Outstanding
Experience Getsemaní Nightlife 83 · Very good
Mud Volcano El Totumo 78 · Very good
Sunset Cruise On Cartagena Bay 74 · Good
Taste Local Street Food 70 · Good

Best Suitable For

Couples 95 · Outstanding
Friends 90 · Outstanding
Families 85 · Outstanding
Luxury 80 · Very good
Budget 75 · Very good
History 70 · Good

Planning & Tips

Stay hydrated, especially during the day. 95 · Outstanding
Negotiate taxi fares before getting in. 83 · Very good
Be aware of street vendors, politely decline if not interested. 70 · Good

Ratings and recommendations are curated from local travel data.

Near Cartagena

Straight-line distance from the centre of Cartagena.

Getaways from Cartagena

Places people from Cartagena travel to, from our own travel research.

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