Cartagena 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Old Town Cartagena

Morning:

  • Check-in at your hotel. Recommended hotels: Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa or Casa San Agustín.
  • Start your day with a traditional Colombian breakfast at Café del Mural.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Walled City (La Ciudad Amurallada), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its charming streets, colorful colonial architecture, and historical sites like San Felipe de Barajas Castle.
  • Head to the Plaza Santo Domingo and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Don’t miss the beautiful churches of Iglesia de Santo Domingo and Catedral Basílica Metropolitana.

Evening:

  • Take a stroll along the Walled City Walls (Murallas), enjoying the sunset view over the Caribbean Sea.
  • Dine at Alquimia Restaurant, known for its innovative Colombian cuisine and fantastic cocktails.
  • Experience Cartagena’s nightlife in the neighborhood of Getsemaní. Visit bars like Café Havana or La Movida.

Things to Know:

  • Cartagena is a safe city, but be cautious with your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
  • Uber and taxis are widely available, but you can also negotiate prices with local car service providers called colectivos or paraderos.
  • Spanish is the primary language, although many people working in tourism speak English.

Day 2: Islands and Beaches

Morning:

  • Take a boat trip to Rosario and San Bernardo Islands. You can book this tour through your hotel or local tour operators. The tour usually includes snorkeling, beach time, and lunch.

Afternoon:

  • Return to Cartagena in the afternoon. If you still have energy, visit El Manga del Fenix for some shopping.

Evening:

  • Dine at La Cevicheria, a popular seafood restaurant that offers delicious ceviches and other Colombian dishes.
  • End your day with a relaxing walk along the Pie de la Popa Lookout, where you can admire panoramic views of Cartagena.

Tips:

  • Bring sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes for walking.
  • Carry cash (Colombian pesos) as not all places accept credit cards.
  • Enjoy the local culture, music, and friendly people of Cartagena!