Cartagena 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Old Town

  • Accommodation: Stay at Casa San Agustin (Website) or Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa (Website). Both are centrally located and offer a taste of colonial charm.

  • Breakfast: Start your day with a traditional Colombian breakfast at Cafe San Alberto (Location) or La Cocina de San Pedro (Location).

  • Morning: Visit the historic district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the walled city’s cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and plazas like Plaza de Santo Domingo and Plaza de la Aduana. Don’t miss the beautiful Clock Tower (Torre del Reloj) and Inquisition Palace (Palacio de la Inquisición).

  • Lunch: Savor local seafood at El Puerto (Location) or Cevicheria (Location).

  • Afternoon: Visit the Convent of La Popa (Monasterio de la Popa) for a panoramic view of Cartagena. Then, explore the vibrant neighborhood of Getsemani with its street art and lively atmosphere.

  • Dinner: Dine at Alma (Location) for contemporary Colombian cuisine or Carmen (Location) for a romantic setting and live music.

  • Evening: Stroll along the city walls (Murallas) or take a sunset boat tour around the historic district.

Day 2: Islas del Rosario & Beach Day

  • Transportation: Hire a water taxi from Pier de la Bodeguita in the Old Town (approx. $10 USD round trip per person).

  • Morning: Visit the Rosario Islands, a group of 27 coral islands. Spend your day at Playa Azul or Playa Grande, enjoy snorkeling, and relax on the beach.

  • Lunch: Have lunch at one of the restaurants on Isla del Rosario.

  • Afternoon: Continue exploring the islands, visit the Red Fish Aquarium, or take a boat tour to see the sea turtles.

  • Dinner: Return to Cartagena and have dinner at La Cevichera de Rafael (Location) or El Corral del Ropero (Location).

Day 3: Castilla de San Felipe de Barajas & Boquia

  • Morning: Visit the Castle of San Felipe de Barajas, a fortress built to protect Cartagena from pirates. It’s one of the largest fortresses built by the Spanish in their American colonies.

  • Lunch: Try local street food at Bazurto Market (Location) or head to El Tinto Social Club (Location) for a more refined setting.

  • Afternoon: Take a taxi or hire a guide to visit the village of Boquia in the Sierra de la Macarena. Enjoy a boat ride through the mangroves, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and relax on the beach.

  • Dinner: Return to Cartagena for dinner at Fusion (Location) or Maria (Location).

Day 4: Tierra Bomba Island & Departure

  • Morning: Take a water taxi to Tierra Bomba Island and spend the morning relaxing on Playa Blanca, known for its turquoise waters.

  • Lunch: Have lunch at El Faro de Tierra Bomba (Location) before heading back to Cartagena.

  • Afternoon: Depending on your departure time, you can do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs in the Old Town or visit the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) if you haven’t already.

  • Dinner: Enjoy a farewell dinner at El Gobernador (Location) or Santa Teresa Claveles (Location).

  • Departure: Head to El Rafael de Cartagena Airport for your onward journey.