Cartagena Colombia 6 Day Itinerary

Cartagena, Colombia: 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival & Exploring the Historic Center

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Casa San Agustin: A luxurious boutique hotel located in a colonial mansion. Website
  • Hostal Santo Domingo: Budget-friendly accommodation with a friendly atmosphere. Website

Things to Do:

  • Walk around the Historic Center (Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Don’t miss Plaza Santo Domingo, San Diego Square, and the Inquisition Palace.
  • Visit the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) for an insight into the pre-Columbian era.
  • Explore the walled city and its fortresses: Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas.

Where to Eat:

  • Alquimia Restaurant: Innovative Colombian cuisine with a contemporary twist. Website
  • El Boliche Cebicheria: Delicious ceviches and seafood dishes. Website

Day 2 - Rosario Islands & Beach Time

What to Do:

  • Take a day tour to the Rosario Islands, a beautiful archipelago with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.
  • Snorkel, swim, or relax on the beach.
  • Visit Isla Grande’s turtle sanctuary.

Where to Eat:

  • Restaurant El Faro: Enjoy lunch with a beautiful view of the Rosario Islands. Website

Day 3 - Getacartagena & La Boquilla

What to Do:

  • Visit Getsemani, a vibrant neighborhood filled with colorful street art and lively bars.
  • Take a boat tour to La Boquilla, a fishing village where you can interact with locals and learn about the community.
  • Enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant in La Boquilla.

Where to Eat:

  • Carmen: A popular eatery in Getsemani offering delicious Colombian dishes. Website

Day 4 - Exploring Modern Cartagena & Lunch Cruise

What to Do:

  • Visit the modern Bocagrande neighborhood, with its towering skyscrapers and beautiful beaches.
  • Take a lunch cruise on a catamaran, offering fantastic views of the city and coastline.

Where to Eat:

  • El Barrio Quiebracabezas: A trendy eatery in Bocagrande with delicious dishes and great cocktails. Website

Day 5 - Tierra Bomba Island & Muralla del Rey

What to Do:

  • Take a boat tour to Tierra Bomba Island, where you can visit the Naval Museum and enjoy beautiful beaches.
  • Explore Muralla del Rey, an ancient walled city with various historical sites, including the Palace of the Inquisition and Santa Clara’s Monastery.

Where to Eat:

  • La Cevichera: Delicious ceviches in a lively atmosphere. Website

Day 6 - Departure

On your final day, enjoy some last-minute shopping for souvenirs or explore any remaining sights that interest you before heading to the airport for your departure.

Transportation:

  • Taxis and ride-hailing apps (such as Cabify) are readily available throughout Cartagena.
  • Consider a day tour if you’d like to visit multiple locations in one day.

Tips:

  • Be mindful of your belongings, especially when walking around crowded areas.
  • Embrace the local culture and try new things!
  • Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to make interactions with locals easier.
  • Cartagena’s weather can be hot and humid, so pack accordingly.
  • Bring sunscreen and insect repellent.

More Information: