Cartagena, Colombia Day Trips

Top Day Trips from Cartagena, Colombia 🇨🇴

Explore these fantastic day trips to discover the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of the surrounding regions near Cartagena, Colombia 🏝️🌞!

  1. Rosario Islands (Islas del Rosario) 🏝️

    • Distance from Cartagena: ≈ 23 km / ≈ 14 miles
    • How to get there: Book a tour or take a speedboat from Muelle de las Flores or El Totumo
    • Highlights:
      • Swimming and snorkeling with diverse marine life
      • Picturesque beaches such as Isla Grande, San Martin de Pajarales, and Santa Cruz del Islote
      • Relax at Coralina’s beach club on Isla Grande 🌴🍹

  2. Tayrona National Natural Park (Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona) 🏞️

    • Distance from Cartagena: ≈ 84 km / ≈ 52 miles
    • How to get there: Bus or tour from Santa Marta, followed by a short hike
    • Highlights:
      • Stunning beaches such as Cabo San Juan del Guía and Cañaveral
      • Exploring archaeological sites of the indigenous Wiwa people, including the Pueblito Chanduya
      • Hiking opportunities through diverse landscapes from rainforests to coastlines 🌳🏞️

  3. Las Lomas de San Basilio (San Basilio de Palenque) 🌆

    • Distance from Cartagena: ≈ 106 km / ≈ 66 miles
    • How to get there: Tour or public transportation from Sincelejo or Mahates
    • Highlights:
      • Witnessing the unique Afro-Colombian culture of this Palenque (founded in 1597)
      • Visiting the “Casa del Cacique” and the local San Basilio church
      • Tasting authentic Colombian cuisine such as sancocho palenquero and empanadas de maíz 🍲🥘

  4. La Boquilla (Mud Volcanoes & Sloth Sanctuary) 🐨

    • Distance from Cartagena: ≈ 16 km / ≈ 10 miles
    • How to get there: Tour or taxi from El Totumo or by boat from Baru
    • Highlights:
      • Exploring the Mud Volcanoes and swimming in the therapeutic mud 🌐
      • Visiting the Sloth Sanctuary, where rescued sloths are rehabilitated for release back into the wild 🦒
      • Learning about the Afro-Colombian fishing community of La Boquilla 🎣

  5. El Totumo (Volcano Mud Bath) 🧖‍♀️

    • Distance from Cartagena: ≈ 18 km / ≈ 11 miles
    • How to get there: Tour or private transportation from Cartagena
    • Highlights:
      • Relaxing in the healing mud volcano, with views of the surrounding countryside 🌄
      • Learning about the traditional medicinal properties of the mud ⚕️
      • Swimming in the clear waters nearby after the mud bath 🏊‍♂️