Cartagena 4-Day Itinerary: Detailed & Perfect, Colombia 2024
Are you searching for a fun and unique Cartagena 4-day itinerary? I’ve spent weeks in this vibrant city and know exactly what you need to plan the BEST ITINERARY and make the most out of your holiday.
Cartagena is a lively and fun place to visit in Colombia, thanks to its unique heritage, delicious cuisine and tropical vibes. It’s one of the top places to visit on the Caribbean Coast and is perfect for a 4-day trip!
Bringing together my first-hand knowledge and tons of research, I’ve cherry-picked the absolute best activities to ensure you have a top-notch experience. Cartagena is one of my favourite cities; here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip.
Uncover How To Visit Cartagena With Our Detailed (& UNIQUE) 4-Day Itinerary, Perfect For First Timers!
In this post, I’m sharing my perfect Cartagena 4 day itinerary. It’s how I would have visited the city knowing what I know now. I’m also including topics such as:
- Practical information on how to get there, when to visit and where to stay.
- A quick overview of the average daily budget for all travel styles.
- The best places to eat, entertainment ideas and tour suggestions.
- Travel tips and safety.
🌟 Guess what ->> As travel experts, our experiences have led us to be great at planning travel itineraries, so much so that I offer a bespoke travel itinerary service to all my readers. Interested? See what it’s all about here on my custom itinerary page.
Summary: Cartagena 4-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Explore the Historic Centre and visit the Fort and Monastery; end the day with a Street Food Tour.
- Day 2: Spend the day on the Rosario Islands and finish the trip with sunset cocktails overlooking the city.
- Day 3: Take a cooking class, visit Getsemani and enjoy a rum and chocolate tasting.
- Day 4: Enjoy your final day in Palenque learning about the culture; end your day on a sunset cruise.
Are 4 Days In Cartagena Enough?
Before I get into the thick of it, I wanted to answer a common question I hear – “Are four days in Cartagena enough?”. Going from my own experience, I think four days are enough, and here’s why:
- It’s a small city, and so it won’t take you long to explore. There are really only three major areas worth visiting: The Historic Centre, Getsemani and Bocagrande.
- It’s possible to visit all three areas within a day, but you could spread it over two, leaving you with two more days for activities.
- There are lots of activities within the city to include in your itinerary, which provides insights into the culture and heritage of the area, but once you’ve seen it, you’ve seen it!
- Outside of the city, there are a number of fun and interesting day trips which are worth looking into. For example, a visit to the Rosario Islands and/or Palanque – I’ve included these in the itinerary.
Therefore, a 4-day Cartagena itinerary enables you to visit the best of the city, including the most popular attractions, while immersing yourself in local culture and enjoying a day trip (or two).
Of course, it’s always possible to stay for longer as Cartagena is an energetic city and there is always something to do, but four days are enough.
How To Spend 4 Days In Cartagena: A Detailed Itinerary
Since you’re going to be in Cartagena for four days, I wanted to make this a fun and activity-packed itinerary. I’ve done it how I would visit the city if I could do it over again.
It is busy, so if you’re looking for a laid-back trip, this might not be the itinerary for you, but I don’t think it’s rushed, and it’s certainly achievable, unlike many itineraries I see. I’ve also provided some alternative suggestions to give you more ideas and money-saving options.
The First Day: Cartagena 4-Day Itinerary
It’s your first day in Cartagena, so, of course, we’ve got to visit the top attractions, followed by an authentic food-tasting tour in the heart of the city.
Morning: Explore The Historic Centre, Fort And Monastery
It’s got to be a visit to the Fort of San Felipe (which actually got voted as the number one landmark in Colombia on my Insta poll), La Popa Monastery and Cartagena’s Old Town.
I would suggest visiting Castillo de San Felipe first thing in the morning as there’s little shade up the top, and the sun gets HOT. Afterwards, head to La Popa Monastery for a quick visit before exploring the old town.
CASTILLO DE SAN FELIPE DE BARAJAS
It was built in the colonial era by the Spanish to protect the city from attacks by pirates and other enemies; it’s considered an important military structure. The views from the top of the fortress are impressive, although none of the signs were in English.
You might want to consider a guide (always loads standing outside the entrance) if you want to learn more about it. Otherwise, it’s interesting to walk around and offers a glimpse into the history of the region and the strategies used to defend it.
SANTA CRUZ DE LA POPA MONASTERY
The Monastery is a historic religious site built in the 17th century. It’s overlooking the city and the Caribbean Sea as it’s built on a hill – jump in a taxi outside the fort to reach it, or you can walk (it might be a little too hot). It has a long history and impressive views of the city and sea, but you won’t need too long here.
OLD WALLED CITY
The Walled City of Cartagena, also known as the Old City, looks like it’s straight out of a storybook. The beautiful colonial buildings weaved between narrow streets and the lively atmosphere have made the city a popular tourist attraction. Built by the Spanish in the 16th century, it’s surrounded by thick stone walls that you can walk along.
⭐ Pro tip >> If you prefer, join this privately guided walled city, San Felipe and La Popa tour with tasting to discover the most important places of Cartagena and experience them authentically. Choose the 7 am tour to give you plenty of time to rest before the afternoon activity.
Afternoon: Street Food Tour
I love international cuisine. Overall, my favourite is Italian, but I also loved the food in Cartagena. The cuisine is a tasty blend of African, Spanish, and indigenous influences, featuring fresh seafood, exotic fruits, and bold flavours. I honestly loved the Street Food Tour we did, and I recommend it to anyone who will listen!
The food tour starts at 4 pm and lasts around two and a half hours. It’s a combination of a walking tour and a food tour, so you’ll get the best of both. You’ll get to try nine typical Cartagena street foods while exploring more of the Old City before heading to Getsemani.
⭐ Pro tip >> Join this tour to explore the history and culture of food in Colombia and end your first day in Cartagena on a high!
4 Days In Cartagena: Day 2 Itinerary
For the second day in Cartagena, a relaxing day trip to the Rosario Islands would be perfect to rest any tired feet. Visiting the Rosario Islands is a super popular activity in Cartagena, and the below excursion is one of the best.
All-Day: Rosario Islands
Embark on this full-day tour of the Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park from Cartagena, which includes a welcome drink, lunch and fees to enter the National Park. You’ll also get soft drinks and lunch included, so you don’t have to worry about anything.
During the tour, you’ll get to experience paradise with a stop at idyllic beaches with turquoise waters and white sands. You can swim and snorkel while admiring the underwater life.
Enjoy an unforgettable day on board a catamaran cruising around the Rosario Islands on this tour. It starts at 8:30 am and finishes around 4 pm.
Evening: Sunset Cocktails
Once you’ve had some time back at your hotel, I suggest going for some sunset cocktails. There are two places I recommend: Townhouse Hotel Rooftop and Movich Hotel. These two have wonderful views over the city and are fantastic spots to grab a drink.
Depending on the weekday and time of year, you might want to consider making a reservation to avoid disappointment. Afterwards, head to Donde Fidel for a night of salsa, music and dancing.
TOWNHOUSE HOTEL ROOFTOP
A top location for sunset, the rooftop bar is amazing. They also do a boozy brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. (If you don’t fancy the cooking class tomorrow, head to Townhouse for a great alternative).
MOVICH HOTEL TERRACE
In the heart of the old city, Movich has a wonderful terrace with a relaxed atmosphere playing soft lounge music, great for sundowners.
Day 3 In Cartagena: The Perfect Itinerary
Day three in Cartagena, and it’s another fun-filled day in the heart of Getsemani. I’ve included three tours today that work really well together, but you can also opt to explore Getsamani or Bocagrande independently.
Morning: Gourmet Cooking Class with a View
Let’s kick start today with a cooking class. We didn’t manage to get around to doing this one while we were in Cartagena, but it was on the list!
Located in the heart of Getsemaní, the day promises a unique culinary experience that combines learning, creativity, and communal dining. You’ll get a cooking class guided by an expert chef, who will teach you valuable techniques and tips to take home.
After cooking together, you’ll get to enjoy the meal, which is ultimately lunch. There are three options for the morning cooking classes:
- Red Snapper Caribbean Menu: With Local Chef at 10:30 am (3 hours)
- Seafood Stew Caribbean Menu: With Local Chef at 10:30 am (3 hours)
- Bazurto Market Tour and Cooking Experience: With Local Chef at 8 am (5 hours)
⭐ Pro tip >> Learn how to prepare tasty regional dishes from a local chef in Cartagena in this Gourmet Cooking Class.
Alternative Options
- Visit Bocagrande: Fancy a spot of shopping and high-end dining? Enjoy the views of Cartagena Bay at Hyatt Regency Cartagena. The hotel is very modern, with a wonderful airy outdoor lounge. There’s also a city beach here, although I don’t rate it.
- Boozy Brunch: Head to Townhouse for a boozy brunch between 11 am and 3 pm and enjoy unlimited mimosas, bloody marys, beers and a special food menu while taking in the amazing views of the city; there’s also a live DJ & Plunge pool.
- Bazurto Market Tour: Explore the amazing variety of food stands in Bazurto Market, one of Cartagena’s hidden gems. Join this tour to go off the beaten track into the real Cartagena.
Afternoon: Getsemani Highlights And Graffiti Walking Tour
You’ve got some free time before this Grafitti Walking Tour in the Getsemani district, which starts at 4 pm. Alternatively, you can head here on your own if you prefer not to join a guided tour.
Since the food tour on day one only briefly explored this area, you really need to return as Getsemani is one of my favourite parts of Cartagena. It’s a little rough around the edges, but it’s a lively, vibrant part of the city with fantastic hidden gems.
Visit the neighbourhood’s main attractions, including:
- Centenario Park
- Holy Trinity Square
- Umbrella Street is a great place for photos.
- Las Tablas
- Calle San Juan
⭐ Pro tip >> This tour explores graffiti art that tells stories about the area’s history. You’ll learn about the meanings behind the images while your guide walks you through the colonial streets and the main attractions and shares insights about the area’s history.
You’ll be taken to Calle San Juan to browse through artists’ galleries, watch a live painting show, or even try creating your own masterpiece (for an additional fee) at Las Tablitas, which is known as the oldest house in Getsemani.
Evening: Rum and Chocolate Tasting
Again, this is an optional activity, although it looks like a load of fun. The timings work hand-in-hand with the graffiti tour (it starts at 8:15 pm), allowing you time to freshen up and grab a quick dinner before starting the tasting.
Rum is an essential part of Cartagena’s culture and history. The city has a long-standing tradition of rum production, dating back to the 16th century when Spanish colonisers introduced sugarcane to the region. Nowadays, you can find rum distilleries throughout the city, producing some of the best rum in the world.
If you’re interested in learning more about rum and its history in Cartagena, join this rum and chocolate tasting tour to experience the local culture and learn more about the city’s rum production.
Alternative Options
- Dinner At La Vitrola: Home of traditional Colombian dishes, you might need to book in advance a few weeks before.
- Chiva Night Bus Tour: Live an unforgettable experience and dance and drink while you visit some important places in the city. (starts 7 pm)
The Final Day: Cartagena 4-Day Itinerary
For your last day in Cartagena, dive into the Afro-Caribbean culture that has influenced the city before ending your 4 day itinerary on the perfect sunset cruise to say goodbye to Cartagena.
All Day: Freedom Tour of Palenque
Explore the unique African culture and history of San Basilio de Palenque with a knowledgeable local tour guide. This private tour is customisable and includes a Palenquero lunch and rum drink.
You’ll learn about traditional music and dance, folk medicine, and Palenque’s unique language. Although we didn’t get to go on it, it’s one of the tours which I wish we had; it’s said to be both fun and educational, making it a must-do experience if you’re a curious traveller.
⭐ Pro tip >> Alternatively, the Totumo Mud Volcano Experience is another option.
Evening: Sunset Cruise
For your final night, why not experience the perfect romantic evening? The best way to do this is on a sunset cruise around Cartagena Bay. Departing from Muelle de la Bodeguita pier, you’ll sail across the Bay, enjoying a cocktail and a delicious appetiser.
It’s a fantastic excursion where you’ll witness a beautiful sunset and the spectacular skyline of the city of Cartagena while sailing into the night. I highly recommend this one to end your holiday!
Top Rated Tours From Cartagena
If any of the tours I’ve mentioned above don’t tickle your fancies, I’ve pulled together this list featuring more top-rated tour experiences in and around Cartagena.
Check them out, as you might find one that suits you better:
- Cartagena ATV Tour: Enjoy this adventure tour and visit beaches, fun trails, dirt roads, and beautiful rock formations that can’t be found in the walled city.
- Walled City of Cartagena & Getsemani Private Tour: Join this private walking tour in the historic old town and the hip neighbourhood of Getsemani.
- Biking Tour Cartagena: Explore Cartagena by bicycle and visit all of the must-see places of the old city, including Getsemani and Centenario Park.
- Visit Playa Blanca on Baru Island at a Beach Club: Relax at the VIP beach club at Playa Blanca on this trip from Cartagena.
Planning Your Trip To Cartagena
Are you ready to book your trip? I’ve put together a quick travel guide to help you plan! This includes itinerary tips and practical information on getting to and moving around Cartagena, ideas on where to stay, where to eat and what to pack to enjoy your 4-days in the city fully.
Budget & Planning
Cartagena isn’t the most affordable place to visit in Colombia, but it is certainly more affordable than other destinations in Central and South America. Overall, it’s considered an affordable place, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy the lower prices. However, depending on your travel style, you can still blow through savings quite easily.
Jack and I were travelling through Colombia as backpackers, so we were sticking to quite a stringent budget. To give you an idea of how to budget, here are some average daily costs broken down below.
Accommodation
Budget $18
Mid-level $65
Top-end $200
Transportation
Budget $2.80
Mid-level $7.50
Top-end $21
Activities
Budget $ 15
Mid-level $ 35
Top-end $ 70+
Food & Drink
Budget $5
Mid-level $12
Top-end $25
Helpful Ideas On Where To Stay
Cartagena has three main areas I would recommend staying in. These are the old walled city, Getsemani and Bocagrande. Out of the three, the old town is my favourite as it’s just so beautiful; however, it can also be quite pricey, as can Bocagrande, which caters to more resort-type hotels. For budget travellers, head to Getsemani!
P.S. Try to get a pool if you can.
THE WALLED CITY OF CARTAGENA
- Top-end option: Hotel Casa San Agustin (double from £463/$590) – Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.
- Mid-range option: Casa Del Curato (double from £66/$82) – Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.
- Budget option: República Hostel Cartagena (single from £20/$25)- Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.
GETSEMANI NEIGHBOURHOOD
- Top-end option: Casa Jaguar Hotel Boutique (double from £115/$146) – Check and review prices on Booking
- Mid-range option: Casa India Catalina (double from £55/$69) – Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.
- Budget option: Santuario Getsemani Hostel (single from £12/$15) – Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.
BOCAGRANDE DISTRICT
- Top-end option: Hyatt Regency Cartagena (doubles from £200/$254) – Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.
- Mid-range option: Oz Hotel Luxury (doubles from £74/$95) – Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.
- Budget option: Apartahotel Isla Fuerte Piso 4 (doubles from £21/$26) – Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.
How To Get To Cartagena
Cartagena is well connected – it’s one of the busiest cities in Colombia – with great transport links. It has well-connected roads, an international airport and a port.
CAR RENTAL
If you’re renting a car (I think Colombia would make for an amazing road trip destination), the coastal road 90A connects it to Barranquilla while the mountain road 25 connects Medellin to the city. If you’re coming from Bogota via Medellin, you’ll need the 56. Keep in mind that some parts of these roads are toll roads.
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BUS/COACH
The most popular way for travellers to reach Cartagena is to jump on a bus. This is how Jack and I did it when we were backpacking around. Depending on which route you take, there are many options.
⭐ Pro tip >> We made numerous stops between Bogota and Cartagena, so I can’t advise a cost, but you can check with 12GO or BOOKAWAY, which is a third-party transport service company.
Alternatively, you can book bus tickets in person at bus terminals. We found this the best way as we didn’t have a strict schedule. For those of you with limited time, I would suggest pre-booking tickets so you’re not stuck anywhere waiting for buses.
The buses are in pretty good condition. If you’re taking a long journey, generally, you’ll get a coach. If it’s a shorter journey, then they tend to be minibuses.
⭐ Pro tip >> Keep in mind the mountain passes are very windy and often cause motion sickness – we saw a local throw up in her bag, which later got chucked out of the window; yuk! Pack motion sickness tablets or bands.
PLANE
Cartagena has an international airport with direct flights from many cities within the USA and Europe, including Miami, New York, Zurich, Madrid, and Amsterdam. However, most international flights will transfer through Bogota, Miami or Panama City.
There are also numerous low-cost airlines flying to Cartagena from South and North America, making it an affordable option for budget travellers. We like to use Skyscanner to find the best deals. The name of Cartagena’s airport is Rafael Núñez International Airport, Code: CTG.
⭐ Pro tip >> For reliable and private airport transfers, try Guianza Express SAS – Cartagena: Airport Transfer to/from Urban Area Hotels
SAILBOAT
One of the most adventurous ways to reach Cartagena is by sailboat. In fact, this is how I left the city, but the journey can be reversed.
There are a bunch of paradise islands just off the east coast of Panama, known as the San Blas Islands, which you can venture to on a sailing trip from either Cartagena to Panama or Panama to Cartagena.
⭐ Pro tip >> It was one of my favourite travel memories and a trip I recommend everyone to do. You can read all about it here: 5 days sailing the San Blas Islands.
Moving Around The City
Cartagena is a small city, so there really isn’t much need to drive. The furthest you’ll go before leaving the city is between Getsemani and Bocagrande, which is walkable. I suspect most of your time will be spent in Cartagena’s Old Town, with plenty of day trips to take you around.
FOOT
The best way to explore Cartagena is on foot. The old city is wonderful to walk around and feel like a fairytale. On Sundays, cars are not allowed within the walled city. Keep this in mind if your departure is on a Sunday, as you’ll need to walk to the gates with your luggage.
BICYCLE
Another popular way to explore the city is to jump on a bike. This is a good idea if you fancy exploring Bocagrande and don’t want to walk/taxi. There are bike rental shops, but you could also join a guided bike tour to explore the city.
HOP-ON HOP-OFF BUS
If you want to see the main attraction but don’t fancy walking, Cartagena does have a hop-on hop-off bus service. It works the same as in many other cities, taking you around the edges of Bocagrande, the Walled City and Getsemani.
⭐ Pro tip >> Some of the stops include San Sebastian del Pastelillo, Torre del Reloj (Clock Tower), Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, Boquetillo (entrance to the Walled City), Plaza Bogrande, and Iglesia de Castillo Grande, and more.
WALKING TOURS
The final way to move around the city and my favourite (aside from exploring solo) is to join a walking tour. I find these are great, usually really fun and informative and provide a great sense of the area.
Therefore, I recommend joining a city walking tour at the start of any trip. In this itinerary, I’ve included the Street Food Tour, which is a combination of a walking tour and tastings – the best way to do it, if you ask me!
Where To Eat
Want to make sure you don’t end up in some seedy joints and ruin your meal time in Cartagena? I’ve rounded up some of the top-rated spots in the city, so you know exactly where to go for the best meals!
BREAKFAST/CAFES SPOTS
- Abaco Libros & Cafe: The famous library is covered wall-to-wall with books.
- Cafe Epoca: Superb coffee and breakfast.
- Beiyu: Farm-to-table, a low-key cafe with fresh ingredients.
- Libertario Coffee Roasters Cartagena: A trendy cafe serving a fantastic breakfast with fresh ingredients.
LUNCH/DINNER SPOTS
- Alma Restaurante-Bar: An upscale restaurant in the heart of the centre with an open-air courtyard and live music on Fridays.
- Harry’s Sasson: Located inside Hotel Santa Teresa, the meals are massive; try the Crab Nachos!
- Candé: A fun vibe and live entertainment, serving up nice takes on local traditions.
- El Barón: Cocktails & light bites with outdoor seating.
- Juan Del Mar: This is a really good seafood spot in the old city.
- La Cocina de Pepina: A small local restaurant worth checking out.
- La Laguna Azul: A hidden gem.
- Di Silvio Trattoria: A great atmosphere and the best pizza/pasta in Cartagena.
ROOFTOPS & PARTY
- Buena Vida: Great ambience with a lively rooftop. TOP SPOT!
- Townhouse Rooftop: Another amazing spot and good for sunset.
- Bazurto Social Club: A popular bar with a fun atmosphere
- Demente Tapas Bar: A trendy bar to visit in the evening.
- Cafe Havana: One of the most famous salsa bars in Cartagena.
When Is The Best Time To Visit?
The ideal time to visit Cartagena for most people is during the dry season, which lasts from December to April. During this time, the city experiences mostly hot and sunny days with barely any rainfall, making it perfect for activities such as beach holidays, city tours, and island visits.
⭐ Pro tip >> The best months to visit within the dry season are between January and mid-March, as the humidity and rainfall are at their lowest, and the temperatures are around 27°C/80°F.
However, if you’re on a budget or looking to avoid crowds, this may not be the best time to visit. Additionally, certain activities like diving are better during the rainy season.
| Seasons: Dry | December to April, windy and partly cloudy |
| Seasons: Wet | May to November, overcast |
| Topical Climate | Hot and humid with shower bursts and downpours during the rainy season. |
| Average Temperatures | Highs around 30°C (87°F), Lows around 25°C (77°F) |
| Driest Month To Visit | January |
| Wettest Month To Visit | October |
| Cheapest Time To Visit | August to November |
| Busiest / Most Crowds | Mid-December to January, national holidays |
What To Pack
Cartagena has a tropical climate, meaning it’s hot and humid for most of the year. The humidity worsens during the wet season, although during this period, it doesn’t rain all day long. Instead, the rain comes in short bursts, lasting only a couple of hours at most, but it’s still going to be much wetter.
Therefore, it’s important to pack appropriately depending on what time of the year you visit.
Loose clothing is always going to be a winner. Breathable fabrics, cotton and bamboo, will keep you feeling fresher for longer. Comfortable clothes and shoes are essential; light dresses, shorts and T-shirts with comfortable sandals make for good day wear.
Here are some essential items to pack when visiting Cartagena:
- Sunscreen | Make sure you protect your skin.
- Sun Hat / Cap & Sunglasses | Make sure you protect your head and eyes from the sun.
- Water Bottle | We never leave the hotel without our water bottle; it is our favourite.
- Sarong / Cover-up | Keep this item in your day bag for entering religious buildings.
- Wicker Bag | Leather bags are too hot; stick to wicker.
- Beach Towel | This towel is so soft, quick drying and super absorbent.
- Sandals | These are the most comfy sandals for all-day walking.
- Rain Jacket | If you’re visiting during the wet season, pack a lightweight waterproof jacket.
- Bug Repellant | Cartagena is quite bad for these pesky bugs. Be sure to pack something.
Is Cartagena Safe?
During our time visiting Cartagena (and Colombia as a whole), we experienced no problems. Therefore, I would say it can be considered a safe place to visit in terms of violent crime. But like any tourist destination, it’s important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and theft are quite common in Cartagena. Violent crimes are rare, with Colombia now being safer than countries like Jamaica, The Bahamas and Belize. In 2021, there were 27 serious crimes per 100,000 people within the whole country; this has been decreasing year on year since the mid-90s.
That said, I recommend you not to move around alone after dark and stay away from quiet streets. Although nothing happened to us, there was a young lad in our room who had been robbed the night before. He admitted to being drunk and wandered down a seedy street, so he became a prime target. Don’t do this!
4 Days In Cartagena: Itinerary Tips
- The official currency used in Cartagena is the Colombian peso. US dollars and credit cards are not generally accepted.
- Stay in the Old City, as it is the best place to be in Cartagena. Getsemani and the modern side of the city are more affordable and also good choices.
- Avoid the Emerald Street sellers, as they may rip you off. Try Lucy Jewelry for the best emeralds and a top service.
- Bug repellant is essential to enjoy your holiday!
- Spanish is the national language spoken in Cartagena, so it will be helpful to know a few phrases.
- The water is potable, but we still suggest filling up at the hotel’s water fountain before setting out for the day.
- Palenqueras are women in colourful dresses carrying baskets of fruit on their heads. If you want to take a picture of or with them, you are expected to tip them.
- Carry cash, as many places in Cartagena are cash only. ATMs are available in the city centre.
- Be aware that there are no cars in the Old City on Sundays, so plan accordingly.
Resources For Colombia
Is it your first time visiting Colombia? We’ve written lots of useful posts to help you plan your trip. You can check them all out on our Colombia Page here, but below are some of our most popular articles:
- If you’re still on the fence about visiting Colombia, I’ve listed all the pros and cons in this guide for you.
- Do you enjoy hiking? Jack and I went on a beautiful hike at El Cocuy National Park while backpacking in Colombia.
- Another interesting place we visited was the Salt Cathedral, a unique landmark in Colombia.
- Read this post if you’re visiting La Candelaria and want to know the top breakfast spots!
- Head to the small colonial town of Villa de Leyva using our 3-day itinerary as a guide. We’ve also written a guide to the best things to do in Villa de Leyva here.
- Did you know there are glaciers in Colombia? You do now; read this post about the climate and weather in Colombia!
⭐ Pro tip >> If you’re going to be using your phone, don’t forget about overseas data roaming. You’ll get charged for using your data. Try Airalo’s eSIMs and download a digital data pack. It’s quick and easy; great if you’re in a hurry.
In Summary: Cartagena 4-Day Itinerary
As always, I like to leave you with a few final thoughts about my Cartagena 4-day Itinerary and why it’s going to be perfect for your trip! I’ve incorporated all the main attractions and things to do in Cartagena into this itinerary to ensure you don’t miss out and get to experience the best of the city.
Since I know not all of you will want to do the tours, make sure you read through my alternative options, which I’ve included, to ensure you don’t miss out on anything. Cartagena really is a wonderful city, but 4 days is enough time to see all the main sites.
It’s a great place to start or finish a trip in Colombia, and I do recommend the sailing trip to Panama via the San Blas Islands. Have a wonderful trip, and get in touch if you have any questions regarding your holiday in Cartagena!
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