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Cartagena is one of our favorite places to visit in Colombia. Sitting right on the Caribbean coast, this colorful port town is rich in history and is blessed with some amazing white sandy beaches.
We fell so in love with the city when we first visited, so much so that we ended up staying to live here for a few months! During that time, we did a bunch of tours to help us get well acquainted with all of the best things to do in Cartagena.
From island hopping in the tropical Caribbean waters, eating food in the historic centers, and even getting soothing mud massages in a mud volcano, this city has it all. Let’s dive in!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Cartagena was this private city tour! We wandered through the colourful streets of the Old Town with our guide, learned the rich history of the fortresses and colonial architecture, and soaked up the lively local vibe.
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Cartagena, Colombia
- 1. Private city tour of Cartagena
- 2. Ride an ATV on the beach
- 3. Rosario Islands tour
- 4. Bora Bora Cartagena Beach Club full-day experience
- 5. Tour of San Basilio de Palenque
- 6. Food tour in Cartagena Walled City
- 7. Bath in Volcan de Lodo El Totumo
- 8. Sibarita Master luxury sunset tour
- 9. Bazurto market tour and cooking class
- 10. Cartagena coffee master tour
- Where to Stay in Cartagena
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
Things to do in Cartagena, Colombia
1. Private city tour of Cartagena
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: Multiple times available from 6 am–4 pm
- Highlights: Visit San Felipe Castle and La Popa Convent, wander Cartagena’s UNESCO-listed walled city, explore colorful Getsemaní, browse crafts at Las Bóvedas, see modern Bocagrande
- Inclusions: Driver, professional guide, bottled water, hotel or port pickup and drop-off, transport by private air-conditioned vehicle, customized departure time, private tour
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 470+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
We’re big believers that if you want to get to know a city at its core, there’s no one better to show you around than the locals!
This half-day private city tour through Cartagena is such an amazing way to discover the history, culture, and beauty of the city without it feeling like a lecture. In fact, our tour guides were full of jokes and smiles as they showed us some of the best spots in the city, like the beautiful San Felipe Castle and the wonderful Monastery of La Popa!
The 4-hour tour starts with pickup from your hotel, as you dive right into the action and explore the best of what Cartagena has to offer. We love that the tour is personalized to your group, so you can choose which areas you prefer to see, with a mixture of driving and walking included.
Throughout the tour, your bilingual guide shares stories, insights, and local perspectives that bring Cartagena’s colorful past and present to life. Their pride in the city is contagious, making each stop feel even more meaningful.
By the end of the experience, you’ll feel like you’ve seen Cartagena through the eyes of someone who truly loves it—and you’ll walk away with a deeper connection to the culture, the history, and the energy that makes this city unforgettable.
Check availability and book this personalized city tour here!.
2. Ride an ATV on the beach
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: 10 am, 1 pm, and 3:45 pm
- Highlights: Ride ATVs along beaches, trails, and mountain paths outside Cartagena, stop at a private beach spot to relax or swim, and explore the countryside with an experienced guide
- Inclusions: Use of ATV and helmet, bottled water, air-conditioned vehicle, lunch, small-group tour
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 1,150+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
Get a break from Cartagena’s busy streets and head out on this ATV adventure that’s all about stunning scenery, ocean breezes, and a whole lot of fun.
The route follows a coastal trail that takes you past cliffs, wild rock formations, and three gorgeous beaches. It changes as you go, so one moment you’re cruising along smooth paths and the next you’re zipping across the sand with wide-open views of the Caribbean.
There are plenty of spots to stop along the way, and you’ll have time to grab photos of those dramatic coastal landscapes. Plus, the guides are super attentive, always nearby if you need help, and happy to take pictures so you don’t have to worry about anything but enjoying yourself.
One of the best parts comes when you pull up to a quiet stretch of beach reserved just for your group. You can jump in the water, stretch out in the sun, or simply take in the view. A local vendor will even chop open a fresh coconut for you to sip, and if you’re hungry, you can buy some delicious seafood made right at the beach.
This tour goes rain or shine, which honestly just adds to the fun—ATVs and a little mud are a pretty great combo. You’ll get all the gear you need and a quick intro before heading out, making it an easy and exciting way to see a completely different side of Cartagena.
Don’t miss out—reserve your ATV adventure here!
3. Rosario Islands tour
- Duration: 7.5 hours
- Time: 8:30 am
- Highlights: Sail by catamaran to the Rosario Islands, snorkel at Isla Grande and Barú, enjoy an onboard lunch and soft drinks, relax on the Caribbean Sea
- Inclusions: Use of snorkeling equipment, all fees and taxes, lunch, soda/pop
- Rating: 4.4 stars (check 540+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
If you’re looking to explore some of the most amazing white sandy beaches and swim through crystal-clear waters, a visit to the Rosario Islands is an absolute must!
This full-day catamaran tour to the Rosario Islands is an absolute dream experience. You’ll set sail on a relaxing journey aboard a luxurious catamaran, cruising around the gorgeous islands. The catamaran stops just off the coast of Island Grande and Isla Baru, giving you the perfect opportunity to snorkel through the coral reefs, before stuffing down a delicious lunch!
We had an absolute blast on this 7-hour tour, boarding quickly before setting off on our grand adventure. With the sun shining and music playing on the speakers, we couldn’t help but bust a few moves before going for a dive. Rinse and repeat! The fact that the tour also included snorkeling gear was a major plus.
Hotel pickup isn’t included, but the meeting point is right in front of the Convention Center – it’s really easy to reach, and the meeting time of 8:30 am means no super early start.
Grab your tickets to this floating fiesta here!
If you are traveling with a larger group and want to explore just by yourselves, then you may prefer to go on a private full-day boat trip to the Rosario Islands! This experience includes a private driver and gives you complete freedom to customize the itinerary however you like. If you find a beach you love, you can stay for hours—it’s entirely up to you.
Your captain for the day will be happy to suggest a number of beaches and snorkel spots along the way, too—but what you do is really your choice. You will want to bring your own snorkel gear and some extra cash to enjoy lunch at one of the beach clubs along the way.
Tickets for the private boat trip can be booked online here!
4. Bora Bora Cartagena Beach Club full-day experience
- Duration: 8.5 hours
- Time: 7:30 am
- Highlights: Speedboat to the Rosario Islands, relax on a reserved beach bed at Bora Bora Beach Club, spend the day swimming, paddleboarding, or unwinding by the sea with lunch included
- Inclusions: Speedboat round-trip, beach bed or sunbed, lunch
- Rating: 4.1 stars (check 580+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
If you want to feel like a VIP for a day, this full-day Bora Bora beach club experience on Rosario Island will have you living like a star! We can totally see visitors on a bachelorette, birthday, or honeymoon, or those just looking for a slice of luxury in paradise, having an amazing time here.
It all begins with a beautiful morning boat ride from the La Bodeguita Pier in Cartagena, as you set off toward the gorgeous Rosario Islands. Nestled among the palm trees on the warm, golden sands is the Bora Bora Beach Club, your personal paradise for the next few hours! Oh, and did we mention you get a free cocktail before hanging out on your private beachfront bed?
When you fancy taking a dip, the water is absolutely perfect for snorkeling and swimming. But if you fancy just lounging in the cool shade with an equally cool drink and a good book, you can… I’m getting jealous just thinking about it!
This tour lasts just over 8 hours and is a great deal, as it includes lunch, a beach bed, and transportation to the island. So get ready to be pampered in style!
Top tip: Bring along a towel, snorkel gear, and some extra cash to purchase more drinks and even an oceanfront massage! The beach club also offers water activities such as paddleboards and kayaks at an additional charge.
You can book Bora Bora Beach Club in advance here!
5. Tour of San Basilio de Palenque
- Duration: 5–6 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Explore San Basilio de Palenque with a local guide, learn about its African-rooted culture and traditions, visit key community landmarks and murals, enjoy a traditional Palenquero lunch
- Inclusions: Lunch, air-conditioned vehicle, transportation to and from hotel in Cartagena, professional local guide, demonstration of traditional dance and music, drinks, traditional welcome drink
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 450+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
This 6-hour freedom tour of Palenque is a wonderful way to go behind the scenes and learn all about the true culture and history of Colombia.
We loved learning as much as we could about the local Palenque culture and language – a tour like this really helps to bridge that disconnect that you can often feel as a tourist. We really had a blast doing so, discovering the traditional music and dance, as well as traditional medicine.
You’ll arrive in a small group at a local village, and you’ll get to know the locals and learn all about their African heritage. With loads of fun activities, the time just flies by! That being said, I really believe in the importance of tours like this, where you learn about the history of slavery and their rise to freedom. It helps to shed some much-needed light on the struggles and resilience of the local culture.
This tour includes all transportation on the day, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off. There’s also a wonderful, traditional Palenquero lunch included, which is sure to fill you up! We recommend bringing along a day pack with water and sunscreen, and dressing appropriately as you spend quite a lot of time outside.
Check your dates and secure your tickets for this cultural tour here!
6. Food tour in Cartagena Walled City
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Time: Multiple times available from 8 am–4 pm
- Highlights: Taste Cartagena’s signature street foods and sweets, explore the Walled City and Getsemaní on foot, learn the cultural stories behind each bite
- Inclusions: Tour guide, hotel pick-up and drop-off, five samples of traditional foods and drinks, all-risk insurance, private tour
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 130+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
This half-day Walled City food tour combines my two all-time favorite things: eating and learning the history of the area we are traveling to!
The Walled City of Cartagena was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1984, and really is one of my favorite areas of Cartagena to explore. Our guide was super friendly and taught us all about the history of the area while feeding us delicious traditional cuisine along the way (say no more!).
Of course, there is lots of interesting info to learn too, such as how these foods became staples in this culture and played a part in their history.
It’s also an entirely personalized experience, being a private tour, and the guides are great, so I recommend asking questions and doing some research ahead of time to see if there’s anything specific you’d like to do, see, or try. It is a walking tour, though, so be sure to dress appropriately, including comfortable shoes!
The price of this tour varies based on the number of people in your group, but It also includes round-trip transportation from your hotel and is offered multiple times throughout the day. If you love trying new food as much as we do, we say go for it!
Select your date and book this food tour online here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
7. Bath in Volcan de Lodo El Totumo
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: Multiple times available from 5:30 am–3 pm
- Highlights: Float effortlessly in the healing mud of El Totumo Volcano, learn about the mud’s mineral benefits, opt for relaxing massages and photos
- Inclusions: Private transportation, bilingual guide, snacks, water or soda, admission fee, private experience
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 160+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
What screams fun and memorable more than a private tour to the mud volcano and salt mine?
This is a popular day trip from Cartagena since it’s only an hour’s drive away. The Volcán de Lodo El Totumo (aka the Mud Volcano) is kind of similar to the Dead Sea, as bathing here is not just fun, but it’s also great for your skin! The mud here has healing properties, as it’s full of calcium, iron, magnesium, and many other micronutrients that help your skin.
Getting dirty is what this experience is all about, so prepare to jump into the mud and indulge in an enjoyable mud bath! As you can see in the photo above, the volcano isn’t particularly high, at around 15 meters (49 feet) tall, so don’t worry about going for a hike.
You can even get a luxurious mud massage for only $3 USD while here, which is 100% worth it in our opinion – why not make the most of your time here? Our tour guide was great and gave a thorough rundown of the history and what to expect from the experience, and even translated throughout our visit.
This tour takes around 4 hours and also visits the Galerazamba Salt Mine, which, if visiting on a dry day, can be a stunning pink color thanks to the microorganisms living in it. The photos you will get from these stunning salt flats are worth the trip themselves! The shade of pink varies throughout the year, but no matter when you visit, they’re still an amazing sight to behold.
This private tour can accommodate groups up to 15 people and has multiple different start times available throughout the day. We highly recommend bringing smaller Colombian pesos with you as well for tips along the way.
Book your tickets to this mud volcano experience here!
8. Sibarita Master luxury sunset tour
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: 5 pm
- Highlights: Sail through Cartagena’s bay at sunset, enjoy unlimited drinks from the open bar, relax and take in skyline and Old City views from the water
- Inclusions: 1.5-hour cruise, unlimited drinks
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 230+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
Watching the sun go down in Cartagena aboard this luxurious sunset cruise is an experience unlike any other! With fantastic music and an open bar, it’s the perfect way to hang out with friends, relax, and party as the day blends into the night.
We had incredible views of the city as we cruised through the Cartagena Harbor aboard an 85-foot (26-meter) catamaran—the boat was really spacious, and the upbeat vibe was unreal! We took some amazing photos as the lights of the city started to switch on.
The cruise starts around 5 pm and lasts about an hour and a half, making it an easy addition to a packed itinerary. It fits perfectly before dinner plans or a night out in Getsemaní, but it’s just as lovely as a laid-back way to end the day.
If you’re looking for that magic moment that feels unmistakably “Cartagena,” this sunset cruise really delivers. It’s scenic, fun, and effortlessly memorable—one of those experiences that stays with you long after the sun dips below the water.
Check availability and secure your tickets for this sunset cruise here!
9. Bazurto market tour and cooking class
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Time: 8 am and 8:30 am
- Highlights: Shop for ingredients at a local market, learn to cook traditional dishes in a family kitchen, enjoy hands-on guidance from a chef, savor the meal you’ve prepared
- Inclusions: Local guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, transport, bottled water, lunch, snacks, small-group tour
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 120+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
If you’re a foodie who loves to cook, this half-day market tour and cooking class is right up your street!
I love taking cooking classes when we travel; these new skills always stick with me – I can relive these amazing memories when I make food at home. My favorite part of this experience is that it is run by a friendly local family who invites you into their home to share in a delicious home-cooked meal. The whole experience felt so wholesome and authentic!
Once you get picked up from your hotel, you will start your tour by shopping at a local market for all the ingredients you will need to make your dishes. As someone who likes grocery shopping, I loved this part as I was able to get a better idea of how I would remake this at home.
You then go to a local kitchen where you will be taught by the chef how to make traditional Colombian dishes. In the end, you will do my all-time favorite part—taste your delicious creations!
Round-trip transportation from your hotel in Cartagena is also included in the price, and I highly recommend bringing a notepad along with you so you can write down notes about the recipes and make them once you’re home.
Easily book this tour here and get 24-hour FREE cancellation!
10. Cartagena coffee master tour
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 10 am
- Highlights: Discover the cultural roots of Colombian coffee at Café del Mural, learn roasting and brewing techniques in a private session, enjoy hands-on demonstrations with a master coffee artisan
- Inclusions: Snacks, coffee/tea (4-5 coffee samples), 200-gram premium coffee bag, private tour
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
f you associate Colombia with incredible coffee, this Cartagena Coffee Master tour is a fantastic way to dive deeper into what makes it so special. It’s perfect for anyone curious about how coffee is grown, processed, roasted, and transformed into the flavors Colombia is known for.
The tour begins at Café del Mural in Getsemaní, a cozy, creative space founded by an engineer-turned–coffee artisan. Inside the café, you’ll explore an impressive collection of brewing devices and learn how different cultures around the world have influenced Colombia’s modern coffee scene. The setup alone feels like stepping into a workshop dedicated to the science—and the art—of making the perfect cup.
Throughout the session, the coffee masters guide you through a series of tastings, breaking down the differences between beans, roasts, and brewing methods. Their passion and knowledge make the experience feel personal and engaging, whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or a true enthusiast.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a better understanding of what goes into creating exceptional Colombian coffee. You’ll also leave with a bag of your favorite blend, making it easy to bring a little piece of Cartagena’s coffee culture home with you. It’s an intimate, hands-on experience that’s ideal for small groups and anyone who wants a fun, flavorful look into Colombia’s most iconic export.
Get ready for an epic coffee experience and grab your tickets here!
Where to Stay in Cartagena
I have no doubt you will love Cartagena as much as I do, so you’ll want to plan to stay here for a while. I’d say at least 3 days, although I ended up living here for a bit because I didn’t want to leave! Save yourself the hassle now and trust me on booking a few days here to enjoy.
I highly recommend staying in the Old Town just to soak up the history and have all the best sights within walking distance. All these hotels are in that part of the city and are for a variety of budgets, so you can find the right one for you.
Casa Claver Loft Boutique Hotel – $$$
Calling anyone who wants a stay that feels luxurious from start to finish – Casa Claver Loft Boutique Hotel has you covered. The stylish lofts here are huge and inside a restored 17th-century building. You’ll have AC, a kitchenette, a dining area, and plenty of seating. If that hasn’t sold you, one look at the heated rooftop swimming pool will! It has stunning views of the city and is just one of the two pools this property has.
With nightly rates typically ranging from $220–$600+ USD, it’s a splurge-worthy stay for travelers who want comfort, history, and great design all in one place. Breakfast is included, and the location means you’re only steps away from exploring the best part of Cartagena. Check availability and book your getaway to this hotel here.
Ayenda El Viajero #2 – $$
Perfect for families or couples who want more space, the rooms at Ayenda El Viajero #2 are so spacious they feel more like tiny apartments! You’re in the middle of the action of the Old Town, so it’s a great place to crash after a busy day of exploring or a full night of dancing!
The rooms are air-conditioned for a refreshing break from the heat and come with flat-screen TVs, with some offering a cozy balcony or patio where you can enjoy your morning coffee. With nightly rates typically ranging from $50–$170 USD, it’s a fantastic option for travelers who want comfort and value without sacrificing charm. Check availability and see current deals on Booking.com.
Maloka Boutique Hostel – $
Right in the heart of the walled part of the city, Maloka Boutique Hostel is an affordable option that still puts you in the best area. It’s nice and quiet too, as it isn’t right next to any clubs or bars. Don’t let the word “hostel” discourage you—there are rooms with a shared bathroom or completely private rooms too. This place feels like a little home away from home, especially with a yummy breakfast and fantastic Colombian coffee included in your room price!
Rooms start as low as $50–$100 USD per night, and you can book them here on Booking.com.
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Thanks for reading!
Hopefully, this guide to Cartagena was helpful for your upcoming trip. Cartagena is a city full of history and I’m sure you will fall in love with it like I did! Whether you’re sitting on the fort wall taking in a sunset, having a fantastic cup of coffee, or partying, this is a spot worth adding to your travel plans.
If you’re headed to this part of the world soon, make sure to browse around our other South America blogs to help plan your itinerary. We’ve spent months exploring South America and have lots of tips to share. If you have any questions as you get ready for your time here, make sure to leave us a comment!
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