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Planning a trip to Cartagena, Colombia? You’re in for an unforgettable few days!
Cartagena is one of the Caribbean’s most colourful and atmospheric cities, but planning a short trip here can feel a bit overwhelming. Between the historic streets of the walled city, the beaches, the islands, and all the food you’ll want to try, it’s hard to know where to begin!
After living here a short time and exploring its neighbourhoods, coastlines, and culture, we’ve put together a relaxed and easy-to-follow 3-day itinerary that mixes the must-sees with plenty of local flavour. Here’s how to make every moment count in Cartagena. Vamos!
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Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this island-hopping tour! It made seeing the Rosario Islands a breeze, offering fun tour choices, gorgeous water, and long stretches of beach time.
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Itinerary Overview
Cartagena is a compact city, and it doesn’t take long to get to know your way around. The main historic areas are very walkable, and for anything further, taxis are the most common way to get around. Drivers do tend to overcharge tourists, though, so we usually use ride-share apps like InDrive and Uber. The Transcaribe buses are safe and fairly easy to use, but they’re mostly for connecting the more residential areas, so it’s unlikely you’ll need to use them.
Day 1: Start your Cartagena adventure with a walking tour of the historic center, then enjoy some time to relax. Later in the day, we’ll dive straight into the city’s street food scene with an early evening tasting tour. Finally, end the night with a slow sunset walk along the city walls.
Day 2: Today is all about the islands! Head out on a full-day speedboat trip to the gorgeous Rosario Islands. Then, enjoy dinner at one of the neighborhood’s most popular restaurants and wrap up the evening with live music.
Day 3: Begin your final morning with a mud bath at El Totumo Volcano before heading back to the city for a seafood lunch in the historic center. Spend the afternoon your way, then in the evening, learn to cook Colombian dishes in a hands-on class before finishing your trip in style with cocktails and skyline views.
Day 1
Morning/Early afternoon – Explore Cartagena through the eyes of a local
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! So this morning, book this private tour for 9 am and spend 4 hours getting to know Cartagena from someone who was born and raised here!
It’s best to grab breakfast at your hotel this morning, or at a spot close by, as your guide will meet you at your hotel in downtown Cartagena. Then, you’ll dive into the action! Since the tour is private, your guide will tailor it to your group, so you can choose which areas you prefer to see, with a mixture of driving and walking included.
When we did this tour, 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, as well as some of the prettiest and most popular plazas. We heard so many stories that you’d never find in a guidebook, and we loved hearing the locals’ perspectives on their city. Their pride is contagious!
Honestly, the tour feels like being shown around Cartagena by an old friend, so we think it’s the perfect introduction to the city. But don’t just take our word for it because you can read HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews here.
Check availability and book this personalized city tour here!
Lunch – LA BRIOCHE Centro Histórico
LA BRIOCHE is a lovely French-style cafe and bakery with plenty of indoor seating, so you can escape the heat for a bit and relax in the air conditioning. Given how hot Cartagena can get, you might fancy a light salad or freshly baked sandwich for lunch. We have a LOT of food coming up on our tasting tour later, so think of this meal as more of a stopgap.
They also serve cold brews here alongside coffee and fresh juices, so grab a refreshment of your choice and just relax for a bit. Aim to wrap up around 2 or 2:30 pm, ready to either freshen up back at your hotel or visit the city’s cutest bookstore!
Afternoon – Refresh back at your hotel or visit Ábaco Libros y Café
After lunch, you should have just over an hour before the food tour starts. You can either use this time to pop back to your hotel to freshen up or go and check out Ábaco Libros y Café. This is a super charming old school bookstore with a small cafe area where you can grab a coffee before your tour. Book lovers, don’t miss this one!
Dinner – Dive into Cartagena’s street food scene
There’s no better way to ease into Cartagena’s food scene than by joining this guided street food tour. The tour will double as dinner tonight, so book it for 4 pm so that you’ll finish up around 6 pm or 7 pm.
We love food tours because having a local guide to show you around means that you can just relax and enjoy all of the delicious dishes rather than hunting for places on your own. We also think the route on this particular tour is fantastic!
You’ll start with classics like patacón topped with suero and cheese, plus Colombian-style ceviche. Later on, you’ll sample cocadas at Portal de los Dulces, which is an old school arcade that’s basically a sweets and desserts market, aka my idea of heaven!
Other stops include tropical fruit juices in the San Diego neighborhood, and Plaza Fernández Madrid to try Colombia’s famous fritos, which are fried street snacks that come in all different flavors. When we did this tour, we tried crispy arepa de huevo, carimañola, and stuffed potatoes—yum! We also got to do an exotic fruit tasting and sample some craft beer made by Caribbean farmers, and of course, there was a coffee stop along the way—this is Colombia, after all!
By the end of this tour, we were stuffed but also smiling from ear to ear. It’s a really fun (and delicious) way to get to know Cartagena, so I’m not at all surprised that it has over 900 5-star reviews – read them here!
Book this top-rated food tour here and get ready for a feast!
Evening – Go for a sunset walk along the city walls
The food tour will finish up by 7 pm, and you’re likely to be stuffed, so let all of the treats digest with a gentle walk around the city walls. And if you’re in Cartagena during the summer months, this should mean you’ll catch a pretty sunset along the way!
Wander up to the walls near Café del Mar or Baluarte de Santo Domingo for beautiful views of the Caribbean and the city’s terracotta rooftops. If you’re tired, you can keep this brief and just stroll around and snap a few photos before heading back to your hotel. However, if you feel like a nightcap, you can always head back into the streets for a drink afterwards to round off a successful first day in Cartagena.
Day 2
Morning/Afternoon – Go island hopping
A day of island hopping around the Rosario Islands is one of the most memorable experiences you can have in Cartagena, and this tour makes it incredibly easy. The Rosario Islands are THE thing that everyone comes to Cartagena for, so you really can’t miss the chance to explore.
Booking a reputable tour like this one through a big-name site like Viator really is a must for visiting the Rosario Islands. We met a few people in Cartagena who booked fake tours in person and ended up essentially being held hostage on a boat until they paid hundreds of dollars. Don’t risk it!
Anyway, the tour starts between 8 and 9 am, depending on the option you pick. There are four styles: a lively party option, a chilled-out leisure tour, a snorkel-focused trip, and a VIP experience with exclusive stops. The full day lasts about 7 hours, so you’ll be back by 4 pm at the latest with plenty of time to freshen up before dinner.
The highlights include a quick stop near Tierra Bomba to see Bocachica Fort, a scenic cruise past Pablo Escobar’s old island mansion, and plenty of beach time. Lunch is included at Rosario Island, with options like fish, chicken, or vegetarian meals, plus beach beds and parasols for relaxing. The snorkel and VIP tours also include a 30-45 minute guided snorkeling session at a nearby reef.
The day wraps up differently depending on the tour: party guests hit Cholon Island for a lively finish, leisure and snorkel tours stay at Rosario for a final relaxing hour, and VIP travellers end at a private resort. Whichever option you choose, this is a really fun and easy way to escape the city and see some of Colombia’s most beautiful beaches. There’s really something for everyone!
Read 3,500+ 5-star reviews and book this tour 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.
Dinner – Di Silvio Trattoria
Di Silvio Trattoria is one of our favorite places for dinner in Cartagena, and it’s especially satisfying after a big day out! It’s an authentic Italian restaurant, so it’s a nice spot for something comforting and familiar. It’s tucked into Getsemaní, and it boasts a lively atmosphere, with tables spilling out into the courtyard and along the street.
For me, the best thing to order here is the wood-fired pizza. However, there are also big pasta bowls and fresh salads on offer, or sometimes we like to order a few different antipasti to share. The portions are generous, and the prices are pretty reasonable, but for that reason, this place is super popular, so we do recommend making a reservation here ahead of time.
Evening – Catch live music around Plaza de la Trinidad
After dinner, walk over to Plaza de la Trinidad in Getsemaní. The square comes alive after dark with locals and tourists alike, and you can wander around and enjoy the street performances. We like to just sit on the church steps and take it all in, or pull up a chair at one of the small bars or cafés on the edges of the plaza and just enjoy the atmosphere.
But if you’ve got a little more energy, you can duck into a nearby bar for a drink and perhaps some early live music. A lot of places around the square host salsa, champeta, or Caribbean bands in the evening. You can enjoy this for a while, and then when you’re ready to call it a day, your hotel should only be a short walk or taxi ride back from this central area.
Day 3
Morning – Bathe in Volcán de Lodo El Totumo
Does anything say “fun and memorable” more than a private tour to the mud volcano and salt mine? We don’t think so, so book this tour for 7:30 am today!
Yes, it’s a bit of an early start, but the tour lasts around 4 hours, so heading out early means you can be back in town by 11:30 am and make the most of your final afternoon in Cartagena. Plus, visiting the mud volcano early means you can skip the crowds.
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 be prepared to jump into the mud and indulge in an enjoyable mud bath! And if you fancy it, you can even pay around 11,000 COP ($3 USD) on the day for a mud massage. This is 100% worth it in our opinion, and you may as well while you’re here!
Then, it’s onto 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 alone make it worth the trip! Then, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel at around 11:30, ready for a shower and an early lunch ahead of the midday rush.
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Lunch – La Cevichería
You’ll get back from El Totumo at around 11:30 am, so have a quick shower and head to La Cevichería in the Centro Histórico for lunch. It’s small and super popular, so we think it’s worth trying to get there fairly early in the afternoon to miss the main rush. From most hotels in the historic city center, this place is just a 5-10 minute walk away, or it’s a short taxi ride if you’re staying further out.
We have a cooking class later, so we recommend keeping lunch fairly light. This place has some delicious Caribbean-style ceviches on the menu as well as grilled fish and seafood options, so we think it works well for today! You can pair it all with cold lemonade, a beer, or a glass of wine, and just relax in true Cartagena style as you enjoy your food.
Afternoon – Choose your own afternoon adventure
After lunch wraps up around 1-2 pm, you’ve got about three hours before tonight’s cooking class starts, so this is the perfect window to enjoy a relaxed Cartagena afternoon. Here are a few ideas to make the most of it:
- Go coffee tasting and people watching – Head to Café del Mural in Getsemaní for an authentic Colombian coffee experience. They offer tastings and flights that walk you through different beans and brewing methods, and the cafe itself is very charming and full of character.
- Art and galleries in Getsemaní – Wander the streets around Plaza de la Trinidad and Calle de la Sierpe. This area is like an open-air gallery, with tons of famous murals and colorful streets packed into a pretty small area. We love to pop into local galleries and boutiques along the way to pick up small prints and handmade crafts.
- Spa time – This itinerary has kept you pretty busy, so if you’re in need of some rest and relaxation, why not turn the afternoon into a mini spa session? Sofitel Spa Santa Clara is a top-notch option inside a beautiful legacy hotel, or Relax spa Cartagena is a simple and affordable spot that offers amazing massages.
- Plaza hopping with gelato – If you’re craving a sweet treat this afternoon, keep it simple with a gelato and leisurely walk around some of the city’s prettiest plazas. Start at Plaza Santo Domingo and then grab an ice cream from La Palettería on your way to Plaza Bolívar.
Dinner – Learn to cook like a local
Rather than grabbing dinner at a restaurant tonight, take a deep dive into Colombian food with this hands-on cooking class! The class starts around 5 pm, so it’s best to grab a taxi from your afternoon adventures in the city. It lasts about three hours, so you’ll finish around 8 pm with plenty of time to unwind or enjoy a nightcap afterward.
The class is limited to 12 people, which makes it easy to follow, and it also just feels personal and friendly. You’ll get personalized guidance from a professional chef as you prepare seasonal local dishes. Speaking of which, one of the things we love the most about this tour is the fact that the menu changes seasonally, so you get to work with the best ingredients available at that exact time. This gives you a real sense of how Colombian chefs think about flavor, balance, and local produce when planning their menus!
So although we can’t tell you exactly what you’ll be cooking, it might be sea bass ceviche, seared beef, coconut rice, or yam and cheese soup. What we can tell you is that the venue is beautiful and you’ll have great views of the historic fort as you cook!
Once the cooking is done, you’ll sit down and enjoy the meal you’ve prepared as a group, complete with a glass of wine, of course! Plus, you’ll get the recipes to keep afterwards so you can recreate them back home and impress your family and friends. Just keep in mind this tour isn’t available on Sundays, so make sure to plan ahead so you don’t miss out!
Read HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews and book this cooking class here!
Evening – 51 Sky Bar
We always think a fun trip should end in style, so head to 51 Sky Bar after the cooking class ends, which should take around 15 minutes. It’s located on the 51st floor of the Hotel Estelar in Bocagrande, making it one of the highest viewpoints in the city! You get sweeping views over the Old Town and the modern skyline, all lit up, so it’s pretty magical.
You do need a reservation for this place ahead of time. It’s closed from Monday to Wednesday, so if this is when your last day in Cartagena falls, then we recommend Movich Hotel instead. It’s another great rooftop bar, but again, you’ll need to book, and it’s best to do this via their Instagram page.
Related Read: Want to explore even more? Check out our blog on the best things to do in Cartagena here for top picks you won’t want to miss.
Where to Stay in Cartagena, Colombia
Now that you’ve got the ideal three days in Cartagena sorted, you just need a great place to stay! We definitely recommend staying in the historic center, as that way you’ll be able to walk to most places. It also makes it easy to nip back to your hotel to freshen up when you need to, as it gets hot and sticky here in Cartagena!
We’ve sifted through the best hotels in central Cartagena so that you don’t have to. Below, we’ve shared our top picks, whether you’re on a tight budget, ready to splurge on a luxury stay, or want something in the middle.
Luxury – $$$
Hotel Boutique Casona del Colegio is a fantastic choice for luxury travelers in Cartagena. We love it because it perfectly combines the charm of colonial architecture with sleek, modern Colombian design, so you get the best of both worlds!
The location is unbeatable—steps from Bolivar Park, the Gold Museum, and the Palace of the Inquisition, with the city walls and San Felipe de Barajas Castle nearby. You’re also surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and bars, so everything is right at your doorstep.
Prices start at around $200 USD per night. Check out all the options and book your stay on Booking.com!
Mid-range – $$
Casa Pizarro Hotel Boutique is a great choice for travelers looking for a great value base in Cartagena. The location is excellent, just a short walk from the Gold Museum and Palace of the Inquisition, so it’s really easy to explore the historic center on foot!
The hotel itself offers comfortable, air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs and private bathrooms with baths. There’s an outdoor pool to cool off in, and also a hot tub to relax in after a long day of sightseeing—bliss!
Rooms here typically cost between $100 and $250 USD per night. Find out more and book your stay here!
Budget – $
Hotel Boutique La Artilleria might be budget-friendly, but it certainly doesn’t skimp on comfort or location! It’s a charming boutique hotel housed in an elegant colonial-style building with spotless rooms and a rooftop pool – what’s not to love? It’s also very well located, as staying here puts you in the heart of Getsemaní, but you’ll be on one of the area’s quieter streets, which makes it much easier to sleep than if you stay on a main road!
Double rooms here cost between $75 and $200 USD per night, depending on your dates. Check availability and book your stay here!
Want even more great options? Check all the hotels listed for Cartagena here!
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If you’re dreaming of a trip filled with color, coastal breezes, and culture, Cartagena will stay with you long after you’ve flown home. This 3-day itinerary blends historic neighborhoods, island escapes, street art, food experiences, and even a mud bath, balancing big sights with memorable local moments. We hope Cartagena captures your heart the way it did ours!
Before you wrap up your planning, make sure to explore our other Colombia guides here for even more ideas. Whether Cartagena is your entire getaway or just one stop on a bigger adventure, you’ll find plenty of tips, tours, and itineraries to help craft your perfect trip. Or dive into the related blogs below to keep the inspiration going!
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