Cartagena is located on the northern coast of Colombia in the Caribbean Coast Region. This walled city is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a colorful old town, colonial architecture, colorful murals, large wooden doors with brass animal door knockers, bougainvillea, and flower-covered balconies. You will also find women dressed in vibrant colors balancing bowls of fruits on their heads, salsa dancing, amazing ceviche, Colombian coffee, white-sand beaches, and emerald souvenirs.
There are many amazing things to do in Cartagena Colombia! One of Cartagena’s must-see attractions is the colorful San Diego neighborhood, the old town’s colonial architecture and city walls. If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, be sure to visit Salinas de Galerazamba, the pink sea. If you love spending time outdoors and adventure sports you will not want to miss the Rosario Islands and a Bioluminescent Bay Tour. As you can see, you will have no problem filling your week in Cartagena Colombia with amazing experiences. Enjoy your time out of the office!
READ Complete Colombia Travel Guide, What You Need to Know
How to Spend a Week in Cartagena Colombia
Day One: Arrival and Resort Check-in
Arrive at Rafael Núñez International Airport and transfer to your resort. Grab a cocktail, relax on the beach, and enjoy the resort’s evening entertainment.
I stayed at Dreams Karibana Cartagena Golf & Spa Resort, check it out below.
Day Two: Tierra Bomba (or relax at the resort pool)
Grab a 10-minute ferry ride from Punto Embarque Hospital Bocagrande at 8, 9 or 11 and spend the day at an island beach club. Plan to return at 3 or 4.
Day Three: Pink Sea of Galerazamba
Book an excursion to the Pink Sea of Galerazamba. This may be booked as a private tour, combined with a volcano mud bath or simply hire a taxi and request they wait for you. Don’t forget to pack water shoes, the salt crystals are sharp.
Day Four: Rosario Islands 5 Island Tour
Book an excursion to the Rosario Islands on a speed boat or catamaran. Spend some time snorkeling, see an old residence of Pablo Escobar, and enjoy a fish lunch and cocktails IN the water.
Day Five and Six: Explore the Walled City
Plan to spend two days exploring Cartagena. Wander the colonial architecture, enjoy a rum tasting, and take salsa lessons at Cage Havana Club. Continue reading for more great things to do in Cartagena.
Day Seven: Resort Day
Spend the morning relaxing at the pool before check out and your return flight
Things to Do in Cartagena Colombia
- Check out Puerta del Reloj, the main city gate, and the clock tower
- Walk the city walls and photograph Ciudad Amurallada, the colorful old city
- Climb the San Felipe Castle, explore the tunnels, photograph the flag, and take in the view
- Walk down Calle San Andrés (street with flags) and Calle San Andrés (umbrella street)
- Party on a Chiva bus, a colorful wooden bus with music and dancing
- Check out the street art around the Getsemani neighborhood, starting on Calle de la Sierpe
- Order a drink and enjoy the view at Cafe del Mar
- Enjoy a morning stroll along the water on the Muelle de la Bodeguita promenade
- Buy some fruit from a palenqueras
- Learn to Salsa at Cafe Havana
- Spend a night out in the Plaza Trinidad District, don’t miss Bazurto Social Club
- Search for monkeys and sloths in Parque del Centenario
- Visit Museo del Oro Zenu, the gold museum, or the Joyeria Caribe Emerald Museum and Factory
- Walk the colorful streets of the San Diego neighborhood
- Learn about Columbia’s history at the Palace of the Inquisition
- Do some shopping in an old bull ring at La Serrezuela
- Grab dinner from a street food vendor in the Plaza la Trinidad, Holy Trinity Square
- Drink a Columbian craft beer at Beer Lover’s
- Shop for souvenirs in Las Bóvedas, an old dungeon
- Have dinner and watch the street performers in Plaza Santo Domingo
- Check out the view from the Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa
- Enjoy a rum and chocolate tasting at El Arsenal
- Watch the sunset with a cocktail from the rooftop of Mirador Gastro Bar, Movich Hotel, Townhouse Hotel or Sophia Hotel
- Enjoy a coffee tasting at Cafe Mural
- Buy Columbian sweets and candies as souvenirs at Portal de los Dulces, Door of Sweets
- See the city skyline from the water on a cruise through Cartagena Bay
- Take a selfie with Gordita (the fat lady) and Botas Viejas (old Boots) sculptures
Check the Colombia Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Day Trips from Cartagena Colombia
- Book a boat tour around the Rosario Islands
- Take a day trip to Salinas de Galerazamba, the pink sea
- Book a Bioluminescent Bay Tour
- Learn about Colombia’s first free slaves in Palenque de San Basilio
- Spend an afternoon in the fishing village of La Boquilla and take the mangrove tour
- Take a mud bath in the Crater of El Totumo Volcano
- Spend a day relaxing at a beach club, try Bora Bora Cartagena Beach Club or the Blue Apple Beach Club
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