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4 Days in Cartagena, Colombia: The Perfect Itinerary
Written By
Joba
June 1 2025
Colombia is a must-visit destination in South America, with stunning Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, rich history, and a vibrant culture. I spent 4 days on a solo trip to Cartagena, and they were fabulous. From the colorful streets of the walled city, to the turquoise waters of Rosario Islands, Cartagena Colombia was an unforgettable travel experience and will aways be a favourite of mine.
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What You Need to Know Before Visiting Cartagena
Before you start planning, here are the things that can make this trip much easier and save you some time and money.
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Best Time to Visit: Cartagena has a tropical climate, meaning it’s primarily warm weather year-round. However, the best time to visit is during the dry season (December to April) to avoid heavy rains.
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Getting In: Canadian passport holders don’t need a tourist visa to visit Colombia for up to 90 days, but there is an entry fee upon arrival, which costs around $96 CAD.
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Currency: The official currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). USD and credit cards are also widely accepted.
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Getting Around: Cartagena is extremely walkable. While Uber is available and very affordable, it can sometimes take longer than just walking, so pick whichever works best per time.
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Language: The official language is Spanish. While some locals in tourist areas speak English, it helps to know a few basic Spanish phrases and have a translation app.
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Connectivity: Skip the cost of roaming with your carrier by getting an Airalo eSIM.
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Country Hopping: Panama City is just a 1-hour flight away and will make a great country pair, especially with the Panama Stopover Program.
Use PERFECTPATHS15 to get a discount on your first Airalo eSIM. No roaming, no hunting for WiFi
Where to Stay in Cartagena
I split my stay into two to experience multiple sides of Cartagena. I spent the first two nights at Holiday Inn Express, and the other two nights at an Airbnb. Getsemani & Manga are my top choices of places to stay to easily access everywhere you want to visit in Cartagena.
My Full 4-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive & Explore Cartagena's Historic Center
After landing at Rafael Nunez International airport (CTG), I took a short 15-20 minute drive to my hotel, checked in and freshened up to start exploring. Cartagena is an extremely walkable city with a rich colonial past, so you can choose to explore it on your own, or book a free walking tour via Guru Walk, where a local guide will take you through the historic Walled City and the colorful streets of Getsemani.
As you walk through the Walled City, you’ll spot the famous Palenqueras dressed in their bright traditional outfits, selling fruit and posing for photos. Take the opportunity to dance with them and capture all the moments. While this is technically free, they expect (and deserve) to be tipped for their time spent with you. A tip of 10,000 COP (~$2 USD) per lady is a good place to start.
Getsemani comes to life in the evenings with street performers, lively music, and a lot of happy people. Take advantage of the dinner scene & nightlife in Getsemani, exploring these options:
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Grab some street food for a quick and tasty local bite.
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Pick a cozy local eatery for an authentic experience.
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Dine at Restaurant Cande, known for its elegant take on Cartagena’s traditional flavors.
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Day 2: Brunch, Street Art, & Food Tasting Tour
Start your day with a delicious brunch at Ely Cafe or La Brioche.
Then, walk the of the food off by wandering through Getsemani to compare its daytime vibe to the vibrant nightlife from the night before. Admire the street art, murals, visit Plaza de la Trinidad, and interact with locals. By evening, dive into Colombian street food and drinks with a food tasting tour.
Practical Tip: Go hungry, as you will be eating at least 10 different things, including: arepas, patacones, fresh fruits, and even the first Colombian soda. I thoroughly enjoyed this activity and you can see me rating everything I tried here.
Day 3: Day Trip to Explore Rosario Islands
No trip to Cartagena is complete without a day trip to Rosario Islands, a stunning Caribbean paradise with beautiful blue waters just off the coast.
Book a Catamaran Island Tour that includes a morning snack, delicious lunch, time to swim and snorkel in the Caribbean Sea, and a laid-back vibe with music.
After a long, sun-soaked day at sea, you can explore a local restaurant for dinner or simply order room service to relax.
Day 4: Relaxation & A Hands-On Cooking Class
Take the morning to relax by your hotel's pool or enjoy any of its other amenities.
Then, experience a Colombian Cooking Class. It’s held on a rooftop in the heart of Getsemani. You get to choose from a selection of traditional Colombian dishes (with dietary options available) and have a skilled chef guide you through making it from scratch. Once you’re done, you sit and enjoy your homemade meal with a drink, water, and dessert included.
This was absolutely one of the best things I got to do in Cartagena, and I highly recommend it!
What to Pack for Cartagena
Here are some specific things I'd recommend for a visit to Cartagena:
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Light, breathable clothing like linen or cotton
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Comfortable walking shoes, as you’ll likely do a lot of walking
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Swimwear and some other must-have beach essentials
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Need a full packing guide? Check out my travel packing checklist to keep you organized
Final Thoughts on Cartagena
Cartagena was an unforgettable destination for many reasons. Whether you’re visiting for the history, culture, food, or the Caribbean Sea, this Colombian city will wow you in many ways. Make sure to save this itinerary for later and share it with the person you’d like to go with!
If you’re visiting Cartagena soon, I shared some quick facts here. Feel free to check them out.
Please share this article if you like it!
Written By
Joba
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