Beach · City Break · History · Culture · Romantic · Honeymoon · Bucket List
Cartagena 14-Day Beach Getaway
Overview
Spend 14 days discovering Cartagena, Colombia — Hot and humid Caribbean coastal climate year-round, highs around 31-33°C, with a rainier season roughly May to November. December to April — the dry season, with lower humidity and less rain than the rest of the year. This itinerary blends Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, Palacio de la Inquisición, Ciudad Amurallada (Walled City) with free time to explore at your own pace, backed by round-trip flights, handpicked accommodation, and a dedicated travel consultant from enquiry through departure.
Highlights
- Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
- Palacio de la Inquisición
- Ciudad Amurallada (Walled City)
- Sunset cocktails atop the city wall at Café del Mar
- Islas del Rosario
Day-by-Day Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive in Cartagena
Land at Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) and take your included private transfer to your hotel. After settling in, ease into the trip with a relaxed visit to Castillo San Felipe de Barajas — Massive 17th-century Spanish fortress overlooking the city. Round off the evening with a welcome dinner introducing you to local flavors.
DAY 2
Cartagena: Palacio de la Inquisición & Islas del Rosario boat tour
Morning visit to Palacio de la Inquisición — Museum on the colonial-era Spanish Inquisition. In the afternoon, continue to Islas del Rosario boat tour — Day trip to a coral-reef archipelago. Evening free to explore local restaurants and nightlife.
DAY 3
Cartagena: Museo del Oro Zenú & Convento de la Popa
Morning visit to Museo del Oro Zenú — Pre-Columbian gold artifacts of the Zenú culture. In the afternoon, continue to Convento de la Popa — Hilltop convent with sweeping city and sea views. Evening free to explore local restaurants and nightlife.
DAY 4
Day Trip to Islas del Rosario
Full-day excursion to Islas del Rosario, a popular side trip from Cartagena. Return to Cartagena in the evening with time free to explore on your own.
DAY 5
Leisure Day & Optional Activities
A lighter day to recharge, shop, or add an optional experience. Popular choices include Barrio Manga's Republican-era mansions — your consultant can book add-ons like this on request.
DAY 6
Cartagena: Ciudad Amurallada (Walled City) & Plaza Santo Domingo
Morning visit to Ciudad Amurallada (Walled City) — UNESCO-listed historic center of colorful colonial buildings. In the afternoon, continue to Plaza Santo Domingo — Lively square with Botero's "Gertrudis" sculpture. Evening free to explore local restaurants and nightlife.
DAY 7
Day Trip to Playa Blanca / Isla Barú
Full-day excursion to Playa Blanca / Isla Barú, a popular side trip from Cartagena. Return to Cartagena in the evening with time free to explore on your own.
DAY 8
Cartagena: Las Bóvedas & Getsemaní street art
Morning visit to Las Bóvedas — Former dungeons turned handicraft shops along the city wall. In the afternoon, continue to Getsemaní street art — Colorful, mural-covered bohemian neighborhood. Evening free to explore local restaurants and nightlife.
DAY 9
Leisure Day & Optional Activities
A lighter day to recharge, shop, or add an optional experience. Popular choices include Mercado de Bazurto local market — your consultant can book add-ons like this on request.
DAY 10
Day Trip to Volcán del Totumo mud bath
Full-day excursion to Volcán del Totumo mud bath, a popular side trip from Cartagena. Return to Cartagena in the evening with time free to explore on your own.
DAY 11
Cartagena: City wall sunset walk & Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
Morning visit to City wall sunset walk — Free walk atop the historic ramparts at golden hour. In the afternoon, continue to Castillo San Felipe de Barajas — Massive 17th-century Spanish fortress overlooking the city. Evening free to explore local restaurants and nightlife.
DAY 12
Cartagena: Palacio de la Inquisición & Islas del Rosario boat tour
Morning visit to Palacio de la Inquisición — Museum on the colonial-era Spanish Inquisition. In the afternoon, continue to Islas del Rosario boat tour — Day trip to a coral-reef archipelago. Evening free to explore local restaurants and nightlife.
DAY 13
Leisure Day & Optional Activities
A lighter day to recharge, shop, or add an optional experience. Popular choices include Playa Blanca on Isla Barú — your consultant can book add-ons like this on request.
DAY 14
Departure Day
Enjoy a final morning at leisure — perhaps one last visit to Museo del Oro Zenú or some souvenir shopping — before your private transfer to CTG for your departure flight.
Included
- ✓ Round-trip economy-class airfare from your selected origin city (upgrade to premium economy or business available)
- ✓ 13 nights accommodation in your selected category (Budget, Mid-range, Premium, or Luxury)
- ✓ Daily breakfast at your hotel
- ✓ Private round-trip airport-to-hotel transfers
- ✓ Daily local transport as per the itinerary
- ✓ Guided tours including Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, Palacio de la Inquisición, Ciudad Amurallada (Walled City)
- ✓ All entrance fees for attractions and activities listed in the itinerary
- ✓ Applicable taxes and OTA service fee
- ✓ Dedicated travel consultant support from booking through departure
Not Included
- ✕ Visa fees and travel document costs (see Visa Information)
- ✕ Travel insurance (strongly recommended, available as an add-on)
- ✕ Lunches and dinners except where noted in the itinerary
- ✕ Personal expenses, souvenirs, and gratuities
- ✕ Optional activities not listed in the day-by-day itinerary
- ✕ Airline seat selection and baggage upgrades
- ✕ Any fare difference for premium economy or business class upgrades
Good to Know
- Best Time to Visit
- December to April — the dry season, with lower humidity and less rain than the rest of the year.
- Currency
- COP
- Languages
- Spanish
- Time Zone
- COT (UTC-5)
- Nearest Airport
- Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG)
- Avg. Flight Time
- ~16.7h from major hubs (estimate; varies by origin — see Suggested Flights)
- Visa Information
- Visa-free entry for stays up to 90 days for US, UK, EU, Canadian, and Australian passport holders. Indian nationals need a Colombian e-visa arranged in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Cartagena?
Visa-free entry for stays up to 90 days for US, UK, EU, Canadian, and Australian passport holders. Indian nationals need a Colombian e-visa arranged in advance.
What is the best time to visit Cartagena?
December to April — the dry season, with lower humidity and less rain than the rest of the year. Hot and humid Caribbean coastal climate year-round, highs around 31-33°C, with a rainier season roughly May to November.
What's included in this package?
Round-trip airfare, accommodation, daily breakfast, airport transfers, daily local transport, and guided tours to the attractions listed in the itinerary. See the Included / Not Included sections for full detail.
Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes — this itinerary is a starting point. Your travel consultant can add, remove, or reorder activities, extend your stay, or upgrade your hotel category before you book.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made 30+ days before departure: full refund minus a $99 processing fee. 15-29 days before departure: 50% refund. 0-14 days before departure or no-show: non-refundable. Airline and hotel supplier cancellation terms may be stricter than this policy and apply in addition — your travel consultant confirms exact terms before payment is taken. No online payment is collected on this site; a consultant confirms final pricing and availability with you directly before any booking is confirmed.
Is Cartagena safe for tourists?
Cartagena is generally safe for tourists who take standard precautions — avoid poorly lit areas at night, keep valuables secure, and use licensed transport.
What currency should I bring to Cartagena?
The local currency is COP. Cards and mobile payments are widely accepted, and ATMs are easy to find.
Is this package good for a honeymoon or family trip?
Yes — Cartagena is one of our most-booked honeymoon destinations, especially the Sunset cocktails atop the city wall at Café del Mar experience.
Traveler Reviews
Lucas Dubois
★ 4.3
South Africa • 2025-01-11
Everything was handled for us — flights, hotel, transfers, and tours to Plaza Santo Domingo and Ciudad Amurallada (Walled City). Great communication from the consultant before departure too.
Omar Silva
★ 4.8
Italy • 2025-05-04
We added a couple of optional activities beyond City wall sunset walk and don't regret it. Good value for what was included, and the food recommendations from our guide were spot on.
Anna Rossi
★ 4.6
New Zealand • 2025-12-25
Cartagena is stunning and this package covered the essentials well, especially Plaza Santo Domingo. The hotel could have been a little closer to the center but transport was easy.
Chen Costa
★ 4.1
South Africa • 2025-08-03
Booked this as a group trip and it was well paced. Plaza Santo Domingo in particular stood out. A couple of the transfers ran a little late but nothing that spoiled the trip.
Omar Smith
★ 4.8
France • 2025-08-24
We added a couple of optional activities beyond Islas del Rosario boat tour and don't regret it. Good value for what was included, and the food recommendations from our guide were spot on.
Hiroshi Williams
★ 4
France • 2026-02-12
Islas del Rosario boat tour alone was worth the trip, but combined with Convento de la Popa this itinerary really delivered. Breakfast at the hotel was good every day and the local guide was knowledgeable.