Beach · City Break · History · Culture · Romantic · Honeymoon
Cartagena 5-Day Beach Getaway
Overview
Spend 5 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
Departure Day
Enjoy a final morning at leisure — perhaps one last visit to Ciudad Amurallada (Walled City) 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)
- ✓ 4 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
Elena Kim
★ 4.8
Saudi Arabia • 2025-08-24
We added a couple of optional activities beyond Getsemaní street art and don't regret it. Good value for what was included, and the food recommendations from our guide were spot on.
David Garcia
★ 4.7
Germany • 2025-06-25
Cartagena is stunning and this package covered the essentials well, especially Islas del Rosario boat tour. The hotel could have been a little closer to the center but transport was easy.
Ava Novak
★ 3.9
India • 2025-07-29
Museo del Oro Zenú alone was worth the trip, but combined with Las Bóvedas this itinerary really delivered. Breakfast at the hotel was good every day and the local guide was knowledgeable.
Mohammed van Dijk
★ 3.9
Singapore • 2025-02-11
Convento de la Popa alone was worth the trip, but combined with Palacio de la Inquisición this itinerary really delivered. Breakfast at the hotel was good every day and the local guide was knowledgeable.
Lucas Kim
★ 4.3
Singapore • 2025-07-23
Everything was handled for us — flights, hotel, transfers, and tours to Convento de la Popa and City wall sunset walk. Great communication from the consultant before departure too.
Chen Ibrahim
★ 4.1
Spain • 2025-06-18
Booked this as a couple trip and it was well paced. City wall sunset walk in particular stood out. A couple of the transfers ran a little late but nothing that spoiled the trip.