Cartagena: Best Itinerary Ideas
How many days do you need in Cartagena?
- Most travelers spend 5-7 days in Cartagena
- Visiting Cartagena in 4 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
- With 8 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extensions are Bogotá, Medellín, and the Zona Cafetera
How Many Days to Spend in Cartagena
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Recommended Itineraries for Cartagena
Recommended Itinerary for 6 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Cartagena | Cartagena |
| Day 2 | Explore Cartagena Landmarks, Visit Bazurto Market | Cartagena |
| Day 3 | Kayaking Around Barú Island | Cartagena |
| Day 4 | Emeralds & Alchemy Tour | Cartagena |
| Day 5 | Free Day, Salsa Dancing Lesson | Cartagena |
| Day 6 | Depart Cartagena |
Anyone who thinks they can't get to the heart of Cartagena in six days is obviously not familiar with this itinerary. In a little less than a week, you can discover every inch of this well-preserved Spanish colonial metropolis, from the most off-the-beaten-path street markets to the trendiest cocktail lounges. You'll visit ancient fortresses and learn to dance like a local in a professional salsa class. You'll even be able to work in a little Caribbean beach time, too. Read more
Extended Itineraries
9-Day Itinerary Including Bogotá & Medellín
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bogotá | Bogotá |
| Day 2 | Bogotá City & Food Tour | Bogotá |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral | Bogotá |
| Day 4 | Fly to Medellín, Explore | Medellín |
| Day 5 | Day Trip to a Coffee Farm | Medellín |
| Day 6 | Guatapé Day Trip, Fly to Cartagena | Cartagena |
| Day 7 | Cartagena Guided Walking Tour | Cartagena |
| Day 8 | Day Trip to the Rosario Islands | Cartagena |
| Day 9 | Depart Cartagena |
Explore three of Colombia's most exciting cities on this nine-day adventure. Start in Bogotá, the sprawling cosmopolitan capital. Tour the colonial streets of the historic center, taste local cuisine, and visit museums. Then, transfer to Medellín to see street art and communal projects and learn about Colombian coffee culture. The adventure ends in tropical Cartagena, where you'll appreciate Spanish forts and architecture, enjoy fresh seafood, and swim in the Caribbean. Read more
10-Day Itinerary Including Bogotá, Medellín & Zona Cafetera
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bogotá, Explore | Bogotá |
| Day 2 | Bogotá City Tour | Bogotá |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Zona Cafetera, Stay in a Coffee Finca | Pereira |
| Day 4 | Hiking, Explore Salento | Pereira |
| Day 5 | Driving Tour of Zona Cafetera | Pereira |
| Day 6 | Fly to Medellín, Explore | Medellín |
| Day 7 | Guatapé Day-Trip | Medellín |
| Day 8 | Fly to Cartagena, Explore | Cartagena |
| Day 9 | La Boquilla Fishing Trip | Cartagena |
| Day 10 | Depart Cartagena |
Check off three unforgettable cities on this whirlwind 10-day tour, starting with Bogotá's Spanish colonial sites and buzzing nightlife. You'll then fly to the heart of Colombia's Zona Cafetera to stay at a coffee farm, where you'll hike the green mountains of Cocora Valley, dotted with towering palm trees. From here, head to Medellín—a city with outdoor art and spring-like weather—before ending on the Caribbean coast, where you'll explore the romantic streets of Cartagena's Old Town. Read more
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