For most travelers, about a week is the perfect amount of time for a Colombia trip with stops in both Cartagena and the Rosario Islands. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as four to six days. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another city like Bogotá. See more ideas for Cartagena and the Rosario Islands itineraries below.

How many days do you need in Cartagena & the Rosario Islands?

  • Most travelers spend 7 days in Cartagena and Rosario Islands combined
  • Visiting Cartagena and the Rosario Islands in 4 to 6 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 extension is Bogotá

How Many Days to Spend in Cartagena

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Recommended Itineraries for Cartagena & Rosario Islands

Recommended Itinerary for 1 Week

A view of the islands of near Cartagena.
Walk around the Spanish colonial architecture in Cartagena
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrival in Cartagena Cartagena
Day 2 Discover Cartagena on a guided walking tour Cartagena
Day 3 Flavors of Cartagena - Market Tour & Cooking Class Cartagena
Day 4 Volcanoes, Dancing, & Nightlife in Cartagena Cartagena
Day 5 Take the ferry to Barú Island Isla Barú
Day 6 Spend the day relaxing in the Rosario Islands Isla Barú
Day 7 Departure from the island and back to Cartagena  


Explore some of the best destinations along Colombia's northern coast on this 7-day adventure that combines a fast-paced urban adventure with the relaxing allure of a tropical island retreat. Tour the colorful Caribbean jewel of Cartegena, then head to a personalized island escape where you can recharge. For travelers who can't choose between an active trip and a secluded getaway, this itinerary offers the best of both worlds. Read more

Extended Itineraries

9-Day Itinerary Including Bogotá

Panoramic View of Meissen District, Bogotá
Panoramic View of Meissen District, Bogotá
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Bogotá Bogotá
Day 2 Bogotá City & Food Tour Bogotá
Day 3 Hike to Forests & Waterfalls in Chicaque Natural Park Bogotá
Day 4 Trek in Chingaza Park Bogotá
Day 5 Fly to Cartagena, Explore the city Cartagena
Day 6 Discover Cartagena on a Walking Tour Cartagena
Day 7 Take the Ferry to Barú Island Isla Barú
Day 8 Free Day in the Rosario Islands  Isla Barú
Day 9 Depart Cartagena  


This tour of Colombia starts in the bustling capital of Bogotá, where you'll explore its trendy neighborhoods and culinary scene before hiking through the nearby nature reserves of Chicaque and Chingaza. Make your way to the coastal city of Cartagena for walking tours of its walled Old Town, then head to the Rosario Islands in the Caribbean Sea. Relax along the white-sand beaches, try your luck with sports such as snorkeling and kayaking, tour mangrove farms, and view the bioluminescent plankton at night. Read more

Map

Map of Cartagena & the Rosario Islands: Best Itinerary Ideas
Map of Cartagena & the Rosario Islands: Best Itinerary Ideas