Start your day exploring the historic walled city of Cartagena,which is home to many attractions including the iconic Torre del Reloj. Walk around and absorb the city's rich culture by visiting various museums such as the Museo del Oro Zenu or simply wandering the pretty streets.
On your second day, enjoy soaking up the sun at Bocagrande beach, the most popular beach in Cartagena. Take in the beautiful scenery, enjoy tasty local cuisine, and engage in some water activities like swimming and parasailing.
Spend the day at the San Felipe Castle, a historic fortress and one of Cartagena's most iconic landmarks. Take a guided tour and marvel at the impressive architecture while learning about the castle's rich history. Afterward, enjoy the scenic view of the city by climbing to the top of the castle's ramparts.
Head out of the city for the day to experience the therapeutic benefits of a mud bath in the Totumo Volcano. Once there, apply the warm mineral-infused mud all over your body before entering the volcano's crater for a soak in its dense and buoyant mud. After your relaxing soak, rinse off in the nearby lake before heading back to the city.
Spend the day exploring the stunning Rosario Islands, an archipelago of 27 small coral islands. Enjoy diving into clear blue waters, soaking up the sun at secluded beaches, experiencing excellent snorkeling, and enjoying time in hammocks swaying in the sea breeze. Take a day tour by boat and enjoy the provided lunch and refreshments, or arrange for an overnight stay and enjoy the islands longer.
Take a walking tour through the Getsemani neighborhood, which is known for unique street art, vibrant nightlife, and a mixed cultural identity. Visit the lively Plaza de la Trinidad for a sense of the community and taste pleasant street food while clapping to salsa music. In the late evening, participate in a pub crawl led by a local guide to experience vibrant nightlife.
Wrap up your vacation with some souvenir shopping at Las Bovedas, a 18th-century dungeon converted into shops. Hunt for unique finds like local textiles, Colombian coffee, and handmade jewelry, and enjoy the overall colonial architecture of the market. You'll find entertainment and music played by local performers along the way.
Cartagena has a safe and convenient transportation system for visitors. Taxis are available at set rates from the airport and throughout the city. Share your destinations for reasonable costs with bike taxis. Boat taxis can be hired to explore the Rosario Islands or other attractions.
If you have more time, consider road trips to close-by towns like Santa Marta or Taganga. Enjoy walking around old town in search of unique Spanish Colonial architecture. If you have less time, consider combining your visits to attractions closer to each other.
Rafael Nunez International Airport (CTG) is Cartagena's primary airport located 6km from the city center. Taxi and bus services are available upon arrival.