6-Day Itinerary for Cartagena, Colombia in January 2024

  1. Day 1: Explore Old Town
    15 minutes (5.1 km) from Rafael Núñez International Airport

    Take a walking tour to see the colorful colonial buildings and the impressive architecture of Old Town. Visit the San Felipe de Barajas Castle and the Puerta del Reloj gate. Try some delicious street food from vendors in the area.

    • Walking Tour of Old Town (2 hours, $20)
    • San Felipe de Barajas Castle (1 hour, $5)
    • Street food ($5-10)
    • Total Estimated Costs: $30-35
  2. Day 2: Beach Day
    20 minutes (8.2 km) from Old Town

    Spend the day relaxing on the white sandy beaches of Bocagrande. Grab some lunch at one of the nearby restaurants before heading back to your hostel.

    • Bocagrande Beach (5 hours, free)
    • Lunch at Restaurante La Mulata (1 hour, $10-15)
    • Total Estimated Costs: $10-15
  3. Day 3: Scuba Diving Adventure
    1 hour (30 km) from Bocagrande

    Take a scuba diving excursion to explore the coral reefs and underwater wildlife of the Caribbean Sea. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch after the dive.

    • Scuba Diving at Rosario Islands (4 hours, $90-120)
    • Lunch at Restaurante Club de Pesca (1 hour, $20-30)
    • Total Estimated Costs: $110-150
  4. Day 4: Get to Know Getsemani
    10 minutes (2.5 km) from Old Town

    Take a walking tour of Getsemani, a colorful and vibrant neighborhood known for its street art and bustling nightlife. Visit the Plaza de la Trinidad and enjoy some local craft beer.

    • Walking Tour of Getsemani (2 hours, $20)
    • Plaza de la Trinidad (1 hour, free)
    • Local craft beer at Demente Tap Room (1 hour, $5-10)
    • Total Estimated Costs: $25-30
  5. Day 5: Visit the Museum of Modern Art
    20 minutes (6.5 km) from Getsemani

    Explore the Museum of Modern Art and its collection of contemporary art from Colombian and Latin American artists. Grab some lunch at a nearby cafe and then head to the Convento de la Popa, a colonial-era convent with stunning views of the city.

    • Museum of Modern Art (2 hours, $5)
    • Lunch at Cafe San Alberto (1 hour, $10-15)
    • Convento de la Popa (1 hour, $5)
    • Total Estimated Costs: $20-25
  6. Day 6: Island Hopping Adventure
    1 hour 30 minutes (60 km) from Museum of Modern Art

    Take a boat tour to explore the nearby islands and beaches. Visit Cholon, a popular party destination with crystal-clear waters and plenty of bars and restaurants. Enjoy some fresh seafood for lunch before heading back to Cartagena.

    • Island Hopping Tour (6 hours, $50-80)
    • Lunch at Restaurante Donde Wato (1 hour, $15-20)
    • Total Estimated Costs: $65-100

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Walking Tour of Old Town (2 hours, $20)
  • San Felipe de Barajas Castle (1 hour, $5)
  • Street food ($5-10)
  • Bocagrande Beach (5 hours, free)
  • Lunch at Restaurante La Mulata (1 hour, $10-15)
  • Scuba Diving at Rosario Islands (4 hours, $90-120)
  • Lunch at Restaurante Club de Pesca (1 hour, $20-30)
  • Walking Tour of Getsemani (2 hours, $20)
  • Plaza de la Trinidad (1 hour, free)
  • Local craft beer at Demente Tap Room (1 hour, $5-10)
  • Museum of Modern Art (2 hours, $5)
  • Lunch at Cafe San Alberto (1 hour, $10-15)
  • Convento de la Popa (1 hour, $5)
  • Island Hopping Tour (6 hours, $50-80)
  • Lunch at Restaurante Donde Wato (1 hour, $15-20)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $250-350
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