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Exploring Cartagena in 7 Days

Viewed by 76 travelers

Day 1: Historic Center Exploration

Cartagena, Colombia

9:00AM

Visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

Start your day by exploring the impressive fortress offering panoramic views of the city. Learn about its strategic importance in history.
It is a 15-minute taxi ride from the city center.
10,000 COP, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at La Cevicheria

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes in a vibrant setting filled with local charm.
Walk for 10 minutes to reach the restaurant.
30,000 COP, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Plaza de la Aduana

Stroll through the historic square surrounded by colorful colonial buildings and street vendors selling local crafts.
A 5-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Museo del Oro y Arqueología

Discover the history of gold and archaeological artifacts from the region in this fascinating museum.
A 15-minute walk from Plaza de la Aduana.
8,000 COP, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante 1621

Indulge in a fine dining experience with a fusion of local and international flavors in a historic setting.
A 10-minute taxi ride from the museum.
100,000 COP, 2 hours
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Day 2: Beach Day at Playa Blanca

Cartagena, Colombia

8:00AM

Take a Boat to Playa Blanca

Embark on a scenic boat ride to the pristine white sands and turquoise waters of Playa Blanca for a relaxing beach day.
Boats depart from Muelle de los Pegasos, near the Clock Tower in the Old Town. The boat ride takes approximately 1 hour.
50,000 COP, Full day

1:00PM

Lunch at a Beachfront Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood and local cocktails while soaking in the sun and sea breeze.
Choose a restaurant along the beach for a relaxing meal.
40,000 COP, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax on the Beach

Unwind on the soft sands, swim in the clear waters, and take in the beautiful surroundings of Playa Blanca.
Find a comfortable spot on the beach and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.
Free, Afternoon

6:00PM

Return to Cartagena

Take the boat back to Cartagena and enjoy the sunset views over the sea on your way back.
Boats depart from Playa Blanca back to Cartagena. The return journey takes about 1 hour.
50,000 COP, Evening

8:00PM

Dinner at La Mulata

Savor traditional Colombian dishes with a Caribbean twist at this charming restaurant in Cartagena.
A 10-minute walk from the Old Town.
60,000 COP, 2 hours
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Day 3: Rosario Islands Excursion

Cartagena, Colombia

7:00AM

Boat Trip to Rosario Islands

Embark on a full-day boat excursion to the beautiful Rosario Islands, known for their crystal-clear waters and coral reefs.
Boats depart from the Muelle de los Pegasos. The boat trip takes approximately 1.5 hours.
150,000 COP, Full day

1:00PM

Lunch on the Island

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on one of the islands, surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
Lunch will be provided as part of the island tour.
Included, 1 hour

3:00PM

Snorkeling and Relaxation

Explore the underwater world with a snorkeling session and then relax on the beach or in a hammock under the shade.
Guided snorkeling tours will be available on the island.
20,000 COP for snorkeling gear rental, Afternoon

5:00PM

Return to Cartagena

Head back to Cartagena by boat, enjoying the sunset views over the Caribbean Sea.
Boats depart from the islands back to Cartagena. The return journey takes about 1.5 hours.
150,000 COP, Evening

8:00PM

Dinner at La Vitrola

Experience a lively atmosphere and classic Colombian cuisine at this iconic restaurant in Cartagena.
A 15-minute walk from the Old Town.
80,000 COP, 2 hours
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Day 4: Getsemani District and Street Food Tour

Cartagena, Colombia

10:00AM

Explore Getsemani Neighborhood

Discover vibrant street art, local markets, and trendy cafes in this bohemian district known for its cultural scene.
A 15-minute walk from the Old Town.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Street Food Tour

Join a guided tour to sample a variety of traditional Colombian street foods and learn about the culinary heritage of the region.
Meet your guide at Plaza de la Trinidad in Getsemani.
60,000 COP, 2 hours

3:00PM

Visit Iglesia de la Santisima Trinidad

Explore the historic church at the heart of Getsemani and admire its colonial architecture.
Located in Plaza de la Trinidad, a short walk from the food tour.
5,000 COP, 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax at Cafe del Mar

Enjoy a drink at this iconic bar located on the city walls, offering stunning views of the Caribbean Sea at sunset.
A 10-minute walk from Getsemani.
20,000 COP, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at La Cevicheria

Return to the Old Town for a delightful dinner at a renowned seafood restaurant.
A 10-minute taxi ride from Cafe del Mar.
40,000 COP, 2 hours
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Day 5: Day Trip to Totumo Mud Volcano

Cartagena, Colombia

8:00AM

Drive to Totumo Mud Volcano

Embark on a scenic drive to the unique mud volcano, where you can enjoy a mud bath with therapeutic properties.
Take a taxi or join a tour for a 1.5-hour drive to the volcano.
40,000 COP for transportation, Half day

11:00AM

Mud Bath Experience

Experience the peculiar sensation of floating in the mineral-rich mud and take a relaxing dip in the nearby lagoon.
Guides at the volcano will assist you with the mud bath experience.
15,000 COP for entry, 2 hours

2:00PM

Return to Cartagena

Head back to Cartagena feeling rejuvenated after the unique mud bath experience.
Take a taxi or join a tour for the return journey.
40,000 COP for transportation, Afternoon

7:00PM

Dinner at La Mulata

Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local favorite restaurant, known for its authentic Colombian cuisine.
A 10-minute walk from the Old Town.
60,000 COP, 2 hours
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Day 6: Shopping and Culture Day

Cartagena, Colombia

10:00AM

Visit Mercado de Bazurto

Explore the bustling local market to shop for fresh produce, artisan crafts, and immerse yourself in the vibrant Colombian culture.
Take a taxi to Mercado de Bazurto for a 20-minute ride.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at La Cocina de Pepina

Enjoy a traditional Colombian lunch at this popular restaurant known for its flavorful dishes.
A 10-minute taxi ride from the market.
35,000 COP, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Cartagena's Walled City

Walk along the charming streets of the Walled City, admiring the colonial architecture and visiting boutique shops for souvenirs.
Start at Plaza de los Coches and wander through the historic quarter.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Coffee Tasting at San Alberto

Indulge in a coffee tasting experience at a renowned Colombian coffee shop to savor the flavors of the region.
Located in the Old Town for a short walk from the Walled City.
15,000 COP, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Carmen Restaurant

Enjoy a sophisticated dining experience with a fusion of Colombian and international cuisine at this upscale restaurant.
A 10-minute walk from the Walled City.
120,000 COP, 2 hours
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Day 7: Relaxation and Farewell

Cartagena, Colombia

9:00AM

Morning Yoga at Playa Azul

Start your day with a relaxing yoga session on the beach, breathing in the fresh ocean air.
Take a taxi to Playa Azul for a 30-minute ride.
15,000 COP for transportation, 1 hour

11:00AM

Beach Day at Bocagrande

Spend your last day soaking up the sun on the lively beaches of Bocagrande, enjoying water sports or simply relaxing by the sea.
Take a taxi to Bocagrande for a 20-minute ride.
Free, Half day

3:00PM

Lunch at La Perla

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a beachfront restaurant, savoring fresh seafood and cocktails with ocean views.
Choose a restaurant along the beach in Bocagrande.
50,000 COP, 1 hour

5:00PM

Shopping at Centro Comercial Caribe Plaza

Browse for last-minute souvenirs or gifts at the shopping mall, featuring a variety of stores and boutiques.
Take a taxi to the mall for a 15-minute ride.
Depends on purchases, 1 hour

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at La Vitrola

End your trip with a memorable dinner at a classic Cartagena restaurant, reminiscing about your adventures in the city.
A 15-minute taxi ride from the mall to La Vitrola.
80,000 COP, 2 hours
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