Cartagena, Colombia-5-day-itinerary

5-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Cartagena, Colombia

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of the Historic Center

Morning

  • Arrival: Arrive at Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) and take a taxi or shuttle to your hotel.
  • Check-in: Check-in at your hotel, preferably in the historic center for easy access to main attractions.

Afternoon

  • Walled City Tour: Visit the Walled City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its narrow streets and colorful buildings. Start at Plaza de la Aduana (Customs Square) and walk through the walls to get a feel of the city’s rich history.
  • Plaza Bolivar: Stop by Plaza Bolivar, the heart of the historic center, surrounded by important landmarks like the Cathedral of Cartagena and the Palace of Inquisition.

Evening

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at La Cevichería, a restaurant famous for its fresh seafood and traditional Colombian dishes.
  • Nightlife: End your day with a stroll along the Bocagrande waterfront, where you can find bars, clubs, and live music venues.

Day 2: Beaches and Waterfront

Morning

  • Beach Time: Spend some time relaxing on Bocagrande Beach, one of Cartagena’s most popular beaches. Enjoy the sun, sea, and sand, and try your hand at water sports like paddleboarding or kayaking.
  • Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas: Visit this 17th-century fortress, a masterpiece of Spanish architecture, which offers breathtaking views of the city and the sea.

Afternoon

  • Snorkeling or Boat Tour: Take a snorkeling tour to explore the underwater world off Cartagena’s coast or go on a boat tour to see the city from a different perspective.
  • Shopping: Visit the upscale shopping centers in the Bocagrande area, like the Centro Comercial Puerta del Mar.

Evening

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Donde la Abuela, a restaurant serving traditional Colombian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients and flavors.
  • Farewell to Day 2: End your day with a stroll around the historic center, taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city.

Day 3: Get Lost in the Neighborhoods

Morning

  • Get Lost: Spend your morning exploring the charming neighborhoods of Cartagena. Wander through narrow streets and alleys to discover hidden gems like Plaza Santo Domingo, a peaceful square surrounded by beautiful colonial architecture.
  • La Popa Beach: Visit this lesser-known beach, perfect for those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere.

Afternoon

  • Visit the House of Culture: Stop by the House of Culture (Casa de la Cultura) to learn about Cartagena’s rich cultural heritage. This former monastery now serves as an art gallery and cultural center.
  • Art Galleries: Visit some of the many art galleries in Cartagena, showcasing works by local artists.

Evening

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at El Gato, a restaurant offering a mix of international cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood.
  • Nightlife: Continue your night out with a visit to one of Cartagena’s famous jazz clubs or live music venues.

Day 4: History and Adventure

Morning

  • Museo del Oro: Visit the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro), showcasing an impressive collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts.
  • Historic Landmarks: Stop by other important historical landmarks like the Palace of Inquisition and the Church of San Pedro Claver.

Afternoon

  • Cartagena’s Hidden Gems: Explore some of Cartagena’s lesser-known areas, such as the historic neighborhood of Getsemaní or the upscale residential area of Manga.
  • Adventure Activities: Try your hand at adventure activities like paragliding, horseback riding, or hiking.

Evening

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at La Carreta, a restaurant serving traditional Colombian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients and flavors.
  • Farewell to Cartagena: End your day in Cartagena by taking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere one last time.

Day 5: Departure

Morning

  • Last-Minute Shopping: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or gifts before heading back to the airport.
  • Check-out: Check out of your hotel and head to the airport for your departure flight.

Transportation

Airport Shuttle:

  • The official airport shuttle service, Taxis de Aeropuerto, offers transfers between the airport and hotels in Cartagena. This service is available 24/7.
  • Cost: around $10-$15 USD per person (depending on the destination).

Tips and Essentials

Safety:

  • Be cautious of your belongings, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots.
  • Avoid walking alone at night unless it’s in a well-lit area.

Weather:

  • Cartagena has a tropical climate with high temperatures throughout the year. Stay hydrated and wear light clothing to stay comfortable.

Other Tips

Respect Local Culture:

  • Dress modestly when visiting churches or other cultural sites.
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions.

Places to Eat

Here are some of the best places to eat in Cartagena, based on various sources and traveler reviews:

  1. La Cevichería: A seafood restaurant with a focus on fresh ingredients and traditional Colombian dishes.
  2. Donde la Abuela: A restaurant serving traditional Colombian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients and flavors.
  3. El Gato: A restaurant offering a mix of international cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood.

Note: These recommendations are based on general traveler reviews and may not reflect your personal preferences or dietary requirements.