Day-by-day plans for 3, 5, and 7 days — organised to make the most of your time.
Three days covering the walled city, a beach island day trip, and the city's best food and nightlife.
Morning: walk the city walls from Torre del Reloj to the Baluarte de Santo Domingo. Visit the Palace of the Inquisition and the Gold Museum. Afternoon: explore Getsemaní's street art and murals. Evening: rooftop cocktails at Café del Mar on the ramparts.
Morning: Castillo San Felipe de Barajas (guided tour of the tunnels). Afternoon: speedboat to the Islas del Rosario for snorkelling — return by sunset.
Morning: Mercado de Bazurto (the chaotic, authentic local market — go with a guide). Lunch: Caribbean seafood at La Cevichería. Evening: sunset cocktail cruise from the marina.
Extends the itinerary to include a night on Playa Blanca and day trip to Mompox.
Full day in the historic centre: walls, Castillo, Getsemaní. Sunset on the ramparts.
Speed boat to a small eco-lodge on the Rosario Islands — snorkel, kayak, and watch the sunset over the Caribbean.
Morning return to the city. Afternoon: guided food tour of the walled city and Getsemaní — fritanga, arepas de huevo, fresh tropical fruit.
A full-day boat and road excursion to Mompox — a perfectly preserved colonial town on the Magdalena River and a UNESCO World Heritage Site almost untouched by tourism.
Half-day at Playa Blanca (the best beach near Cartagena) before afternoon transfer to the airport.