5 days in Cartagena

Day by day

1. Day 1: The walled city and City walls and bastions

   The walled city, City walls and bastions and Plaza Santo Domingo, then Getsemaní streets and Plaza de la Trinidad in the evening.

   1. Morning

      The walled city

      Explore early in the morning or after 4pm; the midday heat is intense and the light is better for photos. (Half a day or more, free).

   2. Late morning

      City walls and bastions

      Walk the stretch between Baluarte de Santo Domingo and Baluarte de Santa Catalina at sunset, when the sea breeze picks up. (1–2 hours, free).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Arepa de huevo

      Street stands in Getsemaní and around the walled city in the morning and evening; La Boquilla's beach shacks.

   4. Afternoon

      Plaza Santo Domingo

      Have a drink on a terrace after dark, when the church is lit and the heat eases. (30 minutes, free).

   5. Evening

      Getsemaní streets and Plaza de la Trinidad

      Visit twice: in the morning for photos of the murals and after dark for the scene in Plaza de la Trinidad.

2. Day 2: Castillo San Felipe de Barajas and Palace of the Inquisition

   Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, Palace of the Inquisition and Museo del Oro Zenú, then Sunset sail on the bay in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

      Go at opening time or late afternoon, carry water and wear a hat; there is almost no shade on the ramparts. (1.5–2 hours, mid-priced).

   2. Late morning

      Palace of the Inquisition

      Visit during the midday heat; afterwards rest in the shade of Plaza de Bolívar opposite. (1 hour, low cost).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Carimañola

      Breakfast stalls, bakeries and street vendors across the city.

   4. Afternoon

      Museo del Oro Zenú

      A free, cool half-hour stop between Plaza de Bolívar and the cathedral. (45 minutes, free).

   5. Evening

      Sunset sail on the bay

      Choose a smaller sailing boat for a quieter trip than the large party boats.

3. Day 3: Church and Cloister of San Pedro Claver and Cathedral of Santa Catalina de Alejandría

   Church and Cloister of San Pedro Claver, Cathedral of Santa Catalina de Alejandría and Museo de Arte Moderno de Cartagena, then Getsemaní in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Church and Cloister of San Pedro Claver

      Combine it with the modern art museum on the same square, Plaza de San Pedro Claver. (1 hour, low cost).

   2. Late morning

      Cathedral of Santa Catalina de Alejandría

      The tower is one of the easiest landmarks to navigate by when exploring the walled city. (30 minutes, low cost).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Fried fish with coconut rice

      Beach shacks in La Boquilla and on the islands, and local restaurants in Getsemaní.

   4. Afternoon

      Museo de Arte Moderno de Cartagena

      A short air-conditioned stop next to the San Pedro Claver church. (45 minutes, low cost).

   5. Evening

      Getsemaní

      Salsa bars, live music and street life around Calle del Arsenal and Plaza de la Trinidad.

4. Day 4: Day trip to Rosario Islands

   About 1 hour by speedboat each way. Getting there: Speedboat or launch from the Muelle de la Bodeguita.

   1. Morning

      Travel to Rosario Islands

      About 1 hour by speedboat (Speedboat or launch from the Muelle de la Bodeguita); about 45 km.

   2. Day

      Rosario Islands

      The Islas del Rosario are a coral archipelago inside a national natural park, with clear water, snorkelling, small island beach clubs and the Oceanario aquarium on San Martín de Pajarales. Best for beach, couples and families.

   3. Evening

      Back in Cartagena

      Dinner: try Cazuela de mariscos.

5. Day 5: Las Bóvedas and Convento de la Popa

   Las Bóvedas, Convento de la Popa and Bocagrande beach, then El Centro in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Las Bóvedas

      Compare prices between several vaults before buying; quality and prices vary. (45 minutes, free).

   2. Late morning

      Convento de la Popa

      Go by taxi with an agreed return, rather than walking up through the neighbourhoods below. (1 hour, low cost).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Cazuela de mariscos

      Seafood restaurants in the walled city and Bocagrande.

   4. Afternoon

      Bocagrande beach

      Agree prices before accepting chairs, massages or food from beach vendors. (2–3 hours, free).

   5. Evening

      El Centro

      Rooftop bars, cocktail lounges and the Plaza Santo Domingo terraces inside the walls.

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 5 nights, El Centro keeps most of this route within easy reach. For a calmer or cheaper base, San Diego ($$$) suits couples, quiet stays, culture and luxury. Compare every area.

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 18–21 hours of visiting over 5 days, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 11.5 hours in December to 12.7 hours in June.

More or fewer days

• One day in Cartagena
• 2 days in Cartagena
• 3 days in Cartagena

Questions travellers ask