Comparison · Cartagena vs San Juan · Colombia / Puerto Rico
Cartagena vs San Juan
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Sgonzalezb, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Choose Cartagena for Walled colonial city, Castillo San Felipe and lower day-to-day costs; choose San Juan for El Morro and Old San Juan. Cartagena is generally less expensive, and the two are about 1,350 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 1,350 km
- Less expensive
- Cartagena
- Best time for Cartagena
- February–April
- Best time for San Juan
- December–April
Side by side
| Cartagena | San Juan | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Colombia | Puerto Rico |
| Known for | Walled colonial city, Castillo San Felipe and Colourful balconies | El Morro, Old San Juan and Mofongo |
| Best time to visit | February–April | December–April |
| Ideal stay | 5 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $110–$200 | $220–$370 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | April, 32°C (90°F) | June, 31°C (88°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 31°C (88°F) | January, 28°C (82°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 8 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 6 |
| Beaches | Playa Blanca, Barú | Isla Verde Beach |
| Airports | CTG | SJU |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Cartagena for…
Walled colonial city, Castillo San Felipe and lower day-to-day costs. Cartagena de Indias was one of Spain's main ports in the Americas, and its old town is still enclosed by about 11 km of stone walls. Inside, the El Centro and San Diego quarters are a grid of bougainvillea-draped balconies, churches and plazas, while…
Choose San Juan for…
El Morro and Old San Juan. San Juan, founded by the Spanish in 1521, is one of the oldest European-founded cities in the Americas. Its walled old town sits on an islet guarded by the massive forts of El Morro and San Cristóbal, with pastel colonial houses along streets paved in…
Top sights compared
| # | Cartagena | San Juan |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The walled city | Castillo San Felipe del Morro |
| 2 | City walls and bastions | Castillo San Cristóbal |
| 3 | Castillo San Felipe de Barajas | Old San Juan streets and plazas |
| 4 | Getsemaní streets and Plaza de la Trinidad | Paseo de la Princesa and Paseo del Morro |
| 5 | Plaza Santo Domingo | La Fortaleza |
Food compared
| Cartagena | San Juan |
|---|---|
| Arepa de huevo | Mofongo |
| Carimañola | Lechón asado |
| Fried fish with coconut rice | Arroz con gandules |
| Cazuela de mariscos | Alcapurrias |
Which is cheaper?
Cartagena is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $110–$200 per person there, against $220–$370 in San Juan (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Cartagena on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 1,350 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 11 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Cartagena or San Juan cheaper?
Cartagena is usually less expensive: about $110–$200 a day mid-range against $220–$370 (estimates).
+Is Cartagena or San Juan better for a first trip?
Pick Cartagena for Walled colonial city, Castillo San Felipe and lower day-to-day costs, or San Juan for El Morro and Old San Juan.
+How far is Cartagena from San Juan?
About 1,350 km in a straight line.