Cartagena 5-Day Itinerary

How this 5-day Cartagena plan works

Cartagena + Rosario Islands + Barú

Each day below is grouped geographically so you spend your time in Cartagena rather than in transit. Walled City + Getsemaní are walkable + best explored on foot; carriage rides (US$15–25) at night are touristy but atmospheric. Taxis flag-down COP 8,000–20,000 in centre (agree fare — no meters); Uber + InDriver + DiDi all work. TransCaribe BRT to Bocagrande + Manga COP 3,000. Boats to Rosario Islands + Barú from Muelle de la Bodeguita COP 60,000–120,000 return (30–60 min). Rafael Núñez airport (CTG) 5 km — 15 min taxi COP 15,000–25,000.

Day by day

• Day 1

  Day 1–3 — Cartagena classic (as above).

• Day 2

  Day 4 — Rosario Islands day trip — public boat or private catamaran + snorkelling + Blue Apple Beach House.

• Day 3

  Day 5 — Barú full day (Playa Blanca early before crowds) or Isla del Sol overnight extension.

Where to base yourself

• Centro Histórico (Walled City)

  UNESCO walled city — plazas, colonial mansions, boutique hotels — Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, Casa San Agustín, Bastión Luxury, Charleston Santa Teresa.

• San Diego

  Quieter walled-city sub-neighbourhood, artisan quarter — Casa Pestagua, Ananda Boutique, Casa del Coliseo.

• Getsemaní

  Bohemian ex-working-class quarter — street art, salsa bars (Café Havana), Plaza Trinidad — Ananda, Life is Good, Casa Lola.

• Bocagrande + Castillogrande

  Modern high-rise beachfront peninsula — Hilton, InterContinental, Estelar; convenient but less atmospheric.

Best time to run this itinerary

December–April dry season (28–32°C, low humidity, near-zero rain) — peak. Late-January Hay Festival draws literary + celebrity crowds. May–November green season with short afternoon showers (still swimmable). September–October is quietest + cheapest. Avoid Semana Santa (Easter week) unless you want processions + full hotels. Rosario Islands best November–May.

Before you go

• Heat + humidity intense — book a hotel with a pool; walk sights before 10am + after 4pm; drink water constantly.

• Verify all fares in advance — taxis have no meters; agree price before entering (or use Uber/InDriver).

• Beach vendors in Bocagrande + Playa Blanca are persistent — 'no gracias' firmly repeated works; don't accept 'free' bracelets, cocktails or massages.