14 Days in Cartagena
🌺 Complete Itinerary & Cost Guide
14 days in Cartagena lets you go beyond the highlights — take day trips, revisit favourites, and enjoy slow mornings. Here's a realistic day-by-day plan plus what it costs.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
This plan covers the essentials without burnout. Adjust based on opening hours, weather, and your stamina. Most days are 4–6 hours of activity with long meals and downtime built in.
Settle into your hotel, grab a light lunch, then ease into Cartagena with Walled Old City walking tour. Don't overbook day one — jet lag is real.
Rosario Islands boat day. Pair it with a sit-down lunch nearby and an evening walk through a different neighbourhood.
Café del Mar sunset on the walls. Take the morning slow and use the afternoon to explore a quieter district away from the tourist core.
Getsemaní street art + nightlife. Pair with a long lunch — Arepa de huevo from a street vendor is the local breakfast. Real ceviche at La Cevichería.
Volcán de Lodo El Totumo mud bath. This day usually involves a longer journey so start early.
Revisit Walled Old City walking or spend the morning at a café in a quieter neighbourhood. The best travel days are often the unscheduled ones.
Revisit Rosario Islands boat day or spend the morning at a café in a quieter neighbourhood. The best travel days are often the unscheduled ones.
Revisit Café del Mar sunset or spend the morning at a café in a quieter neighbourhood. The best travel days are often the unscheduled ones.
Revisit Getsemaní street art + or spend the morning at a café in a quieter neighbourhood. The best travel days are often the unscheduled ones.
Revisit Volcán de Lodo El or spend the morning at a café in a quieter neighbourhood. The best travel days are often the unscheduled ones.
Revisit Walled Old City walking or spend the morning at a café in a quieter neighbourhood. The best travel days are often the unscheduled ones.
Revisit Rosario Islands boat day or spend the morning at a café in a quieter neighbourhood. The best travel days are often the unscheduled ones.
Use this day for whatever you didn't get to: a museum, a hammam, a long lazy lunch. The best memories come from unplanned hours.
Hit one final must-see (Volcán de Lodo El Totumo mud bath), pick up souvenirs, and leave time for a relaxed lunch before your flight or onward train.
What does 14 days in Cartagena cost?
Estimates below are per person, including accommodation, food, local transport, and ~1 paid activity per day. Flights to Cartagena are not included — they vary wildly by origin.
✈️ Find flights to Cartagena
Trip essentials for Cartagena
The four things worth booking before you land. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Cartagena survival tips
Old City is fully walkable. Use InDriver or Cabify (not random taxis) for longer rides.
Arepa de huevo from a street vendor is the local breakfast. Real ceviche at La Cevichería.
Beach vendors in Bocagrande are aggressive. Polite firm "no, gracias" repeatedly works.
When to go
December, January, February, March, April are the best months for Cartagena — the climate is at its best and crowds haven't peaked. Avoid September–October (heavy rain).
Frequently asked questions
Is 14 days enough for Cartagena?
Yes. Most travellers find 4 days ideal for Cartagena, so 14 days gives you time for the major sights, day trips and slow mornings.
How much does 14 days in Cartagena cost?
Expect around $1,540 per person mid-range (3-star hotel, casual restaurants, one paid tour). Budget travellers can do it for ~$770, luxury runs ~$3,080. Flights not included.
What is the best month to visit Cartagena?
December, January, February, March, April offer the best balance of weather and crowds. Avoid September–October (heavy rain).
How do I get around Cartagena?
Old City is fully walkable. Use InDriver or Cabify (not random taxis) for longer rides.