5 Days in Cartagena
🌺 Complete Itinerary & Cost Guide
5 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.
Hit one final must-see (Getsemaní street art + nightlife), pick up souvenirs, and leave time for a relaxed lunch before your flight or onward train.
What does 5 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.
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).