Cartagena vs Santa Marta: Which Colombian Caribbean Destination Is Better in 2026?

Travel Guide Cartagena, Travel Guide Santa Marta

If you’re planning a trip to Colombia’s Caribbean coast, chances are you’re trying to decide between Cartagena and Santa Marta. Both destinations offer beautiful beaches, warm weather year-round, rich culture, and access to incredible excursions. However, they provide very different travel experiences.

Cartagena is Colombia’s most famous Caribbean city, known for its colorful colonial architecture, luxury hotels, rooftop bars, and vibrant nightlife. Santa Marta, on the other hand, is the oldest city in Colombia and serves as the gateway to some of the country’s most spectacular natural attractions, including Tayrona National Park, Minca, and the Sierra Nevada mountains.

So which destination is better? The answer depends on your travel style, budget, and interests.

Quick Comparison: Cartagena vs Santa Marta

Category Cartagena Santa Marta
Beaches Good Better
History & Culture Excellent Good
Nightlife Excellent Moderate
Nature & Hiking Good Excellent
Budget Travel Moderate Excellent
Luxury Travel Excellent Good
Family Travel Excellent Excellent
Digital Nomads Good Good
Day Trips Excellent Excellent
Food Scene Excellent Good
Safety Good Good

Why Visit Cartagena?

Cartagena is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Latin America. Its historic center, surrounded by centuries-old walls, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with colorful streets, churches, plazas, and charming boutique hotels.

Walking through the Walled City feels like stepping into a living museum. During the day, visitors can explore historical landmarks, shop for local crafts, and enjoy Caribbean cuisine. At night, Cartagena transforms into one of Colombia’s most lively destinations, with rooftop bars, live music, salsa clubs, and upscale restaurants.

Highlights of Cartagena

  • The Walled City
  • Getsemaní neighborhood
  • Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
  • Rosario Islands
  • Luxury rooftop bars
  • Fine dining restaurants
  • Sunset cruises

Cartagena is particularly attractive for couples, honeymooners, luxury travelers, and visitors seeking culture and nightlife.

Why Visit Santa Marta?

Santa Marta offers a more relaxed and authentic Caribbean experience. While the city itself has a pleasant historic center and beautiful waterfront, its biggest appeal lies in the incredible natural attractions surrounding it.

Santa Marta is the gateway to:

  • Tayrona National Park
  • Minca
  • Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
  • Palomino
  • Lost City Trek
  • Buritaca
  • Costeño Beach

For travelers who love nature, hiking, waterfalls, wildlife, and beaches, Santa Marta often becomes the favorite destination.

Highlights of Santa Marta

  • Tayrona National Park
  • Minca cloud forest
  • Crystal-clear Caribbean beaches
  • Coffee farms
  • Indigenous culture
  • Mountain scenery
  • Lower prices

Santa Marta is ideal for adventure travelers, backpackers, families, and nature lovers.

Which Destination Has Better Beaches?

This is one category where Santa Marta clearly has an advantage.

While Cartagena has urban beaches such as Bocagrande and nearby island excursions to the Rosario Islands, many visitors are surprised that the city’s beaches are not the main reason to visit.

Santa Marta, on the other hand, offers access to some of Colombia’s most beautiful beaches.

Best Beaches Near Santa Marta

Cabo San Juan

Located inside Tayrona National Park, Cabo San Juan is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Colombia.

Playa Cristal

Known for its calm waters and excellent snorkeling opportunities.

Bahía Concha

A favorite among local families thanks to its calm waters.

Playa Blanca

A popular beach close to El Rodadero.

Best Beaches Near Cartagena

Playa Blanca (Barú)

The most famous beach near Cartagena.

Rosario Islands

Crystal-clear waters and excellent snorkeling.

Isla Grande

A beautiful island getaway close to Cartagena.

Winner: Santa Marta

For beach lovers, Santa Marta offers more variety and easier access to spectacular natural beaches.

Which Destination Is Better for Nature Lovers?

Santa Marta wins by a significant margin.

Within a short drive of the city, travelers can experience:

  • Tropical rainforest
  • Caribbean beaches
  • Mountain scenery
  • Waterfalls
  • Coffee farms
  • Indigenous communities

Few destinations in South America offer such diversity in such a compact area.

Cartagena has beautiful islands and mangroves, but nature is not its strongest selling point.

Winner: Santa Marta

Which Destination Has Better Nightlife?

Cartagena is one of Colombia’s nightlife capitals.

Popular nightlife areas include:

Getsemaní

The city’s most vibrant neighborhood for bars and live music.

Walled City

Home to rooftop lounges, cocktail bars, and upscale venues.

Bocagrande

Offers beach clubs and modern nightlife.

Santa Marta has a pleasant nightlife scene centered around Parque de los Novios, but it is much smaller and more relaxed.

Winner: Cartagena

Which Destination Is More Affordable?

Santa Marta is generally cheaper than Cartagena.

Average Hotel Costs

Budget Accommodation:

  • Cartagena: $25–50 USD
  • Santa Marta: $15–35 USD

Mid-Range Hotels:

  • Cartagena: $80–180 USD
  • Santa Marta: $50–120 USD

Luxury Hotels:

  • Cartagena: $250–1,000+ USD
  • Santa Marta: $120–400 USD

Restaurants and tours are also typically more affordable in Santa Marta.

Winner: Santa Marta

Which Destination Is Better for Families?

Both cities are excellent family destinations.

Cartagena for Families

  • Historic attractions
  • Horse-drawn carriage rides
  • Family-friendly resorts
  • Rosario Islands excursions

Santa Marta for Families

  • Nature activities
  • Calm beaches
  • Wildlife spotting
  • Short excursions

Families who prefer resorts and culture often choose Cartagena. Families who enjoy nature and outdoor adventures usually prefer Santa Marta.

Winner: Tie

Which Destination Is Better for Couples?

Cartagena is one of the most romantic destinations in Colombia.

Imagine:

  • Sunset cocktails on a rooftop
  • Walking through colonial streets
  • Fine dining in historic buildings
  • Luxury boutique hotels

Santa Marta offers beautiful natural settings but generally feels less romantic and luxurious.

Winner: Cartagena

Which Destination Is Better for Backpackers?

Santa Marta is one of Colombia’s backpacker capitals.

Nearby attractions such as Minca, Palomino, Costeño Beach, and Tayrona make it easy to spend several weeks exploring the region.

Budget accommodation is abundant, and the atmosphere is more laid-back.

Winner: Santa Marta

Safety Comparison

Both destinations are considered relatively safe for tourists when common travel precautions are followed.

Visitors should:

  • Avoid displaying valuables.
  • Use registered transportation.
  • Stay aware in crowded areas.
  • Avoid isolated locations at night.

Cartagena experiences more petty theft due to its larger tourism industry, while Santa Marta tends to feel more relaxed.

Winner: Slight Edge to Santa Marta

Can You Visit Both on the Same Trip?

Absolutely.

Many travelers combine both destinations in a single itinerary.

Suggested Route:

  • Cartagena: 3–4 days
  • Santa Marta: 3–4 days
  • Tayrona National Park: 2 days
  • Minca: 1–2 days

This combination allows you to experience both Colombia’s cultural and natural highlights.

Final Verdict: Cartagena or Santa Marta?

Choose Cartagena if you want:

  • Colonial architecture
  • Luxury hotels
  • Nightlife
  • Fine dining
  • Romantic experiences

Choose Santa Marta if you want:

  • Beautiful beaches
  • Nature and hiking
  • Tayrona National Park
  • Lower prices
  • Adventure travel

For first-time visitors to Colombia, the ideal solution is often not choosing one over the other but visiting both. Cartagena provides culture, history, and nightlife, while Santa Marta delivers some of the most spectacular natural experiences in the country.

Together, they create one of the best travel combinations in South America.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cartagena or Santa Marta safer?

Both are generally safe for tourists when basic precautions are taken.

Which city has better beaches?

Santa Marta offers significantly better beaches, especially in Tayrona National Park.

Is Santa Marta cheaper than Cartagena?

Yes, accommodation, food, and tours are generally more affordable in Santa Marta.

Which destination is better for nightlife?

Cartagena has the best nightlife on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.

Can you visit Cartagena and Santa Marta in one trip?

Yes. Many travelers combine both destinations in a one- or two-week itinerary.

Santa Marta vs Cartagena: Which Is Better for Your Colombia Trip?

Travel Guide Cartagena, Travel Guide Santa Marta

If you’re planning a trip to Colombia’s Caribbean coast, one of the biggest questions you’ll face is:

Should you visit Santa Marta or Cartagena?

The good news is that there is no wrong choice. Both destinations offer beautiful beaches, warm weather, rich culture, and easy access to some of Colombia’s most stunning attractions. However, they provide very different travel experiences.

Cartagena is famous for its colonial architecture, luxury hotels, vibrant nightlife, and romantic atmosphere. Santa Marta, on the other hand, is known for its proximity to nature, outdoor adventures, and more authentic Caribbean vibe.

So which destination is better for your travel style? Let’s compare them.

Quick Answer

Choose Cartagena if you want:

  • Colonial charm
  • Luxury hotels
  • Fine dining
  • Nightlife
  • A romantic city break

Choose Santa Marta if you want:

  • Nature and adventure
  • Better access to beaches
  • Hiking and ecotourism
  • Lower prices
  • A more local atmosphere

Cartagena: Colombia’s Most Beautiful Colonial City

Cartagena is often the first destination international visitors think of when planning a trip to Colombia.

The city’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with colorful colonial buildings, flower-covered balconies, churches, plazas, and boutique hotels.

Walking through Cartagena feels like stepping into a living museum.

What Makes Cartagena Special?

  • Beautiful colonial architecture
  • Upscale restaurants
  • Rooftop bars
  • Luxury hotels
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Rich history and culture

Cartagena is particularly popular among:

  • Couples
  • Honeymooners
  • Luxury travelers
  • First-time visitors to Colombia

Downsides of Cartagena

Cartagena’s popularity comes at a price.

Compared to Santa Marta, Cartagena is:

  • More expensive
  • More crowded
  • More touristy
  • Hotter and more humid

Many travelers are surprised to learn that Cartagena’s city beaches are not considered among the best beaches in Colombia.

Santa Marta: Colombia’s Adventure Capital of the Caribbean

Santa Marta offers a completely different experience.

While the city itself is smaller and less polished than Cartagena, it serves as the gateway to some of Colombia’s most spectacular natural attractions.

From Santa Marta you can easily visit:

  • Tayrona National Park
  • Minca
  • Palomino
  • Lost City Trek
  • Sierra Nevada Mountains

For nature lovers, Santa Marta is often the clear winner.

What Makes Santa Marta Special?

  • Tayrona National Park
  • Jungle and mountain landscapes
  • Better beaches nearby
  • Ecotourism opportunities
  • Adventure activities
  • More affordable accommodations

Downsides of Santa Marta

Santa Marta is less visually impressive than Cartagena.

Visitors looking for:

  • Colonial architecture
  • Luxury shopping
  • Sophisticated nightlife

may find Cartagena more appealing.

Beaches: Santa Marta Wins

Many travelers assume Cartagena has the best beaches because it is more famous.

In reality, Santa Marta has access to significantly better beaches.

Cartagena Beaches

Popular options include:

  • Bocagrande
  • Castillogrande
  • Playa Blanca (Barú)
  • Rosario Islands

While beautiful, many visitors need to leave the city to find the postcard-perfect Caribbean beaches they imagine.

Santa Marta Beaches

Santa Marta offers easy access to:

  • Cabo San Juan
  • Playa Cristal
  • Bahía Concha
  • Playa Grande
  • Bello Horizonte
  • Pozos Colorados

For beach lovers, Santa Marta generally comes out ahead.

Nature and Adventure: Santa Marta Wins

If your dream trip includes:

  • Hiking
  • Wildlife
  • Waterfalls
  • National parks
  • Indigenous culture

then Santa Marta is difficult to beat.

Tayrona National Park alone attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

The nearby village of Minca offers coffee farms, waterfalls, birdwatching, and cooler mountain temperatures.

Cartagena simply cannot compete with the variety of natural attractions available around Santa Marta.

History and Culture: Cartagena Wins

Cartagena is one of the most historically important cities in Latin America.

Highlights include:

  • The Walled City
  • Castillo San Felipe
  • Getsemaní
  • Plaza Santo Domingo
  • Colonial churches and museums

History enthusiasts could easily spend several days exploring Cartagena’s cultural attractions.

Santa Marta also has a historic center, but Cartagena offers a richer and more visually impressive historical experience.

Nightlife: Cartagena Wins

Cartagena has one of the best nightlife scenes in Colombia.

Popular areas include:

  • Getsemaní
  • Centro Histórico
  • Bocagrande

You’ll find:

  • Rooftop bars
  • Salsa clubs
  • Cocktail lounges
  • Beach clubs

Santa Marta has a more relaxed nightlife scene focused on beach bars and local venues.

Cost: Santa Marta Wins

Travelers on a budget will generally find Santa Marta more affordable.

Expect lower prices for:

  • Hotels
  • Hostels
  • Restaurants
  • Tours
  • Transportation

Cartagena’s international popularity has pushed prices significantly higher, particularly inside the historic center.

Safety: Which Is Safer?

Both destinations receive large numbers of tourists each year.

The most common issues reported in both cities are:

  • Pickpocketing
  • Phone theft
  • Tourist scams

Travelers should use normal precautions regardless of which destination they choose.

Cartagena generally has a stronger tourism infrastructure, while Santa Marta provides easier access to natural attractions.

Which Destination Is Better for You?

Choose Cartagena If:

✔ You love history and architecture

✔ You want luxury hotels

✔ You enjoy nightlife

✔ You’re planning a romantic getaway

✔ It’s your first trip to Colombia

Choose Santa Marta If:

✔ You love nature and adventure

✔ You want to visit Tayrona National Park

✔ You prefer fewer crowds

✔ You are traveling on a budget

✔ You enjoy hiking and ecotourism

Why Not Visit Both?

The best part?

Santa Marta and Cartagena are only about four hours apart by road.

Many travelers combine both destinations in a single itinerary.

A popular route is:

  1. Cartagena (3–4 days)
  2. Santa Marta (2–3 days)
  3. Tayrona National Park (1–2 days)
  4. Minca (1–2 days)

This allows you to experience the best of Colombia’s Caribbean coast.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for history, romance, luxury, and vibrant city life, Cartagena is the winner.

If you’re looking for beaches, nature, adventure, and better value for money, Santa Marta is the better choice.

For most travelers visiting Colombia for the first time, the ideal solution is simple:

Visit both.

Together, Santa Marta and Cartagena offer the perfect combination of culture, history, beaches, nature, and Caribbean charm.

Cartagena Travel Planning

Travel Guide Cartagena

Plan your trip

How to get there. →

Transportation in/from Cartagena →

Climate →

Best time to go →

How long to stay →

Where to stay →

Important info A-Z →

How to get there.

Airplane

Aeropuerto Internacional Rafael Núňez in Cartagena (CTG) is easily accessible, including:

  • Direct KLM flight or with a stopover in Bogotá
  • Avianca, Latam and Viva Air from Bogotá, Medellín, Pereira (coffee triangle)
  • Wingo from Bogotá
  • American Airlines, Jet Blue and Spirit from Miami
  • Copa Airlines from Panama

Transportation from airport
The easiest way to get into getting to the city center is by cab. Follow the “yellow footsteps” and you will come out to a counter. Here you say where you need to go. You will then get a printout with the price and be assigned a cab. A cab ride to the city center takes about 15 minutes and will cost you around 14,000COP (€4).

Bus, car and boat

Bus
There are connections from St. Marta (5 hours), Medellín (12 hours), and Bogotá (22 hours), among others. The Terminal de Transportes de Cartagena is about a 45-minute drive from downtown. If you are traveling to Cartagena from St. Marta, puerta a puerta (door-to-door transportation) is a convenient option. (See transportation from Cartagena).

Car
Cartagena is easily accessible by rental car, but parking is difficult in the city center. Moreover, the center is easy to walk around. If you are traveling with a family or a group and want a little more freedom, it may be worthwhile to rent a car, for example at the airport.

Boat
Cartagena is a popular destination for cruise lines. Consequently, many tourists get to know Cartagena for the first time on a cruise. There are also sailing trips between Cartagena and the San Blas Islands in Panama.

 

Transportation in/from Cartagena

In Cartagena

Cab

Grabbing a cab is easy. The yellow “servicio publico” cabs are the official cabs in Cartagena and there are many of them. Cabs do not run on meters, so agree on a price in advance.

The minimum price for a ride is COP7,000/€1.90. At night, a ride in Centro, San Diego and Getsemaní costs around COP10,000/€2.75.

Apps

Besides the Uber app, there are other cab apps in Colombia, such as Didi Rider and Easy Tappsi. These apps work like Uber; you sign up and can track the driver.

Hop-on-Hop-off bus

The distinctive red buses of Citysightseeing Cartagena, are especially popular with tourists who want to see the highlights of Cartagena in a short time. You can hop on and off at 14 stops as much as you want, during the duration of your ticket (24/48h). With English-language audio guide.

From Cartagena

Bus transportation
Bus transportation to Medellín and Bogotá goes through the Terminal de Transportes, a 45-minute drive from downtown. From here, buses also go to other destinations such as St. Marta, Mompox, and Playa Blanca.

Tip: Puerta a Puerta service to St Marta
If you are traveling on from Cartagena to Barranquilla or St. Marta, the Puerta a Puerta service is a convenient option. Instead of taking a cab to the bus terminal, a minibus from Berlinas or Marsol will pick you up at your hostel and drop you off at the bus terminal in St Marta. The trip goes via Barranquilla. If you return to Cartagena after this, the minibus will drop you off as close to your hotel as possible.

Price indication
Cartagena-Santa Marta: COP52000/€14 (one way), 4.30 hours

Booking
There are fixed times, even on weekends there are several buses going every day. You can make reservations via WhatsApp, among other things.

Update May 2022: Marsol and Berlinas no longer do puerta a puerta transportation. You must now board at their Cartagena office and be dropped off at their Santa Marta office. Prices have been raised to COP70,000 pp.

 

Climate

  • Cartagena has a tropical climate and there is a high humidity of around 80%
  • It is warm all year in Cartagena; the average temperature is a minimum of 25 and a maximum of 32 degrees
  • A room with air conditioning is not a luxury!
  • Because of the heat, it is convenient to plan your active things in the morning or late afternoon. At the hottest part of the day, you can then seek air conditioning in a coffee shop or restaurant, museum or mall
  • May-September is the warmest period; the “coldest” months are January and February
  • December through April is the dry season, October is the wettest month

Best time to go

Cartagena can be visited all year round
Even in the rainy season, you can just go out and it doesn’t rain every day.

Busiest and most expensive periods
 December, January and Semana Santa (Easter week). Many Colombians then take their own vacations. Colombians also like to travel during the long weekends around the holidays (Puentes). September-November is quieter and there are often good deals to be had.

Events:

El Día de la Independencia de Cartagena
Cartagena’s Independence Day. Celebrations begin in October, last for 3 weeks and end on Nov. 11.

Hay Festival
January/February: literature and arts festival with international guests

Cartagena International Film Festival (CIFF)
February/March

Music Festival de Tambores y Expresiones Culturales|
October, in San Basilio de Palenque, 55 km from Cartagena.

How long to stay?

There is a lot to see in and around Cartagena, but where do you start? Here is some inspiration for a trip of 2 days and 3 days or more.

2 days

In 2 days you will have enough time to see the most famous sights, grab a museum and terrace and do a tour or workshop.

Do you do on day 1 a city tour, you will immediately have a handy introduction to the city. On day 2 you can then visit Castillo de San Felipe, stroll through the trendy Getsemaní district, or sign up for a chocolate or coffee workshop, for example.

Check here for top 12 tips Cartagena

3 days or more

With a day or more added, you can take it completely easy and soak up the city. You can also take a cab to Bocagrande, to stroll along the modern boulevard, shop and see the contrast of “little Miami” with the old town.

With 3 days or more, you can do a trip to PNN Islas del Rosario y de San Bernardo or take the bus to the colonial town of Mompox inland.

Look here for day trips in Cartagena

Getsemani

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More hotels in Getsemani - Cartagena

Bocagrande

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More hotels in Bocagrande - Cartagena

Important info A-Z

Money Matters
  • Credit and debit cards are accepted in most stores and restaurants
  • Paying with pesos (COP) is generally cheaper than paying with US$
  • You can safely use debit cards in malls and the larger supermarkets and drug stores
  • Look here for more info on money matters in Colombia
Locals & language
  • Because Cartagena is one of the most touristy cities in Colombia, you will encounter more people who speak English there than in the rest of Colombia, especially at hotels and tour operators
  • The “Costeños” (residents of the coastal region) are warm and welcoming. Don’t be surprised if you ask for directions and someone walks all the way with you. This is (usually) not meant to be intrusive, but polite. They feel responsible for your safety.
Medical

Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required for Cartagena. Only if you are entering Colombia from Brazil is a yellow fever vaccination required.

Doctor
Click here for more information:
Facebook Clínica Medihelp Services Cartagena
(also home visits)

MedicApp
An App service, where you can request a doctor’s consultation “at home” 24 hours a day.
Look here for more information and to download the App:
Website MedicApp

Hospital
Look here for more information:
Website Clinica Bocagrande

Dentist
Click here for more information:
Website Cartagena English speaking Dentist

Dutch consulate

Dutch consulate Cartagena

Consul: Mauricio Villegas Gerdts
Callejon Santa Clara Calle 24A #19-64, Manga, Cartagena de Indias
Phone: +5756605610
E-mail: [email protected]
Opening hours: Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Packing List
  • Airy clothes and shoes
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Anti mosquito spray
  • Cap/hat
  • Rain jacket in rainy season
  • Thermos for water
  • Medicine if you want a particular brand
  • Read: Love in times of cholera, by Gabriel Garcia Márquez. The book is largely set in Cartagena
Supermarkets and drugstores

Opening hours
Supermarkets are generally open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Some drugstores are open 24/7.

Well-known supermarkets in Cartagena

  • Éxito; medicines are also sold here
  • Olímpica; medicines are also sold here in the Drogerias Olímpica 24/7
  • Carrefour, Carulla, Falabella and Jumbo. Carulla is a more expensive supermarket that sells many imported products.
Safety

As in all tourist destinations, Cartagena has a police presence to ensure the safety of tourists. Therefore, you need not be afraid when walking the streets in downtown Cartagena. Nevertheless, do not walk around with your phone and other valuables and think logically during your stay in Cartagena.

Do not go into the suburbs
There is a lot of poverty in the “suburbs” and it is not safe for tourists. After sunset, avoid the neighborhoods outside the tourist center (Centro Histórico) of the city, Bocagrande and Manga.

Get advice from locals
If you want to go out at night, ask your hotel if it’s safe to walk. Otherwise, have them call a cab for you, or order one yourself through the App.
Go inside to withdraw money
Use ATMs in malls and supermarkets where you can safely withdraw money.
Be prepared for street vendors
In El Centro, near the tourist attractions and on the beaches, there are many street vendors. If you don’t fancy yet another vendor offering their wares, “No gracias” will suffice and you just walk on. That is usually enough for the street vendors not to bother you.
What to consider during a day at the beach
On the beaches, such as Playa Blanca and Bocagrande beach, the vendors can be very persistent. Keep a close eye on your belongings because sometimes the vendors tip off thieves. If you’re going to eat something at a beach shack, check the bill so they don’t have a chance to possibly rip you off.

Wifi

Most hotels and hostels have wifi, at least in the common areas. There are also buses and minivans with wifi.

← Cartagena
Tours and activities →

Frequently asked questions Cartagena

Travel Guide Cartagena

Home 9 Category: Travel Guide Cartagena

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Cartagena: Is the weather nice? Is Cartagena expensive? What about safety in Cartagena? How long will I stay and what is the best time to go? If your question is not listed, feel free to contact us!

Frequently asked questions Cartagena

What is the climate like in Cartagena?

Cartagena has a tropical climate and there is high humidity. It is warm all year round in Cartagena. May-September is the warmest period; the “coldest” months are January and February.

The average max temperature is 32C maxi and the average min temperature is 25C. December through April is the dry season, October is the wettest month

Because of the tropical temperatures, it is convenient to plan your activities in the morning or late afternoon so you can take it easy on the hottest time of the day. A room with a airconditioning is absolutely recommended!

 

What is the best travel time?

December, January and Semana Santa (Easter week) are the busiest and most expensive periods in Cartagena. Many Colombians go on vacation themselves in those periods. September-November are quieter, also because it is the rainy season. In this period you can often score good deals.

Cartagena can be visited year-round, but it is extra fun if you make your trip around one of the many events, which draw tourists from Colombia and abroad.

January/February
Hay festival, a literature and arts festival with international guests

February/March
CIFF, Cartagena International Film Festival

November
Cartagena Independence Day, on Nov. 11. The celebrations begin as early as October and last over 3 weeks. There is a lot of music and dancing with the highlights being the parade and beauty pageant.

Late November/December
Cartagena Restaurant Week, Lunch and dinner at a special price at participating restaurants.

February/March carnival in Barranquilla: Since Barranquilla is about a 2-hour drive from Cartagena, you can combine your stay in Cartagena with the Carnival in Barranquilla, the largest carnival in the world after Rio.

October in San Basilio de Palenque: Music Festival de Tambores y Expresiones Culturales. For an authentic experience 55 km from Cartagena.

 

How long should I stay?

There is a lot to see in and around Cartagena. How long it’s best to stay depends on what all you want to see and at what pace you want to do it.

2 days:
In 2 days you have enough time to visit the most famous sights and possibly museums in the historic center. The distances in the center are short and there are many cafes and restaurants to make it a pleasant walk. If you do a city tour with a guide on the first day, then you will immediately have a nice introduction to the city. You can then use the tips you get for the best places to eat and drink for the rest of your stay. On day 2 you can visit Castillo de San Felipe, stroll through the hip neighborhood of Getsemani, dance salsa at Club Havana or sign up for a chocolate or coffee workshop.

3 days:
With an extra day, you can do a day tour in Cartagena or beyond. 

4 days or longer
With 1 or 2 more days, you can take it completely easy and soak up the city. You can also take a cab to Bocagrande (15 minutes), to stroll along the boulevard and see the contrast of “little Miami” with the romantic old town. You can also catch the bus to Barranquilla, the city of carnival.

 

 

Is Cartagena safe?

We have been to Cartagena several times and have never felt unsafe. As in all tourist destinations, Cartagena has a police presence to ensure the safety of tourists. Therefore, you don’t need to be afraid when walking on the streets in downtown Cartagena. Nevertheless, do not walk around with your phone and other valuables and think logically. There are pickpockets active in Cartagena, so watch your bag.

Do not go into the suburbs
There is a lot of poverty in the suburbs and it is not safe for tourists. After sunset, avoid the neighborhoods outside the tourist areas.
Get advice from locals
If you want to go out at night, ask your hotel if it’s safe to walk. Otherwise, have them call a cab for you, or order one yourself through the App.
Go inside to withdraw money
Use ATMs in malls and supermarkets where you can safely withdraw money.
Be prepared for street vendors
In El Centro, near the tourist attractions and on the beaches, there are many street vendors. If you don’t fancy yet another vendor offering their stuff, “No gracias” will do and you just walk on. That is usually enough for the street vendors not to bother you.
What to consider during a day on the beach
On the beaches, such as Playa Blanca and Bocagrande beach, the vendors can be very persistent. Keep a close eye on your belongings, as sometimes the vendors tip off thieves. If you’re going to eat something at a beach shack, check the bill so they don’t have a chance to possibly rip you off

For general information on safe travel in Colombia, visit this link.

Is Cartagena expensive?

Here you find an extensive description of the prices in Cartagena, from prices of transport to purchases in supermarkets and eating out in simple and more luxurious restaurants.

Hotels and hostels
Cartagena is very touristy, so for your place to sleep you will probably spend more than a hotel in a less touristy city in Colombia, such as Cali and Barranquilla, but comparable to cities like Medellín and Bogotá. Read more about our tips for hotels and hostels for every budget.

Transportation
Cartagena is great to explore on foot, so you can keep the cost of transportation low. If you ‘n want to order a cab, you’ll spend around COP10/800 / $2.75 for a short ride in Centro, San Diego and Getsemani. At night, prices are higher.

Tours and activities
From free tours where you only tip the guide, to private guided tours, tours and activities are available for every budget. Check out here for our tips on free fun things to do and the best guided tours.

Food and Drinks
You can make the trip as expensive as you want. If you walk around the city, order the lunch menu (comida corriente), buy an empanada in the evening and get your beer from the supermarket, you can keep your expenses pretty low. If you want to take one or more tours, eat out at night in a more luxurious restaurant with a bottle of wine to go with it, then the costs can quickly add up.

Indicative prices (2025)

Supermarket
Bottle of cola 2-liter COP 7,000
Bottle of water 1.5 liter COP 3,500
Pint of beer (Colombian) COP 4,200
Pint of beer (Import) COP 6,000
Bottle of mid-range wine COP 60,000-65,000

Eating out/drinking
Breakfast COP 12,000 to COP 25,000
Day lunch (comida corriente) around COP 22,000
3 course dinner in simple restaurant around COP 22,000
3 course dinner with wine in luxury restaurant around COP 180,000
Cappuccino on terrace COP 7,000
Ice cream at Gelateria COP 6,000
Empanada on the street COP 2,000-3,000
Beer (Colombian) in bar COP 7,000
Bottle of cola 33cl COP 3,000

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Itineraries Cartagena and Caribbean Coast

Practical information about Colombia, Travel Guide Cartagena

Itineraries Cartagena & Caribbean Coast

Home 9 Category: Travel Guide Cartagena

Here are the best travel itineraries in Cartagena and the Caribbean coast.

On Colombia’s northern coast, there are beautiful trips to take along the better-known tourist attractions or completely off the beaten track. Cartagena, Santa Marta and Riohacha are important hubs on the Caribbean coast. Thus, you can visit Cartagena Cartagena as a starting point for a trip to a.o. Barranquilla and San Andrés. Santa Marta is a convenient starting point for a trip to such places as. Tayrona National Park , Ciudad Perdida and Minca. Riohacha is a convenient hub for a trip to La Guajira.

Tip: Want to save travel time? Then start your trip in Cartagena, end in St Marta and catch the plane there, or vice versa.

Indicative travel times
Cartagena-St Marta 4-5h
Cartagena-Barranquilla 2-2.5u
St Marta starting point Ciudad Perdida trek 2.5h
St Marta-Tayrona 1u
St Marta-Minca 45 min
St Marta-Palomino 2u
Palomino-Riohacha 1.5u
Tayrona-Palomino 1h
Tayrona-Costeño Beach (near Guachaca) 15 min

Check here the best travel itineraries in Cartagena and the Caribbean coast, for 1, 2 and 3 weeks. Check here information and tips about the round trip we made from 2 weeks from Barranquilla to Santa Marta.

Itineraries

1 Week: from Cartagena to Santa Marta

Day 1-2: Cartagena
Day 3: Bus to St Marta-Tayrona National Park Overnight stay outside the park
Day 4: Overnight stay in Tayrona NP
Day 5: Bus to St Marta/Minca
Day 6-7: Minca
Day 8: Bus to St Marta

1 Week: Cartagena off the beaten track

Day 1: Arrival Cartagena
Day 2: Tour to local market Marcado Bazurto
Day 3: Tour to the Afro-Colombian community
San Basilio de Palenque
Day 4: Bus to Barranquilla
Day 5-6: Barranquilla
Day 7: Bus to Cartagena

1 Week: colonial cities from Cartagena

Day 1-3: Cartagena
Day 4: Bus to Mompox
Day 5-6: Mompox
Day 7: Bus to Cartagena

2 Weeks: Cartagena – Tayrona – la Guajira -St Marta

Day 1-2: Cartagena
Day 3-4: Isla Múcura*
Day 5: Bus to St Marta–Tayrona NP, overnight outside the park
Day 6: Overnight stay in Tayrona NP
Day 7: Bus to Palomino
Day 8: Palomino
Day 9-11: Tour to Cabo de la Vela-Punta Gallinas in la Guajira
Day 12: Return trip to Riohacha. Overnight in Riohacha
Day 13-14: Minca
Day 15: Bus to St Marta

* Alternative to Isla Múcura, is Casa en el Agua

#ColombiaMyWay tip

2 Weeks: Cartagena -Tayrona – Ciudad Perdida – St Marta

Day 1-2: Cartagena
Day 3-4: Isla Múcura*
Day 5: Bus to St Marta–Tayrona NP, overnight outside the park
Day 6: Overnight stay in Tayrona NP
Day 7: Bus to Costeño Beach.
Day 8: Costeño Beach
Day 9-12: Ciudad Perdida
Day 13: Bus to Minca
Day 14: Minca
Day 15: Bus to St Marta

* Alternative to Isla Múcura, is Casa en el Agua

#ColombiaMyWay tip

3 Weeks: from Cartagena to St Marta with islands and la Guajira

Day 1-2: Cartagena
Day 3: Flight to San Andrés
Days 4-6: San Andrés and/or Providencia*
Day 7: Flight to Cartagena. Bus to St Marta. Overnight stay in St Marta
Day 8-11: Ciudad Perdida
Day 12: Bus to St Marta-Tayrona NP. Overnight stay outside the park
Day 13: Overnight in Tayrona NP
Day 14: Bus to St Marta-Minca
Day 15: Minca
Day 16: Bus to St Marta-Riohacha. Overnight in Riohacha
Day 17-19: Trip to Cabo de la Vela-Punta Gallinas in la Guajira
Day 20: Bus to Riohacha-Palomino
Day 21: Palomino
Day 22: Bus to St Marta

Want to extend your trip with an additional beach destination? Then book a few nights at a hotel in Santa Marta at the end of your trip.

#ColombiaMyWay tip

more routes Colombia

Practical information about Cartagena

Travel Guide Cartagena

Home 9 Category: Travel Guide Cartagena
Money Matters
  • Credit and debit cards are accepted in most stores and restaurants
  • Paying with Colombian pesos (COP) is generally cheaper than paying with US$
  • You can safely use debit cards in malls and the larger supermarkets and drug stores
  • Look here for more info on money matters in Colombia
Locals & language
  • Because Cartagena is one of the most touristy cities in Colombia, you will encounter more people who speak English there than in the rest of Colombia, especially at hotels and tour operators
  • The “Costeños” (residents of the coastal region) are warm and welcoming. Don’t be surprised if you ask for directions and someone walks all the way with you. This is (usually) not meant to be intrusive, but polite. They feel responsible for your safety.
Medical info

Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required for Cartagena. Only if you are entering Colombia from Brazil,  a yellow fever vaccination required.

Doctor
Click here for more information:
Facebook Clínica Medihelp Services Cartagena
(also home visits)

MedicApp
An App service, where you can request a doctor’s consultation “at home” 24 hours a day.
Look here for more information and to download the App:
Website MedicApp

Hospital
Look here for more information:
Website Clinica Bocagrande

Dentist
Click here for more information:
Website Cartagena English speaking Dentist

Consulates

The United States don’t have a consulate in Cartagena. There is an American Embassy in Bogotá.

Embassy United Kingdom Bogotá

Canadian consulate Cartagena

Swiss consulate Cartagena

Dutch consulate Cartagena

 

Packing List
  • Light clothes and shoes
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Anti mosquito spray
  • Cap/hat
  • Rain jacket in rainy season
  • Thermos for water
  • Medicines if you want a particular brand
  • Book: Love in times of cholera, by Gabriel Garcia Márquez. The book takes place mostly in Cartagena
Supermarkets and drugstores

Opening hours
Supermarkets are generally open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Some drugstores are open 24/7.

Well-known supermarkets in Cartagena

  • Éxito; medicines are also sold here
  • Olímpica; medicines are also sold here in the Drogerias Olímpica 24/7
  • Carrefour, Carulla, Falabella and Jumbo. Carulla is a more expensive supermarket that sells many imported products.
Wifi

Most hotels and hostels have wifi, at least in the common areas. There are also buses and minivans with wifi.