Itineraries Cartagena and Caribbean Coast

Practical information about Colombia, Travel Guide Cartagena

Itineraries Cartagena & Caribbean Coast

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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

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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.

Shopping in Cartagena: The best stores

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Whether you are looking for beautiful handmade souvenirs, branded clothing or you want to buy a gorgeous emerald during an emerald museum and factory tour, Cartagena has something for everyone. Here are our tips for shopping in Cartagena.

The best stores

Colombia Artesenal
Beautiful and quality handicrafts from all over Colombia, with multiple locations in el Centro.

Las Bóvedas
This former prison in San Diego, sells souvenirs, clothing, paintings and jewelry.

La Serrezuela
Shopping center in San Diego with boutiques, food court and terraces overlooking the city. The stores are located around an old, renovated arena, which is very nice to see. Here you will find mostly luxury stores.

Centro Comercial Caribe Plaza
Cartagena’s largest shopping mall in the Manga district.

Plaza Bocagrande
A modern shopping mall, with cinemas, Playland for the kids and a food court overlooking the sea.

Caribe Jewelry
Colombia is the world’s largest producer of emeralds. At Caribe Jewelry in Bocagrande, not only can you buy emeralds, there is also a museum with a small replica emerald mine. If you want to learn about Colombias mining history, you might be interested in this Emerald museum and factory tour. The guide can also tell you more about each specific piece in the showroom of the museum and make sure that you pay a fair price for the emeralds.

Check this link for shopping tours in Cartagena.

Eating and drinking in Cartagena

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Eating and drinking in Cartagena is a treat in our opinion. There are so many good restaurants that you can have great food every day of your trip if. Whether it’s a simple lunch in a local restaurant, or an exclusive dinner in an international restaurant, there is more than enough choice for every taste and budget.

Love to try the different bars while meeting new people? Then the Cartagena bar crawl might be your thing.

Here are some tips for the best bars and restaurants in Cartagena. Want to know more about Cartagena’s typical local specialties? Then read our article about the food in Cartagena.

The best bars and restaurants

CAFÉS

CAFÉ SAN ALBERTO

At El Centro, drink an “award winning” cup of coffee, made with the coffee beans from their own plantation in the famous coffee region of Colombia.

ABACO, LIBROS Y CAFÉ

A cup of coffee in El Centro, among the masterpieces of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and other writers.

CAFÉ DEL MURAL

On a quiet street in Getsemaní, sip coffee in a unique setting; every colorful mural is a piece of art.

BARS

CAFÉ DEL MAR

This rooftop terrace in El Centro, is one of the best spots in town for a cocktail overlooking the sea.

Update 2025: Café del Mar closed it’s doors to the public, following a court ruling that determined the venue was operating on a section of the historic city walls, a public heritage site, that should be accessible to everybody.

If you’re looking for another cool place with a nice atmosphere and sunset view, check out Mirador Gastro Bar: Located on top of the historic city walls, this rooftop bar provides panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and the city’s skyline.

BOGOTA BEER COMPANY

At BBC in El Centro, sample home-brewed beers such as Macondo, a dark coffee-flavored beer, and our favorite: the Cajicá Honey Ale

BAR ALQUÍMICO

3-story colonial building in El Centro: a stylish lounge bar, restaurant and rooftop terrace, with DJs on weekends.

EL ARSENAL:THE RUM BOX

Gastro bar in Getsemaní with large collection of Colombian rum. Specialty: rum with chocolate. If you are a rum lover, you might be interested in the rum and chocolate tasting, with 8 premium Colombian rums paired with artisanal Colombian chocolate. 

CAFÉ HAVANA

Salsa club in Getsemaní; the place to be to dance to live music from Cuban salsa bands

PLAZA DEL POZO

Quiet little square for a nightcap, behind the busier Plaza de Trinidad in Getsemaní, e.g. at Basilica Pizzeria café

RESTAURANTS

ELY CAFÉ

For a special breakfast in Bocagrande; from an Acai bowl to a croissant with poached eggs, lobster and hollandaise sauce.

CAFFÉ LUNÁTICO

Spanish food, vegan and vegetarian options at this little restaurant in Getsemaní. Also for cooking workshops

KIOSCO EL BONY

Beach restaurant in Bocagrande from ex-boxer Bonifacio Ávila. Favorite with locals for its seafood.

RESTAURANTE-BAR SAN NICOLÁS

Cozy restaurant in Getsemaní, offering delicious and affordable food. Often live music. Also popular with locals to celebrate birthdays.

LA MULATA

This San Diego restaurant has both lunch and dinner comida corriente (daily menu) and many fish specialties

CARMEN

An exclusive restaurant in el Centro, serving fresh Colombian ingredients in an international setting.

Transportation in Cartagena

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Taxi

Taking a taxi is easy. The yellow “servicio publico” cabs are the official cabs in Cartagena and there are many of them. Taxis do not run on meters, so agree on a price in advance. Don’t pay with large bills. We found out that taxi drivers often say they don’t have change if you want to pay with large bills. While some taxis may accept card payments, it’s generally recommended to carry cash in Colombian pesos, as cash is the most widely accepted payment method

The minimum price for a ride is COP10,800/$2.75. This typically covers short rides between centro, San Diego and Getsemaní.  Between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., there is a surcharge (fares 2025)

Colombia My Way tips:
1) If you can, let your hotel or hostel call a taxi for you. Hotels have trusted drivers that they work with. You probably pay a bit more, but it’s safe. 

2)Use taxi apps like Uber to order a taxi. It’s efficient and most of the times you don’t have to wait long. 

Taxi Apps

Besides the Uber app, there are other taxi apps in Colombia, such as InDriver and Easy Tappsi. These apps work like Uber; you sign uptrack the driver.

Uber instead of Indriver and this turned out to be very efficient.

Why did we like Uber so much?
– You don’t need a local phone number. The app is linked to your email address. While traveling, we use an E-sim card and that worked perfectly with the Uber app.
–No need to pay by cash or card for every trip. You can choose to link your credit card to the Uber app and the ride is paid automatically. Super efficient!

During peak hours or high-demand periods, Uber may charge extra, increasing fares up to twice the standard rate.

Hop-on-Hop-off bus

The distinctive red hop-on hop-off buses of Citysightseeing Cartagena, are especially convenient if you 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. Book your hop-on hop off ticket here.

Transportation 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.

Minibus transportation
If you are traveling on from Cartagena to Barranquilla or St. Marta, you may find it convenient to travel with MarSol or Berlinas minibuses. Instead of taking a taxi to the bus terminal, catch the minibus at the MarSol or Berlinas office in Cartagena. In Barranquila or Santa Marta, you will be dropped off at their office. There are set times, including several buses a day on weekends. You can make reservations via WhatsApp.

Price Indication
Cartagena-Santa Marta: Marsol: COP90,000/$22 (one way), 4:30 hours. Price Berlinas: COP70.000/$18 (one way)
(rates 2025)

Private transfer
If you have little time, you can also opt for a private transfer, where you will be picked up at your hotel in Cartagena and dropped off at your hotel in Santa Marta. Here you can book your private -door to door- transfer.

 

Where to stay in Cartagena?

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The neighborhoods in Cartagena

Where to stay in Cartagena? In this guide, we’ve listed some handy info + tips for the nicest accommodations in every price range. What we personally love about Cartagena is that each neighborhood has its own vibe. So you can taste different atmospheres in one day: old colonial, hip artsy and new modern. Also, the distances are not that far, so you can easily walk between the historic center (El Centro and San Diego) and the colorful Getsemaní, our favorite neighborhood. Just because of these different vibes, it’s good to take a moment to consider what you like before booking a hotel or hostel in Cartagena.

El Centro

Neighborhood in the walled city with most of Cartagena’s tourist attractions. In the streets you will see many street vendors and the Palenqueras ladies, recognizable by their colorful dresses.

Sights:

  • Torre del Reloj (bell tower); where the historic center begins
  • Plaza de los Coches
  • Museo del Oro Zenú (gold museum).
  • Palacio de la Inquisición (Palace of the Inquisition)
  • Plaza de Bolívar
  • Iglesia de San Pedro Claver
  • Iglesia de Santo Domingo; the oldest church in Cartagena

San Diego

Quieter neighborhood in the walled city with atmospheric plazas, narrow streets and restaurants on the Plaza de San Diego.

 Sights:

 

  • Plaza Fernandez de Madrid, with restaurants and live music
  • Santo Toribio church
  • Choco Museum
  • Las Bovedas; souvenir shops in an old prison
  • Santa Clara hotel; luxury hotel in an old monastery

Getsemaní

A neighborhood with an artists’ atmosphere, just outside the city walls. There are no famous tourist attractions here. The main attraction is Getsemaní itself with its narrow streets and beautiful murals. There is a mix of locals and tourists.

Sights:

  • Plaza de Trinidad; place to meet locals and tourists alike
  • Callejon Augosto (umbrella alley)
  • Calle San Andres, the little street with the flags
  • Café Havana salsa club
  • Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas (within walking distance)

 

Bocagrande

“Little Miami,” south of Getsemaní (taxi ride 10 min.). Here, the sea breeze provides cooling if you want to escape the hot city center.

Bocagrande lacks the sights of the old town; but this is what you come for:

  • Modern beachfront hotels
  • Boulevard with trendy bars and restaurants
  • Casinos
  • Luxury shopping mall Bocagrande Plaza

Bocagrande is connected to two other neighborhoods; El Laguito and Castillogrande, with a small port.

Other neighborhoods

Manga
This green residential neighborhood is known for its marina and restaurants, such as the 50-year-old Club de Pesca, in the San Sebastián Fort. Manga is also home to Centro Comercial Caribe Plaza, Cartagena’s largest shopping center.

La Boquilla
A fishing village north of Cartagena with a long and wide sandy beach ideal for kiting and windsurfing. On weekends, it is a hot spot with locals, who come there to eat fish. On a canoe tour with a local fisherman, you can learn more about the Ciénagas de La Virgen mangrove area, watch birds and do some fishing yourself!

Getsemani

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ColombiaMyWay tip:
Hotel Casa Lola Deluxe Gallery
Our recommendation in Getsemaní, for its perfect location, rooftop terrace, delicious food (especially breakfast) and great staff.

More hotels in Getsemani - Cartagena

Bocagrande

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More hotels in Bocagrande - Cartagena