3 Days in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia – A complete Cartagena 3-day Itinerary

Welcome to scenic Cartagena de Indias. This colorful city is full of rich history and stunning architecture that leaves everyone spellbound. Whether you’re visiting on a cruise or staying 3 days in Cartagena by yourself, make sure not to miss these things to do.

As one of the top tourist destinations in Colombia, Cartagena de Indias offers a wide variety of must-see places to explore. From the charming colonial buildings to the impressive forts, Cartagena simply has something for everyone.

During our almost two weeks in Cartagena, I absolutely fell in love with this picturesque city and just couldn’t put my camera down. That’s why I’d like to share the best places to see in this comprehensive Cartagena itinerary (3 days), so you can fall in love with this stunning place the same way that we have.

Cartagena de Indias Facts

• Capital of the Departamento Bolívar in Colombia.
• One of the most important port cities in the Caribbean, along with Havana, Cuba, and San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Received the nickname “de Indias” to distinguish the city from the Spanish city of Cartagena
• Founded in 1533 under Spanish colonization
• The historic center is surrounded by a ring of fortifications, hence the nickname “the Walled City.”
• Almost 1 million inhabitants live here.

Our complete 3 Days in Cartagena Itinerary – Exploring Cartagena de Indias

Cartagena Itinerary 3 Days – Day 1

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

The castle of San Felipe de Barajas is one of the most important historical sights of Cartagena. Built in 1657 under the Spanish flag by African slaves, the impressive defensive structure has been repeatedly attacked over the years by other major European powers such as France and England.

Once, the castle was built on the 40-meter-high San Lázaro hill to provide a good all-around view. But to this day, the complex offers fantastic views of the surrounding neighborhoods.

Walk through the underground passages and explore the view from different vantage points of the complex.

Unfortunately, there isn’t really much information here – neither in Spanish nor in English. So it’s worth reading up on the history of the castle (and Cartagena itself) beforehand or hiring a guide on-site.

Extra tip: Don’t forget to apply sunscreen. Many parts of the complex are exterior without shade.

El Centro Historico – The Oldtown of Cartagena

If you only have time to see one place in Cartagena, it should be its historic center. Cartagena’s old town immediately captivated us and is probably the main reason why I fell in love with this unique city.

With all its gorgeous colors, every corner here has a beautiful building, street art, or some other fantastic feature waiting for you. Wander around, get lost in the alleys of downtown, and find new colorful photo spots everywhere.

I promise you, you won’t be able to put your camera down.

Take a Free Walking Tour

I am a big fan of Free Walking Tours. It’s a great way to learn (even relatively spontaneously) a lot of interesting information about the destination. Plus, you can meet interesting fellow travelers and share your experiences in an entertaining way.

There are a few operators in Cartagena with different tour schedules in English and Spanish. We joined the 4 pm tour in English (we actually wanted to join the Spanish tour, but the English-speaking guide was just super fun, so we spontaneously switched to the English group).

Just look for the umbrellas that say “Free Walking Tour” or something similar (in our case, it was a blue umbrella).

I can totally recommend a walking tour, as we got so much interesting info and were able to discover many places that we might otherwise have missed.

Extra info: The “free” in “free walking tour” really means “free of charge.” However, the guides live off your tip. So if you enjoyed the tour (and I’m sure you will), it’s okay to be a little generous with your tip.

La Puerta del Reloj – The Clocktower

The Clock Tower (literally translated from Spanish: “clock door“) is part of the entrance gate to the historic center of Cartagena. With its bright yellow color, you will hardly miss this attraction of the city.

The clock tower has stood here like this since the 18th century. At that time, it served as an entrance gate for the city’s defense and security. Its nickname, Boca del Puente (“Mouth of the Bridge“), comes from the time when the wall was still surrounded by water and the gate was closed by a descending bridge.

Fun Fact: Today, the yellow color of the tower is a typical landmark of the city. But did you know that it used to be actually red?

Extra tip: This is most likely the meeting point for a guided tour of Cartagena.

Plaza de los Coches

If you walk through the just introduced Boca de Puente, you will directly reach the Plaza de los Coches (“carriage square”). Here, the colorful Palenqueras are already waiting for you, who are only too happy to take a photo with you (we’ll get to that later), as well as lots of souvenir dealers, a few bars, and city guides.

The square gives a first impression of the colorful old town of Cartagena and thus gets you in the mood for the upcoming walk through this wonderful city.

Portal de los Dulces

Before setting off on a sightseeing tour through the colorful alleys of the city, you can stop briefly at the Portal de los Dulces.

Traditional sweets were sold here a long time ago. When slavery was first abolished, women from Africa came here to earn some money by selling sweets.

And following the tradition, you can still find a lot of snacks and typical sweets here. It’s worth a look (and a taste, of course!).

The colorful doors of Cartagena

One of those things that fascinated me about Cartagena is its detailed-designed doors. Besides the colorful house facades, the huge doors make up a lot of the charm of the streets.

Once you pay a bit of attention to the various entrances, you’ll quickly notice that the doors feature various symbols, such as hands, lions, iguanas, fish, and more.

These figures represent the profession or position of the person who once inhabited the particular building. For example, the lion stands for the military or the church, while the fish stands for commerce.

Extra tip: I definitely recommend taking a guided tour of the city. Be it a free walking tour or a regular city tour. This way, your guide can explain many interesting details, e.g., why the big doors often contain a second, smaller door.

Plaza de la Aduana

Almost every city in South America, no matter how small, has its own Plaza de Armas. This is a kind of marketplace around which the city hall or other administrative buildings are usually located.

The Plaza de la Aduana in Cartagena is just such a square. This customs square was once the site of important administrative buildings during colonial times. Today, the square serves as a popular meeting place for locals.

Plaza de Bolívar

Some colors, such as pink, yellow, and orange, can be seen again and again as you wander through the streets of Cartagena. If you’re looking for some greenery, the Plaza de Bolívar is the place for you.

With its plants, this mini-park offers a quiet minute while you walk through it. In the center, you will find a statue of former Colombian ruler and national hero Simón Bolívar.

Cartagena Cathedral – La Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría

You can hardly walk through the streets of the city without spotting the imposing tower of the Cathedral of Santa Catalina de Alejandría. Most likely, you have seen the colorful tower in some photos from Cartagena – it is a really popular photo spot.

The yellow basilica is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria and has stood here like this since the 17th century. Today, the impressive structure is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest episcopal sites in the Americas.

But the church really looks the part not only from the outside. A quick look inside is also well worth it.

San Pedro Claver Church & Museum

This slightly less colorful San Pedro Claver Church dates back to colonial times and is located in the plaza of the same name.

Over the years, the church changed its name twice and is now named after Pedro Claver, a Spanish missionary who spoke up for the slaves and whose remains still rest in the church.

Those interested in churches can also take a look inside.

The church museum, Santuario de San Pedro Claver, is modeled after the life of its namesake. Here, you’ll find a collection of religious art from the 16th to 21st centuries, as well as Afro-Caribbean and contemporary art. In addition, there is more information about Pedro Claver’s life and work.

Monumento a Gertrudis

What would a Colombian city be without a “chubby Fernando Botero statue”? This statue shows an overweight woman, fat Gertrudis, lying in very light clothes.

She has been lying here since 2000, and it is said that touching her breasts leads to happiness in love. If you touch her feet, on the other hand, more journeys await you.

I really love the statues of Botero, and I think that they add some kind of charm to Colombian cities.

Cartagena 3 Days Itinerary – Day 2

Getsemani Neighborhood

Just a short walk from the city walls of Cartagena lies the neighborhood of Getsemani. Besides the historic center, this part of the city has become one of the most popular in recent years.

If you enjoy a colorful and lively atmosphere and want to experience locals and visitors at the same time in the streets, this is the place to be. A cheerful atmosphere, street food stalls, delicious food, and small local restaurants with reasonable prices invite you to linger.

Just like in the historic center, you don’t need to follow any particular route. Simply walk around the streets and let yourself be enchanted by the colors and impressions of this district.

Plaza de la Trinidad

The Plaza de la Trinidad in the Getsemaní district of Cartagena is named after the church La Iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad. In 1811, it was the scene of Colombia’s first independence movement.

Today, on the other hand, this square is a popular meeting place for locals, where gastronomy, Colombian flair, and street art merge in a creative way.

The Umbrella Street

As promised at the beginning of this guide, you won’t be able to put your camera down during your visit. So let’s move on to another colorful street that more than deserves the term “Instagrammable” – Umbrella Street.

In fact, there are actually two of them. Both are located in the trendy Getsemani neighborhood. One Umbrella Street is located on Callejón Angosto, and the other on Calle de la Magdalena.

Parque del Centenario

If you walk from the historic center to the Getsemani neighborhood, do not miss a little walk through the Parque del Centenario. I have not been able to discover this park on almost any other blog, but it was an absolute highlight for us in Cartagena!

Because in this inconspicuous park, you can expect iguanas, various birds, monkeys, and even sloths. Yes, you read correctly. A family of nine sloths has chosen this park as their home. And with a little luck, you can see them up close.

Take a stroll through the small park and watch out for crowds, there’s usually something to discover here.

Extra tip: The ice cream sellers in the park know the animals very well and are happy to point you in the right direction to discover them, even without you buying ice cream from them (that doesn’t mean you can’t express your gratitude with an ice cream anyway).

Extra tip: At the edge of the park, you will also find stands with souvenirs, books, and small snacks and drinks.

Take a picture with the Palenqueras

The Palenqueras are Afro-Colombian women in beautiful, colorful dresses whose ancestors were once brought to Colombia from Africa as slaves. The neighboring village of San Basilio de Palenque was the first place in the region to abolish slavery.

Finally in freedom, the women from the village came to Cartagena with their traditional dresses to sell fruit to support themselves. And so you still meet them everywhere in the city. With their colorful dresses and fruit bowls on their heads, they are happy to take a picture with you.

By the way, nowadays, they don’t finance their livelihood anymore by selling fruit, but by the tips they get for their photos. So if you want to take a picture with them, don’t forget to tip them adequately.

The city walls (at sunset)

The sunsets in Cartagena are simply beautiful and bathe the whole city in a beautiful golden light. Probably the best place to witness this beautiful natural spectacle is the city walls.

So in the evening, dozens of visitors gather here to watch the sunset. Enjoy a cold beer – especially popular for this is Café del Mar, which is located directly on the wall (be aware of tourist prices) or just sitting on the wall.

But even if you are not here just in time for sunset, a walk over the wall is worthwhile. You can really imagine what life must have been like here at the time of the Spanish colonization.

Café del Mar

Café del Mar in Cartagena is probably the most iconic café in the whole city. Located directly on the old city wall, it offers a simply fantastic view of the sea. Especially at sunset, expect long queues to form here – so it’s worth arriving early.

Of course, so much fame also brings some increased prices with it. Therefore, you should be aware of that if you decide to visit this café.

Café Havana

Café Havana is another iconic bar in Cartagena. Located in the Getsemani neighborhood, it opens after dark.

It pays to be there before 10 pm to get a seat. But, to be honest, you might not even need a seat because the idea behind this club is to be up all night dancing salsa. Because from 11 pm onwards, you can expect live Cuban music that is unlikely to keep you on your seat.

Admittedly, the entrance fee is definitely not precisely cheap, but if you want to dance salsa in a good atmosphere, this is definitely the place to be.

We saved this place for our last night in Cartagena. But thanks to a little food poisoning, unfortunately, we ended up not going. So, feel free to dance a round on our behalf.

Three Days in Cartagena – Day 3

For the last of our three days in Cartagena, I want to give you some options that you can choose from. Take a day trip, get lost in the streets of Cartagena, take some more amazing pictures, or follow one of the following things to do in Cartagena.

Discover Cartagena’s Street Art

Cartagena de Indias is full of incredible buildings and colors. Yet the city’s street art scene doesn’t have to hide. Great works of art pop up everywhere.

Embark on a search for the most beautiful works or take a guided street art tour of the city center.

Especially the neighborhood of Gethsemane is perfect for seeing some of the extraordinary artworks.

Extra tip: One of my personal favorites is Carrera 10, where you can find some beautiful murals and garlands in the colors of the Colombian flag.

Plan a Beach day in Cartagena

If you have the time, I recommend visiting one of the region’s almost paradise-like beaches (we’ll get to that in a minute, don’t worry). But if you only have one day in Cartagena left, it can be also worth it to visit one of Cartagena’s beaches.

Playa de Bocagrande

Admittedly, you won’t find a picture-perfect beach here. But it is still worth a visit anyway. Surrounded by huge skyscrapers, this area of the city is often referred to by locals as “The Miami of Cartagena.”

There are plenty of entertainment options around here. You can also do water sports like windsurfing or simply enjoy some relaxed hours under the Caribbean sun.

Playa Azul La Boquilla

For those who like it a bit quieter and less urban, there is a more suitable option just outside the city: Playa Azul La Boquilla. Many locals come here, especially on weekends, to escape the crowded beaches in Bocagrande (but it can also get a little crowded here – so it’s best to get here early).

La Boquilla is an old fishing village that still exudes a quiet charm. Spend a nice beach trip here or look forward to various water sports.

(Day-) Trips from Cartagena

A little more time? The following destinations around Cartagena are perfect for a day or multi-day trip.

Rincón del Mar

We felt really comfortable in Rincón del Mar and spontaneously stayed for almost a week. Once you reach the little old fishing village, you almost feel a bit like you’ve stepped back in time.

Walk along the beach in one direction and sit down in one of the small local bars or restaurants, or walk in the other direction to have a picturesque beach almost to yourself.

Extra tip: We loved the Los Versos de Zaira accommodation. It’s not right on the beach, but it offers a beautiful garden, lots of peace and quiet, and some interesting conversation with the hostess, Zaira.

El Totumo

The Totumo mud volcano is located about 60 km from the center of Cartagena. I admit, getting there is not necessarily easy, and therefore, you should either rent a car or motorcycle yourself or book a guided tour to join.

The highlight of the tour is bathing in the mud (don’t forget your swimsuit!). The mud is said to have rejuvenating effects. Although I can’t confirm whether this is actually true, you’ll definitely have some fun here.

Isla Tierra Bomba

If you are looking for a nice destination nearby, Tierra Bomba is the place for you. Located right next to Cartagena’s main island, you can easily reach Isla Tierra Bomba by boat from Bocagrande.

On the island, you will find a beautiful panorama of Cartagena and the less touristy fortress of Fuerte de San Fernando de Bocachica.

Islas del Rosario

About 40 km off the coast of Cartagena lie the 30 or so Islas de Rosario (“Rosary Islands”). If you find the busy beaches around Cartagena too “un-Caribbean,” you should definitely plan a day trip to one of the islands.

You can visit the islands as part of a day trip, e.g., as a guided tour or on your own, and even stay overnight.

Isla Barú

Isla Barú is also a much less visited picturesque Caribbean beach that the beaches of Cartagena simply cannot compete with. Regardless of whether you visit on a day trip or stay overnight, if you want to enjoy a beautiful beach stay, Barú fits the bill perfectly.

The most popular place on the island is Playa Blanca, a beautiful beach with golden sand.

Extra tip: It’s best to get there early before the tours arrive.

Fun Fact: Even though it is called Isla, Barú is actually just a peninsula. However, it is cut off from the mainland by a channel and is therefore accessible by boat.

Islas de San Bernardo

The Islas de San Bernardo are located about 80 km from Cartagena. Here, too, you’ll find less-visited Caribbean beaches that look like they were plucked from a postcard.

Especially popular is the island of Tintipán, where there are also a few hotel options to extend your stay. The beach here was definitely the nicest we visited in the region and can compete with the typical Caribbean beaches found in travel magazines.

Extra tip: Another popular stop is Santa Cruz de Islote Island, which officially holds the title of the most densely populated island in the world. If you want to visit the island, do yourself a favor and don’t (!) pay for the guided tour. The tour lasts less than five minutes (I wish I were exaggerating!), the guide is not understandable even to locals, and afterward, you are taken to an aquarium where you can swim with a shark in a tank that is way too small and way too crowded – please don’t support such animal cruelty.

Food & Drinks in Cartagena

But before you start your itinerary through Cartagena de Indias, I would like to give you a few delicious tips along the way.

Abaco Libros y Café

This cafe combines books and coffee in such a beautiful way. I love creative cafes like this. The prices are a bit on the high side, but the coffee is seriously good. Also, the mango juice is worth it.

Extra info: Sadly, we were charged additional taxes when we paid (this is not common practice in Colombia). Therefore, do not be surprised.

La Manchuria Café

Definitely one of the best coffees I tried during our 2½ months in Colombia.

Cucurucho

A creative mix of Colombian and international cuisine at a reasonable price in the Getsemani neighborhood. The waitress was also genuinely sweet.

Beer Lovers Cartagena

If you’re a craft beer (or beer in general) lover, you shouldn’t miss this bar in Getsemani. The service was totally welcoming (we had a conversation that lasted almost 20 minutes), and the beer was delicious.

Where to stay in Cartagena

Before choosing a place to stay in Cartagena, you should know that not every neighborhood is considered safe. Therefore, either choose a local neighborhood a bit outside or, ideally, stay just inside the city walls or in the nearby area of Getsemani.

The best Hotel in Cartagena

Casa Relax

Located in the neighborhood of Getsemani, you are within walking distance of the historic center. But Getsemani also offers plenty of bars, restaurants, cafes, and nightlife.

The hotel itself provides comfortably furnished private rooms of various sizes, breakfast, and a pool where you can refresh yourself after a long day of sightseeing.

Check more info, prices, and availability of Casa Relax

The best Hostel in Cartagena

Hostal Kristalu

Ok, the hostel is located a bit outside the city center (about a 10-minute cab ride (InDrive app) for 8,000 – 10,000 COP per ride). But we liked the hostel a lot. The owner, Jimmy, definitely helps you feel welcome and at home as soon as you step foot through the door. So, if you are traveling alone or enjoy being in good company, this hostel is just perfect for you.

PS. We adopted a super cute street dog together with the owner, Jimmy, and got to name him – Eduardo named him Arequipe (after the Colombian caramel) – if you stay here, be sure to give our foster pup Arequipe some cuddles from us.

Check more info, prices, and availability of Hostal Kristalu

The right accommodation is not included?

Check all accommodations in Cartagena at Booking.com

Best time to visit Cartagena

In fact, you can visit Cartagena de Indias all year round without any problems. The high season is from December – April. At this time of year, there are also the most tourists.

September to November is the rainy season. However, this does not necessarily mean that it rains every day.

Safety in Cartagena

Granted, Cartagena doesn’t exactly have the best reputation as a super-safe destination. But it is also not as unsafe as it is portrayed in some places.

During the day, you can walk through the center without any problems and visit all the sights of Cartagena introduced here. However, keep an eye on your belongings at all times and leave valuables at the hotel (or at home).

After dark, however, you definitely better be careful. Within the city walls and in some neighborhoods, you can still walk around. However, you should always be alert. If you are feeling uncomfortable, it is better to take a cab.

How to get to Cartagena

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, there are various ways to get there.

Getting to Cartagena from outside of Colombia

If you want to travel to Cartagena from out of the country, you will certainly choose a flight or a cruise.

Cartagena’s airport, Rafael Núñez Airport, is located right in the city, so you can reach the center quickly and easily by taxi.

Cartagena de Indias is considered one of the most popular cruise destinations in the Caribbean and is therefore served on many Caribbean routes.

Getting to Cartagena de Indias by bus

If you are already in the country, you can count on the buses. Colombia offers a selection of different bus companies that you can use to reach Cartagena from various destinations in Colombia, such as the following:

• From Santa Marta: approx. 5 hours, ca. 13 €/$14 per person
• From Rincón del Mar: approx. 2 1/2 hours, ca. 11 €/$12 per person
• From Medellín: approx. Twelve hours, ca. 30 – 35 €/32 – 37.5 per person

Find your bus on-site or online at Busbud.com.

Getting around Cartagena – Transport

In Cartagena, the means of transport you choose depends on what exactly you want to do. Within the city walls and its surroundings, you can easily get around on foot. Many of the tourist attractions in Cartagena are within walking distance of each other.

If your accommodation is located outside of the walls or you want to reach the airport or other places further out, I recommend using the driving app InDrive. With this one, you usually get a much better price than if you take a traditional cab.

If you want to get around a bit cheaper, you can use one of the colectivos (shared vans). These run along set routes and can give you a ride for a small price.

The last option is boats and water taxis. These are worthwhile if you want to visit places on the other islands of Cartagena.

Where is Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena de Indias is located in the northwestern part of South America, more precisely in the north of Colombia. The city is located on the Caribbean coast in the department of Bolívar.

FAQ about visiting Cartagena de Indias

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About the AuthorVicki

Hi, we are Vicki & Eduardo, an international travel couple on a mission to help you save money for priceless travel experience. Follow us through the miracles of this world and you will be rewarded with a bunch of practical travel tips.

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