Ultimate Cartagena Itinerary for 4 Perfect Days in Cartagena

After spending a week in Cartagena, I became well acquainted with this vibrant walled city in Colombia. I truly couldn’t imagine a better destination for my first trip to South America. The architecture is beautiful, the people warm and friendly, and the food is flavorful. One of the best parts about Cartagena is that you get a city and a Caribbean getaway all in one. While I was lucky enough to get to spend a week in Cartagena, Colombia, you don’t necessarily need that much time. 4 days in Cartagena is plenty of time to see this destination’s highlights. Utilize this Cartagena itinerary for a long weekend getaway or in addition to other destinations within Colombia.

Let’s dive into this Cartagena itinerary! If you’re looking for what to do in 4 days in Cartagena, this guide has you covered. This itinerary will cover the best things to do in 4 days in Cartagena. After reading this guide, you will surely be tempted to book your trip. (I’m already thinking about a return trip myself).

While this guide covers four days in Cartagena, I’ve included suggestions below on how to spend three days in Cartagena as well.

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission when you purchase a product or book a stay through these links at no extra cost to you.

4 Days in Cartagena Itinerary

Day 1 in Cartagena: Centro Historico 

Explore the Walled City of Cartagena

You’ll want to get your bearings on your first day in Cartagena. After arriving and checking into your hotel, head to the old city of Cartagena. (if your hotel isn’t in the Old Town). The walled city of Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the first thing you should add to your Cartagena itinerary. 

Enter through the city gates of Torre del Roloj, the clock tower. Make sure to take some time to check out the stands selling everything from traditional clothing to Colombian sweets. The best way to spend your first day in Cartagena is to get lost in the city. Tuck your map away and wander the streets. Take in the vibrant-hued houses and the walls around the city. I didn’t use a map for 90% of my time in Cartagena. 

If there are some specific photo spots in Cartagena you want to hit, perhaps save that list for an early morning on a different day or later on in the day. You will likely pass by many of those spots on your first day walking around without needing to go out of your way to find them. And if you want to get really good photos of those spots, the afternoon sun in Cartagena can be really harsh. So I wouldn’t suggest going out of your way mid-day to see them. With four days in Cartagena, you will have plenty of time to take photos.

Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

After wandering the streets of Cartagena, take a horse-drawn carriage ride. It is a much more relaxing way to see the city than walking in the heat. We saw just about every square in Cartagena on the ride. The pitter-patter of the horses’ hooves against the cobblestone streets was so relaxing. The streets, with more carriages than cars, took us back to a simpler time. It was a slow-paced, relaxing tour of the old city. We saw all of the main sites, including Torre del Roloj, the famous clock tower, and Teatro Heredia. (Tip: This is a great activity to add to your Cartagena itinerary if visiting Cartagena with kids.)

Back when I last visited Cartagena, the ride only cost 50,000 Colombian pesos and took us around the city for 30 minutes. I do believe the prices have since increased.

PSA: Cartagena is merging traditional horse carriages with electric carriages that still reflect Cartagena’s colonial heritage. 

Dinner at Plaza Santa Domingo + La Gordita Statue

For dinner, make your way to Plaza Santo Domingo, home to the fat lady statue “La Gordita.” Here, you can choose from a variety of restaurants. The different colored umbrellas differentiate restaurants. Whichever you choose, you’ll be able to enjoy a meal in the heart of the city. When we ate here, a band played smooth Spanish music, which added to the ambiance.

Sunset Sail in Cartagena

There are a few options for spending the first night of your Cartagena trip. You can meander the streets of Cartagena. I was able to catch some salsa dancing in Simon Bolivar Square. Another great option for the evening is a Sunset Cruise. Depending on the time of sunset when you visit, you may want to do the sunset cruise before dinner. A sunset cruise is such a relaxing way to end your first day in Cartagena.

Day 2 in Cartagena: La Popa and Castillo de San Felipe

La Popa Convent

On the second day of your Cartagena itinerary, check out the fort that once protected this walled city, Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. Check out La Popa, a hilltop convent in Cartagena, along with visiting the fort.  I personally arranged for a taxi to take me to both Castillo de San Felipe and La Popa. However, this guided tour is a great option if you don’t want to take a taxi.

La Popa is a convent that was founded in 1607 on top of the highest hill in Cartagena. The convent sits almost 500 feet above the city. Even if you are not a fan of charming convents nestled on top of a hill, come instead for the sweeping views of Cartagena below. This peaceful convent has one of the most breathtaking views in Cartagena.

TRAVEL TIP: Don’t attempt to walk up the hill to La Popa. While it is only a 30-minute hike up, the neighborhood on the hillside is unsafe for tourists, and climatically, it would be similar to a trek in the desert. Be sure to follow these travel safety tips when visiting Cartagena.

Castillo de San Felipe

Your next stop is Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, strategically built on a hill to protect the land and the sea from pirate attacks. This 16th-century fortress, located on the Hill of San Lázaro, is a great place to learn more about the Colonial history in Cartagena. Plus, it is fun to explore, and you get some great views from Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. The fortress includes intricate underground passages that you can walk through. The passages are dark and cool. Some are so dark that you need a flashlight to navigate them. Once you’ve seen the fortress from below, you must see it from above. Take the steep steps up to the highest lookout point possible to get a better vantage point of the fort and Cartagena.

TRAVEL TIP: Be sure to arrive in the early morning to escape the crowds and the heat.)  We arrived around 10:00 a.m., and the sun was already scorching. Before entering the fortress, I bought a hat and an ice-cold water bottle. I probably would’ve had a heat stroke without my purchases. It was hot, yet it was worth it. I pushed through the humidity to try to explore every inch of Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. 

Spend the Afternoon at a Rooftop Pool

When planning your trip to Cartagena, definitely consider booking a hotel with a rooftop pool. There are some beautiful hotels in Old Town Cartegena with rooftop pools. This is one of the best ways to enjoy the architecture and ambiance of the city while escaping the mid-day heat.

If you didn’t book a hotel with a pool, you can get a day pass to Movich Hotel. Movich Hotel has one of the best views in Cartagena! The day pass for the pool is $55; however, half of that price goes toward a food and beverage credit. 

Walk Along the Walls /Sunset at Cafe Del Mar

After a long day of exploring, unwind at Cafe Del Mar located on the city walls. Here you can enjoy a glass of wine or a cold Aguila beer while watching the sunset over the Caribbean Sea. Cafe Del Mar is a must-do for every Cartagena itinerary. Before settling in for a drink, I suggest walking along the city walls. You can get some great photos of the cannons and walls here.

Day 3 in Cartagena: El Totumo Mud Volcano

El Totumo Mud Volcano

With four days in Cartagena, you have some time to check out spots outside the walled city. On day 3 in Cartagena, it’s time to get down and dirty! Head to El Totumo, a mud volcano mud volcano about 40 minutes from Cartagena. I’ve seen pictures and heard stories of how awkward the volcano experience is, but I had to have the experience firsthand. El Totumo is a weird experience and is not necessarily for everyone. For those who are up for weird, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. When you arrive, you are ushered up this ant-hill-looking volcano, where you will wait until it’s time to enter the warm mud tub. 

TRAVEL TIP: Trust the cameraman and hand over your camera. You will want photos of your experience in the mud! Be prepared to tip the cameraman at the end.

I took the ladder with trembling hands and lowered myself into the mud pit. It was a weird sensation. You have limited mobility and constantly feel like you’re going to topple over. Once you give in to the sensation, the mud starts to feel soothing. Remember that workers will try to force you to get a message. I hate massages, yet I somehow received one even though I said no. Say no and be firm, and hopefully, you’ll have more luck than I did. After the mud pit, you will get bathed by the women by the lake. After this experience, you will leave feeling confused, relaxed, and a little violated.

TRAVEL TIP: Put any money, cards, etc. in a zip lock bag in a secure pocket. You don’t want to lose these items in the mud.

P.S. If this excursion doesn’t sound fun, you could easily spend another full day meandering the Old Town of Cartagena, exploring the upbeat Getsemani neighborhood, or strolling along the highrise-lined beach in Boccogrande. 

Party on a Chiva Bus

For a fun, lively, local experience, hop on a Chiva Bus. A Chiva bus is an open-air party bus that drives around Cartagena. These buses are BYOB, so be sure to grab your favorite drinks for the ride. However, many people were selling beer on the road to the people on the Chivas. You can use the Chiva as a pre-game before heading out to a bar or club in the evening or make riding this bus the main event of your night out.

I don’t know about you, but I did not find the mud volcano particularly relaxing, so it was nice to have a fun evening out!

Day 4 in Cartagena: Day Trip to the Rosario Islands

With four days in Cartagena, you must spend a day in the Rosario Islands, an island chain off the coast of Cartagena. You can either rent a boat or take a ferry to the islands. Either option will allow you to swim in the warm, blue Caribbean water. Since I was in Cartagena for a week, I was able to experience both the ferry boat tour and renting a boat with a group. 

Some incredible tours take you to the Rosario Islands, including this Catamaran Tour and this 5-island Speed Boat Tour. These tours allow you to enjoy the boat ride, swim in the coral reef, and check out various islands. 

If you are traveling in a large group, consider chartering a boat to island hop through the Rosario Island chain. We were able to experience a taste of the Rosario Islands in one day, from diving into the coral reef, relaxing on the sandy shore of Playa Blanca Beach, and even eating a delicious snapper in the Caribbean Sea. We actually ate at a table while standing in the sea. It was an amazing experience. This is a great option if you are traveling with a large group.

If you’d prefer to get to the islands and spend the day relaxing on the beach, there is a great day trip to  Hotel Isla Del Sol. The resort excursion costs approximately 340,000 Colombian Pesos per person. This price includes hotel transfer, ferry ride, access to the resort, and lunch. Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun and swimming in the warm Caribbean Sea. 

There are many Rosario Island day-trip excursions available. Spending time in the Rosario Islands is a great addition to your Cartagena itinerary. If you want to extend your stay, consider staying the night at the resort.

3 Days in Cartagena?

You can still follow this guide if you’re looking for a 3-day itinerary for Cartagena, Colombia. All you have to do is cut out the day trip to El Totumo, the visit to Castillo de San Felipe and La Popa, or the trip to the Rosario Islands. I would suggest either nixing El Totumo or Castillo de San Felipe and La Popa if you only have three days in Cartagena. The Rosario Islands are too beautiful to pass up.

Where to Stay in Cartagena 

Looking for where to stay in Cartagena? With four days in Cartagena, you want to make sure to choose a hotel that is centrally located to explore. There are two main areas I would suggest staying in: Cartagena, the Centro Historico, or Bocagrande. While there are other neighborhoods to stay in in Cartagena, Centro Historico, and Bocagrande are the two I experienced, and they offer uniquely different atmospheres.

Hotels in Centro Historico

Centro Historico is where most of the main tourist attractions are in Cartagena and where you will spend most of your time with this Cartagena itinerary. This is the ideal area to stay in Cartagena if you would like to be immersed in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Sofitel Legend Santa Clara

Sofitel Legend Santa Clara is one of the best hotels to stay in Cartagena. This hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the walled city. This luxury hotel has all the modern amenities you need, with the charm of the Centro Historico. 

Check rates: Booking.com ; Read reviews: Trip Advisor

Hotels in Bocagrande

Alternatively, Bocagrande is the ideal area to stay if you prefer a modern beach atmosphere. Bocagrande is also home to most of the chain hotels in Cartagena if you are a brand loyalist. 

Hilton Cartagena

If you love the Hilton brand, the Hilton Cartagena is the perfect place to stay for you! The Hilton Cartagena has a resort feel and is at a moderate price point. This hotel would be a great place to stay if you want to enjoy the beach. With beach access and an extensive pool complex, the Hilton Cartagena allows you to enjoy your downtime. 

Check rates: Booking.com ; Read reviews: Trip Advisor

Hampton by Hilton Cartagena 

I stayed at the Hampton by Hilton Cartagena and really enjoyed my time. The hotel has great amenities, including a rooftop pool and complimentary breakfast. This hotel was the perfect budget-friendly option and was an easy cab ride to Centro Historico. 

Check rates: Booking.com ; Read reviews: Trip Advisor

More Ideas to Extend Your Cartagena Travel Itinerary

Can you spend more than 4 days in Cartagena?  Or, perhaps something on this list doesn’t interest you. No worries, we have a few more suggestions to add to your Cartagena itinerary!

Spend a Couple of Nights in the Rosario Islands

If you think a day trip to the Rosario Islands sounds incredible, could you imagine staying there for a couple of days? It sounds like an absolute paradise to me. This is a great way to extend your Cartagena, Colombia itinerary.

Explore the Getsemani Neighborhood

This neighborhood is just outside of the walled city. Getsemani is often referred to as the ‘authentic Cartagena.’ It is vibrant and has beautiful architecture, yet it is away from all the tourist sites in the Old Town. 

Embrace the Modern Feel of Boccogrande

I stayed in Boccogrande during my first visit to Cartagena and really enjoyed the neighborhood; it isn’t as pretty as the colorful old town. But it has a Miami-like modern beach vibe. If you have extra time, it is worth checking out one of the beach clubs or going for a walk along the water. (FYI, the water here is nothing like the Rosario Islands, so don’t expect crystal-clear water).

San Basilio del Palenque

San Basilio de Palenque is a UNESCO World Heritage Site outside of Colombia. It was the first free town in the Americas. Taking a day trip here allows you to learn about this town and how runaway slaves came here for freedom.

4 Days in Cartagena Itinerary: Wrap-up

This wraps up the itinerary for Cartagena, Colombia. The four days I highlighted on this itinerary are a great base point for planning your trip. I would be sure to check out all these sites and activities, though you can swap things out if there’s anything you’re uncomfortable doing. The best part about Cartagena is that it is such a beautiful, atmospheric city. So you could easily spend a couple more days just wandering through the city and finding all the hidden gems in Cartagena.

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