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There’s something magnetic about Cartagena—its history, its music, its effortless charm—that makes our upcoming trip there feel like more than a getaway. It feels like a celebration of us, of adventure, and of everything we’re building together.
To prepare for our journey, we have been working on our itinerary. We’re sharing our first version here for the fellow travelers who are looking for inspiration. This post covers days 1 through 4. Keep an eye out for updates to our itinerary and new posts about our adventures.
Cartagena is calling, and we’re ready to arrive hand in hand.
Hot Off the Presses
We’ve just published an updated, polished version of our Cartagena itinerary that groups together activities by neighborhood (Getsemaní, Old Town/Centro, and nearby sites) and prioritizes walking between sites.
Settle in and explore the hotel’s neighborhood – Getsemaní is the bohemian heart of Cartagena
Walk around Calle de la Sierpe and nearby streets to get your bearings
Lunch: La Cocina de Pepina (Getsemaní)
Address: Calle del Guerrero #29-115, Getsemaní
What to order: Whole fried pargo (red snapper), arroz con coco y camarones (coconut rice with shrimp), pescado frito with patacones (fried plantains)
Why we’re going: Authentic Caribbean-coastal flavors in a casual, local atmosphere
Approximate cost: $15-25 per person
Afternoon Activities:
Getsemaní Street Art Walking Tour (self-guided)
Key murals to find: Calle de la Sierpe (main street art corridor), Plaza de la Trinidad
Photo spots: Colorful colonial buildings, street art murals, iconic doorways
Time needed: 1-2 hours of leisurely exploring
Evening:
Walk to Old Town (Ciudad Amurallada) – 10-15 minute walk
Visit Plaza de los Coches – the main entrance square with the iconic clock tower (Torre del Reloj)
Explore Cathedral of Cartagena (Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría)
Wander through the colonial streets: Calle Santo Domingo, Calle de la Factoria, Portal de los Dulces
Walk along Las Murallas (The City Walls) for sunset around 6:00pm
Best sunset spot: Near Baluarte de Santo Domingo or Café del Mar area
Dinner: Carmen (Old Town)
Address: Calle del Santísimo #8-19, Centro
Reservations: REQUIRED – call ahead or book online
∙ What to order: Ceviche criollo, pulpo a la parrilla (grilled octopus), corvina (sea bass), their tasting menu if available
Why we’re going: Upscale dining in a stunning colonial mansion, considered one of Cartagena’s best restaurants
Approximate cost: $40-70 per person
Dress code: Smart casual
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What to bring: Swimsuit, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, underwater camera, cash for drinks and tips
Activities During Tour:
Snorkeling in crystal-clear Caribbean waters
Swimming at pristine white sand beaches
Beach volleyball or relaxation
Exploring coral reefs (if tour includes this)
Fresh seafood lunch on the island
Visit to Oceanario (National Aquarium) – if included in tour
Tips:
Book tour 2-3 days in advance
Look for smaller group tours (10-15 people max) for better experience
Avoid party boat tours if you want a more relaxed experience
Bring motion sickness medication if prone to seasickness
National park entry fee may be additional ($5-7 USD)
Evening:
Return to hotel around 5:00pm
Rest and freshen up – you’ll be tired from the sun!
Dinner: Agua de Mar (Getsemaní)
Address: Calle del Guerrero #29-92, Getsemaní
What to order: Fish tacos, ceviche tostadas, grilled catch of the day, aguachile
Why we’re going: Casual beachy vibe, perfect after island day, excellent fish tacos, relaxed atmosphere
Approximate cost: $12-20 per person
Day 4: Tuesday, February 18 – Views & Beach Bliss
Morning:
Breakfast: Época Espresso Bar (Getsemaní)
Address: Calle de la Sierpe #10A-31, Getsemaní
What to order: Cappuccino or flat white, croissants, avocado toast, tropical fruit bowl
Why we’re going: Best specialty coffee in Getsemaní, excellent pastries, hip atmosphere
Approximate cost: $6-12 per person
Main Morning Activity: Convento de la Popa
Address: Cerro de la Popa (hill top)
Hours: 8:00am – 5:30pm
Entry fee: Approximately $4 USD (12,000 COP)
Time needed: 1-1.5 hours
How to get there: Taxi (15 minutes, $6-8 USD) – negotiate price before departure
What to see: 360-degree panoramic views of Cartagena, Old Town, bay, islands; beautiful colonial convent; courtyard with flowers; shrine to Virgen de la Candelaria
Tips: Go early (arrive by 8:00-8:30am) for best light and fewer crowds, bring camera, comfortable shoes
Safety note: Don’t walk up – always take a taxi both ways
Afternoon:
Lunch Option 1: Restaurante Interno (San Diego Prison)
Address: Calle del Cuartel #36-68 (inside San Diego Women’s Prison)
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED – Book at least 1 week in advance
Hours: Lunch service Tuesday-Saturday
What to order: Tasting menu changes seasonally – pescatarian options available, ceviche preparations, grilled fish with local ingredients
Why we’re going: Unique social dining project where female inmates prepare gourmet cuisine, exceptional food, inspiring story
Approximate cost: $35-50 per person for tasting menu
Note: Bring ID, no photos inside prison, arrive on time for reservation
How to book: Through their website or call ahead
Lunch Option 2: Celele (if Restaurante Interno is fully booked)
Address: Calle del Espíritu Santo #33-41, Centro
Reservations: Recommended
What to order: Tasting menu featuring regional Colombian ingredients, coastal fish preparations
Why we’re going: Fine dining showcasing indigenous and coastal ingredients, creative seafood dishes
Approximate cost: $40-60 per person
Activity Option A: Playa Blanca (Barú)
How to get there: Boat from Muelle de la Bodeguita (30-45 minute ride)
Cost: $15-25 USD round-trip boat transport
What to expect: White sand beach, turquoise water, beach vendors, lounger rentals
Time needed: 3-4 hours
Tips: Negotiate boat and lounger prices upfront, bring cash, can get crowded
Departure times: Boats typically leave 9am-10am, return 3pm-4pm
Activity Option B: Relax at Hotel
Enjoy hotel pool and amenities
Catch up on rest after busy days
Explore more of Getsemaní neighborhood cafes and shops
Evening:
Sunset Drinks: Café del Mar (On the City Walls)
Address: Baluarte de Santo Domingo, Las Murallas
Hours: Opens around 4:00pm
What to order: Mojito, coco loco (coconut cocktail), passion fruit margarita
Why we’re going: Best sunset spot in Cartagena, drinks on top of the historic city walls, Caribbean Sea views
Approximate cost: $8-12 per drink
Tip: Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunset (around 5:15-5:30pm) to get a good spot
Dinner: Maria Bonita (Old Town)
Address: Calle Tumbamuertos #38-34, Centro
What to order: Fish tacos al pastor, ceviche tostadas, aguachile, grilled whole fish, fresh guacamole
Our plan for the first four days in Cartagena has already given this trip a heartbeat—sun‑drenched mornings, slow coastal evenings, and the kind of shared moments that make travel feel intimate and alive. And yet, this is only the beginning. With four more days still to plan, the story is far from finished. More discoveries, more flavors, more adventures, and more memories are waiting just beyond the next sunrise. Stay tuned—there’s so much more to come.
About
Our Journey.
It all began in Guadalajara, the creative heart of Jalisco, where our stay at the award-winning La Perla BnB sparked our devotion to Latin American boutique stays, exceptional hospitality, and meaningful storytelling. That inspiration continues to guide everything we create at Jet Set LatAM — a modern travel platform dedicated to showcasing Latin luxury, signature stays, and immersive cultural experiences. rom wine valleys in Argentina to colonial cities in Mexico, every journey we share is rooted in mindful travel and authentic cultural connection.
At Jet Set LatAM, our mission is to bring the luxury spotlight to Latin America — celebrating the vibrant destinations, heritage, and artistry that define this region’s quiet elegance.
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