Trip Planning
Three days, done right
Cartagena is compact and walkable, which makes three days plenty of time to move between the walled city’s color-soaked streets and the breezier island escapes just offshore.
Base yourself inside the Walled City or in Getsemaní, and plan any island day for early morning departures.
Day 1
The Walled City
Walk the ramparts of Las Murallas at sunrise, then wander the pastel streets of the Old Town before the heat sets in.
Lunch in the Plaza Santo Domingo, then duck into the Palacio de la Inquisición for the city’s colonial history.
Browse the boutiques and jewelry shops lining Calle de las Damas and Calle de la Mantilla.
Sunset drinks atop Café del Mar on the wall, then dinner in the Old Town’s flower-draped courtyards.
Day 2
Getsemaní & Street Art
Coffee in Plaza de la Trinidad, then a walking tour of Getsemaní’s murals and street art.
Lunch at one of Getsemaní’s casual, colorful courtyard restaurants.
Climb to Castillo San Felipe de Barajas for panoramic views over the city and bay.
Getsemaní’s nightlife — rooftop bars and live music spill into the plazas after dark.
Day 3
Islas del Rosario
Early boat out to the Islas del Rosario for clear water and coral reef.
Beach time and lunch on one of the islands — book a beach club in advance for a smoother day.
Return to the mainland with time to rest before the evening.
A final dinner back in the Walled City, then a last walk along the ramparts.
From the Journal
Read before you go
Worth Booking
Tours for your Cartagena days
Before you go
Choose your base. Leave room to wander.
Where to stay
Compare Getsemaní and Bocagrande before choosing your base.
What to pack
Start with our Cartagena style edit for destination-inspired wardrobe ideas.
Have more time?
Explore our seven-day Cartagena itinerary for a slower trip.
Plan the rest of your trip
Pair this itinerary with our Cartagena hub for neighborhoods, where to stay, and where to eat.
Turn inspiration into a journey
Make room for this in your next trip.
Notes from the Jet Set world
A little inspiration.
A beautiful next trip.
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