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Back in 2016, I did a solo trip to Cartagena and although the city was beautiful and full of culture, I had mixed feelings coming back home; partly because it was my second solo trip and I didn’t make the best of my stay.
Well, a little more than two years later, my cousin did her own solo trip to Cartagena and had a great time! If you’re looking for a detailed Cartagena travel guide, read more about how Krista spent 3 nights and 4 days in Cartagena along with a few things to know before traveling to this great place.
Things to Know Before Traveling to Cartagena, Colombia
Visa Requirements
When traveling to a different country it is good to know if the destination has any visa requirements (like India) or passport validity rules. No tourist visa is required for US citizens traveling to Cartagena under 90 days. You just need a valid passport and a page for your entry stamp.
Currency
The official currency is the Colombian Peso. Cartagena is VERY affordable, whether you’re buying fresh seafood from street vendors or enjoying cocktails by the Caribbean Sea, your Colombian pesos will go far. Cash is useful for tipping and small purchases, but most places accept cards, especially in the city center and boutique hotels.
Below are the current exchange rates:
$1 USD = 4086.89 Colombian Pesos
€1 EUR = 4706.30 Colombian Pesos
£1 GBP = 5514.18 Colombian Pesos
$1 CAD = 2982.16 Colombian Pesos
Language & Basic Spanish Phrases
The official language in Cartagena is Spanish. Brush up on some basic phrases or use Google Translate to help navigate conversations.
Below are some basic Spanish words and phrases that may be helpful on your trip to Cartagena.
- Good morning – Buenos días – booEHN-os DEE-as
- Yes – Sí – see
- No – No – no
- Good afternoon – Buenas tardes – booEHN-as TAR-dehs
- Good evening – Buenas noches – booEHN-as NO-chehs
- Hello, my name is _____ – Hola, me llamo (your name) – OH-la meh YA-mo
- What is your name – ¿Cómo se llama? – KOH-moh seh YA-mah
- How are you – ¿Cómo está? – KOH-moh ehs-TA
- I am fine -Estoy bien – ehs-TOY bee-EHN
- Nice to meet you – Mucho gusto – MOO-choh GOOS-toh
- Goodbye – Adiós – ah-dee-OHS
- I am lost – Estoy perdido – ehs-TOY pehr-DEE-doh
- Where is the restroom? – ¿Dónde está el baño? – DOHN-deh ehs-TA el BAH-neeo
- Please – Por favor – pohr fah-VOR
- Thank you – Gracías – gra-SEE-ahs
- I’m sorry – Lo siento – low see-EHN-to
- Bless you -Salud – sah-LOOD
- You are welcome (it was nothing) – De nada – deh NA-da
- How much does it cost? – ¿Cuánto cuesta? kooAN-to KWEHS-ta
- What time is it? – ¿Qué hora es? – keh OR-ah ehs
- I do not understand – Yo no comprendo – yoh no kom-PREN-doh
- Can you speak slower, please? – ¿Por favor, habla mas despacio? – pohr fah-VOR, AH-blah mahs dehs-PAHS-ee-oh
Traveling to Cartagena from NYC
Direct flights from New York to Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) make Cartagena a perfect place for a quick getaway. Spirit Airlines offers budget options, while JetBlue and American Airlines provide direct flights with more flexible baggage options.
I like to travel on a budget, so I booked a flight for 4 days in Cartagena for $259 via Spirit Airlines. As a minimalist, downgrading from carry-on only to a personal item wasn’t an issue, but if you need more luggage, you have to pay extra for Spirit
Where to Stay in Cartagena
Cartagena’s lodging ranges from budget hostels to luxurious boutique hotels. I stayed at Allure Chocolat, a 4-star hotel with an infinity pool, rooftop bar, and beautiful views of the old city of Cartagena and Caribbean coast. It’s an 11-minute walk from Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, one of the main sites and a must-visit fortress with underground tunnels and panoramic views.
If you’re looking for a great option with history and charm, consider the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, a luxurious hotel housed in a former convent right in the heart of the walled city of Cartagena.
Dinner at Red Knife included drinks, a shot of rum, an appetizer, and an entree for 58,000 Pesos or $18-20 USD. The total cost for my stay at Allure Chocolat including a full breakfast was $294.
Entree at Red Knife Restaurant in Cartagena
Hotel Allure Chocolat was close to all attractions and transportation
Things to do in Cartagena on a Budget
I truly believe in experiencing things to do on a budget during my travels. If you’re a budget traveler, here’s a guide of what to do in Cartagena in 4 days or things to include in your Cartagena itinerary.
Visit the Choco Museum
This is the Willy Wonka of Chocolates and Coffee in Cartagena. Both entry and tastings are free for all visitors
Watch the Sunset at Cafe Del Mar
Don’t miss the sunset experience at Café del Mar, a perfect spot on the old city walls overlooking the Caribbean Sea. It’s one of the best things to do in Cartagena, offering live music three nights a week and an unbeatable ambiance with great views.
Listen to Live Music and Dance Salsa in the Street
Who doesn’t like live music? After touring the city, find yourself in the city square at night for live music and dancing.
Do a Free walking tour in the Old City
Do a free walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and see the old city walls, cobblestone streets, and colorful houses make this the first place to get your bearings.
Visit Plaza Santo Domingo, known for its iconic sculpture and nearby street food vendors selling fresh fruit and snacks. Stop by La Vitrola or Café Havana in the evening for authentic live music, a live band, and salsa dancing which are two of the best things to do for nightlife lovers.
Appreciate the Artwork
Visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
Dedicate a morning to touring Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a formidable Spanish fortress with a network of underground tunnels and some of the best views of the Caribbean coast and the port city itself. Entry is around 25,000 Colombian pesos (~$7-8 USD).
After, enjoy a guided city tour through colonial architecture, stopping at Plaza de San Pedro Claver and the old city center to learn about Cartagena’s history as the first Spanish colony in South America.
Popular Cartagena Day Trips
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to visit popular sites outside of the city, here are some popular day trips you can do in your 4 days in Cartagena.
El Totumo Mud Volcano
Did you know you can use your Expedia points for Excursions? Corona Tours picked me up from the hotel, drove me and other tourists to El Totumo Mud Volcano (or Volcán de Lodo El Totumo in Spanish), fed us a traditional Colombian lunch and we even went for a swim at Manzanillo Del Mar. If you don’t have Expedia points, then the total of the excursion is only $30 USD
San Basilio de Palenque
When visiting Cartagena, thousands of tourists love taking photos of the Afro-Colombian women selling fruits, but not many know their history.
San Basilio de Palenque is located south of Cartagena and the first city within the Americas founded by escaped slaves. Many of the residents still practice customs of their ancestors and speak their own language: Palenquero which is a Spanish-based creole.
Cartagena Beaches
No visit to Cartagena is complete without a trip to the Rosario Islands (Islas del Rosario) and Playa Blanca on Isla Barú. These are some of the most beautiful beaches on the Caribbean Sea, with sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and vibrant coral reefs perfect for snorkeling.
The best way to explore these islands is via a private boat or a day tour leaving early morning from the city. The Rosario Islands offer more sandy beaches and snorkeling spots, while Playa Blanca is a great option for lounging and sampling local fresh seafood and fruit juices from beachside vendors.
Insider Tips
- The best time of year to visit Cartagena is during the high season from December to April when the weather is perfect for beach and city exploring.
- Be mindful of higher prices in tourist hotspots and walled city of Cartagena restaurants. Local eateries in Getsemani neighborhood offer a more authentic experience at better prices in Colombian pesos.
- Keep some cash for tipping street vendors and coffee shops.
Cartagena is an amazing city and a great place to discover Colombia’s vibrant culture, history, and natural beauty. I spent less than $80 USD on food, drinks, souvenirs, cabs, excursions, and tips. Whether you’re lounging on a beach in the Rosario Islands, dancing to live music at Café del Mar, or wandering the colorful streets of the old city of Cartagena, this city offers something for every traveler.
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