Ultimate Cartagena 5 Day Itinerary: Colonial Charm, Caribbean Cuisine & Island Adventures

🧭 Overview

• This Cartagena 5 Day Itinerary offers the ultimate guide to exploring Colombia’s coastal gem, blending colonial history, vibrant street art, island hopping, and unforgettable Caribbean nightlife.
• Transportation Tips:
  • Walking is ideal in the Walled City. Use Uber or private transfers for trips to Convento de la Popa or Rosario Islands.
  • For island day trips, book your boat in advance.
• Recommended Budget (per person):
  • Mid-range: ~$1,500 (3★–4★ hotels, regular meals, activities)
  • Luxury: ~$2,500 (boutique hotels, upscale dining, private transfers)

📌 SEO Note: Includes internal links to “Rosario Islands Day Trip Guide” and “Top Cartagena Old Town Attractions”, with external links to official sites like San Felipe Castle and Cartagena Botanical Gardens.

🗓 Day 1 of Cartagena 5 Day Itinerary: Colonial Splendor in the Walled City

Morning

Step into Cartagena’s historic Walled City, where sun-kissed cobblestone streets and bougainvillea-draped balconies instantly transport you back to its Spanish colonial past. After checking into your boutique hotel (from $120/night in the Walled City), begin exploring Plaza de la Aduana and the iconic Clock Tower Gate, once the gateway for gold-laden galleons and Spanish governors.

Lunch

Stop at Montesacro for a refreshing ceviche ($10–15) paired with homemade corn arepas and fresh lime juice.

Afternoon

Walk along the ancient city walls to Las Bóvedas, formerly dungeons now transformed into vibrant artisan shops (Official site). Climb to the ramparts for a sweeping view of the Caribbean Sea.

Sunset & Dinner

Sip a cocktail ($8–10) on the rooftop of Café del Mar as golden light bathes church spires. For dinner, enjoy live Cuban jazz at La Vitrola (entrées from $25) and soak up the rhythm of Cartagena nights.

💸 Estimated Costs:

• Transport: Airport to hotel (Uber): $8–12
• Meals & drinks: ~$45–60 per person
• Attractions: Free (self-guided walk)

🏰 Day 2 of Cartagena 5 Day Itinerary: Fortress, Faith & History

Morning

Start early at Castillo San Felipe de Barajas ($8 entrance), the largest Spanish fortress in South America. Hire a guide for $10–15 to uncover tales of pirates, tunnels, and epic battles. Continue to Convento de la Popa ($5 entrance, taxi $10–15) perched on Cartagena’s highest hill (Official site). The view of the bay and surrounding city is breathtaking.

Lunch

At a seaside café, savor seafood stew (from $12) and fresh tropical fruit juice.

Afternoon

Visit Iglesia de San Pedro Claver ($5 entrance), where colonial art and religious relics offer a glimpse into Cartagena’s spiritual legacy.

Dinner

Dine at Celele, ranked among Latin America’s top restaurants (tasting menu from $40), where innovative Caribbean flavors delight the senses.

💸 Estimated Costs:

• Transport: ~$20 (Uber to/from sites)
• Meals & drinks: ~$60–80 per person
• Attractions: ~$18 total

🎨 Day 3: Artistic Vibes in Getsemaní

Morning

Wander the streets of Getsemaní, Cartagena’s bohemian quarter adorned with murals and colorful flags. Stop at Ábaco Libros y Café, a cozy bookshop café perfect for a morning coffee ($3).

Lunch

Try the creative Caribbean fusion dishes at Celele (main courses $15–20).

Afternoon

On Day 3 of your Cartagena 5 Day Itinerary, join a 2-hour salsa or champeta dance class ($20–25) to immerse yourself in local culture.

Evening

End the third day of your Cartagena 5 Day Itinerary at Café Havana, a legendary bar with live salsa bands ($10 cover charge, cocktails $7–10).

💸 Estimated Costs:

• Transport: ~$10 (mostly walking)
• Meals & drinks: ~$50–70 per person
• Activities: ~$25 (dance class)

🌴 Day 4 of Cartagena 5 Day Itinerary: Rosario Islands Escape

Full-Day Tour

Catch an early boat ($70–90 per person, including lunch) to the stunning Rosario Islands, about an hour away. Spend the day snorkeling ($10 equipment rental), sunbathing on white sand beaches, and savoring freshly caught lobster.

Dinner

Return to Cartagena in the late afternoon and enjoy a sunset dinner at Carmen Cartagena (entrees $25–35).

💸 Estimated Costs:

• Transport & tour: ~$90–100
• Meals & drinks: ~$60–80 per person

🌱 Day 5: Botanical Serenity & Farewell

Morning

Relax with a leisurely breakfast before heading to the Cartagena Botanical Gardens ($5 entrance, taxi ~$10–15). Stroll through lush tropical flora and enjoy a tranquil escape from the city.

Lunch

At the gardens’ café, grab a light lunch with fresh fruit juice ($8–10).

Afternoon

Spend your final hours wandering the Old Town for souvenirs like Panama hats and handwoven mochilas.

Departure

Transfer to Rafael Núñez Airport ($10 Uber).

💸 Estimated Costs:

• Transport: ~$20
• Meals & drinks: ~$30–40 per person
• Attractions: ~$5

📝 Budget Overview (5 Days per person)

🌎 For more information about Cartagena’s attractions and travel tips, visit the Official Colombia Travel Website.

📌 Planning to explore more of South America? Check out our Santiago 5 Day Itinerary: Andes Mountains, Colonial Gems & Chilean Cuisine for an unforgettable journey in Chile’s vibrant capital.