72 Hours in Cartagena

Between the cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and delicious seafood, it’s hard not to quickly fall in love with Cartagena. This magical port city rests on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, attracting visitors from all over the world. These days, it’s popularity is growing. Only a 2 ½ hour flight from Miami, it has become a quick getaway for many American travelers.
 
The shining star of Cartagena is its Old Town - a UNESCO World Heritage site with exceptionally preserved colonial architecture and a rich history. Most visitors spend the majority of their time in the Old Town or the nearby Rosario Islands, one of Colombia's national parks. If you're short on time, but want to see the highlights of this amazing destination, here's how to should spend 72 hours in Cartagena.

Day 1 - Old Town

Wander around the historic Old Town. Admire the colorful homes and balconies covered in bougainvillea as you walk through the narrow cobblestone streets. 

​Visit the Museo del Oro Zenu (Zenu Gold Museum). While this museum doesn’t boast a collection nearly as impressive as the Gold Museum in Bogota, it sheds some insight into the traditions and culture of the Zenu people who inhabited the region prior to the Spanish Conquest. Entrance is free and there’s plenty of air-conditioning, making it a great stop during your self-guided walking tour.

Grab dinner at La Cevicheria. Ever since Anthony Bourdain visited this restaurant, it’s been hugely popular – and for all of the right reasons! Their food is extremely fresh and delicious. We tried the lobster ceviche and the octopus in peanut sauce, which were both incredible. There's honestly nothing better than ceviche and a cold Colombian beer (Aguila and Club Colombia are the two national brews!) Expect a long line, but don't be discouraged - it moves quickly.

Day 2 - Rosario Islands

Take a snorkeling or scuba diving tour with Diving Planet at Rosario Islands. Diving Planet is an excellent company and even used by the Colombian president himself! The tours depart from their dive center in the Old City, first taking you on an hour-long boat ride to the Rosario Islands. From there, you spend the entire afternoon snorkeling and scuba diving. Their day long tours come with a tasty lunch and will only set you back about $80 – I highly recommend it!

Regain your energy (with Colombian coffee). Local street vendor Jose roasts coffee beans and brews cups of coffee right from his jeep! He’s popular with both locals and tourists alike, serving customers during the evenings at Parque Fernandez de Madrid. He typically shows up around 6pm and each coffee is 3000 pesos (~$1).

Grab dinner at El Kilo. This restaurant is not cheap by Colombian standards, but the food is superb and perfect for seafood lovers. The ceviche is delicious and they offer massive plates of fresh grilled seafood which comes with the catch of the day, lobster tail, shrimp, squid, and more! 

Day 3 - Old Town

Enjoy an iced coffee (and breakfast!) at Beiyu. This charming café offers a great selection of high-quality Colombian coffees, delicious fresh juices, breakfast and lunch options. You can also purchase coffee beans for all different parts of the country. Located in the Getsemani neighborhood, it's a local hangout for backpackers. 

Visit San Felipe de Barajas Castle. Built by the Spaniards in the mid-1600s, this impressive fortress offers sweeping panoramic views of Cartagena! You can also tour some of the tunnels, but honestly, the views are the best part. 

Explore the street art in Getsemani. This up-and-coming neighborhood is quickly becoming one of Cartagena’s trendiest hangouts. The graffiti is truly a work of art - covering the majority of walls surrounding the neighborhood and closely resembling an open-air art gallery.

Admire the sunset. Grab a cold beer and sit along the walls of the Old City, soaking in the amazing views of the sun setting over the Caribbean Sea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cartagena safe? Cartagena is surprisingly very safe! Policemen can be found on almost every street corner and I felt comfortable walking around late at night. The primary safety concern in Cartagena is pickpocketing.
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Can I drink the tap water? I typically prefer to drink from water bottles when traveling throughout countries other than the United States and Europe. I drank from bottled water during my trip, but I didn’t go crazy. I didn’t refuse ice and I used the water to brush my teeth. Needless to say, there were no issues! 

What kind of converter do I need to bring? If you’re coming from the United States, you won’t need a converter! The power plug outlets are the same and the voltage is similar.

What should I pack? The weather in Cartagena is extremely humid and hot all year round. The sun can be unforgiving at times – my worst mistake during my trip was not applying enough sunscreen! Above anything else, I recommend bringing light airy clothing, a sunhat, good walking shoes, and sunscreen.
 
Is Cartagena inexpensive? Unfortunately, Cartagena is surprisingly expensive and it’s hard to find great budget options. That being said, they are cheaper options, particularly if you visit during non-peak season. The Getsemani neighborhood typically caters to budget travelers, with plenty of hostels and cheaper dining options.
 
Where should I stay? It all depends on your budget - there are plenty of hostels, boutique hotels, and Airbnb apartments available for rent. If you come during the peak season (December to mid-January and mid-June to July), you will likely need to book a few weeks in advance and it’s not uncommon for prices to double. I stayed at a great Airbnb apartment in the Old City on Las Bovedas, which had some unique features like an outdoor bathroom!