How many days to spend in Cartagena?
Cartagena is the sum of its incredible parts; its colonial, republican and modern architecture, the temptation of its vibrant nightlife, its cultural festivals, exuberant landscapes, magnificent beaches, outstanding gastronomic offerings, and its important hotel and tourism infrastructure. It is a fantastic city that guards the secrets of its history in its walls and balconies, its buildings, and its narrow, cobbled streets.
To explore the city and surroundings, it’s perfect to have three full days.
Take a city tour to see the incredible castle of San Felipe, the history behind the ‘walled city‘ protected by a fortress that was once used to shelter the town from pirates and storms. And the new and modern Cartagena.
Cartagena offers many gourmet experiences for any taste and budget – from local markets with fresh, exotic products to famous restaurants with picturesque views. You can enjoy the Bazurto Market and enjoy the same experience that Anthony Bourdain enjoyed and discover why he got in love with the diversity of Colombia.
Rosario Islands – It’s worth visiting Rosario Islands, an archipelago located within a national park on the Colombian Caribbean coast, where you find beautiful beaches with their cool breezes, beautiful nature, and laid-back attitude. Enjoy white sand, sparkling blue waters, and palm trees. Cartagena is not known for the beauty of its beaches. That’s why a full day at Rosario Islands on a private island is the perfect way to enjoy the sun, Caribbean food, and beautiful beaches.
If you have some extra days or more time, don’t hesitate to enjoy some other experiences: For Nature and Adventure, Lovers is highly recommended to go to the Tayrona National Natural Park. The journey takes 4-5 hours one way, but it is worth it. Mangrove swamps, corals, algae prairies, thorny scrubland, magical dry, humid, and cloud forests proliferate and are home to a surprising variety of vegetal and animal species that bear witness to life.
Discover the lifestyle of the first free town in America, a Unesco World Heritage site town of San Basilio de Palenque. During the 17th century, escaped slaves built isolated forts in the jungles surrounding Cartagena. Palenque, located just over an hour from Cartagena, is the only fort that survived during the intervening years.
Discover a village that maintains its traditions such as language, food, dance, and culture. Enjoy a musical performance and visit essential places in Palenque. Finally, and most importantly, enjoy an authentic gastronomy experience full of color and flavor.