12 Days in Cartagena: A Tropical Adventure Itinerary

Begin your second day with a visit to Palace of Inquisition (Palacio de la Inquisicion), a historical museum that offers insights into Cartagena's colonial past. Afterward, enjoy breakfast at Época Espresso Bar, known for its excellent coffee and pastries.

In the afternoon, explore Bolivar Square (Plaza Bolivar), a lively plaza named after Simon Bolivar. Have lunch at El Boliche Cebichería, famous for its ceviche and seafood dishes. Post-lunch, embark on the Cartagena: Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings to sample local delicacies while learning about their cultural significance.

Visit Cathedral of San Pedro Claver (Iglesia de San Pedro Claver) in the evening. This cathedral is dedicated to Saint Peter Claver and is an important historical site. For dinner, dine at Alma Restaurant, offering gourmet Colombian cuisine in a sophisticated ambiance. Conclude your night with drinks at Alquimico Bar, renowned for its creative cocktails.

On your third day, take an exciting trip to explore Cartagena's beautiful islands by joining the tour: Cartagena: Full-Day Boat Trip to 5 Rosario Islands. This tour includes snorkeling opportunities and visits to stunning beaches.

Enjoy lunch provided during your island tour while soaking up the sun on pristine beaches. The Rosario Islands are known for their crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life – perfect for relaxation or adventure.

Return to Cartagena in time for dinner at Don Juan, where you can indulge in contemporary Colombian cuisine crafted by renowned chefs. After dinner, experience Cartagena's nightlife by joining the lively tour: Cartagena: Pub Crawl with Dancing Lessons and Free Shots. This fun-filled evening will introduce you to some of Cartagena's best bars while learning local dance moves.

Start your day with a visit to San Felipe de Barajas Castle (Castillo San Felipe de Barajas). This impressive fortress offers stunning views of the city and is a testament to Cartagena's strategic importance during colonial times. After exploring the castle, head to Café Stepping Stone for a hearty breakfast while supporting a social enterprise that helps local communities.

In the afternoon, explore Old Town Cartagena, where you can wander through narrow streets lined with colorful colonial buildings. Enjoy lunch at Carmen Restaurant, known for its innovative Colombian cuisine and elegant setting. Post-lunch, join the tour: Cartagena: Getsemani Highlights and Graffiti Walking Tour to discover the vibrant street art and cultural history of the Getsemani neighborhood.

As evening falls, visit Las Bovedas, a series of vaults that were once used as dungeons and are now home to shops selling local crafts and souvenirs. For dinner, dine at Marea by Rausch, offering exquisite seafood dishes with stunning views of the bay. End your day with a relaxing drink at El Baron, a stylish cocktail bar in Plaza San Pedro.

Convento de la Popa de la Galera is your first stop today. This convent sits atop the highest hill in Cartagena, providing panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas. Afterward, enjoy breakfast at Abaco Libros y Café, a charming bookstore café perfect for coffee lovers.

National Aviary of Colombia (Aviario Nacional de Colombia) awaits you in the afternoon. This aviary is home to an incredible variety of bird species native to Colombia. Have lunch at La Mulata, known for its traditional Caribbean dishes served in a cozy atmosphere. After lunch, join the tour: Cartagena: Mud Volcano Tour with Lunch, Pool, and Beach for an unforgettable experience soaking in therapeutic mud baths followed by relaxation on nearby beaches.

Teatro Adolfo Mejia (Teatro Heredia) is your evening destination. This beautifully restored theater hosts various cultural performances throughout the year. For dinner, head to Mistura Cartagena, offering fusion cuisine that blends Peruvian flavors with local ingredients. Conclude your night with drinks at Demente Tapas Bar in Getsemani.

Baru Island is today's highlight. Join the tour: From Cartagena: Baru Island Quiet Beach Day Trip with Lunch. Spend your morning relaxing on pristine beaches or snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.

Playa Surf Restaurant will provide lunch during your island adventure. Continue enjoying Baru Island's natural beauty before heading back to Cartagena.

Return to Cartagena for dinner at Harry's Sasson Restaurant, known for its sophisticated ambiance and gourmet dishes inspired by Colombian flavors. After dinner, embark on an enchanting evening cruise: Cartagena de Indias: 2-Hour Sunset Cruise. Watch as the sun sets over Cartagena's skyline while enjoying refreshing drinks onboard.

Begin your day with a visit to the Cartagena Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno de Cartagena). This museum houses an impressive collection of contemporary Latin American art. After exploring the museum, enjoy breakfast at Café Lunático, known for its delicious pastries and coffee.

In the afternoon, head to Rafael Nuñez House Museum, the former home of one of Colombia's most important historical figures. Have lunch at Oh La La Bistrot, offering French-inspired cuisine in a charming setting. Post-lunch, join the tour: Cartagena: Gourmet Cooking Class with a View to learn how to prepare traditional Colombian dishes while enjoying stunning views of the city.

As evening approaches, visit Naval Museum of the Caribbean, which provides fascinating insights into Cartagena's maritime history. For dinner, dine at La Vitrola, a renowned restaurant offering Cuban cuisine and live music. End your day with drinks at Café Havana, famous for its lively salsa music and vibrant atmosphere.

Gold Museum (Museo de Oro Zenu) is your first stop today. This museum showcases pre-Columbian gold artifacts and offers insights into indigenous cultures. Afterward, enjoy breakfast at Juan Valdez Café, a popular coffee chain known for its high-quality Colombian coffee.

La India Catalina Monument awaits you in the afternoon. This monument honors an indigenous woman who played a significant role in Cartagena's history. Have lunch at El Santísimo, known for its creative dishes inspired by local flavors. Post-lunch, join the tour: Cartagena: Guided Tour, with La Popa Convent, and San Felipe to explore some of Cartagena's most iconic landmarks.

Isla del Encanto is your evening destination. Join the tour: Cartagena: Sunset Cruise with Open Bar. Watch as the sun sets over Isla del Encanto while enjoying refreshing drinks onboard. For dinner, head to Maru Japonesa, offering exquisite Japanese cuisine in an elegant setting.

Playa Blanca Full-Day Trip from Cartagena is today's highlight. Spend your morning relaxing on Playa Blanca's pristine beaches or snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.

Playa Surf Restaurant will provide lunch during your beach adventure. Continue enjoying Playa Blanca's natural beauty before heading back to Cartagena.

Old Shoes Monument (Los Zapatos Viejos) is your evening destination. This quirky monument pays tribute to a famous local poet and offers great photo opportunities. For dinner, dine at Andante Allegro Vivace, known for its Italian cuisine and cozy ambiance. Conclude your night with a fun-filled tour: Cartagena: City Highlights Chiva Party Bus Tour at Night. Experience Cartagena's nightlife aboard a colorful chiva bus while enjoying live music and dancing.

Start your day with a visit to Teatro Adolfo Mejia (Teatro Heredia). This beautifully restored theater is an architectural gem and hosts various cultural performances throughout the year. After exploring the theater, enjoy breakfast at Abaco Libros y Café, a charming bookstore café perfect for coffee lovers.

In the afternoon, head to Rafael Nuñez House Museum, the former home of one of Colombia's most important historical figures. Have lunch at Oh La La Bistrot, offering French-inspired cuisine in a charming setting. Post-lunch, join the tour: Cartagena: Gourmet Cooking Class with a View to learn how to prepare traditional Colombian dishes while enjoying stunning views of the city.

Naval Museum of the Caribbean is your evening destination. This museum provides fascinating insights into Cartagena's maritime history. For dinner, dine at La Vitrola, a renowned restaurant offering Cuban cuisine and live music. End your day with drinks at Café Havana, famous for its lively salsa music and vibrant atmosphere.

Baru Island is today's highlight. Join the tour: From Cartagena: Baru Island Quiet Beach Day Trip with Lunch. Spend your morning relaxing on pristine beaches or snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.

Playa Surf Restaurant will provide lunch during your island adventure. Continue enjoying Baru Island's natural beauty before heading back to Cartagena.

Isla del Encanto is your evening destination. Join the tour: Cartagena de Indias: 2-Hour Sunset Cruise. Watch as the sun sets over Isla del Encanto while enjoying refreshing drinks onboard. For dinner, head to Maru Japonesa, offering exquisite Japanese cuisine in an elegant setting.

Playa Blanca Full-Day Trip from Cartagena is today's highlight. Spend your morning relaxing on Playa Blanca's pristine beaches or snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.

Playa Surf Restaurant will provide lunch during your beach adventure. Continue enjoying Playa Blanca's natural beauty before heading back to Cartagena.

Old Shoes Monument (Los Zapatos Viejos) is your evening destination. This quirky monument pays tribute to a famous local poet and offers great photo opportunities. For dinner, dine at Andante Allegro Vivace, known for its Italian cuisine and cozy ambiance. Conclude your night with a fun-filled tour: Cartagena: City Highlights Chiva Party Bus Tour at Night. Experience Cartagena's nightlife aboard a colorful chiva bus while enjoying live music and dancing.