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Culture by day. Rooftops by night. Island hopping in between. Cartagena gave me a little bit of EVERYTHING- culture, beautiful Caribbean water, amazing food, nightlife and experiences I would absolutely do again. This guide has my favorites, recommendations and the things you need to know before you go.
Culture
Islands
Food
Nightlife
Girls Trips
Birthdays
Couples
Groups
4-5 Days
The quick need-to knows before you pack your bags.
COUNTRY
Colombia
AIRPORT
Rafael Nunez International Airport (CTG)
CURRENCY
Colombian Peso (COP)
LANGUAGE
Spanish- basic Spanish or a translator app can be helpful
WEATHER
Tropical- Very hot & humid year round
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
All travelers need a passport. Requirements can change. Check current passport, immigration and entry requirements before departure.


Historic. Walkable. Restaurants. Rooftops.
Best for first time visitors who want to be in the heart of Cartagena.

Colorful. Lively. Street art. Bars. Nightlife
Best for travelers who want culture, energy and easy access to the action.

Modern. High-rises. Shopping. Beachfront. City feel.
Best for travelers who prefer a more modern city and hotel experience.

Quieter. Condos. Resorts. More relaxed
Best for travelers who want more space and a slower pace away from the busiest areas.

Rosario Islands
Cholon Island
Beach Clubs
Private Speedboats

Palenque
Walled City
Castillo San Felipe
Walking Tours

Cooking Classes
Cocktail Making
Food Tours
Local Cuisine

Flying Dress
Getsemani
Colorful Streets
Cartagena Sign

ATV Riding
Mud Volcano
Boat Days
Day Trips

Rooftops
Salsa
Getsemani
Clubs & Bars

I've personally experienced the Walled City, Getsemani, Rosario & Cholon Islands, Palenque, flying dress, cooking class, and the mud volcano. I recommend them all. 10/10, would book every single one of them again.
Want to add these experiences to your Cartegena trip? Traveling Temptationz can take care of the details for you.
Morena
Cande
Carmen
Celele
Alquimico
Movich Rooftop
Mirador
Gastro Bar
Townhouse Rooftop
La Cocina de Pepina
Espiritu Santo
La Mulata
Cooking in Colombia Classes
Cocktail Making
Food Tours
10/10 an entire vibe. Food, drinks, vibes, aesthetics, everything. The show they put on is amazing. Check out our Cartagena highlights on social media to see exactly what I mean.

Beautiful Caribbean water, island stops and a more scenic beach-day experience. Great for travelers who want a mix of relaxing, swimming and exploring.

Music, boats, drinks and ENERGY. This is the turn up stop. If you're looking for quiet beach meditation...this ain't it, AT ALL!!!

Best for travelers who want loungers, cocktails, lunch and a more relaxed/upscale island day without all the hopping around.

Want a little bit of everything? Do a speedboat island-hopping experience that includes multiple stops. This was one of my favorite days in Cartagena. The speedboat ride was a party itself, whew!!!
Want to experience Cartagena by boat? Your favorite travel agent can help you with that
Uber is available everywhere. Taxis are plentiful also. Walled City and Getsemani are very walkable (with the right shoes). Arrange transportation for excursions that are further out.
Colombian Peso (COP) is the currency. Cards are widely accepted at many restaurants and hotels. Keep some pesos for smaller vendors, tips and street purchases. You can also use small USD for tipping.
Cartagena is HOT and humid year-round. Lightweight clothes, sunscreen, water and a portable fan will be your best friends. You have been warned, because I was fighting for my life in that heat. 🥵
Toothbrush and a string.😂 No, you will need lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, portable fan, swimsuits, waterproof bag/phone pouch for beach/boat days.
International phone plan/eSIM. Wi-Fi is common at hotels and restaurants.
Use normal big-city awareness. Keep valuables secure, confirm taxi fares when appropriate. Be mindful of overly aggressive vendors/services. Don't flash large amounts of cash.
Save addresses for places you want to visit in your phone. Cartagena has a lot of similarly named places and having the exact location makes Uber/taxi rides much easier.
I preferably think Uber was better, cheaper and safer. The price was set so there was no room for haggling or scamming.
Arrive & check in
Dinner
Explore Getsemani
Rooftop drinks
Rosario/Cholon Island by speedboat with lunch included
Back to hotel/condo
Relax- because that sun and water WILL wear ou out
Palenque cultural experience with lunch
Cooking & Cocktail class
Enjoy Cartagena nightlife barhopping
Morning Flying Dress Photoshoot
Lunch in Getsemani
Explore Walled City
Shop for Souvenirs
Chill/Pool vibes at air bnb or hotel
Dinner at leisure
Breakfast/brunch
Last minute pictures or shopping
Head to airport
Don't overpack your itinerary. Cartegena is one of those places where wandering through Getsemani, stopping for drinks, finding a rooftop or just enjoying the city becomes part of the experience.

You may have noticed that I never travel without a personalized passport cover - it's my personal souvenir from every trip. Now you can get yours too. ✈️️ Customize yours with your name and take a little Traveling Temptationz with you on your next adventure. I always throw in something extra because I'm extra. 😉
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You've got the guide. Now let me handle the details.
From where to stay to unforgettable experiences, Traveling Temptationz can help put together a Cartagena getaway that fits your vibe.
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