4 Days in Cartagena: Colonial Streets, Rooftop Vibes & Island Bliss

4 Days in Cartagena: From Historic Charm to Island Adventures

This 4-day journey through Cartagena will introduce you to the most vibrant colonial city in Colombia, a place where history, gastronomy, and Caribbean rhythms converge. You’ll wander cobblestone streets lined with pastel-painted balconies, taste world-class seafood, and experience the vibrant local culture that makes Cartagena unforgettable. Then, spend two blissful days exploring the turquoise waters and white-sand beaches of the Rosario Islands, your private escape to the Caribbean paradise.

What’s included:

  • Airport pickup and private transportation

  • 4 nights in boutique accommodation inside the Walled City

  • Guided Night Life Tour

  • Private driver and bilingual guide for city tour

  • Rosario Islands (Bora Bora & Pao Pao) boat transportation, welcome drinks and lunches at both islands

  • Walking Tour in Getsemaní with local guide

  • Daily breakfast

  • Bottled water and air-conditioned transport

Day 1 – Arrival, Historic Charm & Rooftop Nights

Morning / Afternoon – Airport Pickup & Hotel Check-in

Our private driver will greet you at Rafael Núñez International Airport, assist you with your luggage, and take you in comfort to your boutique hotel inside Cartagena’s historic Walled City.

Along the short scenic drive, you’ll catch your first glimpses of the Caribbean Sea, colorful facades, and palm-lined streets.

After check-in, take some time to unwind, freshen up, and adjust to the tropical rhythm of the city. Step outside and enjoy your first walk through the cobblestone streets, surrounded by vibrant colonial architecture, horse-drawn carriages, and lively plazas filled with music. This is your first taste of Cartagena’s magic — where history, color, and Caribbean warmth welcome you at every corner.

Evening – Guided Rooftops & Nightlife

Start your evening with a guided tour escort who will handle your reservations and take you straight into Cartagena’s vibrant nightlife.

As the sun begins to set, you’ll head to one of the city’s most scenic rooftops — Movich Rooftop, known for its breathtaking views over the Caribbean Sea and the Walled City. Everything is arranged in advance, so all you need to do is sip a signature cocktail, feel the sea breeze, and enjoy the golden light reflecting off the domes and colonial balconies.

The vibe builds as the evening unfolds — soft music, glowing lights, and a warm, sophisticated crowd. After sunset, your guide will lead you to Cartagena’s nightlife hotspots, where live salsa, Caribbean rhythms, and colorful murals create the perfect mix of culture and celebration. You’ll dance, laugh, and experience the city’s true spirit among locals and travelers alike.

🏝️ Day 2 – Rosario Islands VIP: Bora Bora Experience (Adults Only)

Morning: Island Escape

Wake up early for your private Rosario Islands adventure, where your captain will take you across the sparkling turquoise waters of the Caribbean to Isla Bora Bora, one of Cartagena’s most exclusive island clubs. Relax on white cabanas by the sea, enjoy tropical music, and sip your welcome cocktail as the day unfolds. Go snorkeling over coral reefs, swim in crystal-clear water, or simply unwind under the sun with your toes in the sand.

A freshly prepared seafood lunch—grilled fish, coconut rice, and crispy plantains—adds the perfect Caribbean flavor to this unforgettable island escape.

Evening – Walking Tour Getsemaní

As night falls, our local tour guide will lead you on a walking tour through Getsemaní, Cartagena’s most vibrant and artistic neighborhood. Once a humble district, it’s now the beating heart of the city’s street culture and nightlife.

You’ll stroll through colorful alleys filled with murals, hanging flags, and lively street art. Each corner reveals a story — from colonial facades to walls painted with expressions of freedom and love. Stop by Plaza de la Trinidad, the neighborhood’s heart, where locals gather for music, dancing, and authentic street food.

Your guide will take you beyond the tourist paths, showing you hidden bars, rooftop lounges, and small galleries that truly capture Cartagena’s creative soul. The mix of music, warm lights, and friendly locals creates an unforgettable evening you’ll feel part of, not just a visitor in.

Day 3 – City Tour & Getsemaní Walking Experience

Morning / Afternoon – Cultural & Historical Cartagena

After breakfast, our guide will take you on a private city tour through Cartagena’s most iconic landmarks:

  • Cartagena Sign – Perfect photo stop.

  • La Popa Monastery – The highest point with breathtaking views.

  • Old Shoes Monument – Tribute to local poetry and culture.

  • Castillo San Felipe – Explore tunnels and stories of pirates and battles.

  • Getsemaní Neighborhood – A vibrant area full of murals and local art.

  • Historic Center – A walk through the UNESCO-listed streets and plazas.

You’ll enjoy bottled water, private air-conditioned transport, and commentary from a local expert. (Entry tickets to La Popa and Castillo not included.)

Evening – Sunset Catamaran Boat

End your day in style aboard a luxury catamaran as the sun dips below the horizon. Our team will handle your reservation and escort you to the marina, where your tour guide will welcome you on board with a drink in hand.

As the sails rise and the boat glides along Cartagena’s bay, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Walled City, Bocagrande skyline, and the glowing sunset over the Caribbean Sea. The gentle breeze, rhythmic music, and soft golden light create a perfect moment to unwind.

Relax on deck, toast with your favorite cocktail, or dance as the city lights begin to shimmer on the water. This unforgettable experience captures the magic of Cartagena’s evenings — a mix of romance, elegance, and Caribbean charm.

Day 4 – Exclusive Island Day: Isla Pao Pao

Morning / Afternoon – Farewell to Paradise

Spend your last day back in the Rosario Islands, this time at Isla Pao Pao, an elegant and serene beach club that captures the essence of Caribbean luxury. Stretch out on private beach beds, unwind in shaded lounges, and let the friendly staff cater to your every need. Take a swim in the turquoise waters, sip on a refreshing cocktail by the shore, and savor a gourmet seafood lunch prepared with local ingredients.

Gentle island music and the rhythm of the waves create the perfect backdrop for relaxation. It’s a peaceful farewell to paradise, ending your Cartagena journey on the most exclusive note.

Evening – Final Sunset

After your final swim in the Caribbean, sail back to Cartagena as the sun sets over the city’s golden skyline, painting the domes and rooftops in warm, glowing light. It’s the perfect, unforgettable finale to four extraordinary days in paradise.

Back on land, you can extend your experience with a relaxing spa massage, a professional photoshoot to capture your best moments, or even a private salsa lesson to take a bit of Colombia’s rhythm home with you. For those who want one last celebration, end your trip with a sunset boat party along the bay — the ultimate farewell to Cartagena’s magic.

Not Included in Price:

To keep your trip flexible and personalized, the following items are not included:

  • International or domestic flight tickets

  • Travel insurance (optional but recommended)

  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary

  • Alcoholic beverages and extra drinks at hotels or on islands

  • Personal expenses (shopping, souvenirs, minibar, etc.)

  • Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff, and boat crew

  • Port fee at El Muelle de la Bodeguita: 29,000 COP per person (cash or card) — required for island departures

  • Extra activities or add-ons not listed in the “What’s Included” section

  • Spa or wellness treatments

  • Nightlife entry fees or table reservations (unless booked as an add-on)

  • Visa fees or entry requirements (if applicable)

⚡️ Optional Add-ons (Extra Charge):

  • Private Boat upgrade (Day 2 or 4) 3 islands, including Cholon, Bora Bora ($800 USD / day)

  • Professional photographer (islands or city)

  • Entry tickets for La Popa & Castillo San Felipe

  • Spa or massage package at partner hotels

  • Nightlife guide or VIP club entry service

  • Totumo Volcano Basic Tour ($150 USD / person)
    Includes round-trip transport and waiting time; entrance fees not included.

  • Totumo Volcano VIP Tour ($200 USD / person)
    Includes lunch at Manzanillo Beach, volcano entrance, mud bath, and hydration.

  • Botanical Garden Round Trip (110 USD / person)
    Includes private transportation and waiting time.

  • Playa Blanca (Barú) Round Trip (150 USD / person)
    Round-trip to Playa Blanca in an air-conditioned vehicle.

  • Dance Classes at Carpinteros Club ($250 USD / person)
    1-hour private class (champeta & salsa) in air-conditioned hall with welcome cocktail, snack, and instructor.

TESTIMONIALS

What our clients say about Cartagena

Terms & Conditions — Ali Travel Frames

PRICES

All prices are listed in US Dollars (USD) and are subject to change without notice. Unless otherwise stated, prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Quoted rates may vary depending on travel dates, availability, and service upgrades (such as VIP transfers or luxury hotels).

ITINERARY

Our itineraries are carefully curated to provide the best local experiences. However, for operational reasons, Ali Travel Frames reserves the right to:

  • Modify the order or timing of activities.

  • Substitute services of equal or higher value if necessary.

  • Adjust itineraries due to weather conditions, local holidays, or safety concerns.

All itineraries should be considered a flexible guide, not a fixed schedule.

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED

After your last swim, sail back to Cartagena and admire the sunset skyline, the perfect, unforgettable ending to your 4-day getaway.

Optional Add-on:

  • International or domestic airfares.

  • Visa, passport, and travel insurance.

  • Meals or beverages not detailed in the itinerary.

  • Early check-in or late check-out.

  • Personal expenses (laundry, additional drinks, tips, phone calls, etc.).

  • Entrance fees not listed as included.

  • Airport departure taxes (national or international).

  • Optional excursions or add-ons requested after booking.

UNUSED SERVICES

No refunds will be issued for:

  • Missed tours or activities due to late arrivals.

  • Unused accommodations, meals, or services once the trip has started.

  • Interruptions caused by weather, strikes, natural events, or government restrictions beyond our control.

Ali Travel Frames and its partners are not responsible for cancellations or delays caused by third-party providers (airlines, hotels, transportation companies).

INSURANCE

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance covering:

  • Trip cancellation or interruption

  • Medical expenses abroad

  • Lost baggage or delays

  • Emergency evacuation or repatriation

Consult your doctor for any health concerns related to travel in tropical or high-altitude destinations.

AIR TICKETS

Airline ticket prices and schedules are subject to change until final issuance.
Airlines may alter flight times or apply restrictions without notice.
Ali Travel Frames is not responsible for airline penalties or schedule changes.

BOOKING CONDITIONS

To confirm your reservation, the following passenger information is required:

a. Full name (as per passport)
b. Nationality
c. Passport number
d. Date of birth
e. Gender

Group Size Definition:

  • FIT: 1–9 travelers

  • Group: 10 or more travelers

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS

  • Cancellations received 30+ days before arrival: 50% refund.

  • Cancellations within 30 days or less: non-refundable.

  • No refunds for early departures or unused services.

Any change requests after payment will be subject to availability and additional charges.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

  • The price doesn't include Tips for guides, drivers, or hotel staff, which are appreciated but voluntary.

Service Charge

A 10% service fee is added to all tour and package prices. This fee helps cover:

  • Prices do not include tips for guides, drivers, or hotel staff, which are appreciated but voluntary.

This ensures every traveler receives dedicated assistance, secure transactions, and smooth execution from booking to completion.

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TESTIMONIALS

What our clients say about Santa Marta

"We had an amazing trip to Santa Marta"

We highly recommend Ali Travel Frames to anyone looking for a personalized, enriching travel experience.

- Josh Wallace

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Our journey to La Guajira in Colombia was nothing short of unforgettable, and much of that is thanks to Ali’s dedication and expertise

- Raul Fernandez

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The entire experience was incredibly well organized everything from the transport and accommodation to the activities

- Jaime Valencia