7 Days in Cartagena – Culture, Islands & Caribbean Vibes

A Week in Cartagena: Beaches, Culture & Caribbean Magic

A whole week in Cartagena offers the best mix of everything this city is renowned for: the history and charm of the Walled City, island hopping, beach time, great food, and unforgettable nights out.

This 7-day plan takes you through Cartagena’s colorful streets, a guided city and Getsemaní tour, two different island experiences with overnight stays, rooftop sunsets, and local flavors you’ll want to bring home with you. It’s designed to help you explore, relax, and enjoy the Caribbean lifestyle without feeling rushed.

What’s included:

  • Comfort Airport pickup and private transportation for all scheduled activities

  • 6 nights accommodation:
    • 3 nights in a Luxury hotel inside the Walled City (or Bocagrande)
    • 2 nights on Isla Múcura (Breakfast included)
    • 1 night on Isla Palma (All meals included)

  • Guided Night Life Tour

  • Private city tour with a bilingual guide (Walled City + Getsemaní)

  • Boat transportation to Isla Múcura and Isla Palma

  • Return boat transfer to Cartagena

  • Welcome drinks and lunches included on island days (Múcura & Palma)

  • Walking tour in Getsemaní with a local guide

  • Daily breakfast

  • Bottled water and air-conditioned transport during excursions

  • Support before and during the trip for reservations, tips, and recommendations

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 – 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 – 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 – Walking Tour Getsemaní

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 3 — Isla Palma (All Meals Included)

Your island escape starts today. After breakfast, a driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to El Muelle de la Bodeguita, the port where boats depart to the islands. Here you’ll pay the small port fee (29,000 COP per person) before boarding.

The boat ride to Isla Palma takes approximately two hours and passes through the Rosario Islands, offering stunning views along the way. You usually arrive around 11:00 AM, just in time to start enjoying the island.

You’ll be welcomed with a refreshing cocktail and a short orientation of the hotel and its facilities, so you know exactly where to go and what’s available. From there, head straight to the beach—soft sand, palm-covered umbrellas, music, and the relaxed island atmosphere that Colombia is famous for.

Spend the afternoon enjoying cocktails, relaxing on the beach, and engaging in light activities. You can join a little dancing session on the beach, take a swim, or just stretch out and enjoy the Caribbean sun. A delicious fresh seafood lunch is included, usually featuring local fish, coconut rice, salad, and patacones.

Check-in to your room is usually around 2:00 PM. Once settled, the rest of the day is yours—unplug, explore the island, enjoy the scenery, or simply sit by the water and watch the sunset from this peaceful paradise.

This is your soft landing into island life: slow, simple, and exactly what a Caribbean getaway should feel like.

Day 4 & 5 — Isla Múcura

After breakfast, you’ll take a short 15–20 minute boat ride to the magical Isla Múcura, part of the San Bernardo Islands. Here, you’ll spend two full days surrounded by beautiful turquoise waters in a peaceful island resort, where you can expect unforgettable sunsets, quiet mornings, and a calm atmosphere that feels like a true escape. Once you settle in, enjoy the beach, go paddleboarding, snorkeling, kayaking, or simply relax under the sun. In the evening, the island becomes even more special with silence, stars, and the soothing sound of waves.

During your stay, you can also join a bioluminescent plankton night tour or an island-hopping experience around the San Bernardo Islands. Staying two nights here gives you the sunset, sunrise, and the whole “island life” experience that day-trippers never get to enjoy.

Why Múcura is worth it:

• A more peaceful alternative to the Rosario Islands
• Ideal for couples, relaxation, and nature lovers
• Stunning water and less city noise

Day 6 — Back to Cartagena: Sky 51 & Nightlife

Return to Cartagena around midday. Check back into your hotel, shower off the sea salt, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon in the city.

At sunset, head to Sky 51, one of the most impressive rooftop bars in Cartagena. Great music, stylish vibe, and a beautiful view of the coastline — it’s a must-visit before you leave.

End your night with dinner and one last taste of Cartagena’s nightlife. Try a salsa bar, a rooftop lounge, or a cool night spot in Getsemaní.

Not Included in the 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.

  • Day 1: Rooftop table reservation + Nightlife Guide

  • Day 2: Professional Photographer (Walled City + Getsemaní)

  • Day 3–4: Romantic dinner / Picnic / Proposal package

  • Day 5: Spa treatment or drinks combo

  • Day 6: Dance class + VIP nightlife experience

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.