The Perfect 4-Day Cartagena Itinerary

If you’re planning a trip to Cartagena and want the right balance of culture, beaches, food, and fun—this guide will help you experience the city the way travelers should.

This 4-day plan mixes the colorful streets of the Walled City, island-hopping in the Rosario Islands, tasty Colombian food, and memorable nightlife. Let’s walk through it day by day so you can picture your trip and start planning.

🧳 Day 1 — Welcome to Cartagena

Touch down at Rafael Núñez International Airport. Stay at a boutique hotel inside the Walled City or in the modern area of Bocagrande (the best area to stay).

After check-in, join a friendly local guide for a relaxed walking tour. You’ll wander through Cartagena’s postcard-perfect streets, balconies covered with flowers, historic plazas, and cute little cafés you’ll want to stop in every day.

Sunset Plan: Head to one of Cartagena’s rooftops for cocktails and panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. I highly recommend Movich Rooftop.


Evening: Explore Getsemaní’s lively nightlife — street music, salsa, open-air bars, and great energy.

Tip: Bring comfy shoes. You’ll want to keep walking and exploring.

🌴 Day 2 — Rosario Islands Day Trip

Time for the Caribbean waters. Early morning, hop on a private boat to the Rosario Islands. Clear water, tropical music, and a relaxed beach-club vibe make this the perfect escape.

Your first stop: Isla Bora Bora — known for its fun atmosphere, turquoise water, and beach beds where you can chill with a welcome cocktail. Snorkel, swim, or just enjoy island life for a few hours.

Lunch is included and served by the water — usually fresh fish, coconut rice, salad, and patacones. Simple, tasty, and very Colombian.

Price for VIP is about 470k pesos ~ $120 dollars a person.

Back in Cartagena by late afternoon, enjoy a slow evening. A rooftop drink or a seaside dinner is all you need.

🏛️ Day 3 — Culture & Food of Cartagena

This day is all about getting to know the soul of the city. Start with a city tour to visit to Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, the old fortress with amazing views and stories of pirates, battles, and Cartagena’s history.

Then, join a food & market tour. Try arepas, ceviche, tropical fruits, local sweets, and Colombian coffee. You’ll learn how food is part of Cartagena’s culture — and you’ll definitely find your favorite new snack.

Price for guided City tour with air conditioned transportation is about $150

Evening could be flexible:
• Chill dinner in the Old Town
• Salsa night
• Rooftop cocktails with a view

• Catamaran (boat tour for 3 hours to see the sunset)

🚤 Day 4 — One More Island Before You Leave

Leaving Cartagena without a second island day feels wrong — so today, go again.

For a more exclusive experience, visit a boutique island like Isla Pao Pao. Think calm beach beds, better service, cocktails, and turquoise waters. Enjoy a last swim in paradise, a delicious lunch, and soak in the views before heading back.

Return to Cartagena for one final sunset over the city walls and enjoy more of Cartagena Nightlife at the terrazas with Colombian music. It’s the perfect ending to four unforgettable days

📘 Want a Deeper Guide With Hidden Spots, Tips & Videos?

If you want a more complete Cartagena travel guide with maps, must-try restaurants, safety tips, packing list, Spanish phrases, best rooftops, island comparisons, and more — get the full e-book. Choose your preferred format:

This guide helps you travel smart and avoid tourist traps.

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✨ Want This Trip Planned for You?

If you don’t want the stress of organizing boats, guides, a hotel, airport transfer, and reservations, we can handle everything for you. 4-Day Cartagena Package Includes:

✅ Airport pickup
🏨 Boutique hotel inside the Walled City
🌴 Rosario Islands (2 days)
🍽️ Gastronomy & culture day
📍 Private guides & support
💬 Assistance before and during your trip

Price:
$1,299 per person
$1,599 per couple

📩 Book your Cartagena Trip: https://alitravelframes.com/colombia

Plan it once, travel stress-free, and enjoy every moment.

Price:
$1,299 per person
$1,599 per couple

📩 Book your Cartagena Trip: Plan it once, travel stress-free, and enjoy every moment.

Full Packages COLOMBIA

4 Days Cartagena

Explore the Walled City, island-hop to Rosario, and enjoy nightlife in Getsemaní. Includes private tours, a boat trip, and a boutique stay

Price starts from:
$1,549 USD per person
$2,099 USD per couple

7 Days Cartagena

Discover Cartagena’s rooftops and forts, then relax on Isla Múcura and Isla Palma. Includes nightlife, food tour, private boat, and boutique stays

Price starts from:
$2,399 USD per person
$2,855 USD per couple

12 Days Colombian Coast

Start in Cartagena’s lively streets, then explore Santa Marta, Minca, Tayrona, Palomino, and La Guajira—rich in culture, beaches, mountains, and waterfalls

Price starts from:
Get a Quote today

5 Days Santa Marta

Explore Tayrona’s jungle coast, then unwind at Inca Inca or Playa Blanca—perfect for nature, calm beaches, and a taste of the local vibe

Price starts from:
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7 Days Santa Marta

Wander Minca’s waterfalls, hike Tayrona’s trails, then relax in Palomino—a perfect blend of mountain air, coastal views, and Caribbean charm.

Price starts from:
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10 Days Santa Marta

From hidden beaches to jungle trails, mountain views, and desert dunes—Inca Inca, Minca, Tayrona, Palomino, and La Guajira deliver it all

Price starts from:
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