From the colonial buildings lined with bright hibiscus flowers, to the vibrantly tiered dresses of Palenquera street performers, Cartagena, Colombia is a city FULL of beauty and color. Below I'll take you through a 3-Day itinerary of the city; although three days doesn't seem like much, you can definitely see and experience a lot by maximizing your time wisely. Below I'll show you how best to enjoy the city and its rich culture on a quick trip!
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Day 1: Settle In & Explore Cartagena's 'Old Town'
Check Into Ermita, Cartagena, a Portfolio Tribute Hotel
Hotel Ermita Cartagena is part of the Tribute Portfolio collection with Mariott Bonvoy and is the first of its kind in the city. This is a beautifully designed boutique hotel that captures the essence of Cartagena and sits facing the Caribbean Sea, and not only that, you're in a prime location; only a ten minute drive from Rafael Nuñez International Airport and a 10-15 minute walk to the city's Old Town if you don't feel up to calling a taxi.
Explore Cartagena's Old Town
Cartagena's Old Town is filled with so much color and character, you could honestly spend days exploring. From the vibrantly-hued streets, the colonial architecture and the abundant gastronomic scene, there is so much experience! To learn a bit more about the area's history, you can take a free walking tour, or just head out to explore on your own. Another great spot for a respite is Plaza Bolívar to watch dance performances and try some local street food. Beneath the Old Town walls is Las Bóvedas Market, where you can peruse around and decide on souvenirs. What's really interesting about this market is that the stalls once served as the cells of an old Cartagena prison. You're also sure to come across the beautiful Palenqueras on your walks, who come from a deep, rich Afro-Colombian community. Stop to take a picture with them and their colorful, admittedly heavy fruit baskets; and be sure to tip!
Get a Taste of Colombia's Most Award-Winning Coffee
If you're a coffee lover, you know that Colombia boasts some of the best in the world, so of course when I heard about the most awarded coffee in the COUNTRY? I had to try it out! I'm not a huge coffee lover, but I definitely like to enjoy a cup once in a while, and Cafe San Alberto's in Plaza Santo Domingo didn't disappoint. I found out that you're able to buy the beans to take with you back home or gift to your loved ones who love coffee too.
Enjoy a Late Lunch/Dinner at Cuba 1940
Okay, I know it's a bit odd to decide on Cuban food for your first dinner in Colombia, but I promise its well worth it! My friend Tonya and I were starving after our day of travel, and after just a few minutes walk into the walled city we came across this gem. I had the Vaca Frita with fried yuca, while Tonya opted for the Cuban Sandwich. Their mojitos were spot on (of course) and they even have a live band play if you make it in a little later at night.
Day 2: Experience a Healing Mud Bath and Eat Till You Can't Anymore
Visit El Totumo Mud Volcano
El Totumo is an active mud volcano located in Santa Catalina, about a 30 minute drive from the center of Cartagena. This tourist spot is famous for its mud's supposed healing properties, and many travel to Cartagena just to experience it. The volcano itself is over 8,000 feet deep, and surprisingly the mud isn't hot, but more lukewarm despite it surfacing from an active volcano. And don't worry about the depth; the mud's quality will have you immediately float to the top. Personally, this experience was a one and done for me, but I think everyone should experience it! It's super unique, but can be overwhelming due to the height of the 'questionable' stairs you have to climb and then walk down (while covered in slippery mud might I add), the crowding/lines, massage offerings while in the mud (just politely answer 'no thank you' and they'll leave you alone), etc.
A couple of tips: if you're afraid of heights, this might not be for you, but for those who can brave it be sure to bring cash to tip everyone who helps you throughout the process. There are helpers to get you into and out of the mud, take your pictures, and women at the near by lake who will wash you clean after your dip. We specifically booked a tour with GetYourGuide (the place we originally booked with is no longer active), so I suggest booking through there as our tour covered transportation, tips for the helpers, and a snack/drink!
Fill Your Belly on a Street Food Tour
If it's one thing I'm going to do when visiting a new city, it's go on a food tour. Food is a great way to learn about a country's culture, customs, history and people (while also satisfying all of my foodie tastebuds). There's quite a few different options for food tours in the city, but I recommend this one from Airbnb Experiences! I learned so much about the culture and history of Cartagena through this tour, ate NUFF (Jamaican patois for A LOT lol), and got to try food and drink that I otherwise wouldn't have sought out on my own during this quick trip. Come to this tour hungry, you're going to be given plenty to eat and drink!
Take in Getsemani's Street Art
A must-visit during your trip to Cartagena de Indias, not only for the lively street musicians, chill vibes and delicious arepas sold on nearly every corner, but for the many colorful streets displaying the breadth and vibrance of Cartagena's art scene. This is the perfect area to walk around and take as many photos as you wish as there are so many picturesque areas to choose from! From the Umbrella art installations on Callejón Angosto and Calle de la Magdelena, the World Flag street on Calle de Sierpe, or with the multitude of breath-taking murals sprinkled throughout the streets of Getsemani, you'll have plenty to see.
Have a Sensational Culinary Experience at Restaurante Cande
Cande Restaurant is an enjoyable experience for both lunch and dinner, but I personally recommend booking a dinner reservation. Located just within the walled Old Town, you'll be immersed within the elegant, plant-filled space that serves up 100% Cartagenera cuisine alongside bright, melodious live music and entertainment. There is both indoor and outdoor seating, with a rooftop that also has its own section for live music. My favorite dishes from the night were the Cazuela de Mariscos Boquillera (Seafood Bisque served with coconut rice and plantains) along with the Candé Coquetona cocktail. So delicious!
Day 3: Learn About Cartagena's Rich Afro-Colombian Culture and Enjoy the Night Life
Immerse Yourself in the People & History of Palenque
There is rich, rich history in the town of Palenque; the city is known as the first territory in South America where freed slaves could live and work. Palenque was initially founded in the 15th century by Benkos Biohó, a former African king who was later sold into slavery but escaped. With a starting population of 40 people, Palenque has since flourished and remained constant in its teachings of Afro-Colombian history, Economics, Language and Natural Medicine. Touring this self-sufficient town and discovering its vital importance to the diaspora made me feel such a mix of emotions; sadness, anger, inspiration and warmth being but a few. When we first made our way to the town we were greeted and told that we would be going "home", and at that moment I knew that this tour would change me, and it did. With Experience Real Cartagena, for $100 you receive the full half-day tour of the town, try samples of traditional snacks/sweets and spirits, experience performances from their traditional dance/hip hop group and before heading home you're provided a delicious lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Snap a Picture at the Cartagena Sign Near Playa Marbella
Enjoy Your Last Night Out on the Town
For your last night in Cartagena (if it's your vibe and what you're looking to do while in the city) why not a night out to see what's up with the local night life? There's plenty of salsa and latin clubs to choose from, including Donde Fidel or Taboo, and even one of the World's 50 Best Bars of 2022, Alquímico Rooftop Bar. For the all night Hip Hop scene, I recommend checking out Delirium.
Happy Wandering!
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