Have you ever wanted to explore South America but didn’t know where to start? The place we continue to dream about is Cartagena with its mix of old and new, city and beach, and being steeped in culture. Here you can eat savory seafood at an affordable price, enjoy a relaxing massage for under $30, and know that everyone will greet you with a vibrant smile. What more could you want? I know I will definitely be going back. One month there just wasn’t enough for our family. Here’s the ultimate Cartagena family itinerary for those looking to soak up the best it has to offer!
This Cartagena family itinerary is set up so that if you are in Cartagena for 3 days, follow the first three days of the itinerary. These are the best ways, in my opinion, to experience the amazingness that is Cartagena. If you are there for longer, there are additional enjoyable days planned out. There are also a couple of alternative suggestions if what I outlined is not to your liking.
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Best Time to Visit Cartagena
Located in the north of Colombia, right on the Caribbean Sea, is the colorful city of Cartagena. This location brings hot weather year round. Cartagena has a rainy season and dry season, with the dry season being between December and March. We visited during this time of year and it was sunny and hot almost every day.
Visiting Cartagena during the rainy season shouldn’t deter you from a visit, though. The city gets about 40 inches of rainfall annually and much of that is concentrated during October and November. So, I would recommend just avoiding those two months.
Where to Stay in Cartagena
If you only have 3 days to stay in Cartagena, I would recommend staying in the walled city in either Getsemani, El Centro or San Diego neighborhoods. Each neighborhood is safe to stay and has many options for hotels. Each one brings something a little different. If you are looking for more nightlife and art scene, stay in Getsemani. If you are looking to be in the middle of it all amongst many of the restaurants, choose El Centro. For a quieter stay that is still close to the attractions, choose San Diego.
If you are looking to play on the beach everyday, Bocagrande and Laguito are also nice options. This is where we stayed during our one month stay.
If you are in Cartagena longer than 3 days, I would recommend staying a couple of nights on a nearby island. You can choose between Tierra Bomba, Baru and the Rosario Islands.
Check out our local travel guide: Cartagena Recommendations from a Local Expert
Hotel Recommendations
Within the Walled City
Getsemani
El Centro
San Diego
Bocagrande/Laguito
The Islands
Tierra Bomba
Baru
Rosario Islands
How Many Days Should I Visit Cartagena?
I would recommend at least 3 full-days to explore Cartagena if not longer. If you are planning on enjoying the islands, I would stay for at least 5 days.
All of the reservations needed for the itinerary have quick links at the top of each day.
Day 1 – Cartagena Family Itinerary
Day 1 Reservations
- Walk, Enjoy and Taste Cartagena with Anita – Airbnb Walking Tour Experience
- Lunch Reservation Cuzco Cocina: 12:30 pm (Website wasn’t working for reservations. Call +57 302 2137139 or just stop by.)
- Pirate Ship Sunset Cruise
- Dinner Reservation Celele – 7:15 pm or later
Get to know the City
Start your trip with a walking tour of Cartagena’s walled city. I would recommend booking a walking tour experience with Anita. You can do this through Airbnb experiences. Just click the link to find out more information.
We did this with our kids and it was great. Anita provides so much history and details in her story telling. You start in Parque Centenario and search for animals. This gets the kids instantly interested. We saw lizards and a sloth. You can also see monkeys if you are lucky!
She breaks up the tour with Colombian snacks and drinks too! If you have small kids, I would recommend a stroller or carrier. Cartagena is always hot, so bring some water too!
You May Also Like: Walking Tour of Cartagena: Interesting History and Beauty
Lunch in Centro
You will end the tour in Centro which is the busiest of the walled city areas which means there will be plenty of options for lunch. I would recommend eating at Cuzco Cocina! It is a Peruvian style restaurant with fresh ingredients and a beautiful atmosphere. The menu is expansive, so you can find something for everyone!
Pool Time
Go back to the hotel and relax at the pool for the afternoon. Midday in Cartagena is hot and after a morning of walking, a rest will be desired. If your hotel doesn’t have a pool, find the nearest beach. The ones in Laguito have calm waters which are perfect for families with smaller children!
Pirate Ship Sunset Cruise
For the evening, book a sunset cruise on a pirate ship! This might sound a little cheesy, but we all LOVED it. There are a couple of options for pirate ships in Cartagena, but I would recommend La Fantástica. It is the smaller of the pirate ships, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in entertainment.
Read more about our experience here: Experience the Best Sunset Aboard a Pirate Ship in Cartagena
For the kids, the crew had props and costumes for them to wear and pretend to be pirates. We even played along! The crew was so friendly too. Everyone could enjoy drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). There was funny commentary and stories told throughout and fun music playing between stories.
Then there was the sunset. Just beautiful! 😍
Dinner in Getsemani
Walk into Getsemani and eat some local cuisine at Celele. After dinner, explore the winding streets full of colonial charm, experience the lively street life, and buy some local art!
Day 2 – Cartagena Family Itinerary
Day 2 Reservations
- Rosario Islands, Baru or Tierra Bomba Day Trip
- Dinner Reservations – Carmen
Go to the Islands
Book a day-trip to the Rosario Islands! The Rosario Islands, Isla Baru and Tierra Bomba are where the best beaches in Cartagena are located. All three have many options for beautiful beaches. Some of the beaches are private for resort guests only and some are public. I would suggest visiting a private resort if you would like a relaxing day without getting asked to buy goods from vendors constantly. If that doesn’t both you, visit a public beach like Playa Blanca to save a little money.
Rosario Islands, Baru or Tierra Bomba
The Rosario Islands and Baru are about a 45 minute to 1 hour boat ride from Cartagena. Booking a day trip to a resort can be done through a travel agency or directly with the resort. Tierra Bomba is the closest island and is only a 15 minute boat ride.
We recommend going to Islabela or Isla del Encanto if you choose the Rosario Islands or Baru. At Islabela, you can enjoy a welcome cocktail before relaxing on the beach. Explore by kayak or take a yoga class if you are there on Saturday or Sunday. Lunch is included as well as the beach chairs and loungers. There are options to go snorkeling and get a massage for an extra charge.
Isla del Encanto is very similar to Islabela, but has a pool. We chose this resort for the pool! There is a splash area for kids too, but unfortunately our kids weren’t allowed in. It is open for guests that spend the night at the resort only!
You May Also Like: Journey to the Beautiful Rosario Islands: An Honest Review
If you don’t want to be on a boat for over 45 minutes, visit Makani Luxury Beach Club on Tierra Bomba. Here you can get the experience of enjoying a private luxury beach club on an island but not travel as far. This one also has a pool!
Walk the Wall around the City
Right before sunset, take a walk along the wall of the walled city to enjoy the sunset. Enter the main gate in Centro by the clock tower. Follow the streets that align next to the wall to the left. You will find ramped walkways that lead to the top of the wall. Go to Fortificaciones Cartagena’s website to find more specific directions.
You can walk on the wall all the way to the other side of the San Diego neighborhood. If you have time and energy, I would recommend walking this whole section of the wall. If not, even a part of it is great to experience.
Dinner at Carmen
One of the best dinners we had in Cartagena was at Carmen. The link directs you to their menu. You need to get a reservation well in advance at this restaurant as it is very popular.
After dinner you can explore the beautiful buildings and plazas in the San Diego neighborhood at night or walk a little more of this section of the wall.
Day 3 – Cartagena Family Itinerary
Day 3 Reservations
Breakfast or Coffee in Bocagrande
Head into Boca Grande this morning and grab a coffee and maybe a bite to eat at our favorite coffee shop: Tienda Café Sabor de Montaña Bocagrande.
Paddleboard or Kayak in the Bay
After finishing your coffee, walk for about 10 minutes over to Karib Kayak y Paddle Center and rent a kayak or paddleboard for the morning. See the “Miami of Cartagena” from the water and view it from a different perspective.
Lunch at Di Silvio Trattoria
Enjoy a nice walk on the other side of the Laguito peninsula where there is an excellent sidewalk along the water. Eventually, make your way to Di Silvio Trattoria for excellent pizza or pasta. There’s even a small little playground to take the kids to in this area.
Alternative option: Visit The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas in the morning before it gets hot and busy! The castle is open from 7am – 6pm. They also provide guided tours if you are interested in hearing more about the history.
Enjoy lunch at Lunático in Getsemani before returning to your hotel in the afternoon.
Make your way back to your hotel for a break in the afternoon after lunch. Enjoy the pool or take a nap. After this, make your way to Las Bovedas.
Souvenir Shopping
Las Bovedas is the best and most unique place to go souvenir shopping, unless you want to buy art. In that case, you should go to Getsemani where all the best artists are located.
Las Bovedas is unique because all of the shops were former 18th-century dungeons. If shopping is not your thing, it’s also just a neat area to walk around in.
For more modern shopping, visit the unique La Serrezuela Mall pictured above. Not only is it a very chic mall, but it was formerly a bullring that was renovated and now holds special events. It is a beautiful spot to visit and admire.
Sunset and Dinner at Movich Hotel
Make a reservation around 5:30 pm at Movich Rooftop Bar. This is one of the best places to enjoy a Caribbean-inspired dinner, wonderful cocktails, and to watch the sunset over the old city with the modern city in the background.
Double check sunset times in Cartagena, but they are usually around 6 pm. Afterwards, you will be into the heart of Centro and you can experience the flavor of downtown in the evening. We saw dancing and celebrations in the plazas around the clock tower when we were there!
Day 4 – Cartagena Family Itinerary
Day 4 Reservations
Visit San Basilio de Palenque
If you want to dive deeper into the culture and history of Cartagena, a day-trip to San Basilio de Palenque should be on your itinerary. Experience the rich history and culture of the first free African settlement in the Americas, where vibrant traditions, music, and a unique language thrive.
The tours range in length but are going to last much of the morning. The one I linked to is a small group tour that lasts 6 hours. The town is 50 km from Cartagena, so some of that time will be transportation to and from.
Dinner at Mar y Zielo
Relax by the pool or read a book until dinner. I would recommend making a reservation at Mar y Zielo. It is known for its fresh, locally sourced seafood dishes and coastal-inspired cuisine. It is also a beautiful atmosphere.
Day 5 – Cartagena Family Itinerary
Day 5 Reservations
- Tierra Bomba – Vista Mare Beach House or Blue Apple Beach
Spend the Night on Tierra Bomba
Take an overnight trip to Tierra Bomba. This island is only 15 minutes by boat from Cartagena and is a true treasure. Staying the night will give you time to relax and take in its beauty. Maybe make it two or more nights if you really want to escape.
I didn’t get the opportunity to stay on Tierra Bomba, unfortunately, but after doing some research, Vista Mare Beach House looks like a nice option for a family. The family suite is reasonably priced, amazingly decorated and has good reviews.
Another option, if your budget allows for it, is Blue Apple Beach with their private bungalows tucked away by a serene beachfront. The laid back atmosphere comes with a pool, private beach and free bike rentals to explore the island.
Colombia Safety
One more note about Colombia that I’m sure is on many families minds is safety.
Is Colombia safe for my family?
The simple answer is yes and especially in Cartagena.
When we were there for a month, we never felt scared or intimidated. The people in Colombia are some of the friendliest people we have ever met. You may be asked to buy a lot of things by vendors, but I never felt like I was getting scammed either.
Now – should you walk around with your wallet or cell phone in your back pocket with a ton of cash inside? No, no you shouldn’t. BUT you shouldn’t ever do that when you travel. Stick to areas of the city that are busy in the evenings such as Bocagrande, Centro, San Diego and Getsemani. These are the areas you will want to be in anyway.
Curious about the costs of Cartagena? You may also like: Money and Cartagena – What does a visit cost?
Summary
Cartagena is a truly special place for families! You’ve got history oozing from every corner with cool colonial buildings and colorful streets that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook.
Plus what kid doesn’t like to play in the water. With its many beaches, warm tropical climate, and delicious food, everyone is sure to have a good time. This welcoming place will instantly win you over while you make some incredible memories together!
Please share your stories from using this Cartagena family itinerary in the comments. I can’t wait to hear all about it. I wish you the best time on your trip!
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