Welcome to Cartagena & Around
This dramatic and historic slice of Colombia's Caribbean coast is centered on the fabulous colonial city of Cartagena, whose raw beauty, superb food, thumping nightlife and historical significance bring a steady stream of visitors year-round. Capital of the Bolívar department, Cartagena is by far the biggest attraction in this area of Colombia, and rightly so: few in number are those who are underwhelmed by this gritty, romantic and thoroughly Colombian place. Around Cartagena is a slew of worthwhile day trips, including the lovely Islas del Rosario, the curious Volcán de Lodo El Totumo and the fabulous stretch of white sand that is Playa Blanca. You won't ever find yourself off the beaten path here, but you'll quickly understand just why so many people find Cartagena and its surroundings so alluring.
Top experiences in Cartagena & Around
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Starting at $35.09
Cartagena & Around activities
Playa Blanca and Baru Island Day Trip from Cartagena
Your day trip starts with hotel pickup or by meeting your guide in Cartagena's UNESCO World Heritage–listed old city. Board your coach, and head to Baru Island, about one hour away. During the drive, listen to your guide's commentary about the area's neighborhoods, fishing villages, and industrial zome of Mamonal. When you arrive at Playa Blanca, enjoy the white-sand beach and crystalline waters. A lunch of Colombian dishes is included. After your relaxing day in the sun, head back to the city, where your day trip ends.
Cartagena Airport Private Transfe to Hotel
You will be met at the airport and taken directly to your hotel in Cartagena. A representative will greet you when you clear airport customs and your vacation can start! When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your Cartagena hotel details. Your transfer will be confirmed instantaneously and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver.
Rosario Islands Day Trip with 1-Hour Cruise from Cartagena
The Rosario Islands are a group of private islands off the coast of Cartagena, Colombia. Due to its beautifully intact ecosystem, the archipelago was declared a national park in 1977. The beautiful array of natural flora and fauna is sure to impress you! On this day trip from Cartagena, take a sightseeing cruise to our eco-hotel at Isla del Sol and spend time relaxing on the beautiful beach of a private island! Take in astonishing Caribbean views from this point and go for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear water. After visiting the aquarium you will be back to the island just in time for a tasty lunch prepared with fresh fish and the best ingredients of the region. Before returning to your boat for the sail back to Cartagena feel free to use the kayaks, hammocks, and even take a dive to do some snorkeling” (optional at own expense). Cruising back to Cartagena in the evening, witness a stunning sunset as you leave the beautiful Rosario Islands behind.
Cartagena City Tour
The charm of Cartagena goes beyond the intriguing streets of the walled city. On this tour, you will not only visit these, but the most significant treasures of the city accompanied by an expert guide. On our Grand City Tour of Cartagena, you will enjoy the magic of the streets, churches, architecture, and squares of the old Cartagena. As you walk through the streets, be amazed by the contrast between the wealth and magnificence of the city and the warmth and the discreet charm of its neighborhoods. After picking you up at your hotel, we will go to Isla de Manga, where we will have the chance to enjoy the architecture of the Republican houses and Cartagena’s Moorish style that dates back to the early twentieth century. After, we will continue to Cerro de la Popa where we will not only visit an antique monastery but where we will enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city. We will then visit the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, the largest military architectural structure left by the Spanish in America. After a lunch stop at Plaza Fernández de Madrid, we will walk through cobblestone streets and colonial houses in the Walled City. We will visit the famous Plaza del Comercio, and after walking further into the old city to Plaza de Bolivar. We will visit Naval Museum, where you will be able to understand Cartagena from its geography through cartography and pirates' history. Finally, we will go to the San Pedro Claver church, which was built in the second half of the 17th century.
Cartagena to Totumo Mud Volcano Half-Day Tour Including Lunch
Following pickup at your hotel in Cartagena, travel with a bilingual guide in a private mini-van for roughly one hour to reach the Totumo mud volcano. Once inside the volcano you can get a massage (additional cost) while floating in the mud. After leaving the volcano, rinse clean in the nearby lagoon then depart to nearby Manzanillo Beach for swimming and lunch before returning by van to your hotel in Cartagena.
City Sightseeing Cartagena Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Explore this incredible city to discover both its modernity and history. From beautiful architecture to striking monuments, there are plenty of inspiring sightseeing opportunities on this City Sightseeing Cartagena hop-on hop-off bus tour! Hop on to the tour at The Bodeguita Pier and admire the beautiful views of the coast from the get go! Sit back and relax as the tour continues to one of the city’s oldest forts, the Pastelillo, which was built in the 16th century as a defensive post. Another important landmark to follow is the San Felipe Fortress, from the open-top deck on the bus, passengers will have great views of this striking castle, which is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most dominating structures in Cartagena and passengers can learn all about its extensive background from the bus’ audio commentary! Continue exploring the city’s history at the Rafael Nunez Museum, previously the home of the former president, which today details the life of the Colombian president and also includes wonderful displays, including the desk where the constitution of Colombia was signed! Next up is the Walled City of Cartagena, a widely popular tourist attraction, built hundreds of years ago to prevent pirates from entering the city! Take a break from the countless historic attractions and enjoy a couple of games at the RIO Casino, or hop-off at the Castillo Grande Bay where you’ll find plenty of eateries and bars where you can also admire the beautiful sea views! With your 48-hour ticket, you can remain on the bus for the entire loop (90 minutes) as you listen to the informative audio commentary, or, you can hop on and off at any of the 12 stops around the city to explore Cartagena’s famous fortress walls and historical, brightly coloured buildings! Tour Stops1 Muelle de la Bodeguita / Centro de Convenciones2 San Sebastian de Pastelillo3 Torre del Reloj4 Quintal - Street Food Market5 Castillo de San Felipe6 Museo de Rafael Núñez7 Boquetillo - entrance to the walled city8 San Francisco - entrance to the walled city9 Av. San Martín / Casino Rio10 Hotel Caribe11 Hotel Hilton12 Bahía de Castillogrande