5-Day Cartagena Itinerary: The Perfect First Trip

Cartagena packs an incredible amount into a compact destination — walled city of caribbean colors, bougainvillea balconies, and salsa beats. Five days gives you enough time to hit the highlights, discover a few secret spots, and still leave room for spontaneous detours.

Here is a tried-and-tested 5-day itinerary that balances must-sees with off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive and settle into your accommodation in Old Town (Centro) — colonial plazas, churches, and boutique hotels. Take it easy — grab a coffee, orient yourself, and shake off the jet lag.

Late Afternoon: Head to Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada) for your first taste of what makes Cartagena special. The late-afternoon light is ideal for photos and the crowds start to thin.

Evening: Dinner in the Old Town (Centro) — colonial plazas, churches, and boutique hotels area. Try Arepas de Huevo — fried corn patties stuffed with egg — it is the quintessential local dish and the perfect way to kick off your trip.

Day 2: The Iconic Highlights

Morning: Start early at Getsemaní neighborhood. Arriving before 9 AM means fewer tourists and better photo opportunities.

Afternoon: After lunch, make your way to San Pedro Claver Church. Budget about 2–3 hours here to fully appreciate the experience.

Evening: Explore the Bocagrande — modern high-rise beach strip with hotels neighborhood on foot. Street food stalls serve excellent Bandeja Paisa — hearty platter with beans, rice, plantain, avocado, and chorizo at a fraction of restaurant prices.

Day 3: Deep Dive into Culture

Morning: Visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas — one of Cartagena's most culturally significant sites. Hire a local guide for about $8 to get the stories behind the sights.

Afternoon: Wander through the Manga — island neighborhood with Republican-era mansions district. This is where locals shop, eat, and socialize, so the vibe is refreshingly authentic.

Evening: Treat yourself to a mid-range dinner featuring Cocadas — coconut candy in various flavors from palenquera street vendors. Expect to spend around $18 per person.

Day 4: Off the Beaten Path

Morning: Today is about discovery. Head to Getsemaní street art — murals covering entire blocks with social commentary — a spot most tourists overlook entirely.

Afternoon: Check out Mercado Bazurto — authentic local market with no tourist polish. The San Diego — quiet residential corner of the walled city area is great for a leisurely walk and a late lunch.

Evening: Experience Cartagena's nightlife scene — Getsemaní — Café Havana salsa bar and surrounding street parties.

Day 5: Final Gems & Departure

Morning: Use your last morning to visit Convento de la Popa — hilltop monastery with panoramic city views or revisit a favorite spot from earlier in the trip.

Late Morning: Pick up souvenirs at Las Bóvedas — souvenir shops in former prison cells within the walls — support local artisans and avoid airport markup.

Afternoon: Head to the airport with memories (and a full camera roll) to last a lifetime.

Pro Tips

• Transport: Walking is the best way to explore the walled city and Getsemaní
• Budget: A comfortable mid-range daily budget is about $70 per day including meals, transport, and activities.
• Packing: Pack light breathable clothing — the humidity is intense year-round You will average 12,000–15,000 steps per day on this itinerary.
• Etiquette: Greet with Buenos días or Buenas tardes when entering shops
• Safety: The walled city and Getsemaní are safe during the day and evening

Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Daily Total	$25	$70	$220
5-Day Total	$125	$350	$1100

Final Thoughts

Five days in Cartagena is enough to fall in love with the place — and to start planning your return trip. This itinerary is a starting point; feel free to swap days around based on weather, energy levels, and serendipitous discoveries.

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