Cartagena
Nahbu’s insider guide by Olivier Dufeu
What to expect from Cartagena ?
Cartagena captivates with a coastal charm that blends centuries of history, vibrant Caribbean culture, and natural beauty in equal measure. Set along the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, the city is framed by mangroves, white-sand beaches, and a series of offshore islands that feel worlds away from the urban buzz.
The walled city—an architectural gem and UNESCO World Heritage Site—is a living testament to colonial splendor, where colorful facades, bougainvillea-draped balconies, and cobbled streets evoke a bygone era.
Beyond the historic center, Afro-Caribbean communities and island cultures add layers of rhythm and flavor, offering meaningful encounters and deep cultural roots.
While Cartagena’s city beaches can be lively, we guide our travelers to secluded islands and private beach clubs where crystal-clear waters and tranquil settings offer a more exclusive escape.
This destination is ideal for private boat explorations, curated cultural immersions, and moments of barefoot luxury—all under the golden Caribbean sun.
Day 1
Arriving at Cartagena’s airport, you'll be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel, be it a colonial mansion or full-service resort.
Spend the afternoon with your guide enjoying a welcome walking tour, through the cobbled streets of the historic center.
Ask us to make you a reservation in one of our favorite restaurant in town.
Day 2
Keep exploring Cartagena with your guide, discovering hidden plazas, colonial churches, and stories of pirates and poets. Continue with a visit to Getsemaní, a vibrant neighborhood where street art and Afro-Caribbean rhythms reveal a different side of the city.
In the afternoon, enjoy a hands-on cultural experience such as a cooking workshop, a rum tasting or a salsa lesson.
Day 3
Set out for a day of sun and sea. Travel by private boat to the Rosario Islands, a stunning archipelago of crystal-clear waters and coral reefs. Snorkel, swim, or simply relax at a secluded beach club with fresh seafood and chilled rosé at hand.
Day 4
After breakfast, transfer to your next destination.
Possible Extension:
Enhance your stay with a night or two on a private island villa or boutique eco-lodge in the Rosario Islands.
Suggested 4 days / 3 nights itinerary
OUR FAVORITE HOTELS & VILLAS
What to do?
Explore Nahbu’s curated experiences and creations in the region
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Cartagena old town
With one of our handpicked expert local guides, you will have the opportunity to explore the highlights of Cartagena old town: the “torre del reloj” and the many plazas of the city.
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Outside the old town
Hope on a car to explore the outside of Cartagena old town where main monuments from the colonial times are: La Popa convent and San Felipe castel.
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Getsemani neighborhood
Walk through the streets of Getsemani, the bohemian part of old town, less visited than Cartagena center and with a more local ambiance.
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Rosario islands & beach time
Just 45 min by boat away from Cartagena is located the archipelago of the “Islas del Rosario”. The perfect escape to enjoy a sunny day and jump into crystal clear waters.
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Panoramic tour on vintage car
Do you want to go over the city in an unusual way? We arrange a convertible vintage car for you to scroll Cartagea in style.
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Caribbean design & fashion with a personal shopper
The best Colombian designers have a shop in Cartagena. Smart caribbean style. Our personal shopper will show you the places you can’t miss.
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Behind the doors of Getsemani
One of our signature tours. Today you will not only walk through Getsemani but get to share time with local families and enter their home to understand how locals live in Cartagena.
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Helping the “Granitos de paz” foundation
Granitos de Paz is an NGO dedicated to assist vulnerable families in the outskirts of Cartagena to make urban gardens in their homes. The organic vegetables are then sold to the best restaurants in town. A win win concept.
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The Soplaviento project
Another of our signature tours in a totally off the beaten path village: Soplavientos. This village located 1h away from Cartagena is not touristy at all. We invite you to explore it with our guide to see the real life of the Caribbean.
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Drums session at la Boquilla
15 min away from Cartagena is located the fisherman village of La Boquilla. With the local communities, try yourself to the drums with Colombian rhythm.
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Street food
In Cartagena you have street food vendors everywhere. But where to have the very best Arepa con huevo? only the locals know!
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Ceviche workshop
In a hidden restaurant of Cartagena, learn with a chef how to cook one of the most emblematic dishes of the region: the Ceviche, in this short and easy workshop.
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Fruit tasting
You will be surprised to see how many fruits there are in Colombia, that you most probably never heard of. Try them all in this tasting.
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Bazurto market with a chef
Bazurto is more a maze than a market. Streets and streets of local products that only a chef can walk you through. Please note this is a very local place and it can be “aromatic”.
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Cooking lesson
If you are looking for a more in depth cooking lesson, our chef would be happy to show you her best secrets.
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Colombian rum tasting
Colombia produces some amazing rums. Meet an expert to taste them.
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Coffee masters
If you are not going to the coffee region while traveling through Colombia (a pity) you must at least taste the softest coffee of the world with our barista.
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Horse riding on the beach
Heading 30 min away from Cartagena, away from the buzz of the city, are located quite villages only known by locals.
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Barú’s bird park
Barú’s bird park is a conservation project located 1h away from the city, to protect the tropical birds of Colombia.
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Chocolate workshop
Did you know that Colombia does not only produce coffee but also some amazing cacao? Learn how the cacao beans are turned into yummy chocolate.
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Baseball training with the local team
Another of our signature tours. Baseball is actually (as in most parts of the Caribbean) a very usual game in Cartagena.
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Soccer game with the community
But baseball is not the only popular game, soccer is too. The perfect plan is to meet the local kids club for a game.
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Pirate tour
The walls of Cartagena were built to protect the city from the pirates. A treasure hunt, with the story of the pirates, is the best way to entertain kids during a walking tour.
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Painting the iconic Cartagena buildings
Do your kids have an artistic nature? With an art lover, we will make them paint the iconic churches of Cartagena.
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Cartagena through the eyes of an architect
Do you want to learn and understand more about the architecture of Cartagena? Then you must walk the city with an architecture expert.
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The work and life of Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Gabriel Garcia Marquez is renowned Colombian literature nobel prize. If you’ve read some of his books, you will know he was widely inspired by the city of Cartagena.
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Caribbean contemporary art
Our art expert will open the doors of the most interesting contemporary art galleries of Cartagena but also arrange meetings with local artists.
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Memory session
Cartagena is so photogenic… Meet a local photographer for either a photo workshop (he will teach you how and where to get the best pictures of Cartagena) or for a photo session to get the best memories of your stay.
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Salsa Lesson with live band
If you leave Cartagena without dancing salsa, you were not in Colombia! Here, music is everywhere. Learn the basic steps of Salsa in a local and traditional venue.
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Salsa with locals
Once you know the basic steps of salsa, let us take you to the places where locals go to dance, so you can practice at night
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Birdwatching in a private natural reserve
Birdwatching lovers will need to get outside of the city (45 min) to enjoy the nature surrounding Cartagena, from this private natural reserve.
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Conserving the cotton-top tamarin project
The cotton-top tamarin is a monkey that used to be easily found in the region. Unfortunately it is now in danger. Visit a foundation that works on its conservancy.
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Golfing at Karibana club
Why not use some free time in Cartagena for a round of golf by the ocean? Karibana golf club was designed by Nicklaus.
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Cartagena’s botanical garden
A peaceful escape away from Cartagena center is its botanical garden. The perfect place for tropical flora.
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Yachting in the Rosario islands
Nothing better than a leisurely day yachting. We are here to help you pick the perfect yacht for your Rosario Islands exploration.
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Lunch at a beachclub
There are more and more beach club options to spend a relaxing day from Cartagena. We visited all of them and we are here to help you pick the one that suits you the most.
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Watersports
Jetski, wakeboard, parasailing etc… There are many fun ways to enjoy the water. Just tell us which one is your favorite.
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Diving
For Padi certified divers or beginners, our diving instructor is available to show you the underwater world outside of Cartagena.
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Fishing
Leave Cartagena early in the morning on a private boat to go deep-sea fishing with our instructor.
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Tasting menu at Carmen
Carmen is our favorite restaurant in Cartagena. Additionally to a la carte, they offer an amazing tasting menu that you can’t miss (pre-booked and pre-paid only).
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Celele - Projecto Caribe Lab
2 young and talented Cartagena chefs made it to the “world 50 best restaurants”. Celele is a must visit while in Cartagena.
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Private dinner in a Colonial house
For families or larger parties, let us arrange the most colonial and private dinner in Cartagena.
Cartagena FAQ
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Cartagena is a year-round destination. The driest months run from December to April. The rest of the year sees occasional rain, but nothing that gets in the way of enjoying the city and its coast.
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From Bogotá, Medellín, and other cities:
Cartagena’s Rafael Núñez Airport (CTG) has direct flights from Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Bucaramanga, Pereira and Panama City, served by Avianca, Latam, and other major airlines. Many international flights are also available.
From Santa Marta:
There are no direct flights—both cities are on the same coast. The drive takes around 4.5 hours, depending on your exact location.
Private charters between Cartagena and Santa Marta are available at reasonable rates. Helicopter transfers are also an option and can be paired with a beach picnic or a mountain excursion for a more exclusive experience.
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Yes, the touristy area of Cartagena is safe to travel. Just follow standard travel precautions and enjoy the journey.
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Definitely. The combination of light adventure, tropical vibes, warm weather, resort comforts, and welcoming locals makes Cartagena a great destination for families.
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Yes, definitely. Cartagena is right now very popular by everyone.
Colombia is generally speaking a LGBTQ+ friendly destination (same sex marriage is legal in Colombia).