10 BEST Day Trips From Cartagena Colombia! (2023)
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Known as the “Jewel of the Indies”, Cartagena de Indias in Colombia is known for its colourful old town, cobbled streets and local Afro-Caribbean culture.
Whilst you can spend your days in Cartagena wandering the quirky neighbourhoods, soaking in the beach views and partying the night away at some of Colombia’s best nightclubs, Cartagena is also in close proximity to some of the best cultural landmarks and national parks, making it the perfect place to base yourself for some epic day trips.
In the following post, I discuss some of the best day trips from Cartagena, both tours that require a booking and ones that can be made independently.
So, let’s take a look at the best day trips from Cartagena; with a trip to the first free black town in all of the Americas, snorkelling in the crystal clear Caribbean Sea and bathing in a mud volcano!
Still got a question about the best day trips from Cartagena? Let me know over on Instagram or shoot me an email at jennie(@)jenniewanders.com!
🇨🇴 Other Colombia posts:
- Cartagena Nightlife: Colombia Party Guide!
- Palenque Tour Cartagena: The BEST Day Trip!
- Yellow Fever Vaccine Cartagena: Tourist Guide
- Medellin To Cartagena: FULL Transport Guide
- Cartagena To Minca: Best Routes + Ways To Travel
Our Top 3 Best Day Trips From Cartagena
#1 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: San Basilio de Palenque
✔️ 5-6 hours | ✔️ Guided tour and lunch included | ✔️ Transfers from Cartagena | ✔️ Once-in-a-lifetime experience
#2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: Full Day Snorkelling Tour on the Rosario Islands
✔️ 8 hours | ✔️ Free cancellation | ✔️ Transfers and equipment included | ✔️ Outstanding natural beauty
#3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: Cartagena ATV Tour
✔️ 2.5 hours | ✔️ Small group size | ✔️ All equipment included | ✔️ Perfect for adrenaline junkies
12 Best Day Trips from Cartagena
1. San Basilio de Palenque
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏰ TOUR DURATION: 6-7 hours | ✅ BOOK NOW!
It’s hard to put into words how special this day trip from Cartagena was. I’m not sure if it’s because we just didn’t know what to expect, or just the sheer amount of insight and knowledge you gain from it, or if it was just how the tour guides went above and beyond to make our day special.
A trip to Palenque really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It allows you to peer into another culture, and see a glimpse into what past life was like; and how life is for the locals now.
Whilst learning about the hardships this community once faced, and now seeing how happy, joyous and vibrant the village is; it’s a unique experience that not many will see in their lifetime.
When you think about visiting a town that was once made of desperate people who had to escape the hardships of slavery in Cartagena, you don’t expect it to be so full of love. Yet that’s what Palenque is – a village full of love, hope and community.
Don’t just take my word for it; experience the vibrancy of Palenque yourself. I can truly say it is a day that will stick with me forever.
“As an Afro Latina I can not put into words the impact that this tour has had on my life. I feel so connected to the people in the culture. It truly felt like family. I left with such a sense of pride. Please visit Palenque. Thank you thank you thank you!!!”
-Viator Reviews (Read more reviews here!)
Related post: Palenque Tour Cartagena: The BEST Day Trip!
2. Full Day Snorkelling Tour on the Rosario Islands
⭐️ RATING: 4/5 Stars | ⏰ TOUR DURATION: 8 hours | ✅ BOOK NOW!
If you’re looking to explore some of Cartagena’s prettiest beaches, snorkel in crystal clear blue waters, relax on soft sand and eat a tasty lunch overlooking some of Colombia’s most scenic views, this full-day snorkelling tour to the Rosario Islands is for you.
You’ll board either a speed boat (or standard boat, depending on which option you choose), and sail to the Corales de Rosario National Park with a small group.
“Sheeeeeesh, what a day! For fun, sun, just the right amount of history and too much tequila – this is the spot! What an amazing time with an amazing company!”
– Viator Reviews (Read more reviews here!)
3. Cartagena ATV Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏰ TOUR DURATION: 2.5 hours | ✅ BOOK NOW!
One of the most EPIC and incredible day trips from Cartagena is the ATV tour. Not only do you get to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, but you’ll drive across rocky trails and quiet beaches to watch the sunset and enjoy a different part of Cartagena with your new friends.
It’s an action-packed day full of driving on trails, dirt roads and rock formations. You’ll finish by parking up at a private beach spot, enjoying the panoramic views of the city and taking a refreshing swim in the sea (coconut in hand, of course).
“There’s a reason why this tour is rated 5 stars. A must-do in Cartagena. The guides are great, the stops are beautiful (various hidden gem beaches), and the food option at the end is delicious. The ATVs are a blast to ride as well. What else can I say, do yourself a favor and book this tour.“
Viator Reviews (Read more reviews here!)
4. El Totumo Mud Volcano
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏰ TOUR DURATION: 7 hours | ✅ BOOK NOW!
Another amazing day trip from Cartagena; ‘swimming’ (can I call it that?!) in a mud bath in a mud volcano!
If you want to visit the mud volcano, you can take either a full or half day tour to the salt mines, museum and monument all dedicated to a legendary indigenous woman, India Catalina.
From here, you’ll learn about the indigenous history as you relax in the volcanic mud bath and tick off another bucket list activity (who doesn’t have mud bath on their world check lists?!)
The mud bath isn’t huge, but it’s an activity that’s worth doing whilst you’re in Cartagena. I mean, when else are going to soak in mud for fun?!
All tours include transfers to and from Cartagena and the mud volcano.
“Charlie was the perfect HOST. This excursion is a must do. We had so much fun. The meals were great. The atmosphere was breathtaking.”
– Viator Reviews (Read more reviews here!)
5. La Boquilla fishing village and mangroves
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏰ TOUR DURATION: 3 hours | ✅ BOOK NOW!
La Boquilla is a small fishing village outside of Cartagena. On this day trip, you will experience not only the local culture, watch champeta dance performances and take drumming classes, but you will be taught the traditions of the Caribbean Coast of Colombia!
After a day of immersing yourself in history and tradition, you’ll have the opportunity to dip in the sea before heading back to the city. It’s a great tour that not only is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for yourself, but your payment supports the local community.
“Everyone had a great time and had nothing but good things to say about Marelvy and the tour she provided. We learned so much of the history and saw everything we had hoped to, including an awesome night time performance from a local dance group. Some of us even joined in the dance fun. Truly a cool experience.”
– Viator Reviews (Read more reviews here!)
You can also visit La Boquilla independently, as it is just 17km out of Cartagena. Watch the fisherman, hire a bike, or simply relax on the beach. You can book a transfer to La Boquilla here!
If you’d rather take a relaxing boat tour and experience the mangroves of La Boquilla, check out this tour!
6. Isla Tierra Bomba
⭐️ RATING: Multiple tours | ⏰ TOUR DURATION: 8 hours | ✅ BOOK NOW!
Tierra Bomba is a small island home to 9000 residents. It can be seen from Cartagena, and is often visited by tourists wanting to party and dance the night away. However, during the day, it is home to some of Cartagena’s best untouched and tranquil beaches.
There are many tours to Tierra Bomba, or you can reach the island independently by taking a boat from the Cartagena Port. Tickets for a return trip cost roughly 30,000 COP.
If you’re looking for an epic organised tour to Tierra Bomba, I recommend the sunset cruise. You’ll receive a welcome cocktail followed by an open bar whilst watching the sky turn from blood orange to dusty pink. A truly memorable experience in Cartagena!
7. Tayrona National Park
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 | ⏰ TOUR DURATION: 18 hours | ✅ BOOK NOW!
As Tayrona National Park is over 150 (250km) miles away, this is a pretty hefty and action-packed day trip from Cartagena. But it is so worth it, especially if you don’t have time to stay overnight at Tayrona!
Tayrona is one of Colombia’s most beautiful national parks, and is home to a wide range of wildlife, mangrove swamps, bushes and forests, all surrounded by the crystal clear blue waters of the Caribbean sea.
During this tour (I highly recommend NOT attempting to travel to Tayrona in a day independently), you’ll hike to a scenic viewpoint, visit a small fishing village, soak in the water and spend time on the beach. All whilst keeping an eye out for sloths, monkeys and even caiman crocodiles!
“What a wonderful day, beautiful place, pretty beach, snorkelling was amazing, beautiful coloured fish and the reef is full of life.”
– Viator Reviews (Read more reviews here!)
8. Playa Blanca
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 | ⏰ TOUR DURATION: 7 hours | ✅ BOOK NOW!
If you’re already doing the full-day snorkelling tour from Cartagena, you’ll have ticked Playa Blanca off your list. But, if you’d like to experience the beach a little deeper, you can visit Playa Blanca either independently or via a tour.
If you’re taking the trip to Playa Blanca independently, you’ll need to travel to the Bazurto Market docks to catch the boat.
Or, if you’d like everything neatly organised for you, I recommend this tour from Cartagena. It includes round transport from the city, lunch and snorkelling equipment. Plus, you’ll be travelling in a small group so you’ll have the opportunity to make new friends!
“The most reflective & one of the highlights of my trip to Cartagena. I will definitely be back again in the future!”
– Viator Reviews (Read more reviews here!)
9. Cartagena boat tours and rentals
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 | ⏰ TOUR DURATION: 9 hours | ✅ BOOK NOW!
Whilst it may not be a ‘day tour’ as such, hiring a boat in Cartagena with a group of friends is one of the best ways to escape the city!
By renting a boat, you can explore the entire Caribbean coastline in Cartagena at your own pace, relaxing in your own space and partying at whichever spot along the coast takes your fancy. You choose the route, you choose what to do and you’re completely in control!
Boats hold up to 10 people, and prices start at as little as $55 USD per person for an entire day on the boat! If you ask me, this is an unbeatable day trip from Cartagena, and one that is at the top of my list!
“This experience was amazing. The boat pictures they provide doesn’t do it justice. They let you pick your itinerary and we all wanted to do Cholon and just view Rosario. They let us swim at Rosario and we spent the day at Cholon. It was nothing short of amazing.”
– Viator Reviews (Read more reviews here!)
10. Barranquilla
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 | ⏰ TOUR DURATION: 9 hours | ✅ BOOK NOW!
Three hours from Cartagena is the buzzing town of Barranquilla. A must-see for those who want to party the night away, or want to experience a different type of night to Cartagena.
You can visit Baranquilla independently, and it works out pretty cheap to get a transfer if there are a few of you from the hostel (you can check transfer prices here).
Or, if again, you’d prefer a full-day organised tour where you don’t have to think about a thing, this tour takes you to both Barranquilla and Santa Marta.
Learn about Colombia’s history with pirates, hear stories of the country’s past, have the chance to partake in some watersports and visit some areas of outstanding natural beauty.
Where to stay in Cartagena
Cartagena is another big city in Colombia, and there are many different areas to stay in. I’ll be doing a post in the near future about all of the accommodation areas in Cartagena, but if you’re visiting for a short stay, I recommend booking accommodation in Getsemani.
Getsemani is the main ‘hub’ of Cartagena and is home to the biggest backpacker hostels. It’s also known for its colourful streets, range of restaurants, bars and nightlife.
For backpackers and short-term tourists in Getsemani (Cartagena), I recommend one of the following:
- Life Is Good Hostel: perfect for any short-term tourist. It’s a boutique hostel in an ideal location, and it was one of our favourite hostels in Colombia for a number of reasons. Stay here if you can! ➡ CHECK PRICES!
- Viajero Hostel: another good location a few minutes from Getsemani; perfect for solo travellers or couples. We’ve stayed in a few Viajero Hostels and have loved them! ➡ CHECK PRICES!
- Hotel Dorado Plaza Calle del Arsenal: a hotel with a rooftop in Getsemani. ➡ CHECK PRICES!
Related post: The BEST Hostels in Cartagena, Colombia! | Cartagena To Santa Marta: FULL Route + Travel Guide
Why visit Cartagena?
Cartagena is full of trendy, colourful neighbourhoods, beachside apartments, crazy nightlife and a rich history of Colombia. It’s home to the famous UNESCO walled city and is packed full of bars, restaurants, cafes, live street performances and notable street art.
For us, the vibrant neighbourhood of Getsemani had everything we wanted from Cartagena. It was full of life, culture and history, and we were able to try some local foods as well dine in some of our favourite home comfort restaurants (like Italian and American cuisines).
If you’re looking for nightlife in Cartagena, Getsemani is the best place to be. The streets quite literally come alive at sundown, with hundreds of cocktail vendors lining the streets. You can grab a rum cocktail for under $3 USD, and watch the street performances in front of the Plaza de la Trinidad before a night out in the rooftop bars and clubs.
Even if you’re not into nightlife, we found Getsemani to be the most ‘authentic’ part of Cartagena, along with the other parts of the Old City.
Bocagrande is a little more like Miami; with its tall buildings and skyscrapers overlooking the ocean. It depends on what you’re looking for, but we preferred Getsemani.
Related post: Nightlife in Cartagena: Full Party Guide | Getsemani Neighbourhood Guide: Everything You Need To Know
Best Cartagena Tours 🇨🇴🌎
- Full-day Rosario Islands tour including Baru, Cholon and Playa Blanca
- EPIC Bora Bora Beach Club Day 🍹
- Cartagena ATV Tour: Explore the Colombian countryside in style!
- Experience the MUD VOLCANO and take a mud bath in Cartagena!
Day trips from Cartagena: FAQs
1) How many days in Cartagena is enough?
If you are visiting Cartagena for the first time, I recommend staying for around 3-4 nights. This gives you enough time to spend a day at the beach, take some day tours out of the city (snorkelling or to Palenque), roam the colourful Cartagena streets and have an epic Colombian night out!
➡ Book an epic stay in Cartagena now!
Related post: Cartagena Nightlife: Colombia Party Guide!
2) What’s the best area to stay in Cartagena?
If you haven’t visited Cartagena before, I recommend booking accommodation in the area of Getsemani. Getsemani is within the walled city of Cartagena and is full of life, restaurants, bars, street food and nightlife. It’s also a safe area in Cartagena for tourists.
➡ Book accommodation in Getsemani Cartagena now!
Related post: Getsemani Cartagena: FULL Travel Guide | Cartagena To Santa Marta: FULL Route
3) Is Cartagena Colombia worth it?
Yes! Cartagena is so worth the trip if you are in Colombia. Not only are the Caribbean Sea views unbeatable, but the nightlife, culture, rich history, street food, live music and atmosphere is the best in the country. Full of life, character and energy, Cartagena is somewhere you don’t want to miss when in Colombia!
Related post: The BEST Hostels in Cartagena, Colombia!
Don’t forget travel insurance for South America!
If you’re visiting South America as a backpacker, or even for a short vacation, it is so important to have travel insurance. And if you ended up on a post that’s called ‘epic party tips’, you know (just as well as I do) that you definitely need travel insurance.
Personally, I recommend SafetyWing. As a digital nomad and world traveller myself, I can confirm it is the best travel insurance out there. And one of the cheapest – they have deals that start at just $42 USD per month.
I know, I know, you’re thinking ‘but I can’t afford that!’. I was the same! It’s tough to fork out $42 a month on something ‘you might not need’. But what if something DOES happen? That extra Mezcal shot results in you falling down the stairs, or you eat something dodgy from a street food van.
If you need medical help at any point whilst in South America, you need travel insurance.
With SafetyWing, you’re covered on travel emergencies, basic medical costs and medical expenses throughout your trip, so you can travel without worry (at a backpacker’s price!)
Don’t even think twice about getting travel insurance for South America. Trust me, I have heard enough horror stories about backpackers who haven’t had insurance and have ended up in a lot of debt. Don’t be that person!
If you’ve been putting the job off because it takes a lot of time and effort to research the best travel insurance companies, I understand. That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you. Sign up for SafetyWing, and the job is done!
For more information about safety in Cartagena and Colombia, check out my in-depth, honest and realistic blog post about how to stay safe in Colombia as a solo female traveller here.
Day trips from Cartagena: In A Nutshell
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about the best day trips from Cartagena. When you’re planning a trip to Colombia, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!
If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m currently travelling around the world with my boyfriend (read more here!), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!
Keep an eye out for more Colombia content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!
As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!
Happy travelling 🙂
Jennie x
🇨🇴 Other Colombia posts:
- Palenque Tour Cartagena: The BEST Day Trip!
- Yellow Fever Vaccine Cartagena: Tourist Guide
- Medellin To Cartagena: FULL Transport Guide
- Cartagena To Minca: Best Routes + Ways To Travel
- Cartagena Nightlife: Colombia Party Guide!
MEET THE AUTHOR!
Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.
If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).
