Top Cartagena How to Get Around in 2026

Explore the city of Cartagena in a unique way impossible to recreate on your own—in a brightly painted chiva bus. You’ll have a blast being driven around the city in this only-in-Colombia open-air vehicle as you guide shares insights and stories. Stop by landmarks and highlights including Monumento a Los Zapatos Viejos and Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, ending with a walking tour in the historic city center.

If you want to dig beneath the tourist sites and really learn about the culture and history of Palenque, the first free African town in the Americas, joining a local guide is essential. Visit a variety of places that demonstrate how the area's distinct African culture has been maintained for centuries. Learn about traditional music and dance, folk medicine, and Palenque's unique language from your guide.

Escape the city and immerse yourself in the tropical nature and wildlife of the Caribbean coast during a full-day trip to the National Aviary of Colombia (Aviario Nacional de Colombia) and Baru Island (Isla Baru). You can sit back and leave the planning to someone else on this day trip, which includes transport from your hotel and between attractions, lunch, and admission tickets.

When your cruise ships drops anchor in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Cartagena, don’t waste a minute of sightseeing time on a shore excursion that’s ideal for visitors with limited time. Convenient port pickup and drop-off are included, and you’ll travel in air-conditioned comfort between top Cartagena attractions in Old Town Cartagena, without getting lost or having to navigate unfamiliar public transport systems.

If you’re a fan of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, one of Latin America’s most beloved authors, then don’t miss out on this literary walking tour, ideal for travelers that are familiar with Marquez’s work. With a guide, you’ll visit hard-to-find places that correlate to the fictional places in the Nobel Peace Prize winner’s books. Plus, a mid-afternoon start time means you’ll avoid the midday heat.

1. Location. Most beach clubs send you 40 minutes away. Fénix is 15 minutes from Bodeguita Dock. You spend your day on the island, not on a boat. A real white sand private island, no vendors walking past your towel. Fénix controls its own access, its own vibe, its own crowd. 2. The view is unique. From your beach bed, Cartagena's iconic skyline sits across the water in front of you. That view exists nowhere else in the other islands. 3. Most clubs close at 6 PM. Fénix runs until 11 PM. Choose your arrival time: first boat from 9:30 AM - and your return - boats back from 4:30 PM all the way until 11:00 PM. Stay for lunch, sunset, dinner and the bonfire. One pass, one full day at your own pace. 4. Fénix works for everyone. Couples, groups, families — kids under 4 ride free, pets welcome up to 7kg. 5. The proof: 4.7 stars across TripAdvisor, Viator and GetYourGuide. Hundreds of verified reviews from travelers who came back and said worth every cent.

Submerge yourself in the Caribbean Sea’s crystal-clear waters and discover the vibrant marine life that inhabits it on an island-hopping group tour from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands. This full-day excursion offers a perfect combination of relaxation, exploration, and underwater fun for an incredible getaway. Itinerary highlights include snorkeling in Corales del Rosario National Park, relaxing on Isla Grande, and lunch on Playa Blanca.

Get off the beaten path and discover Colombian cuisine that you might otherwise miss on a private food and walking tour of Cartagena. You’ll receive undivided attention from your private guide as you explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town Cartagena and learn about how the snacks you enjoy relate to the culture and history of the city. Plus, all samples are included so there’s no hidden costs.

Enjoy a fascinating 4-hour exploration of Cartagena’s top attractions during this shore excursion designed with cruise ship passengers in mind. Join a local guide to check out Cartagena sights including the striking architecture in the Manga neighborhood and see the colonial San Felipe Fortress. You’ll also have shopping time at Las Bovedas, take a walking tour of the old city and learn about Colombia’s emerald industry at the Emerald Museum. This shore excursion also covers transport by air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water and entrance at the monastery and the Saint Peter Claver Church and Museum.

Take a 2-hour cruise along the tranquil waters of Cartagena Bay and escape the crowds on lands. While taking in the views of the city's colorful colonial architecture from the boat, you can enjoy a 4-course dinner and half a bottle of wine per person. If you don't want to eat, you can simply book the cruise alone.

Discover Cartagena through the eyes of a local on a private tour. This flexible half-day excursion is great for visitors who are tired of impersonal group tours. Together with your guide, you’ll see the city's cultural and historical highlights, as well as a few hidden corners not found in any guidebook. You’ll travel by private transportation to ensure you maximize every moment of your time without getting worn out.

Our airport transportation service stands out for offering excellent quality and competitive prices Our commitment is to ensure that your arrival at the airport is the beginning of a pleasant and worry-free experience. With our transportation service, you can have peace of mind knowing that you will be greeted by professional and friendly drivers who will guarantee you a safe and comfortable trip in modern and spacious vehicles. Whether you are traveling alone, as a couple, with your family or in a group, we strive to adapt to your needs and offer you the best welcome to your destination. Trust us so that your trip starts in the best way. We look forward to joining you on your next adventure!

Explore the coastline beyond Cartagena with this full-day private boat tour. Leave the navigating to your private guide and admire views during the journey to the Rosario Islands. Visit Cholon and Baru islands for sunbathing and swimming. Return to Cartagena at day's end. You'll depart from a private marina, avoiding the crowds of the public dock.

Sail around Cartagena Bay on this small-group evening cruise. As you take in the coastal sights and skyline views, dine on a 3-course meal, which includes two choices for the main course and two glasses of wine per person.

Experience the Volcan del Totumo without the massive lines and crowds on this tour. Relax during the private roundtrip transportation from Cartagena, and take a mud bath during the least crowded times in the day. Your guides will help you through the mud bath process and provide instructions in English for a smooth experience.

Enjoy a unique night touring the best tourist sites in Cartagena, accompanied by the best party. Cartagena de Indias, the most important tourist destination in Colombia and one of the most prominent and recognized tourist sites in the world. One of the charms that makes Cartagena de Indias an essential destination is its amazing ability to transport you back in time in the 21st century and this is due to the beautiful and well-preserved Historic Center of the city. You will easily recognize colonial Cartagena, since it is surrounded by the walls that traced the limits of the old city.

Discover a different side of Cartagena on a private half-day tour. This excursion is perfect for curious travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience. The adventure begins at Bazurto, a bustling market where you'll immerse in the city's vibrant culture, tasting fresh foods and interacting with friendly locals. Then, ascend to La Popa, an often-overlooked hilltop convent offering outstanding panoramic views of Cartagena.

Avoid stress and hassle on the day of your departure from Cartagena with a private airport departure transfer. Travel directly from your hotel to Rafael Nunez International Airport, arriving well in advance of your flight. The private transfer coincides with your departure flight, and is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

Explore Colombia beyond Cartagena with a half-day private tour to the Totumo Volcano. Get picked up at your hotel and drive to this volcano known for the chance to swim in a sea of mud. Climb a flight of wooden stairs and enter the crater to experience the therapeutic qualities of a mineral mud bath.

Visit the village of San Basilio de Palenque, which is located roughly an hour's drive from Cartagena, with hassle-free pickup and drop-off from your hotel. Your guide is a Palenque native, ensuring a more authentic experience as you learn about Palenque's history, language, and the African traditions that have been passed down over several centuries.

Escape the bustle of Cartagena for a horseback riding tour on the beach. Travel outside the city center to the beaches of Manzanillo and go for a ride with views of the Caribbean Sea. Get matched with a horse for your experience level and learn new horseback riding skills from your guide. Round-trip transportation from Cartagena is provided.

Spend a day out on the waters that make Cartagena famous on this island-hopping snorkel tour of Colombia's Baru Islands. Snorkel with the comfort and security of a guide and nautical team, and relax as you sail around the scenic archipelago in the Caribbean sea between locations. This tour includes all equipment and lunch.

Many scenic islands can be explored from Cartagena, Colombia but few offer beaches and a historic fort. Combine a boat adventure, a guided tour of one of the oldest Spanish-built forts, and time to relax on San Fernando Beach and beach club including a traditional lunch during this tour to Tierra Bomba Island.

Discover the captivating charm of Cartagena, without spending hours researching, on a half-day private city tour with pickup from your hotel or the cruise port. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the bustling squares and picturesque streets while your local guide provides illuminating commentary on the city’s culture and heritage. Historical highlights include the iconic Walled City, San Felipe Castle, and La Popa Convent.