What to do in Cartagena in 3 days: itinerary with tours and prices

Quick answer: One possible order: day 1 in the walled city and Getsemaní with a free tour, day 2 on the islands or at Playa Blanca, day 3 at the San Felipe Castle and a sunset boat ride. Reference prices are in the tables.

Updated on 05/11/2026.

Day 1: walled city and Getsemaní

Start with a walking tour of the historic centre.

TourPlaceReference price
Historic centre & Getsemaní free tourWalled cityfree (tips welcome)
Full Cartagena tour with ticketsWalled cityUS$ 101

Reference prices per person, in US dollars (USD), converted at the 01/11/2026 exchange rate and reviewed on 05/11/2026. The final price is the one shown by the partner at checkout.

Day 2: islands or beach

TourPlaceReference price
Rosario Islands day tripRosario Islandsfrom US$ 73
Cholón Island day tripRosario Islandsfrom US$ 67
Playa Blanca day tripBarúfrom US$ 31

Reference prices per person, in US dollars (USD), converted at the 01/11/2026 exchange rate and reviewed on 05/11/2026. The final price is the one shown by the partner at checkout.

Day 3: castle and sunset

TourPlaceReference price
Sunset cruise on Cartagena BayCartagena BayUS$ 25
Sunset pirate boat rideCartagena BayUS$ 22
San Felipe Castle and La Popa tourWalled cityfrom US$ 54

Reference prices per person, in US dollars (USD), converted at the 01/11/2026 exchange rate and reviewed on 05/11/2026. The final price is the one shown by the partner at checkout.

Quick questions

Are 3 days enough?

They are enough for the historic centre, one day of islands or beach and one day of castle and sunset; trips to nearby towns need another day.

Sources

Tours mentioned