The perfect balance of adventure and relaxation can be found in Cartagena. The Colombian city of Cartagena de Indias is a must-see because of its captivating sea wall and bustling port. The city has a long and illustrious history as a thriving port for the trading of gold and silver. It has achieved recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a popular tourist destination today. Admire the charming colonial architecture, take in the tropical Caribbean atmosphere, and experience a bit of local culture. Spend as much time as possible discovering all that Cartagena has to offer, from sipping coffee on a balcony lined with bougainvillea to island-hopping and dancing salsa until the sun rises, Cartagena has something to offer everyone.

10 Explore The Old City

The historic walled city of Cartagena, Colombia—also known as Old Town, Centro Histórico, or the Historic City Center—is a well-liked tourist destination. The walled city is a must-see destination for tourists and features charming colonial architecture that The New York Times likened to a Moroccan medina. Additionally, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors to Cartagena should think about staying in the old city, which includes the communities of Centro, San Diego, and Getsemani, in order to be close to the most picturesque and historically significant areas of the city. The Torre del Reloj, the Plaza Aduana, the Plaza Santo Domingo with its Botero statue, and the Plaza Santo Domingo are a few of the top sights to see within the walled city.

  • Tour: Cartagena City Tour
  • Duration: 5 to 7 hours
  • Cost: From $95 USD per adult

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9 Bora Bora Cartagena Beach Club

This excursion offers an all-day experience of relaxation at an exclusive beach club on Rosario Island, Colombia. The tour includes a speedboat ride from La Bodeguita Pier in Cartagena to Bora Bora Beach Club, where a complimentary cocktail and beach bed are provided. Lunch options include vegetarian, chicken, and fish. There are other exciting activities, such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and massages, are available for an additional charge. The day can be spent relaxing at the Caribbean beach club, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, or just lounging on the beach.

  • Tour: Bora Bora Cartagena Beach Club
  • Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes
  • Cost: From $88 USD per adult

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Related: 10 Tips To Go Hiking In Bora Bora

8 Street Food Tour

A food tour offers visitors to Cartagena, Colombia, the exceptional chance to learn about the city's diverse culture and cuisine. Plantain pancakes, empanadas, and ceviche are just a few of the street food specialties that Cartagena Connections' guided tours highlight. The knowledgeable tour guide will give participants insight into Colombian culture as they travel through the city, stopping at carts, alleyways, and shops to sample delectable regional treats like Tinto, frozen desserts, and queso costeo. The tour will give participants a greater understanding of Cartagena's cuisine and culture.

  • Tour: Street Food Tour of Cartagena
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Cost: From $70 USD per adult

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7 Half-Day Tour To Totumo Mud Volcano

Take a Tour of El Totumo Mud Volcano to Discover One of Cartagena's Top 10 Must-See Attractions. It is a rare and unique experience to visit this active mud volcano, which is situated close to sea level in the Santa Catalina municipality. Visitors can benefit from its healing properties as the mineral-rich mud is said to have beneficial effects on the skin. It is 15m tall with a 4.5m diameter crater. Floating in the mud and sampling some of the local cuisines will give you an experience that is truly one of a kind. This tour is distinctive because it also includes a stop at the stunning Manzanillo Beach.

  • Tour: Street Food Tour of Cartagena
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Cost: From $49 USD per adult

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6 Excursion To The Rosario Islands

A day trip from Cartagena to the magnificent Rosario Islands is a must. A short distance from the coast of Cartagena are the 27 magnificent islands known as the Islas del Rosario. These islands are perfect for those who enjoy the water and boating because they have clear waters and an abundance of marine life, with coral reefs acting as homes for many different aquatic species. At Isla Grande and Isla Bela, where the group catamaran tour anchors, there are plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and taking in the breathtaking scenery while feeling the cooling sea breeze.

  • Tour: Excursion to the Rosario Islands
  • Duration: 7 hours 30 minutes
  • Cost: From $75 USD per adult

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5 Cartagena ATV Tour

Ride like a local with Cartagena ATV and discover the hidden beaches that only the locals know about. The tour includes a drive through three beaches, trails, and dirt roads, showcasing breathtaking cliffs and rock formations with stops to capture the stunning views on camera. The routes are designed to be enjoyable and showcase the ATV's capabilities, and the beaches visited are unspoiled, away from the crowds and street vendors. This tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Cartagena.

  • Tour: Cartagena ATV Tour
  • Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Cost: From $135 USD per adult

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Related: 10 Epic ATV Adventures To Have In The U.S.

4 Freedom Tour Of Palenque

Explore the rich cultural heritage of Colombia with the Palenque de Benkos Freedom Tour. Discover the real local culture and learn everything there is to know about San Basilio de Palenque's history and traditions. With a knowledgeable local guide, showing various sites that showcase the preservation of the distinct African culture. Learn about folk medicine, traditional music and dance, and Palenque's distinctive language. Don't pass up this chance to explore Colombia beyond the tourist attractions and get a true sense of the country.

  • Tour: Freedom Tour of Palenque
  • Duration: 5 to 6 hours
  • Cost: From $110 USD per adult

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3 Cartagena Bike Tour

A small-group bike tour is a fun and original way to explore Cartagena. Discover more territory as a first-time visitor and enjoy the fresh air while admiring the picturesque views of the Caribbean seafront and one of the UNESCO-listed monuments. Visit the top attractions in the old city, such as Centenario Park and the bustling Getsemani neighborhood, where you can see impressive graffiti and the locals going about their daily lives, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. When you first arrive in Cartagena, make this tour your first stop to get acquainted with the city.

  • Tour: Biking Tour Cartagena
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Cost: From $19 USD per adult

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2 Islabela Full-Day Tour

Enjoy a tropical getaway that includes all the elements of the ideal beach vacation: sun, sand, cool coconuts, and refreshing Pina Coladas. Spend a lovely and peaceful beach day on Rosario Island with your significant other, friends, or family. This upscale location is the result of deliberate efforts to strike a balance between a luxe stay and environmental and social responsibility. Isabela Island, which is supported by a sustainable partnership between a private company and the local community, offers a harmonious blend of relaxation and tranquility while being situated between immaculate white sands and the vivid blue sea.

  • Tour: Islabela Full-Day Tour
  • Duration: 8 hours
  • Cost: From $58 USD per adult

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1 Private Cartagena NightLife

Join a group of like-minded travelers and get the chance to sample local drinks, listen to live music, and get an inside look at Cartagena's nightlife culture. The tour takes visitors to some of the best nightclubs, bars, and entertainment locations in the city, including the well-known Café del Mar. The Cartagena Pub Crawl allows visitors to experience the city's nightlife in a fun, safe, and organized way while meeting new people and creating lasting memories.

  • Tour: Private Cartagena Night Life Tour
  • Duration: 3 to 4 hours
  • Cost: From $45 USD per adult

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