Overview
Take a trip to Cartagena on your Colombia Vacation
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most incredible old towns in the Western Hemisphere, Cartagena is a large port city on the northern coast of Colombia, a must-visit on Colombia vacations.
Spanish conqueror Pedro de Heredia founded the city in 1533 on the site of the Carib Indian settlement of Calamari. It grew to become a major port in the Caribbean and was viewed as the gateway to South America. This caused the city to garner a great deal of attention from pirates forcing the Spanish to build up a series of forts around the town.
Cartagena continued to flourish and during colonial times, it was the most important location in the Spanish empire outside of Spain and was influential in Colombia’s history. It was one of the first places to declare independence from Spain leading the way for other cities throughout the country. The city has continued to expand and is the country’s largest port making Cartagena a major industrial centre.
While the city has modernized, the old walled town has changed very little over the years. In 1984, UNESCO named the city a World Heritage Site for having the most extensive fortifications in South America. Rich in history and romance, Cartagena is considered Colombia’s top honeymoon destination. It also provides excellent opportunities to enjoy nearby coral reefs and beaches as well as water sports activities like swimming, snorkelling, surfing, sailing and more on Colombia vacations.
While the city has modernized, the old walled town has changed very little over the years. In 1984, UNESCO named the city a World Heritage Site for having the most extensive fortifications in South America. Rich in history and romance, Cartagena is considered Colombia’s top honeymoon destination. It also provides excellent opportunities to enjoy nearby coral reefs and beaches as well as water sports activities like swimming, snorkelling, surfing, sailing and more on Colombia vacations.
At a Glance
Languages
SpanishCurrency
Colombian Peso (COP)Trending Trips
Unforgettable Journeys.8 Trips Found
Showper page
9
8 Trips Found
Classic Colombia: Bogota, Medellin & Cartagena
Cartagena and BogotaCities & breathtaking landscapes await in Colombia. Taste the culture in Bogota, explore Medellin's transformation, and wander the colourful streets of Cartagena.
10 days
From US$5,645/p.p.
Request a Quote
A Week in Paradise: Cartagena
CartagenaImmerse yourself in the charm of Cartagena on this getaway. From idyllic beaches on Baru to rich history in the city's colorful streets, every moment dazzles.
7 days
From US$4,154/p.p.
Request a Quote
Colombia in Style: Coffee Region & Cartagena
CartagenaDazzling coffee fields await in Colombia's Quindio, where you’ll uncover the rich traditions of coffee cultivation. Savor sun-soaked days in Cartagena, too.
7 days
From US$5,292/p.p.
Request a Quote
Essential Colombia: Bogotá & Cartagena
Cartagena and BogotaExperience the colourful essence of Colombia through colonial charm, underground wonders, lively traditions and rich rum and chocolate flavours.
8 days
From US$3,876/p.p.
Request a Quote
Colombian Highlights: Mountains, Jungles & Bays
Cartagena and BogotaDiscover Colombia on this independent journey from Bogotá’s highland charm to Tayrona’s jungle trails and Cartagena’s Caribbean flair and colonial elegance.
9 days
From US$4,085/p.p.
Request a Quote
Panama & Colombia In Style
Cartagena and Panama CityFrom lush jungles to city streets, this journey unfolds across Panama and Colombia's Caribbean coast. Seek wildlife on the canal, then relish Cartagena's lively nights.
7 days
From US$3,788/p.p.
Request a Quote
Colombia Unfolded: Mountains, Coffee & the Coast
Cartagena and BogotaPrivate-guided journey through Colombia’s highlands and coast, blending culture, coffee, art, and Caribbean rhythms with stories shared just for you.
10 days
From US$1,699/p.p.
Request a Quote
Holistic Wellness in Colombia
CartagenaImmerse yourself in Colombia's landscapes on this holistic wellness retreat. Reconnect your mind and body with tranquil spa therapies and serene coffee farm visits.
9 days
From US$3,499/p.p.
Request a Quote
Don't see the
perfect trip idea?
Request a custom quote.
Turn your travel dreams into reality with Goway. Our customized vacations take travellers to all corners of the world.
Classic Colombia: Bogota, Medellin & Cartagena
Cartagena and BogotaCities & breathtaking landscapes await in Colombia. Taste the culture in Bogota, explore Medellin's transformation, and wander the colourful streets of Cartagena.
10 days
From US$5,645/p.p.
Request a Quote
A Week in Paradise: Cartagena
CartagenaImmerse yourself in the charm of Cartagena on this getaway. From idyllic beaches on Baru to rich history in the city's colorful streets, every moment dazzles.
7 days
From US$4,154/p.p.
Request a Quote
Colombia in Style: Coffee Region & Cartagena
CartagenaDazzling coffee fields await in Colombia's Quindio, where you’ll uncover the rich traditions of coffee cultivation. Savor sun-soaked days in Cartagena, too.
7 days
From US$5,292/p.p.
Request a Quote
Essential Colombia: Bogotá & Cartagena
Cartagena and BogotaExperience the colourful essence of Colombia through colonial charm, underground wonders, lively traditions and rich rum and chocolate flavours.
8 days
From US$3,876/p.p.
Request a Quote
Colombian Highlights: Mountains, Jungles & Bays
Cartagena and BogotaDiscover Colombia on this independent journey from Bogotá’s highland charm to Tayrona’s jungle trails and Cartagena’s Caribbean flair and colonial elegance.
9 days
From US$4,085/p.p.
Request a Quote
Panama & Colombia In Style
Cartagena and Panama CityFrom lush jungles to city streets, this journey unfolds across Panama and Colombia's Caribbean coast. Seek wildlife on the canal, then relish Cartagena's lively nights.
7 days
From US$3,788/p.p.
Request a Quote
Colombia Unfolded: Mountains, Coffee & the Coast
Cartagena and BogotaPrivate-guided journey through Colombia’s highlands and coast, blending culture, coffee, art, and Caribbean rhythms with stories shared just for you.
10 days
From US$1,699/p.p.
Request a Quote
Holistic Wellness in Colombia
CartagenaImmerse yourself in Colombia's landscapes on this holistic wellness retreat. Reconnect your mind and body with tranquil spa therapies and serene coffee farm visits.
9 days
From US$3,499/p.p.
Request a Quote
Don't see the
perfect trip idea?
Request a custom quote.
Turn your travel dreams into reality with Goway. Our customized vacations take travellers to all corners of the world.
What do the experts say?
You should try a Zen meditation session. Imagine slipping into a silk kimono for the day—carefully tied by an expert dresser, every fold precise, every colour chosen to suit the season. It’s a ritual that feels as personal as it is timeless.
What do I love about Japan? In a word - EVERYTHING. The incredible contrast that Japan offers - new/innovative vs old/traditional, the warm and welcoming people, the incredible rich culture, the culinary wonders awaiting around every corner, the cleanliness, efficiency and safety. It's one of the best places to visit in Asia in my opinion.
Pub Street in Siem Reap, Cambodia, is a local favourite with very inexpensive drinks. It's also a great place to try the local delicacy, BBQ frog.
I love how laidback and relaxed Laos is compared to other countries in Southeast Asia. It's like the best of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand all rolled into one, and then sent back in time 20 to 30 years.
The Festes Majors are summer festivals held in the villages of Andorra. Each festival is unique to the village, with its own distinct style.
Cartagena is always a popular destination while...
cartagena colombia vacation
Cartagena is always a popular photo opportunity...
cartagena vacation
Most Popular Time to Travel
Know when to go.
Place
Conditions
Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall
CartagenaPartly Cloudy
33°C / 92°F
55mm / 2.2"
Weather data is based on monthly averages.Popularity rating
-
Travel Stories
Get Inspired About Your Trip to Colombia
Unlock more by subscribing to our newsletter.
With our newsletter, you’ll get access to regular communications that inspire you and help you explore the world your way.Exclusive Savings
Insider Benefits
Trending Stories
ExcellentBased on 5,291 ReviewsMy husband and I booked a tour to Portugal using Goway travel. Working with Phoebe was a pleasure. She responded promptly and professionally to all of my requests, concerns and queries. Our trip was filled with lovely details and unexpected treasures.Kristen RemsenMy trip to China was a wonderful experience, and everything was planned very well. The itinerary was well organized by Ms. Harpreet Litt. The arrangements were smooth, and the overall trip was enjoyable.
I appreciated the attention to detail and the excellent coordination throughout the journey. It was a memorable experience, and I would highly recommend this trip to anyone planning to visit China!edytaHarpreet Litt provided us with a rich experience for our week. She offered good choices for local tour companies. We had a very good guide in Osaka. She is an Osaka resident with good English skills. She took extra pains to include opportunities we requested Osaka was a beautiful city at night. My photos of restaurants and street food were colorful and fun. Food was good too.Noel ChrismanI had a fantastic experience working with Lisa D. on the Goway team. She was helpful, attentive and made sure we were comfortable with our bookings and itinerary before departure, and also checked in with us following our trip. Would definitely book with Goway again!Mandi S.1186952 trip reference - Croatia and Montenegro.
Dear Goway Travel Team!
I wanted to reach out and share some well-deserved praise for Jacqueline, who has assisted me closely with several of my travels. She recently curated a trip for me to Croatia, the beautiful islands, and Montenegro, and it was an absolute home run.
Jacqueline has an incredible ability to listen to her clients' needs and translate them perfectly into a flawless itinerary. Her articulation, guideline execution, and professionalism are unmatched. What sets her apart is her forward-thinking approach—she always knows the exact hotspots and trends, ensuring the pace of the trip matches my speed perfectly.
Everything transitioned seamlessly thanks to her attention to detail and care. She is a massive asset to your organization, and her consideration makes every vacation stress-free. I will absolutely continue to use her for all my future travels.
Kindest regards,
Vince Sacco Vince SaccoAbsolutely incredible trip! From beginning to end! All accommodations were excellent. If you want to experience Safaris this trip will fulfill all your expectations! A special thanks to our driver we had for our entire trip Evans! He made our trip over the top! The Hot air balloon ride in the Masai Mara is a must…it’s breathtaking!Pam SeitzI have worked with Goway several times in the past two years and every single trip has been unforgettable. Specifically, our travel advisor, Maria, has helped us book phenomenal trips to Thailand, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Ireland, and most recently, Iceland. Maria is so wonderful and easy to talk to, but what really stands out is her ability to get to know her clients so she can plan trips that perfectly align with our interests and desires. I cannot recommend her strongly enough! Her expertise, hard-work, and dedication towards each trip has given myself, my family, and friends memories to last a lifetime! Kayla CovelloJamil made our 40th birthday trip to Portugal so so very amazing and special! Great service, fabulous hotels, and wonderful day trips! Lane StricklandKatie was great, planned everything we needed, was great with changes and trip schedule conflicts. Fantastic working with her.CTI have been booking with GoWay for more than 2 years and feel so fortunate to have the best Travel Advisor, Maria Spitman, making our vacations unforgettable. I can’t say enough about Maria… she is personable, efficient, detail-oriented, and extremely knowledgeable about her specialty destinations. We have booked many trips with her, including Thailand, Spain, Portugal, Sicily, Iceland, and our most recent trip in Greece. Maria has not only curated nuanced itineraries, but has done so combining her vast knowledge of each region with our interests and needs being met perfectly. With that, it is evident that Maria learns about her clients to create vacation packages that far exceed expectations. I won’t book with anyone else! GoWay has a gem that is irreplaceable! I highly recommend seeking Maria out for all your destination needs. Darleen
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified