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$5,686/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$5,330/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$3,904/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$4,184/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$4,114/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$3,815/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
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
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$5,686/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$5,330/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$3,904/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$4,184/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$4,114/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$3,815/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
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
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 5,276 ReviewsMichael at Goway Travel was great to work with. We were planning a pre-trip with him prior to a group tour. He worked with us to hit the special places we wanted to visit and things we wanted to do. The accommodations arranged exceeded our expectations. Local guides were all amazing. This was the third trip we booked through Goway, and we will definitely book with them again in the future David PickaGoway Travel has South Pacific travel Consultant and they are all very experienced. ALICE was the agent who took care of my travel to Australia and she suggested best hotel accommodations excursions and worked within my budget. I had wonderful trip without any problems. Alice was very helpful and we are planning another trip will contact her.SaralAlice Teramoto Put together a perfect trip to Aitutaki and Rarotonga. The tours she included added to the experience. She was the glue to combine the complete package and would highly recommend her services.Valued CustomerWe just came back from a wonderful trip to Portugal. From the time I contacted Goway until now, I have been more than satisfied with our experience. Our agent Michael put together a 8 day package with all the requirements we had asked for. The 8 day trip went so seamless & took all the stress off us travelling in Portugal. Michael not only listened to what we wanted, but he was so quick to respond to all of our calls, emails & concerns. The transfers, hotels & tours he arranged were the best. We would highly recommend Goway. I can hardly wait to book our next adventure with Goway. CathyMichael Keon from Goway Travel made our family trip to Greece memorable. Michael was a call or email away when planning our Greece trip and worked with us on our tight budget. Every detail was worked out for us before we got on the plane.
Shout out to Nico, one of our drivers in Mykonos and all the great expeditions we went on.
I highly recommend Goway Travel to plan your next vacation adventures.
Jacqueline G. Jacqueline GarrettI just returned from a wonderful trip to Sweden and Norway. I had the good fortune of working with Michael Keon who helped me plan and customize an interesting and balanced itinerary.
All of the logistics went well, flights, transfers, hotels in great locations, travel between destinations, fjord safaris, cruises and guided tours with knowledgeable guides to inform and make the experience even more memorable.
Michael was responsive to all of my questions and made it so easy to both prepare for and ultimately enjoy the trip.
Looking forward to planning the next one!GailJust got back from a fabulous safari holiday in Tanzania. The trip was amazing! Exceeded my expectations. The people, the local team at Sense of Africa, the food, the accommodations (Karibu camps: Elephant Springs+Lion’s Paw and Sametu), the safari from the sky (hot air balloon)… I can keep going. Perfect way to celebrate my 50th bday.
Thanks again to Alice Teramoto and Goway for making this happen! Truly a trip of a lifetimeKARISSA CARRASQUILLOI have had Melissa Moses plan our trips for us for quite a few years. She always finds interesting sights for us to see, the hotels are always beautiful and everything runs perfectly. Can't wait to get started on the next adventure. Andrea JonesJust returned from a two week trip to Prague, Vienna and Budapest booked by Michael Keon at Goway
This was our second trip booked with Michael
Hotels were all excellent, in great locations, transfers to and from airports went without a hitch and train travel was exactly as planned.
As we worked through all the details of planning the trip, he responded to lib questions promptly, making finalizing the trip very easy
I would highly recommend him as a travel agent, and we will be using him again
Kevin BourkeKatie's knowledge and support were the primary reason the trip worked so well.
Everything went smoothly, and the vacation could not have been any better. The hotels were wonderful, the two tours we took went well, and there were no issues with flights or transfers.
GERAR
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified