Take in the hot sun and enjoy the Caribbean in Cartagena. Although it is one of the most tourist places I have ever been, we still had a blast jumping the waves in Cartagena. I have an AM and PM activity each day, you can choose your evening activities based on your kids schedule. Ours kids go to bed early so I didn’t add in any night time activities, but if your kids are a bit older and you want to schedule something in the evenings after dinner then of course you can!
You will notice that I don’t add in the typical suggestion of everyone to go to Playa Blanca in this list. That’s because I don’t like it. It is overcrowded, full of ‘no see ’em’ bugs that leave you itchy for days afterward, and I don’t think it’s the best place for families. But, it is the cheapest island to visit with the easiest access, so it’s up to you.
Day 1 in Cartagena
AM Head to the beach and relax in the sun. We were going to go to Isla de Tierra Bomba to avoid the crowds, but Playa Castillo Grande (next to where you would get the boat to go to Tierra Bomba) was so empty that we decided just to stay and I would recommend it!
PM Explore the colorful old town and watch a traditional dance at sunset under the clock tower
Day 2 in Cartagena
ALL DAY Spend the day taking a catamaran to the Rosario Islands – I would suggest Isla Grande, Islabela, Isla del Pirata, Gente de Mar.
You can choose to do a day trip or get a hotel and spend the night. Know your family and what will work best for you.
Day 3 in Cartagena
AM If you didn’t stay the night on the islands and you have the morning free, head back to the beach. Your kids will be dying to go. I prefer the beaches in Castillo Grande, as the Bocagrande beaches are more packed. If you want a different beach than day 1 you could try Playas El Laguito.
PM Explore the Getsemani neighborhood and have dinner at Plaza de Trinidad
Something doesn’t interest you, or have more time? Here are some more ideas:
Add on Activities in Cartagena
- Tayrona National Park – This is really a better day trip (or couple days trip) from Santa Marta, but it is possible from Cartagena if you have the time. It is one of my ‘must sees’ in Colombia. You can swim in the Caribbean, hike the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and see wildlife like monkeys and condors
- See the 17th century fort of Castillo de San Felipe (10 min away). It has great views of the city and ocean
- Totumo Volcano – Take a mud bath in an old volcano with great views while getting a massage. It is a free attractions, but the locals like to be ‘tipped’ for the massage
- The National Aviary near Playa Blanca is one of the biggest in Latin America and has hundreds of amazing birds. You could easily see this on your way to Playa Blanca if you are already planning to go
- Take a break from the heat and go to a museum. They have a gold museum, chocolate museum and emerald museum
- Get a local guide and visit the Bazurto Market
- Drive to Convento La Popa and experience the panoramic views of the city and the convents garden
- Spend the morning relaxing on the nearby Isla de Tierra Bomba