Top 7 Day Trips from Cartagena, Colombia

Enchanting Cartagena is one of Colombia's premier tourist spots, known for its distinctive style and culture, all wrapped in a stunning display of well-preserved historic architecture.

Once you've taken in the sights and sounds of the vibrant 'walled city,' consider venturing further along the Caribbean coast for a day or more if possible. The nearby areas offer a chance to relax on pristine white-sand beaches, explore a series of coral islands, immerse yourself in local traditions, and witness unique geological wonders. Here are our top recommendations for day trips from Cartagena.

1. Experience the vibrant rhythm of African-Colombian culture in San Basilio de Palenque

Travel duration: 90 minutes

The main reason to visit San Basilio de Palenque is to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the first free settlement in the Americas, founded by formerly enslaved Africans in the 16th century. In 2005, UNESCO recognized the town’s unique culture, music, and the distinct Spanish-Bantu language known as Palenquero as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

There are few notable sites to explore, apart from the vibrant street art and a statue of founder Benkos Biohó breaking free from the shackles of slavery in the central plaza. Joining a local guide for a tour is essential to uncover the highlights of a community that thrived by seeking refuge in Colombia’s coastal swamps, far from the reach of the Spanish crown. In this isolation, ancestral customs related to food, medicine, funeral rites, dance, and music flourished.

During your visit, you'll meet some well-known locals who have preserved these traditions, including healers, drum instructors, dancers, singers, and members of the band Sexteto Tabalá along with the hip-hop group Kombelisa Mi. Visitors are often deeply moved by the rhythm of the music and the town's incredible resilience in overcoming centuries of oppression.

Getting to San Basilio de Palenque from Cartagena: At Cartagena’s Terminal de Transportes, catch a bus heading towards San Juan or Mahates and request to be dropped off near the town. From there, a moto-taxi can take you the rest of the way. Alternatively, consider joining an eight-hour group tour from Cartagena that includes a traditional lunch.

2. Go fishing with locals in the mangroves of La Boquilla

Travel time: 20 minutes

Since the 17th century, La Boquilla has been a seaside village inhabited by African-Colombian families who have thrived on the abundant seafood sourced from the intricate coastal mangroves along the Caribbean Sea. Recently, this extensive stretch of beach has emerged as a quieter alternative to the bustling Bocagrande beaches of Cartagena. With consistent winds and shallow, calm waters, it’s a great spot for kitesurfing with providers like La Boquilla Kite School.

A major attraction of La Boquilla is the chance to engage with nature and immerse yourself in the local community and its cultural heritage. At the far end of the beach, next to the mangroves, Ecotours Boquilla offers various activities, including dance or drum workshops, nature excursions, and fishing trips. The fishing experience features a scenic boat ride paired with lessons on casting nets and catching crabs using artisanal traps. Afterwards, enjoy a fresh seafood lunch prepared with your catch of the day at a local home.

Getting to La Boquilla from Cartagena: Buses R52C, SB100, and R44B depart from the Monumento India Catalina, located just outside the walled city, heading to La Boquilla beach. However, a quicker option is to take an Uber or taxi, or book a tour with Ecotours Boquilla, which provides transportation from accommodations in Cartagena.

3. Discover paradise in the Islas del Rosario

Travel time: 1 hour

If you can only make one excursion from Cartagena, the Islas del Rosario (Rosario Islands) should be your top choice. The crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounding these palm-covered coral islands far surpass the views from the city. This archipelago is home to one of the most significant underwater national natural parks in Colombia, featuring a vast array of coral and vibrant tropical fish. To explore this underwater wonderland, join snorkeling and diving tours offered by Diving Planet, based in Cartagena, where a portion of the fees supports reef restoration and marine research.

For those wishing to set foot on land, Playa Libre on Isla Grande—the largest of the islands—boasts one of the few public beaches. To make the most of your sunny day, consider booking one of the many package deals for daytrippers. These options include island-hopping tours or pasadías (day passes) to waterfront hotels such as Hotel Isla del Sol, Gente de Mar, or Bora Bora Beach Club.

Typically, the price covers transportation, beach access, reserved daybeds or umbrellas, and a delicious lunch featuring freshly caught seafood alongside flavorful arroz con coco (coconut rice)—a Caribbean delicacy. Guests can also enjoy various resort activities like massages, kayaking, and boat rides to the aquarium on the nearby San Martín de Pajarales island.

There are numerous reasons to prolong your visit to the Islas de Rosario. Once the crowds dissipate in the afternoon, you’ll find the area nearly all to yourself, plus you can witness the enchanting glow of bioluminescent plankton in Laguna Encantada.

Getting to the Islas del Rosario from Cartagena: The only way to access the Islas del Rosario is by boat. Whether you're seeking transport alone or a guided tour, lanchas rápidas (speed boats) depart from the Muelle de Bodeguita daily between 8 and 10 a.m., returning between 2 and 3 p.m. Many mid-range to upscale island hotels also offer private boat services for guests, whether for day visits or overnight stays.

4. Relax at a beach club on Tierra Bomba

Travel time: 15 minutes

Tierra Bomba is the closest and most easily accessible island from Cartagena, offering a quick beach getaway. Its shores are cleaner than those in the city and less crowded than the popular Playa Blanca. Shady palapas (palm-covered shelters) line the public beach, Playa de Punta Arena, which looks out at Cartagena's high-rises across the bay. Here, you can enjoy food and drinks while renting beach umbrellas and chairs, all accompanied by the lively sounds of reggaeton and a constant flow of wandering vendors.

It's worth spending a bit more to enjoy a day at one of Tierra Bomba's many beach clubs, which offer more amenities for an all-inclusive price that covers transportation, a welcome drink, sunbed, pool access, and lunch. Palmarito Beach Club provides great value, while Namaste Beach Club offers a calming, zen atmosphere. On the island's southwest side, Blue Apple Beach is known for its Ibiza-inspired pool parties and international cuisine. Each club also offers overnight accommodations if you wish to extend your stay.

Beyond its beautiful beaches, Tierra Bomba is home to several historic sites, including the horseshoe-shaped Fuerte de San Fernando (San Fernando Fort), built to defend Cartagena from threats in the 17th century. While the fortifications may not rival Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, they are free to visit and appealing for history enthusiasts. Local guides may be tough negotiators, so bring extra cash for a tour that supports the island community of Bocachica.

Getting to Tierra Bomba from Cartagena: Take a taxi or the R28 bus to Playa El Laguito, located next to the Hospital de Bocagrande in Cartagena's Castillogrande neighborhood. At the beach, you'll find lanchas ready to transport you to Tierra Bomba. If you haven't pre-arranged transportation through a beach club, be prepared to negotiate the price for round-trip transport. Make sure to settle the return fare as well.

5. Lounge on Isla Barú's stunning Playa Blanca

Travel time: 45 minutes

Playa Blanca has long been regarded as one of the most stunning beaches to visit on a day trip from Cartagena. Soft, powdery sand? Absolutely! Crystal-clear waters? Definitely! Located on Isla Barú, which is actually a peninsula cut off from the mainland during the canal's construction in the 16th century, the beach is easily reachable via a land bridge built in 2014.

Since then, Playa Blanca has suffered from its own fame, made worse by its easy access by car, bus, and boat. While still breathtaking, prices have soared, and the beach becomes overcrowded during the day, with aggressive vendors taking away from the relaxing atmosphere. However, if you manage your expectations, a wonderful experience is still possible. To avoid the crowds, consider heading further north along the beach for snorkeling, visiting during the week, or staying overnight at one of the rustic guesthouses right on the sand.

Although you can go on your own, joining an organized day trip offers several perks. Tours typically include transportation and lunch, and some even feature extra stops like the Islas del Rosario or the Aviario Nacional de Colombia – a nearby bird sanctuary with exhibits organized by habitat in both Spanish and English.

Getting to Playa Blanca from Cartagena: Boats to Playa Blanca depart from Avenida El Lago, behind Cartagena’s Mercado Bazurto, once full. Alternatively, you can catch a bus labeled 'Pasocaballos' from Cartagena’s India Catalina monument. The driver will drop you off there, where you can hop on a mototaxi for the final leg to the beach. A more expensive option is to take a taxi all the way or drive yourself if you've rented a car.

6. Get messy at Volcán el Totumo

Travel time: 1 hour

The Caribbean coast features several mud volcanoes formed by pressurized natural hydrocarbons. Instead of lava, these craters release warm, mineral-rich mud known for its therapeutic benefits. Locals have transformed some of these geological marvels into tourist destinations, with the most renowned being Volcán de Lodo El Totumo, situated between Cartagena and Barranquilla.

For COP$20,000, you can ascend a rickety staircase to the summit of the 50-foot-high mud cone, where you’ll immerse yourself in its crater and float in a thick, pudding-like gray sludge. For a small tip, a mud-covered attendant will provide a massage and snap some photos, before joining you among a crowd of other mud-drenched visitors. Once you’ve had your fill, you’ll look like a cement statue until you wash off in the nearby lagoon, assisted by an attendant who douses you with buckets of water.

Tours to Volcán de Lodo El Totumo typically include a visit to the Salinas de Galerazamba – salt mines located just 15 minutes away along the Caribbean coast. From December to April, the sea takes on a pinkish hue due to evaporation during the dry season. The high salt concentration and microscopic organisms contribute to this vibrant color, making it a fantastic spot for photography, though not suitable for swimming.

Getting to Volcán el Totumo from Cartagena: Volcán de Lodo El Totumo is situated along Route 90A, also known as the Troncal del Caribe, which connects Cartagena and Barranquilla. You can reach it by private car, tour, or by taking a bus to Barranquilla from the Terminal de Transportes in Cartagena. It’s about a 20-minute walk from the entrance to the mud volcano.

7. Take your time to soak in the natural beauty of Parque Tayrona

Travel time: 5 hours

Secluded palm-lined coves with rocky, golden beaches make the Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona one of the most enchanting destinations along Colombia’s Caribbean Coast. This park is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventurers who are willing to navigate ancient trails through dense tropical foliage to reach its renowned beaches. The iconic San Juan de Cabo, marked by its palapa-roofed structure on a rocky cliff, is a two-hour hike away.

Although it's feasible to visit Parque Tayrona in a single day from Cartagena, day-trippers hardly have time to wade into the turquoise waters. Spending a night or two is essential to justify the 10-hour bus journey. If you can only manage a day trip, skip public transport and opt for a tour that leaves Cartagena at 4am and returns late. Lunch is included, but don't miss out on a fresh coconut at Punta Las Gaviotas or the famous chocolate bread at Panadería Bere, both of which are delightful rewards in the park.

Getting to Parque Tayrona from Cartagena: Samaria Tours offers full-day trips to Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona from Cartagena. For longer stays, consider public transportation with various bus companies that run between Cartagena and Santa Marta from the Terminal de Transportes. Shuttle buses are a bit pricier but offer more convenience. Berlinastur has multiple departures throughout the day from its terminal in Cartagena’s Marbella neighborhood. Once in Santa Marta, buses heading to Tayrona leave every 20 minutes from the Mercado Público at Carrera 9 and Calle 11.