In just one week, you can explore three coastal cities on Colombia’s Caribbean Coast: Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Santa Marta. While they all share the sea and a warm, lively spirit, each city has its own charm and unique story to tell. Here’s a practical guide with tips on transportation, lodging, food, and activities for each stop on your coastal adventure.
Tour through three cities on Colombia’s Caribbean Coast
Day 1–2: Cartagena – The Colonial Jewel of the Caribbean
Getting to Cartagena is easy via air travel. The Rafael Nuñez International Airport receives domestic and international flights. If you’re flying from Bogota, Medellin, or Cali, tickets start at around COP $150,000 (USD $38), and may be cheaper if you’re traveling light.
Lodging:
For comfort at a reasonable price, stay in Getsemani, a colorful neighborhood in the historic center. Hostels like Selina Cartagena offer shared rooms from COP $70,000 (USD $18) per night and private rooms from COP $200,000 (USD $50).
Food:
Enjoy typical food at places like La Mulata, where a full lunch costs about COP $30,000 (USD $8). You can also find executive lunch menus starting at COP $18,000 (USD $5), or grab delicious street snacks like arepas de huevo and seafood bites.
What to do in Cartagena?
Day 1: Walk the Historic Center, explore the city walls, visit the Clock Tower, Plaza Santo Domingo, and San Felipe de Barajas Castle. End your day with a sunset at Cafe del Mar.
Day 2: Take a day tour to the Rosario Islands. Boats start at COP $120,000 (USD $30) and usually include transportation, beach access at a hotel, and lunch. Perfect for snorkeling, sunbathing, and crystal-clear waters.
@thiagobritocl Ulala.. Cartagena ♥️🇨🇴 #Drone #bocagrande #cartagenadeindias #Cartagena #Colombia #fy #parati ♬ Ulala Cartagena – Joe Arroyo
Day 3–4: Barranquilla – Birthplace of the Carnival
To reach Barranquilla from Cartagena, take an intercity bus or shared van from the main terminal. The ride lasts 2–3 hours and costs about COP $28,000 (USD $7). A private transfer for groups is around COP $200,000 (USD $50).
Lodging:
Safe and affordable neighborhoods like El Prado or Alto Prado offer good options. The Meeting Point Hostel offers beds from COP $60,000 (USD $15).
Food:
Barranquilla is known for its unique coastal flavors. Be sure to try butifarra, bollo limpio, and guarapo (a traditional sugarcane drink). At Mailia Cocina Caribe, typical dishes start at COP $35,000 (USD $9).
What to do in Barranquilla?
Day 3: Visit the Caribbean Museum, walk along the Great River Boardwalk (Gran Malecón), and explore the Carnival House. Enjoy the nightlife on Calle 84.
Day 4: Explore the Old Customs Building and the Caribbean Cultural Park. Later, head to Buenavista Boulevard, and enjoy dinner with a view of the Magdalena River.
@dronesbarranquilla Barranquilla es una ciudad que Nadie la supera en cultura 🤍 #dronesbarranquilla ♬ A Mi Dios Todo Le Debo – Joe Arroyo & La Verdad
Day 5–7: Santa Marta – Nature and Ancestral Culture
To get to Santa Marta from Barranquilla, take a bus or shared van. The trip takes around 2.5 hours and costs COP $28,000–$30,000 (USD $6–8).
Lodging:
Stay in the Historic Center or near the beach in El Rodadero. Hostels like La Brisa Loca offer dorms from COP $60,000 (USD $15) and private rooms from COP $180,000 (USD $45).
Food:
Santa Marta has many great dining options like Lulo Cafe Bar, where you can try dishes like cayeye with local cheese or fried fish with coconut rice. Expect to pay COP $20,000–$35,000 (USD $5–9) per meal.
What to do in Santa Marta?
Day 5: Discover the Historic Center, the Cathedral Basilica, Parque de los Novios, and the Tairona Gold Museum. Enjoy dinner at sunset in Taganga.
Day 6: Take a day trip to Tayrona National Park. Entry is about COP $75,000 (USD $19) for foreigners and COP $30,000 (USD $8) for locals. Hike to Cabo San Juan beach, a paradise for ecotourism lovers.
Day 7: Visit the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, where Simón Bolívar died. Later, relax at Playa Blanca or Bahía Concha before heading home.
@adrianamilena24 Vas a Santa Marta y la vida se siente como esta cancion ❤️🔥 🌊🏝️ #santamarta #playa #beachvibes #juanluisguerra #colombia #trip #travel ♬ sonido original – Luisa
Tips for traveling the Caribbean Coast
Best time to visit: The dry season (December–April) offers the best weather and beach conditions.
What to wear: Light, breathable clothing (cotton or linen) and comfortable walking shoes.
Sun protection: Use sunscreen every 2–3 hours and wear a hat or cap, especially from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hydration: Always carry a reusable water bottle, especially in Tayrona or while walking around city centers.
Cash: While cards are accepted in many places, keep some COP cash for transport, street food, and artisan markets.
Estimated Budget per Person (Economical Travel)
Local transportation: COP $100,000 – $150,000 (USD $25–$38)
Accommodation (6 nights): COP $420,000 – $600,000 (USD $105–$150)
Meals: COP $300,000 (USD $75)
Activities and entrance fees: COP $250,000 (USD $63)
Total estimate: COP $1,070,000 – $1,300,000 (USD $270 – $330)