1 Week Itinerary for Cartagena with or without Kids
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cartagena is absolutely stunning.
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Cartagena with kids, you’re in the right place. This blog covers all of the family friendly things to do in Cartagena. We spent a week in Cartagena with our kids and fell in love with Colombia. After a lot of research and fun, let me help you find the best things to do in Cartagena, Colombia for kids!
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the streets of cartagena are vibrant and colorful
Planning a family vacation to Cartagena, Colombia? Look no further! From historic wonders to sandy beaches and everything in between, get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure filled with culture, fun, and lasting memories. This family-friendly guide to Cartagena will make sure your family has every opportunity for new discoveries and unforgettable experiences.
So, let’s dive into the best things to do in Cartagena with kids, ensuring that your family trip is filled with adventure, education, and relaxation.
Check out my Instagram for more videos and photos of what to do in Cartagena!
Table of Contents
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Arrival
Stock Up for the Week
Walking tour of the Walled City
Dinner at Cafe Del Mar
Totumo Volcano Tour & the Pink Sea
Dinner at Pizza Piccolo & Gelato from Patti Gelato
Colombian Cooking Class at Caffé Lunático
Coffee Tour
Private Boat Tour of the Rosario Islands
Morning Photoshoot
Brunch at Buena Vida Marisquería
Free Day in Cartagena
Naval Museum
Muzeo del Oro Zenu
Chocolate and Rum Tasting
Shop for Emeralds
San Felipe de Barajas Fort
Watch the Colombian Dancers in a FREE evening show
Day trip to the National Aviary and Baru
Evening of Street food
Breakfast and shopping indigenous artisans
Head to the Airport
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Family photo in getesmani!
some of the best gelato i have ever eaten from
Where to Stay in Cartagena
When choosing where to stay in Cartagena, there are so many great choices. For us, we knew we wanted a place that was convenient to walk everywhere but also big enough to fit 2 families. We also knew we wanted to be inside the walled city.
My review of our Airbnb: We stayed here with 5 children and 4 adults. There are two bedrooms and a loft area with beds. The house also has 2 full bathrooms and a half bath with a washer for clothes.
the view from our airbnb balcony. it was located perfectly to everything inside the walled city
The kitchen was huge and very nicely stocked with anything you could need to cook. You can request the delivery of essential groceries before you arrive and for a mere $20 extra per day, you can get an amazing housekeeper/cook. Her name is Nancy and we all loved her so much. She made breakfast for us every day and even cooked us a full Colombian dinner one evening. She kept all of our laundry clean and the apartment spotless.
The Airbnb building is very nicely located inside the walled city with 24/7 security. There are also two great pools on site to beat the heat.
The kids at one of the pools at our airbnb apartment in cartagena
a full colombian dinner made by nancy (The in house cook and housekeer)
If you are having a hard time deciding where to stay in Cartagena, check out these options. Scroll around the map to find the best places to stay in Cartagena. You can search by dates, number of guests, and find a place to stay that fits your group’s budget. I highly recommend you stay inside the walled city.
Day 1 in Cartagena
Today is when you arrive to Cartagena. For us, it was a low key day of getting adjusted.
we landed late in the evening in cartagena, but our driver from Gran Colombia Tours was waiting on us. We hired them for transport from the airport to the airbnb.
Once we landed at Rafael Núñez International Airport, we found our airport transfer and headed to the Airbnb. We booked the airport transfer service in advance before we knew that UBER is available in Cartagena. Our friends arrived before us, so they had already checked in.
After dropping our bags, we explored the property and made a run to a nearby grocery store for snacks and drinks. We found a Carulla Express (San Agustin) that is open 24 hours a day and has anything you could need to get started.
Since we got in so late, we caught up with our friends, put the kids down and went to sleep. However, if you get in early — just start with Day 2 of this one week itinerary for Cartagena!
CHECK OUT MY GUIDE FOR: The Best Hiking Gear for Kids
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the walled city in cartagena is where the old city meets the new
Day Two in Cartagena
Walking Tour: Today is your first full day in Cartagena, so you’re heading out on a walking tour with one of the best tour guides in Colombia. Anita is flexible and since we had so many kids, we had the tour to ourselves. She met us right outside of our Airbnb.
A walking tour is a must do thing in Cartagena because it orients you with the city and helps you have a deeper understanding of the Colombian culture and history of Cartagena. Don’t skip this!
The walking tour took us all over the walled city, through the fort, Centario Park, Getesmani, and more. It was extremely valuable and helped us the rest of our time in the city.
some photos from our walking tour of cartagena
Anita is extremely knowledgeable and has many friends throughout the city. Her tour is awesome because it supports so many locals along the way with a stop at fruit stand, rum and chocolate tasting, art demonstration, and more. Bring a little cash with you so you have the option to buy souvenirs or snacks if you want them.
Dinner at Cafe Del Mar: This is a must see in Cartagena. Call ahead for reservations or get there way before sunset in order to see the best sunset in Cartagena. At Cafe Del Mar the drinks are flowing, the food is delicious, and the sunset is incredible.
cafe del mar is the best place to watch the sunset in cartagena. hands down.
Day Three in Cartagena
Totumo Volcano and Mar Rosa: Today you’ll be picked up by your tour guide to check out Totumo Volcano and Mar Rosa (Or the pink beach!). This is an exciting chance to visit two exotic spots along the Colombian Caribbean.
Mar Rosa is a salt flat that has a pink hue that changes in intensity depending on the season. I wanted to see this SO badly.
Be sure to book a PRIVATE tour if you’d like to have your transportation and tour guide to yourself. We prefer private tours when traveling with kids since we get the added flexibility.
Unfortunately, with a 6 month old baby, we decided to cancel our tour to Totumo and our big kids were so sad! When we go back to Cartagena - we will be doing both the pink sea and the mud volcano for sure!
enjoying some gelato in plaza fernandez madrid
Dinner at Piccolo Pizza and ice cream from Patti Gelateria: After your tour and a nice shower, it’s probably time for dinner! Tonight, you’re headed to the best pizza in Cartagena - Piccolo Pizza. For some reason, I took 0 photos here (probably because I was stuffing my face). Don’t miss the pitcher of sangria! It is absolutely delicious and the pizza is phenomenal.
After dinner, make the short walk to Patti Gelateria where you’ll find the best gelato I have ever had (even in Italy). My favorite flavor was Galleta Italiana. Grab your gelato and walk across the street to enjoy it on a park bench in Plaza Fernandez Madrid.
the art across cartagena and getesmani is so dang incredible
Day 4 in Cartagena
colombian cooking class with Caffé Lunático
Today is going to be epic. After a very light breakfast, you’ll head to Caffé Lunático for an authentic Colombian Cooking Class. You can opt to take the class privately, but usually you’ll take it with others. We had so many in our group, it ended up being private!
This cooking class starts as soon as you walk in with a glass of agua de panela waiting for you. Here you will havean amazing time learning ohow to prepare local food with a local chef. The classes are limited in size to 12 people, so the experience is intimate and hands on.
everyone will be participating in the entire cooking class. it is so engaging and fun
I absolutely loved this cooking class in Cartagena. It was a highlight of the week for all of us. The chefs talk through all of the local ingredients and encourage everyone to help at every step of the process.
You will get to choose from menus such as Topside beef or red snapper to Ceviche or Seafood stew.. During the course you will also learn how to fillet a fish; recognize the quality of ingredients when buying them; and some other cooking tips that will make your friends and family’s jaws drop.
With this particular company, you will also have the OPTION to book a Market tour + Cooking class.
the entire experience was hands on. there is a bar where you can order drinks throughout the class as well.
The best part of the entire experience is getting to sit at the table with your family and new found Colombian friends and enjoy a meal you all worked so hard on! This cooking class is 3-4 hours long, but it is worth every second.
Click HERE to see my Instagram Highlight of Cartagena with more videos and photos from this cooking class! It was such a wonderful experience.
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the food was out of this world.
Day Five in Cartagena
After becoming well acquainted with the walled city and learning how to cook like a Colombian, today is going to be an off-shore excursion with a private boat to the Rosario Islands. Get ready to escape the noise of the city and relax in crystalline waters and walk along white sand beaches.
Islas de Rosario are beautiful wonders of nature with crystal clear water and coral formations. These colorful islands are a gorgeous place to visit and one of the must do things to do when visiting Cartagena.
Your day is going to start when you meet your guides at the private marina on their private boat. This tour does not start at the chaotic public pier. They will have a cooler with ice to keep all of your drinks and food cold all day. Pack as much as you’d like!
Since this is a completely private boat tour, you get to set the pace for the day. You are able to visit Cholón, Playa Aqua Azul, and Playa Puntilla in Baru. You can stay as long as you’d like at each spot or move along when you’re ready. The perk of having the boat to yourself is you don’t have to wait around for anyone else!
This tour is an entire day, so about 7-8 hours. Come prepared with sunscreen, towels, swim suits, dry clothes, and as many drinks and snacks as you’d like. You will be able to get lunch on one of the islands if you’d like!
You can book your Private Boat Tour Full day trip to Rosario Islands HERE. This tour was outstanding and worth every penny we paid.
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be sure to bring goggles and snorkels to search the seas for treasures
you will get the chance to go to shore for lunch if you wish!
HECK OUT MY GUIDE FOR: Top 10 Beach Must Haves for Toddler and Baby
the caribbean waters are incredible in colombia
Day Six in Cartagena
Today is picture day! You can not visit Cartagena and not book a photoshoot. It is the most colorful and vibrant place we’ve visited with SO many places for incredible photos. We scheduled morning photoshoot with both families and our amazing photographer was happy to do it.
family photos in getesmani while visiting cartagena
We booked our photographer pretty last minute, but we went with Gracie at Cruells Photo who was excellent.
If you’re looking to book family photos in Cartagena, check out Flytographer using THIS LINK. Use code BIGBRAVENOMAD to get $25 off your first session!
The entire city of cartagena is so gorgeous and perfect for photos
we will cherish these photos forever!
After your morning photoshoot, the day is yours. We spent the day meandering the streets of Getesmani and Cartagena.
I suggest starting with a brunch at Buena Vida Marisquería - their food and service is fantastic!
the food at Buena Vida Marisquería is so good!
After brunch, head out into the walled city to explore at your own pace. I suggest making a stop at Muzeo del Oro Zenu which is a free museum. It is part of the regional network of Museo del Oro, Bogota. Here you’ll find the golden adornments, ceramics, and tools of the Zenú people that lived in the Caribbean plains two thousand years ago. You can watch a few short videos of Zenues that still live and preserve their way of living near Cartagena.
a full self guided tour of Muzeo del Oro Zenu will only take about an hour
If you want to stop in for some of the best Colombian coffee in Cartagena, I suggest popping into Cafe San Alberto located in Plaza Santa Domingo. They have food here if you’d like a snack, but definitely do not miss their honey espresso drink. IT IS SO GOOD!
Some other ideas for your free day is a stop at the Naval Museum, shop for emeralds at one of the many jewel shops, do a coffee tour, do a rum and chocolate tasting, or spend some time in Parque del Centenario looking for monkeys, sloths, and giant iguanas. When I get back to Cartagena, I will absolutely be taking some time to explore the San Felipe de Barajas Fort.
there are wild monkeys, sloths, and iguanas inside the walled city of cartagena!
After a full day of exploring, it’s time to make your way over to Catedral Santa Catalina de Alejandra to watch the traditional Colombian dancers perform. The show starts daily at 5 pm. While this experience is a free daily performance, they do expect tips, so bring a little cash and enjoy the show!
Click HERE to see my Instagram Highlight of Cartagena with more videos and photos from our time in the city.
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the traditional colombian dancers are out every evening at 5 PM
Day Seven in Cartagena
It’s your last full day in Cartagena! Today you’re heading out of the walled city for the day on a tour to the National Aviary and the beaches of Baru.
CHECK OUT MY GUIDE FOR: Top 10 Beach Must Haves for Toddler and Baby
The National Aviary is home to over 170 different species of birds across 22 exhibits. The highlight of the Aviary is the show that the keepers put on. During your visit to the National Aviary, you will have the opportunity to see many colorful parrots, peacocks, flamingos, and other species that live in their natural habitat.
Depending on which tour you choose, you will go to the beach for lunch after the Aviary. Most likely you will end up at Playa Blanca to relax and enjoy the turquoise blue sea and the beautiful views.
The National Aviary is about 45 minutes outside of town, so going with a guide or taking an UBER is going to be your best best. If you choose to go with a guide, I suggest booking one that will also give you some time to eat lunch and enjoy the beach.
the kids having lunch at the beach on the aviary tour
Once your back at your hotel or Airbnb, take a little rest and get ready to head out into Cartagena to find some delicious street food. Along the streets you are going to see so many vendors selling freshly made arepas, empanadas, squeezing fresh fruit juices, and so much more.
All of these little food trucks accept cash only, so bring some cash and start tasting everything that looks good to you! Be sure to try Raspao’, Carimañolas, Arepa de Choclo (personal fave), Patacon con Queso, Buñuelos, or Papa Rellena. Don’t be shy! These street carts a staple in Colombian culture and a great way to chat with locals!
Click HERE to see my Instagram Highlight of Cartagena with more videos and photos from our time in the city.
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we snagged a family photo before they opened the doors!
Day 8 in Cartagena
different indigenous artisinal styles around colombia
Today is departure day! It’s going to be so hard leaving this colorful and vibrant city.
Before you go, take some time to grab breakfast and coffee at El Centro Artesano. This shop is a unique spot in Cartagena because it’s a cafe, but also a place where you can shop from local artisans!
We found some incredible baskets and hand made items to bring home with us. You’re supporting indigenous Colombian Culture, local artists, and a local cafe all at once! It’s really a great place to end a wonderful week in Cartagena.
After breakfast, it’s time to call an Uber and head back to the airport for your journey home! We ended up running into our friends again even though they had an earlier flight than us! We have the Priority Pass, so we sat in the lounge having free snacks and drinks while waiting on our flight.
We use our Chase Sapphire Reserve for all of our travel. This card has so many travel perks including membership to Priority Pass, giving you access to airport lounges around the world. Other perks include: $300 annual travel credit, Global Entry credit, point multipliers on travel, and so much more!
I hope your week in wonderful Cartagena was absolutely amazing.
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This 1-week itinerary for Cartagena will take you on an adventure you’ll not soon forget. From the mud of the Totumo Volcano to pristine Caribbean oceans to watching Colombian dancers to cooking your own authentic Colombian meal, your trip to The Cartagena will make a lifelong impression on everyone in your group. If don’t have 7 days in Cartagena, pick and choose whichever days from this itinerary fit your plans. And don’t worry, it doesn’t matter how many days in Cartagena you have, it matters that you’re here! So let this guide help you decide what’s going on your Cartagena Itinerary!
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