All Cartagena Tours & Excursions in 2025
Top Attractions in Cartagena
While the bougainvillea-clad balconies and candy-colored houses of Cartagena’s UNESCO-listed Old Town could keep you wandering for days, Cartagena tours explore more than just the historic center. Excursions range from cruising around the paradise Rosario Islands on a catamaran and relaxing at private beach clubs to covering yourself in mineral-enriched mud at the Totumo Mud Volcano. You can even get off the beaten path on an ATV or delve deeper into Cartagena’s unique Colombian-Caribbean culture during a cooking class or street food sampling session.
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Visitors say that the best tours in Cartagena highlight local expertise or offer an adrenaline rush. The top rated currently include:
There is a wide range of Cartagena tours for every budget. Group walking tours may cost as little as US$12, while a private full-day yacht tour may cost as much as US$5,000. In general, many tours offer unique experiences for moderate prices, such as lunch on a private island for less than US$100.
You can book budget options like this Emerald Museum and Factory Tour from US$10 per person, where you’ll learn about Colombian emeralds and the mining history in the area, plus visit the showroom where you can buy stones with advice from your guide. Pricer options include the Marlet Sunseeker 82' Yacht Rental, the Largest in Cartagena (from US$6,800 per group of up to 15), where you’ll sail on a luxury yacht from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands (Islas del Rosario), with optional stops at Cholón and a sunset cruise in Cartagena Bay.
The Old City of Cartagena is extremely walkable, with attractions, restaurants, bars, and the city’s central plazas all within 20 minutes on foot. However, if you choose to stay in the Bocagrande area of beachfront resorts, you may need to car to access other sites. Cartagena tours can also bring you to far-flung attractions without worrying about logistics.
Cartagena is the nightlife and beach capital of Colombia, with Caribbean vibes that permeate the beautiful Old City and the glistening new resorts alike. You’ll find colonial architecture, tropical weather, and a steamy atmosphere both on and off the dance floor.
Cartagena’s tropical climate ensures balmy temperatures year-round, but the summer can be dominated by monsoon-like rains. For that reason, visiting between November and April is most popular, though choosing “shoulder season” in September, October, or May may make for a less expensive trip.
It depends on your interests. Three days is a good length for a trip that focuses mostly on the city itself, taking in the nightlife, art, and museums. However, if you want to indulge in Cartagena tours to nearby islands or remote beaches, a week may be ideal.
According to travelers, these are the best attractions in Cartagena:
- Rosario Islands (Islas del Rosario)
- Totumo Mud Volcano (El Totumo)
- Old Town Cartagena
- San Felipe de Barajas Castle (Castillo San Felipe de Barajas)
- Convento de la Popa de la Galera
View Viator’s guide to all the best attractions in Cartagena.
There are tons of great trips to take from Cartagena. According to traveler reviews, these are the best day trips to book right now:
- Tour De Palenque, Road to Emancipation
- Island Hopping Snorkel Paradise from Cartagena
- Full-Day 3 Private Islands
- The ORIGINAL Rosario Islands Boat Tour with Lunch & 4 Beach Clubs
- Freedom Tour of Palenque
View all of Viator’s top Cartagena day trips.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a great time in Cartagena. Here are some of the best Cartagena activities under US$25:
It’s no secret that Cartagena is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the top outdoor tours to book right now:
- Cartagena ATV Tour
- Half-Day Tour to Totumo Mud Volcano from Cartagena
- Island Hopping Snorkel Paradise from Cartagena
- Full Day 3 Private Islands
- The ORIGINAL Rosario Islands Boat Tour with Lunch & 4 Beach Clubs
View all of Viator’s top outdoor activities in Cartagena.
According to travelers, these are the top museums and cultural attractions in Cartagena:
- Cartagena Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno de Cartagena)
- Cathedral of San Pedro Claver (Iglesia de San Pedro Claver)
- Gold Museum (Museo de Oro Zenu)
- Rafael Nuñez House Museum
- Naval Museum of the Caribbean
View all of Viator’s museum tickets and passes in Cartagena.
Couples will find plenty of romantic tours in Cartagena. Here are some of the top activities to book now, according to previous travelers:
- Sunset Cruise in Cartagena
- Private City Tour of Cartagena
- Freedom Tour of Palenque
- Cartagena Gourmet: Cooking Class with a View, Elegance, & Flavor
- Dance Class In a Secret Rooftop Of The Old City
View all of Viator’s top romantic tours in Cartagena.