The best activities for a weekend in Cartagena

Amidst the hectic pace of daily life, sometimes all we need is a break. A respite. A moment to disconnect from stress and reconnect with what truly matters: ourselves, our emotions, and our relationships. Cartagena de Indias, with its unique blend of history, culture, sea, and Caribbean flavor, is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.

Whether you're traveling as a couple, with friends, with family, or even alone, Cartagena offers unforgettable experiences in just a few days. Imagine walking through the charming cobblestone streets of the Historic Center, enjoying a sunset over the walls, or savoring a romantic dinner by the sea. If you go with friends, you can visit bars with live music, take a tour in a party-going chiva (a traditional Cuban boat), or sail through the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean to the Rosario Islands. For families, there are activities for all ages: carriage rides, visits to San Felipe Castle, museum tours, and days of sun and sand.

Even if you decide to travel alone, Cartagena is an ideal place to reconnect with yourself. You can lose yourself in the colors of Getsemaní, have a coffee in a colonial plaza and watch life go by, or treat yourself to a good meal, a massage, and a walk along the seafront.

You don't have to wait for a long vacation to experience something special. A well-spent weekend in Cartagena can make a difference in your mood, give you renewed energy, and leave you with lasting memories. So make room in your schedule, pack light, and come and enjoy a destination that always has something new to offer.

Start your weekend in Cartagena with a magical night in the bay.

There's no better way to welcome the weekend in Cartagena than by embarking on a unique experience from day one. This Friday, let yourself be enveloped by the city's charm while enjoying an elegant dinner aboard an exclusive cruise around the bay.

As night falls, the horizon lights up with the golden silhouette of the walled city, and you'll be a privileged witness to this living postcard from an unforgettable perspective. Savor an exquisite four-course dinner, carefully prepared to delight your palate with local and international flavors, while the gentle lapping of the sea relaxes you and the warm breeze caresses your skin.

Whether you share this moment with your partner, with friends, or even alone, this evening will be the perfect start to a weekend to remember. The lights of Cartagena reflected in the water, the ambient music, the impeccable service, and the romantic atmosphere make this evening tour an experience that goes far beyond a simple dinner: it's a celebration of life, love, relaxation, and the pleasure of traveling.

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Saturday on Wheels: Discover the magic of Cartagena on an electric motorcycle

Your second day in Cartagena begins with energy and style. Nothing beats kicking off the morning with a unique adventure touring the historic city on an electric scooter—a fun, eco-friendly, and comfortable way to explore every corner of this colonial gem.

Imagine gliding smoothly through the narrow cobblestone streets of the Historic Center, with the sea breeze caressing your face and the sun illuminating the vibrant colors of the colonial facades. This tour will take you to discover iconic monuments, squares steeped in history, and charming corners that you might not find on foot.

Along the way, you'll make strategic stops to take spectacular photos, hear fascinating stories about Cartagena's past, and immerse yourself in the city's cultural essence. You'll also have the opportunity to explore local craft shops, perfect for picking up an authentic souvenir or supporting talented Cartagena artists.

This tour is perfect for starting your Saturday in an active, fun way, full of local flavor. Whether as a couple, with friends, or in a group, it's a dynamic and unique way to see Cartagena from a new perspective.

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Continue on Saturday with a cocktail tasting tour inspired by the history of Cartagena.

After a morning exploring the city on an electric scooter, the perfect afternoon in Cartagena invites you to relax, enjoy, and toast with flavor and history. Get ready for a cocktail tasting tour in the heart of the Historic Center, where every sip tells a story and every ingredient is inspired by the icons of this enchanting city.

In this unique experience, an expert guide will take you on a sensorial journey that blends signature cocktails with Cartagena's most iconic legends and monuments. In a carefully selected restaurant within the walled city, you'll experience a guided tasting where you'll learn how to prepare and taste five artisanal cocktails, each designed to represent a piece of Cartagena's soul.

From fresh flavors of tropical fruits to more intense notes that evoke the mysticism of colonial forts, this tour blends the best of liquid art with the cultural richness of the destination. And best of all: it all takes place in a cozy, elegant atmosphere full of Caribbean charm.

Ideal to share with friends, your partner, or even as a personal experience, this tasting will awaken not only your palate but also your imagination. You'll leave with a new appreciation for Cartagena's history... and perhaps a favorite cocktail you'll want to repeat again and again.

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Saturday Sunset: Sail into enchantment with our Flaming Sunset Tour

After a day full of history, flavors, and excitement in Cartagena, it's time to close the day with a flourish: an unforgettable sunset aboard an elegant catamaran sailing through the city's magical bay.

The Flaming Sunset Tour is much more than a simple tour: it's an exclusive two-hour experience where the sky is painted in shades of orange, pink, and gold while you relax with soft music, a drink in hand, and the best company. From the deck, you'll enjoy privileged views of the walled city, the Caribbean horizon, and the glow of the sun's last rays reflecting on the sea.

With personalized attention from a host dedicated to your well-being and an open bar with select drinks—from tropical cocktails to non-alcoholic options—this experience is perfect for unwinding, celebrating, or simply letting yourself be carried away by the moment. The gentle breeze, the sound of the water, and the relaxed atmosphere create the ideal atmosphere for a magical close to Saturday.

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Sunday of sun and sea: the perfect ending to your getaway in Cartagena

After two days exploring, savoring, and sailing through Cartagena's history and charm, Sunday is reserved for complete relaxation under the Caribbean sun. It's the perfect time to close out your weekend with a day at the beach in one of the most idyllic spots on Cartagena's coastline.

We present our three best day trip options, carefully selected to offer you comfort, natural beauty, and memorable experiences. Whether you prefer an exclusive atmosphere, a beach with crystal-clear waters, or a space with great music and local cuisine, we have the perfect place for you.

Explore our three recommendations and get ready for a Sunday of total relaxation in this Caribbean paradise.

Pao Pao Day Trip: Luxury, Nature, and Flavor by the Sea

If you're looking for a beach experience that combines elegance, comfort, and a connection with nature, Pao Pao is your ideal destination. This exclusive hotel, perfectly integrated into its tropical surroundings, invites you to enjoy an unforgettable day amidst dreamy Caribbean landscapes.

From the moment you arrive, you'll feel the harmony between design, tranquility, and luxury. The rooms and suites, although day passes are not included, are there to showcase the high standards of the property, offering stunning views of the Caribbean Sea that enhance every moment of the day with the sea breeze and the relaxing sound of the waves.

The heart of this experience is Pao Pao Restaurant, where each dish is a true work of art. Its cuisine fuses the best of local and international cuisine, with fresh ingredients prepared by expert chefs. Enjoy freshly prepared ceviche, delight in gourmet flavors with Caribbean touches, and wash it all down with a refreshing drink while contemplating the endless blue of the sea.

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Bora Bora Day Trip: Caribbean vibes between luxury and fun

For those looking to combine relaxation, music, flavor, and excitement in one place, the Bora Bora Day Club is simply irresistible. Located in a paradisiacal setting of crystal-clear waters and white sand, this exclusive beach club immerses you in the essence of the Caribbean from the very first moment.

Imagine arriving on an island where everything is designed for your maximum enjoyment: beach loungers facing the sea, first-class service, and a tropical atmosphere that envelops you with the warm breeze and the endless blue of the ocean. Bora Bora is the perfect place to unwind, celebrate, and let yourself be carried away by the positive energy of the sea.

But it's not all about relaxation here: Bora Bora vibrates with life and movement. During the day, you can enjoy live DJs, outdoor music, and a festive atmosphere that inspires joy. If adventure is your thing, try paddleboarding, snorkeling, or exploring the surrounding area on a tour of the sea. Every moment offers a new way to experience the Caribbean your way.

At Éteka, every detail has been carefully thought out to invite you to pause, breathe, and reconnect. There's no rush here, just moments to be felt, savored, and remembered. Whether relaxing on a beach bed, practicing yoga among the trees, or simply gazing at the horizon, this space invites you to reconnect with yourself and Mother Earth.

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And our recommendation: Top 3 Islands Day Trip, three jewels, one unforgettable day

If you want to close your Cartagena getaway with a truly extraordinary experience, the Top 3 Islands Day Trip is the perfect choice. An exclusive tour that takes you to discover the best of the Rosario Islands in a single day: three destinations, three atmospheres, one emotion... the Caribbean at its finest.

The adventure begins at the iconic Bora Bora Beach Club, known for its vibrant energy, private beach, and sophisticated oceanfront atmosphere. Enjoy a luxurious lounge chair, cocktail in hand, while you let the sun and music carry you away. If you prefer something more active, take to the water to swim, kayak, or paddleboard. Here, the balance between relaxation and fun is simply perfect.

The second stop takes you to Islabela, a serene, ecological haven where nature takes center stage. Surrounded by lush vegetation and crystal-clear waters, this sustainable sanctuary is ideal for reconnecting with yourself, snorkeling, and admiring marine life. A magical place that combines peace, environmental awareness, and Caribbean hospitality.

And to close out this dreamy day, there's nothing better than a gastronomic experience at the exclusive Pao Pao Restaurant & Hotel. Enjoy a beachfront lunch featuring Caribbean flavors, prepared by expert chefs in an intimate and elegant setting. The tropical ambiance, impeccable service, and panoramic views will be the icing on the cake for a perfect day.

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Cartagena de Indias is not just a destination: it's an experience experienced with all your senses. From the first sunset on Friday to the last ray of sun on Sunday, this magical city offers you unforgettable moments that combine history, flavor, sea, culture, and fun.

Because we all need a break. A moment to breathe, to enjoy, to make memories. Whether as a couple, with friends, family, or just by yourself, this weekend in Cartagena is that respite the soul appreciates.

CARTAGENA IS WAITING FOR YOU. AND YOU DESERVE TO EXPERIENCE IT.