What to do in Cartagena in 3 days: a guide with safe plans

Cartagena is a city that stays in your memory. Its history, its Caribbean energy, its colors, its islands. But if you're only coming for a few days, it's easy to waste time comparing options, improvising, or falling into plans that don't deliver what they promise. That's why, at Bora Bora Travel, we designed a 3-day itinerary that brings together the best of the city, with safe, well-organized experiences designed for those who want to enjoy themselves without worries.

Here we tell you how you could experience Cartagena in three days... and do it right.

Day 1: Explore the city and end with a sunset at sea.

Cartagena is best explored on foot. Start with a city tour that takes you through the cobblestone streets of the Historic Center, passing by plazas, churches, colonial balconies, and legends that are still told. You can also explore the Getsemaní neighborhood, with its murals, cafes, and local life.

In the afternoon, the perfect plan: a sunset boat tour of the bay. Music, good company, an open bar, and a panoramic view of the city gilded by the sun. An unforgettable end to your first day.

Day 2: Rosario Islands, three times better.

If there's a day to get out of the city, it's this one. Set sail early on the Top 3 Islands tour, one of the most comprehensive and highly rated by our travelers. In a single day, you'll visit three private islands in the Rosario Archipelago: Bora Bora, Pao Pao, and Islabela.

On each island, you'll spend more than an hour, with a welcome cocktail, beach space, a carefully curated setting, and a seaside lunch. Logistics are fully coordinated: sea transportation, a bilingual guide, on-board hydration, and assistance throughout the tour.

It's a full day spent among crystal-clear waters, soft music, and spaces that invite you to unwind.

Day 3: Adventure, flavor, or wellness (your choice)

For the third day, you can choose the pace you like best:

Do you prefer the sea? You can snorkel, paddleboard, or take an introductory scuba dive.
Do you prefer something more peaceful? Take a yoga class in the walled city.
Do you like to move around? Try an electric scooter tour of the modern city, a coffee tasting, or a gastronomic experience with local chefs.

The important thing is that everything is organized in detail, without improvisation and with the support of an agency that is with you from the very beginning.

Why book your trip with Bora Bora Travel?

Because Cartagena is much more than a postcard. It's a city best enjoyed calmly, if you know who to trust.

At Bora Bora Travel, we design real, safe, and well-maintained experiences. We're part of the group behind Bora Bora Beach Club & Hotel and Pao Pao Hotel & Restaurant, and we have more than 30 plans available, from classic tours to exclusive day trips, cultural, gastronomic, and nature activities.

Whether you're planning your trip or already in the city, we'll help you organize everything so you can experience Cartagena as it should be: without rushing, without wasting time, and with the certainty of being in good hands.