Cartagena, Colombia, has become a popular honeymoon destination due to its bubbly historical town, warm weather, and rich culture. The white sandy beaches are just the tip of the iceberg in this romantic getaway. A honeymoon in Cartagena should be at the top of your list.
Table of Contents
Is Cartagena a Good Place for a Honeymoon?
Cartagena, along the Caribbean coast, has hot weather and refreshing white sand beaches. It is packed with fun, food, and rich culture; hence perfect for a honeymoon. Apart from the gorgeous historical buildings, Cartagena will treat you to fun-filled nights with mouthwatering food, live music, and dance.
What Activities Can You Do on a Honeymoon in Cartagena?
- Sightseeing. Visit places such as the Museum of Cartagena de Indias, Castle San Felipe de Barajas, the Clock Tower, and numerous churches.
- Leisurely walks. Enjoy romantic strolls along the colorful cobblestone streets or along Avenida Santander for ocean views and architecture.
- Take a free (or paid) tour. Learn about fascinating Colombian history, explore Getsemani, and learn about the meaning behind local street art and murals.
- Take a day trip. Go to La Boquilla for fishing, the Rosario Islands for beautiful beaches, Playa Blanca for snorkeling, Palenque for history, or El Totumo for healing mud baths.
- Enjoy the nightlife. While it’s best to have a few destinations in mind, you can easily find a bar or club playing music you enjoy as you walk down the street.
What Is the Best Month to Visit Cartagena?
The best time to visit Cartagena is Mid-January to April. The city has warm weather around this time with little or no rainfall; hence the best time to explore this magnificent town.
June through September is an excellent time to avoid crowds and enjoy better deals, but be ready to endure rain and humidity.
Is a Cartagena Honeymoon Expensive?
A honeymoon in Cartagena is generally cheap due to the low cost of living and flights. On average, an 8-day Cartagena honeymoon for two may cost as little as $1,500, and as much as 5,000. This amount fluctuates depending on your honeymoon plans, including the accommodation type, food, and activities.
How To Plan a Budget Honeymoon in Cartagena
- Engage in free activities such as walking and water activities on public beaches.
- Visit during the off-season (June through September) for the best deals on flights and accommodation.
- Stay in budget-friendly (3-star hotels) or vacation rentals.
- Eat in cafes and street food outlets. Food in Cartagena is yummy wherever you eat it.
- Book early and look for honeymoon packages that include flights and accommodation.
- Use public transport instead of taxis.
- Shop in local markets.
7 Best Areas to Stay In Cartagena
Old City/Centro
As the name suggests, Centro, also known as the Walled City, is the center of Cartagena and home to some of the oldest historical buildings. It’s the best place for first-timers because it’s easily accessible, and you’ll find everything close together, from restaurants, bars, and shopping malls.
In addition, this old town has the most beautiful sights, such as cobbled streets, museums, churches, and colonial buildings dating back to the 17th century.
Getsemani
Getsemani is the bubbly town just outside the walled city where all the nightlife happens. Packed with beaming bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and street food outlets, it’s the best place to party and try Colombian delicacies.
For art lovers, the town hosts historical buildings displaying colorful graffiti, making it a great place to hang out and take pictures. Also, it has beautiful alleys, perfect for morning or evening bike rides.
San Diego
If the Walled City and Getsemani are too loud for your liking, San Diego is your best option. It’s quieter, and you’ll still access all the nice places, including bars and restaurants and the cool La Bovedas market for shopping.
In addition, there are different accommodation types, such as luxury hotels with rooftop pools and a picturesque view of the Caribbean Sea.
Bocagrande
If a honeymoon by the beach is your cup of tea, head to Boca Grande (Miami Beach of Cartagena). It’s one of the best places to enjoy beach life and luxury. It offers more of a modern lifestyle compared to Centro and Getsemani. Therefore, you can expect highrise hotels, skyscrapers, and all the luxuries of modern life.
Although it’s far from most historical sites, you’ll have the best experience in high-end oceanfront accommodations.
Marbella
If Bocagrande sounds too expensive for your budget, you can soak up the sun at Playa Marbella. The beach is less busy, and you can paddle, idle, or watch beach volleyball. Again, there are excellent picnicking spots and a seafront pedestrian path perfect for sundowner strolls.
The best part is it has easy access to the Walled City and has plenty of beachfront hotels for the perfect Caribbean experience.
Crespo
Crespo is one of the best places for budget honeymooners. This town is packed with fun things to do and cheaper than the rest. Its proximity to the airport makes it the perfect getaway, especially when you need to catch an early morning flight.
You’ll find some of the best budget-friendly apartments and mid-range hotels here. If you need somewhere to relax away from all the chaos, Crespo is your best option.
Islas del Rosario
Isla Grande is the largest amongst the more than 20 Rosario Islands. They are about 1 hour by boat from the city and are a must-see, especially for nature lovers. It’s the best place to explore coral reefs and marine life, especially on uninhabited islands. You can also engage in water activities, including swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling.
Although they’re a bit far from the city (62 miles/100km), you’ll find great accommodation types like villas and Airbnbs.
What Is the Best Way to Travel to Cartagena?
The best way to travel to Cartagena is by air. There are regular flights from several US states, such as Miami and New York. Fly into Rafael Núñez International Airport, which is only about four miles away from the city center.
Traveling Within Cartagena
The best thing about Cartagena is that everything is close together. Towns a few miles apart, and there are several options to get around, including:
- Taxis or Ubers: Taxis are the best way to get around in Cartagena. They are relatively cheap and easy to find in different towns. However, ensure you enquire about taxi rates before you board to avoid getting ripped off.
- Public Transport: Cartagena has a local bus system to travel within the city and connect to other cities such as Bogota. However, the system is quite complicated, making it difficult for tourists.
- On foot: Cartagena has some of the best walkable towns, such as Old Town, Getsemani, and San Diego. You can take free walking tours along the beautiful streets and visit historical sites.
- Biking: Biking Cartagena’s streets is easy, but it might be challenging to connect different towns. You can rent a bike or an electric motorcycle.
- Rental car: Renting a car is a good option if you plan a day trip around the city or out of town. However, rentals are expensive and require a driver’s license.
What Types of Honeymoon Accommodations Are Available in Cartagena?
Cartagena has various accommodation types to suit your budget and honeymoon preferences. Some of the best you can sample include:
- Luxury hotels: Cartagena has a variety of luxury hotels, including beach resorts and villas with private swimming pools.
- Boutique hotels: Boutique hotels in this city are gorgeous owing to their colonial-style architecture and a touch of South American culture.
- Apartments: Cartagena towns have well-furnished apartments and Airbnbs that are budget-friendly. Some have fully equipped kitchens where you can cook meals.
4 Local Foods to Try in Cartagena
- Ceviche: A staple in South America, and you’ll find it on most menus across Cartagena. It’s made with chopped fish seasoned with salt and lime juice and served with plantains, chips, or crackers.
- Mojarra: Mojarra is species of tilapia that lives in freshwater. It is usually served pan-fried with plantains, rice, and salad.
- Colombian empanadas: A favorite snack for locals made with fried corn shells stuffed with vegetables, potatoes, or beef.
- Arepa de huevo: Commonly eaten for breakfast, this arepa has a shell made from corn and is filled with eggs. The arepa is deep-fried until the eggs are cooked through.
Are There Any Cultural Experiences to Include in a Cartagena Honeymoon?
Cartagena is a cultural and historical hub with rich historical roots and diverse cultures. Hence you can include several experiences, such as:
Food tours: A guided food tour in UNESCO-listed Old Town is the best way to learn about the city’s heritage. You’ll also have a chance to taste local dishes.
Visit Palenque: This is a preserved town established by escaped African slaves, also called the “first free town of the Americas.” Many of the brightly-dressed women with fruit baskets in Cartagena are from this city; they are called Palenqueras.
What to Pack For a Honeymoon in Cartagena
Cartagena is a hot city, especially during the dry season (December through April). In addition, it’s a casual place, and you won’t need much formal wear. You’ll want to bring comfortable shoes, light, airy clothing, beach essentials, reusable water bottles, etc.
Is Cartagena Safe to Visit?
Generally, Cartagena is a safe place to visit. However, like most Colombian cities, the crime rate is higher, especially with petty crimes such as muggings, pickpockets, scams, and break-ins.
Here are safety tips to help you have a good time:
- Be alert when walking the streets to avoid pickpockets.
- Enquire about prices and rates before shopping or boarding taxis.
- Be firm with nagging street vendors, especially on the beach.
- Ensure your hotel has high-level security.
- Book excursions with certified/recognized agents.
- Avoid dingy neighborhoods.
- Never leave your belongings in rental cars.
- Mind your luggage.
- Avoiding walking at night, especially alone.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Cartagena?
You don’t need a visa to visit Cartagena. Your US passport acts as a tourist visa for up to 90 days.
Bonus Tips For a Honeymoon in Cartagena
Before you pack your bags for this gorgeous Afro-Caribbean city, here are a few reminders:
- The local language is Spanish, but some people speak English.
- 1 USD translates to 4,760 Colombian Pesos at the time of writing.
- Tipping isn’t expected, but it’s appreciated, especially in restaurants and taxis.
- Tap water is generally safe to drink.
- Wake up early to take advantage of the day before the mid-day heat sets in.