How to Plan a Trip to Cartagena
The complete 2026 guide — flights, hotels, things to do and airport transfers, all in one place. Everything a first-time visitor to Colombia needs.
Your 4-step Cartagena plan
Step 1 — Book flights to CTG
Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) is the main gateway to Cartagena. Compare fares across major airlines and OTAs before locking a date.
See flight deals to CTGStep 2 — Pick a neighborhood
Base yourself in Walled Old Town (Ciudad Amurallada) — UNESCO for the best first-time visit — 16th-century walled colonial city — Plaza Santo Domingo, San Pedro Claver, balcony bougainvillaea.
Where to stay in CartagenaStep 3 — Plan your itinerary
Start with Walled Old Town (Ciudad Amurallada) — UNESCO, then build outward. Most first-time visitors need 3-5 days to see the highlights of Cartagena.
Things to do in CartagenaStep 4 — Sort your airport transfer
Taxi to Old Town (fixed) is COP 15,000 and takes 10 min. Pre-book a private transfer for stress-free arrival.
CTG arrival guideBefore you book — visa check
Visa-free for 90 days for US, UK, EU, Canada, AU, NZ, Japan, Korea + 90 nationalities. USD 40 reciprocity fee for AU. Onward ticket required.