Discover Cartagena de Indias in 7 days: A guide to experience the magic of the walled city & the tranquility of its insular zone.

Cartagena de Indias, located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is a destination that combines history, culture, paradisiacal beaches and vibrant nightlife. In this seven-day guide, we’ll explore the best the city and surrounding area has to offer, with daily recommendations to make the most of your stay; we’ll also tell you about an ideal place to stay: Hotel Éteka is located on Isla Tierra Bomba, just 10 minutes from the city of Cartagena, an oasis of luxury in front of the sea.an oasis of luxury in front of the sea.

Day 1: Welcome to the Colombian Caribbean

Tomorrow
Upon landing in Cartagena we will take you to the Hotel Étekaknown for its biophilic design, elevated Caribbean cuisine and convenient proximity to the city in a lush natural setting. This boutique hotel combines tropical luxury with space and interior design that highlights the surrounding nature, ideal for starting your Cartagena adventure in style. Relax and enjoy a refreshing welcome cocktail made with native fruits such as corozo, while contemplating the beautiful views of the sea and the city.

Afternoon
Explore the historic center of Cartagena, known as the “Walled City”. Walled CityUNESCO World Heritage Site. It begins at the Plaza de los Coches and walk along cobblestone streets lined with colorful colonial balconies. Visit the Zenú Gold Museumwhich exhibits the pre-Hispanic legacy of the region, and take a break in the Plaza de Santo Domingowhere you will find Botero’s emblematic sculpture, “La Gorda Gertrudis”.

Night
Enjoy a dinner at Carmen Cartagenaa restaurant that fuses local flavors with haute cuisine. Try the lobster ceviche or coconut rice, Caribbean classics reinvented.

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Day 2: Beaches and nature

Morning Walk through the Botanical Garden of Cartagena.

Visit the Guillermo Piñeres Botanical Garden in Turbaco. Explore its trails full of native trees, tropical plants and exotic birds. Learn about the local flora and fauna while enjoying a calm and fresh environment.

Afternoon
Lunch on one of the nearby islands, enjoying fresh fish accompanied by patacones and coconut rice. Return to Cartagena at the end of the day for a well-deserved rest at the hotel.

Night
Experience a magical night under the starry sky that can only be appreciated from the island zone. Enjoy the live music of talented professional violinists and saxophonists that will create an intimate atmosphere, set by soft lights and bonfire, where the festive spirit is accompanied by tranquility.

Day 3: Local culture and gastronomy

Tomorrow
Visit the Castle of San Felipe de BarajasThe fortress is an imposing fortress built to protect the city from pirate attacks. Walk through its subway tunnels and contemplate the panoramic view of Cartagena from its top.

Afternoon
Go to the neighborhood Getsemaníthe cultural heart of the city. This colorful neighborhood, full of urban art and vibrant plazas, is perfect for strolling and lunch. Sample local delicacies at Pepina’s Kitchenwhere dishes such as mote de queso or posta cartagenera are not to be missed.

Night
Experience the nightlife of Cartagena. Go to Café Havanaan iconic bar where salsa rhythms will envelop you in a unique festive atmosphere.

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Day 4: Totumo Volcano Adventure

Tomorrow
Take a tour to the Totumo Volcanoa small mud volcano famous for its therapeutic properties. Relax in this unique natural spa and enjoy an unforgettable experience.

Afternoon
On the way back to Cartagena, enjoy a late lunch at El Boliche Cebicheríaspecializing in fresh seafood. Then, spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at the hotel.

Night
Dinner at Almaone of the most prestigious restaurants in the city, located inside the boutique hotel Casa San Agustín. Its dishes combine the best of local tradition with modern techniques.

Day 5: Visit to the Colombian National Aviary

Morning and afternoon

Visit the National Aviary, located on the island of Baru, approximately one hour from Cartagena.

Discover more than 170 species of exotic and native birds, including flamingos, macaws, toucans and other sadly endangered species.

Learn about the importance of the conservation of these species in their natural habitats while touring the themed areas.

Night
Return to Cartagena for a light dinner. Enjoy a relaxed evening at La Vitrolaan emblematic restaurant with live music and a menu inspired by Cuban and Caribbean cuisine.

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Day 6: Shopping and romantic sunset

Tomorrow
Spend the morning touring the craft markets of Cartagena. Buy souvenirs such as filigree jewelry, wayuu backpacks or local art pieces.

Afternoon
For a casual lunch, visit the Bazurto MarketAn authentic local market full of flavors and colors. In the afternoon, stroll along the ramparts and choose a place to watch the sunset. The Café del Marlocated on the wall, is the perfect place for an unforgettable view of the sun sinking into the sea.

Night
Finish the day with a romantic dinner at the Hotel restaurant of the Hotel ÉtekaÉteka’s cuisine maintains the essence of the region, but reinterprets it with an innovative and refined approach. Éteka’s cuisine maintains the essence of the region, but reinterprets it with an innovative and refined approach.

Day 7: Last day: The sunset of the trip

Tomorrow
Take advantage of your last morning to relax in the hotel’s facilities. Enjoy a delicious Caribbean breakfast from the gazebo followed by some time to unwind in the beautiful saltwater pool.

Afternoon
Schedule a relaxing massage at C-ALMA SPAThe hotel’s spa, which by the way is recognized for being the most Instagrammable hotel in Cartagena, has a variety of rituals specially designed by professional therapists. We recommend you not to miss the “Viking Ritual” ice immersion to energize your body and mind.

Night
Schedule a tour to see the luminous plankton on Baru Island, an amazing experience for bioluminescence lovers.

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Find out more about our Éteka experience

Lodging
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