48 hours in Cartagena: An increasingly popular plan

Maximize your 48 hours in Cartagena with top attractions, local cuisine, and vibrant neighborhoods in this popular Colombian destination.

Although it may seem that two days are not enough to enjoy the best of ‘La Heroica,’ if you properly organize your itinerary you will surely be able to make the most of your stay.

Cartagena has become one of the favorite destinations to escape to, any day of the week, to experience a delicious recharge of Caribbean air and experience firsthand its unique atmosphere imbued with magic and joy.

Whether for a cultural plan, a romantic date, a work meeting, a sporting event, a meeting with family or friends, among many other excuses, flying away for a while to the ‘corralito de piedra’ is a luxury experience for those who know how to appreciate the enormous natural and historical beauty of the city, as well as for those who are ready to enjoy the best of the local gastronomy and nightlife.

Jenssen and Lily, a couple from Detroit, Michigan, USA, both professionals in their late 30s, met us at a breakfast organized by Travel Easy Colombia to suggest some plans they could do during their 48-hour stay in Cartagena.

With a rather relaxed attitude and enjoying each of the dishes that were part of the typical breakfast, especially the fruits and traditional fried foods, Jenssen and Lily clarified that although they wanted to live a thousand experiences on their trip, they knew that their time was limited and what they really wanted was to be able to enjoy a little of the local culture and life, leaving time to recharge their batteries, getting away from the routine and being able to relax.

Having arrived the night before, the couple was eager to enjoy their limited time at ‘La Fantástica,’ but they wanted to do so without having to go in a group, taking things at their own pace, and without following strict schedules. That’s why several of the suggested experiences included open spaces in the Historical Center, in Getsemaní, and in Manga.

Day 1

Tour of the walled belt: More than 11 km of route through the magnificent walls, a walk that shows you not only the surface, but also the interior of this impressive work of military engineering.

Parks and squares in the historic city: No matter the order in which you visit them, the squares in the Historical Center are spaces that you must visit to marvel at the immense cultural and architectural beauty that can be seen on each of their corners, as well as the cultural displays that are performed there.

Unforgettable lunch: Several of the best restaurants and cuisines in Cartagena are located downtown, so no matter what you choose, you’re sure to find a delicious option. More than just a necessary break to eat, at ‘La Heroica’ you enjoy the time spent around a good dish, so you can be sure that in addition to being satisfied, you’ll be able to enjoy an experience where the ingredients and flavors are mixed with a good dose of emotion and pleasure.

Sunset in the bay: Whether walking, cycling, sailing in a boat, or simply sitting on a bench or on the wall itself, enjoying the sunsets of this Caribbean jewel is a must-do plan. If you want to return to the walled area, or prefer to go to one of the bays with pedestrian paths, such as the one in Manga, the golden hour provided by the sundown is a visual spectacle that can be enjoyed at no cost. If your budget is higher, do not miss the opportunity to chase the sunset from a sailboat, yacht or catamaran.

A cocktail in Getsemaní: A visit to Cartagena’s bohemian, cool neighborhood is a must. Walking through its colorful alleys and streets full of good energy is a comforting experience. No matter where you come from, walking through this neighborhood will make you feel welcome and will make you leave behind the burden of stress that accompanies you. Sitting in a narrow corridor, surrounded by tourists from all over the world who have abandoned their problems, to have a cocktail in peace, is certainly a moment to remember and treasure.

Day 2

Let’s go to the beach: After a good night’s rest, it’s time to take advantage of the best that the Rosario Islands have to offer. Departing from the ‘Bodeguita’ Pier, the day trips in this wonderful National Natural Park (PNN) will leave you speechless. Ask about the option that best suits you and get ready to live an experience full of majestic landscapes where time seems to stand still.

A cultural stop: Since the return from the islands must be done early, for safety reasons due to the high tide, take advantage of the proximity of the pier to the museums and other cultural sites located in the old town. In addition to the permanent collections, events are frequently organized that further enrich the experience and allow you to appreciate even more a destination as special as ‘La Heroica.’

The food in Cartagena is so good: Before preparing for your return flight, and after a nice bath after a day at the beach, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a new gastronomic experience. Whether in a luxury restaurant, a family home, an informal kitchen or a street food stand, delight yourself with the exquisite flavors that Cartagena chefs prepare with skill and passion.

Now you know, Cartagena will always remain gorgeous and fantastic, an never-failing destination that will always await you with all of its magic and incomparable energy, no matter how long you can enjoy it. Happy trip back to Detroit for Jenssen and Lily, they will undoubtedly take back to the United States precious memories and leave a promise to return very soon.