Travel Budget for Cartagena Visit Cartagena on a Budget or Travel in Style

Cartagena, Departamento de Bolivar, Colombia

Cartagena is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Cartagena?

You should plan to spend around $51 (CO$212,991) per day on your vacation in Cartagena. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $16 (CO$66,123) on meals
  • $7.00 (CO$29,159) on local transportation
  • $50 (CO$209,655) on hotels

A one week trip to Cartagena for two people costs, on average, $716 (CO$2,981,874). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $51
    CO$212,991
  • One Week Per person
    $358
    CO$1,490,937
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $716
    CO$2,981,874
  • One Month Per person
    $1,534
    CO$6,389,730
  • One Week For a couple
    $716
    CO$2,981,874
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $1,431
    CO$5,963,748
  • One Month For a couple
    $3,067
    CO$12,779,460
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Cartagena cost?

A one week trip to Cartagena usually costs around $358 (CO$1,490,937) for one person and $716 (CO$2,981,874) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Cartagena on average costs around $716 (CO$2,981,874) for one person and $1,431 (CO$5,963,748) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Cartagena will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Cartagena on average costs around $1,534 (CO$6,389,730) for one person and $3,067 (CO$12,779,460) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Cartagena expensive to visit?

Cartagena is a smaller destination that attracts a range of visitors, each with distinct travel styles, spending habits, and budgetary requirements. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.

You can find Cartagena to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like looking for discounts and coupons can help you save money.

On average, budget travelers spend $17 (CO$74,869) per day, mid-range travelers spend $49 (CO$212,991) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $155 (CO$673,837) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Cartagena.

Within South America, Cartagena is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in South America for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Medellin, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Recife.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Cartagena Expensive?

Cartagena, Colombia Cartagena, Colombia

How much money do I need for a trip to Cartagena?

The average Cartagena trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Cartagena travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Cartagena cost?

Cartagena on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$8
(CO$31,850)
$25
(CO$104,828)
$97
(CO$404,479)
Local Transportation 1 $3
(CO$10,944)
$7
(CO$29,159)
$20
(CO$82,136)
Food 2 $6
(CO$26,891)
$16
(CO$66,123)
$37
(CO$156,038)
Entertainment 1 $8
(CO$31,906)
$20
(CO$82,562)
$53
(CO$219,164)
Alcohol 2 $2-5
(CO$6,928-20,783)
$4-13
(CO$17,915-53,744)
$11-34
(CO$47,489-142,468)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people assume they can visit Cartagena on a minimal budget, but most find that style of travel to be uncomfortable. Think about what makes a vacation enjoyable for you. Do you like staying in budget hostels, regular hotels, or high-end resorts? Do you want to experience the local attractions? Do you enjoy dining out? Your budget and itinerary will be determined by your answers to these questions.

What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?

You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $17 that backpackers often get by on.

Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.

Luckily, Cartagena has plenty of hostels, including Viajero Cartagena - Centro Hostel, Republica Hostel Cartagena, and Socialtel Cartagena. Here, you can enjoy budget dorm accommodation along with a friendly, social vibe, but amenities are quite limited.

What Makes You an Average Traveler?

Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. Most people who travel to Cartagena will want to experience its major attractions, museums, and historical landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $49 per person, per day.

Cartagena offers a diverse selection of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with companions, you can share a hotel room with a partner, friend, or your kids, making it easier on your wallet. Families should look for hotels and restaurants that are family-friendly. El Marques Hotel Boutique is an excellent option for kids, and Casa Claver Loft Boutique Hotel is another fantastic choice. For more family and couple-friendly accommodations, check out our hotel guide for Cartagena here.

Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?

If you're looking for a complete getaway that features every luxury and a high level of service, plan on a cost of about $155 daily. To enjoy nicer hotels, dine at award-winning venues, indulge in extravagant experiences, and travel around the destination with taxis or private drivers, you'll need to set aside a luxury budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Gabriel García Márquez Myths and Legends Private Walking Tour - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Cartagena

The prices for hotels in Cartagena can really vary, especially during peak travel season. Off-season, the average hotel room costs $81, while during peak season, that average price jumps to around $151. With budget accommodations starting at $42 and luxury hotels peaking at $315, there are options for every traveler. Dorm-style hostels are often the cheapest. Traveling during the low season or booking early can help you save.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Cartagena for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $50 (CO$209,655). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $25 (CO$104,828) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $25
    CO$104,828
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $50
    CO$209,655

Hotels in Cartagena

Looking for a hotel in Cartagena? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Cartagena

The average hotel room price in Cartagena based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $81 in the low season and $151 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Cartagena include:

  • El Marques Hotel Boutique starting at $190
  • Hotel Quadrifolio starting at $242
  • Casa Claver Loft Boutique Hotel starting at $188
  • Hotel Boutique Casa del Coliseo starting at $149
  • Bastion Luxury Hotel starting at $197
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Cartagena

By avoiding the peak season and traveling in the low or shoulder seasons, you will be rewarded with lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Cartagena

In Cartagena, the public transit system is not very good.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $7.00 (CO$29,159) per person, per day, on local transportation in Cartagena. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Cartagena is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $7.00
    CO$29,159

Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • Bilingual Private Transfer In Cartagena for $12 details
  • Private Transfer from hotel in cartagena to the airport for $28 details
  • Private transfer from Cartagena to Santa Marta for $254 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Cartagena
How much does it cost to go to Cartagena? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Cartagena
The price of renting a car in Cartagena will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Cartagena

One of the biggest draws for travelers is the food, so be sure to savor the local flavors.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Cartagena can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Cartagena is $16 (CO$66,123) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $16
    CO$66,123

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Cartagena is around $15 (CO$66123) per person, with previous travelers spending from $6 to $36. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Cartagena are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $2 to $5
  • Lunch: $2 to $6
  • Dinner: $5 to $11
  • Coffee: $1
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $2

The food in Cartagena is a wonderful mix of the cultures you'll find in the city. African and Arabian flavors show up quite often. A popular dish is a fried meat such as fish, chicken or beef accompanied by coconut rice, fried plantains, and a salad. Food is generally quite cheap, particularly at lunch when restaurants often offer a set menu.

If you're in the old town, then you'll find a good selection of restaurants throughout. The largest concentration of options can be found close to the Plaza Santo Domingo in El Centro.

Food & Dining Tips

Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.

Use a water bottle instead of splurging on drinks everywhere you go. It's a smart choice for the environment, too.

When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.

Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Cartagena. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Street food tour with Julie for $120 details
  • 5-Hour Cooking and Tasting Class with Market Small Group Tour for $170 details
  • Cooking Classes with All the Palenquero Flavor for $102 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Cartagena

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Cartagena typically cost an average of $20 (CO$82,562) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $20
    CO$82,562

Cartagena's main tourist area is the historic old town, which is surrounded by the city wall. The main entrance to the area is the Clock Tower Building.

Other things to do in Cartagena include visiting the 500 hundred year old forts in the city that are in surprisingly good condition. The Castillo de San Felipe is a fortress that was built in 1657 by the Spanish. Also nearby is La Popa hill, where you can enjoy great views of the city and the harbor. Museums in Cartagena include the Palacio de la Inquisicion and the Gold Museum (which is free). Churches worth visiting include Iglesia de San Pedro Claver, La Catedral, and the Iglesia de Santo Domingo.

For even more information, check out this guide to planning a trip to Colombia.



There are a variety of activities that you can enjoy while you're in Cartagena. The Chiva Bus is an open air bus that travels around town filled with people drinking, listening to music, and generally having fun. Another fun activity is to take Latin Dance Lessons. You can learn a variety of dances including Salsa, Merengue, Rumba, and Bachata. Spanish classes are also available in town. There are a few Spanish language schools nearby including BABEL International Language Institute, which is found in the old city.

There are also many day trips that you can enjoy while you're in the area. There are a handful of picturesque fishing villages nearby as well as some decent beaches. The best beach for swimming is Playa Blanca, which can be visited on an overnight trip. Most hotels and hostels can organize this trip for you.

A nice way to explore destinations in Cartagena is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Private walking tour of the magical city of Cartagena. For $55 details
  • Cartagena-Boquilla Bike Ride Adventure for $95 details
  • 4-Hour Private Tour of the Emblematic Sites of Cartagena for $115 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Cartagena

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $8.60 (CO$35,830) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Cartagena per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $8.60
    CO$35,830
Nightlife Tips

Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.

Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Cartagena. A few favorites from other travelers include:

  • Friday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia for $25 details
  • Thursday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia for $20 details
  • Pub Crawl for $70 details

Recommended


Travel cost data last updated: Dec 19, 2024

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Cartagena

  • During , prices typically soar and the destination can feel quite crowded. For those looking to save money and have a quieter visit, the shoulder or low seasons are the way to go.
  • Traveling at a more relaxed pace can help you save money, giving you a chance to appreciate the stunning surroundings while you unwind. Packing your days with too many activities often leads to higher expenses. On the other hand, slowing down can lead to lower costs and a more enjoyable experience.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Cartagena doesn't offer many public transportation choices. It might be a good idea to arrange for transportation ahead of time, like booking a tour or a private driver. Just keep in mind that this could affect your budget in other areas.
  • Cartagena isn't known for its hostels, so if you're banking on finding a cheap dorm, it might be time to adjust your travel plans. A budget hotel or apartment rental could work better for you.
Traveling in Cartagena
Cartagena Cartagena, Colombia

The capital of the Bolivar Department of Colombia, Cartagena is one of the most visited cities in the country. It sits on Colombia's northern coast by the Caribbean Sea. It's a port city with a population of almost 900,000, making it the fifth largest city in Colombia. The city has a rich history and was the first Spanish colony on the American continent. It was also one of the first sanctuaries for freed African slaves in the Americas.

The peak holidays for the area are the month of December and the holy week when it's a popular destination for Colombians on holiday. The city can be extremely crowded during these times.

Cartagena has a tropical wet and dry climate with humidity that is usually around 90%. The rainy seasons are from May to June and October through November. The climate is hot and windy year around.



Neighborhoods & Around

Cartagena can be broken down into several areas including the northern area, where you'll find the airport, the downtown, and Bocagrande. As a tourist, you're liking to spend most of your time in the city's downtown and the Bocagrande areas.

The downtown is where you'll find the walled colonial part of the city that is called ciudad amurallada. This area has most of the city's high end restaurants, hotels and clubs. Within the walled city you'll find the neighborhoods of Centro, San Diego, Getsemani and the modern part of La Matuna. The oldest part of the city is around Plaza Trinidad in Getsemani.

Bocagrande is a strip along the the beach that is lined with hotels and condos. There is also a third area that is up and coming. It's referred to as Castillogrande and has many condos and a nice, quiet beach.

There are plenty of other great neighborhoods in Cartagena worth exploring, too, so don't miss out on this dynamic city.

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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.