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
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?
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.
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.
Looking for a hotel in Cartagena? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
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
By avoiding the peak season and traveling in the low or shoulder seasons, you will be rewarded with lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.
Food Budget in Cartagena
One of the biggest draws for travelers is the food, so be sure to savor the local flavors.
Calculated from travelers like you
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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.
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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.
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
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Cartagena
Calculated from travelers like you
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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.
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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