Travel Budget for Rosario Islands Visit Rosario Islands on a Budget or Travel in Style

Rosario Islands, Departamento de Bolivar, Colombia
South America / Colombia /
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Rosario Islands is an exciting 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 Rosario Islands?

A typical traveler spends $108 (CO$420,338) per day on a trip to Rosario Islands. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Rosario Islands based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $48 (CO$187,871) on meals
  • $46 (CO$178,516) on local transportation
  • $67 (CO$260,007) on hotels

A one-week trip to Rosario Islands for two people costs, on average, $1,506 (CO$5,884,732). 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
    $108
    CO$420,338
  • One Week Per person
    $753
    CO$2,942,366
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,506
    CO$5,884,732
  • One Month Per person
    $3,228
    CO$12,610,140
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,506
    CO$5,884,732
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $3,013
    CO$11,769,464
  • One Month For a couple
    $6,456
    CO$25,220,280
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 Rosario Islands cost?

A one week trip to Rosario Islands usually costs around $753 (CO$2,942,366) for one person and $1,506 (CO$5,884,732) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Rosario Islands on average costs around $1,506 (CO$5,884,732) for one person and $3,013 (CO$11,769,464) 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 Rosario Islands will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Rosario Islands on average costs around $3,228 (CO$12,610,140) for one person and $6,456 (CO$25,220,280) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Rosario Islands expensive to visit?

In Rosario Islands, budget travelers spend $46 (CO$183,893) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $105 (CO$420,338) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $200 (CO$803,215) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Rosario Islands.

Rosario Islands is a quaint locale that appeals to a variety of visitors, each with different travel styles, spending patterns, and budget needs. Affordable hotel choices are available, but luxury hotels also cater to the more affluent clientele, along with mid-range accommodations that are perfect for families and couples.

Although Rosario Islands can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by looking for discounts and coupons.

Within South America, Rosario Islands is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Puerto Natales or La Serena.

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

How much money do I need for a trip to Rosario Islands?

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

Rosario Islands on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$15
(CO$56,875) 		$33
(CO$130,003) 		$64
(CO$248,421)
Local Transportation1 $20
(CO$78,099) 		$46
(CO$178,516) 		$87
(CO$341,123)
Food2 $21
(CO$82,191) 		$48
(CO$187,871) 		$92
(CO$358,998)
Entertainment1 $6
(CO$23,109) 		$14
(CO$52,823) 		$26
(CO$100,938)
Alcohol2 $1-4
(CO$5,109-15,327) 		$3-9
(CO$11,678-35,034) 		$6-17
(CO$22,316-66,947)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

To manage your travel budget, it's important to set realistic expectations. Many people think they can visit Rosario Islands on a cheap budget, but most don't enjoy the limitations of a tight shoestring budget. Consider how you like to travel. Do you enjoy hostels, resorts, hotels, or vacation rentals? Do you want to dine out and explore the major attractions? These decisions will determine your budget and itinerary.

The Truth on Budget Travel

You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $46 daily average that backpackers get away with.

Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.

Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?

For couples or families traveling for enjoyment, opting for a mid-range hotel, dining at popular restaurants, and exploring major museums and attractions with entry fees is likely. Most people who travel to Rosario Islands will want to experience its major attractions, museums, and historical landmarks. Remember, many activities do come with costs. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $105 per person, per day.

Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?

If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $200 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the destination, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as 5. Transportation to AVIARIO and PLAYA BLANCA Private - offered by Viator.



Accommodation Budget in Rosario Islands

The prices for hotels in Rosario Islands can really vary, especially during peak travel season. Off-season, the average hotel room costs $83, while during peak season, that average price jumps to around $155. With budget accommodations starting at $43 and luxury hotels peaking at $319, 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 Rosario Islands for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $67 (CO$260,007). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $33 (CO$130,003) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $33
    CO$130,003
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $67
    CO$260,007

Hotels in Rosario Islands

Looking for a hotel in Rosario Islands? 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 Rosario Islands

The average hotel room price in Rosario Islands based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $83 in the low season and $155 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Rosario Islands

By traveling in the low or shoulder season (and avoiding ), you can benefit from cheaper accommodations and fewer crowds.



Transportation Budget in Rosario Islands

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $46 (CO$178,516) per person, per day, on local transportation in Rosario Islands. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Rosario Islands is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $46
    CO$178,516

Several agents arrange boat tours to Islas del Rosario. One of the tours includes lunch, a visit to an aquarium and a few hours at Playa Blanca. Not included in the price is harbor tax and park entrance (USD$5) and the entrance fee to the aquarium (USD$7). If you buy your tour at one of the street vendors, don't pay in advance, preferably pay part or all at return in Cartagena. The tourist offices in the center of the old town and a good place to compare the many possible trips to the islands. It will take you about 45 minutes to get to the Rosario Islands. There are diverse resorts and hotels that also offer you the option of spending the day or a few days and take advantage of their premises. The prices vary according to which you choose. Most of them are located at Isla Grande, the bigger island of the park and the only one, between the 27, with native population. Once you are there, it is worth doing at least an hour of snorkeling by the near islands to appreciate the incredible coral formations and the shoals common of the area. You can also get to Rosario Islands if you take a scuba diving mini course or a certificated from Cartagena. You can also rent a private boat or yacht, to go island hopping with your travel friends on your own time.



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

Rental Cars in Rosario Islands
The price of renting a car in Rosario Islands 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 Rosario Islands

Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Rosario Islands can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Rosario Islands is $48 (CO$187,871) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $48
    CO$187,871

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Rosario Islands is around $47 (CO$187871) per person, with previous travelers spending from $20 to $89. 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 Rosario Islands are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $5 to $14
  • Lunch: $7 to $19
  • Dinner: $14 to $33
  • Coffee: $4
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $7

One can also sample tasty traditional recipes of the region, famed for their distinctive Caribbean flavors. Bandeja Paisa, the national dish of Colombia but also empanadas, lechona, sancocho, fritanga, ajiaco and arepas are all traditional and delicious Colombian dishes. After a refreshing splash in these vibrantly chromatic waters, be sure to treat your palates with some typical and original Colombian food consisting of coconut rice, fried white fish, and yucca, all with the finest beach views.

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.

Bring a water bottle instead of buying beverages everywhere. It helps 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.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Rosario Islands

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Rosario Islands typically cost an average of $14 (CO$52,823) 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.
    $14
    CO$52,823

Lizamar, Cocoliso, Isla del pirata, Isla del Encanto and Isla del Sol, are the most popular resorts for day excursions from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands; mainly visited by Colombian tourists. Additionally, you can find more exclusive places like Isla Coralina, Hotel Pedro Majagua, and Gente de Mar; the last one having the larger beach space.

There is no better way to begin your trip to the Rosario Islands than by visiting the open-air Oceanario aquarium. Although not that huge, it still houses a variety of rescued sharks, along with giant sea turtles and other aquatic life and presents short dolphin show. Oceanario is about providing information for anyone curious to learn about the marine culture. After a pleasant aquarium visit, head over to Isla Grande, the only island inhabited by the indigenous native population, providing its visitors an opportunity to explore the local culture. With boutique resorts lined up and and gorgeous waters to swim in, grab your snorkeling gear, which can be rented if you aren't carrying your own and swim around to your heart's content. Bookings for these activities can be done in Cartagena itself. Although formally not considered as part of the Rosario Islands, Playa Blanca situated on Isla Baru is famed for its sheer beauty of golden sands and is consistently voted as one of the best beaches of Colombia. Another island for top-notch diving is Tierra Bomba, which also draws a substantial amount of visitors to its shores that abound with fun activities such as diving and surfing due to its superb reefs and wrecks.



A nice way to explore destinations in Rosario Islands 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:

  • One-day tour to Playa Blanca by land Popular sector for $50 details
  • Tour to Chichen Itza Cenote and Valladolid Plus for $67 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Rosario Islands

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $5.98 (CO$23,356) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Rosario Islands per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $5.98
    CO$23,356
Nightlife Tips

Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.



Travel cost data last updated: Aug 8, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Rosario Islands

  • Taking it easy while traveling can help you save some cash, letting you appreciate the area's beauty without the stress. If you rush through your days with nonstop activities, you'll end up spending more. Slowing down often leads to a more enjoyable trip and less money spent.

Budgeting Challenges

  • In Rosario Islands, public transport options are quite limited. You might consider scheduling some form of transportation in advance, such as a private driver or tour. However, be aware that this may impact your budget elsewhere.
  • Rosario Islands isn't exactly teeming with hostels, so if you were hoping to find a low-cost dorm, you might want to rethink that. Finding a budget hotel or renting an apartment could be your best bet.
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Rosario Islands Rosario Islands, Colombia

The Rosario Islands, also referred to as Coral Islands of Rosario, is an archipelago located off the coast of Colombia, approximately 100 kilometres (62 miles) from Cartagena. The Rosario Islands are integrated by 28 islands and all of them form one of the 46 Natural National Parks of Colombia, created to protect one of the most important coral reefs in the Colombian Caribbean Coast. Only three of these islands are property of the Colombian state. Before establishing the national park in 1977, wealthy families used this natural paradise to build their summer houses, but then the government allowed them to keep their properties, only if they paid annual rent and taxes to be there, and complied with certain rules to preserve the ecosystem of the islands. People can visit the national park area of the islands, and tours are available. Isla Rosario has an aquarium and open-sea oceanarium that people can visit. Activities on the Rosario Islands include swimming, snorkeling and fishing, among others. The best time to visit Colombia in general, and especially the Rosario Islands is the dry-season months from December to March. These uninterrupted sunny days are just perfect for a Caribbean coastal experience and to enjoy all the activities it has to offer.



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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.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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