Which place is cheaper, Bogota or Cartagena?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cartagena or Bogota?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Cartagena and Bogota can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Cartagena or Bogota?
Cartagena
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.
Bogota
Sprawling across a high altitude in the Columbian Andes region, Bogota is the capital city of Columbia. It is a mix of the old and new with century-old plazas and churches shadowed by towering skyscrapers, museums representing the history, art, and culture of the region, as well as a mix of distinct neighborhoods from quaint and historic to trendy and contemporary.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, The Best Eco Tours in Colombia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Colombia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Colombia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCartagena $45Bogota $49
The average daily cost (per person) in Cartagena is $45, while the average daily cost in Bogota is $49. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cartagena and Bogota in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCartagena $26Bogota $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCartagena $52Bogota $50
Compare Hotels in Cartagena and Bogota
Looking for a hotel in Cartagena or Bogota? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cartagena Hotel Prices and Bogota Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cartagena $7.14Bogota $8.21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- luxury private Vehicle, airport/hotel transfer or viceversa: $35
- Walking Tour with Transfers - Gabriel García Márquez & Cartagena Walled City: $110
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Cartagena HTL-APT(CTG): $17
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Cartagena APT-HTL(CTG): $17
- Transportation / Transfers: $27
- Transfer service in Cartagena: $53
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Manzanillo del Mar - Cartagena Airport (CTG): $15
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Manzanillo del Mar - Cartagena Airport (CTG): $22
- Transfer in Private Minivan from City Center - Cartagena Airport (CTG): $14
- Transfer in Private Minivan Cartagena Airport (CTG) - Manzanillo del Mar: $22
- Transfer from Rafael Nuñez Airport to Cartagena Hotel Zone: $20
- Transfer Private Vehicle Cartagena Airport (CTG) -City Cent: $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bogota
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bogota are as follows:
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Taxi from Airport$7.07
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Taxi Ride$0.37
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2 Bus Passes$0.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bogota
Also for Bogota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival Private Transfer Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota City by Business Car: $119
- Arrival Private Transfer Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota City in a Luxury Van: $134
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota City by Minibus: $124
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota City by Minivan: $89
- Bogotá to or from Barichara or San Gil Private Transfer: $167
- Bogotá to or from Villavieja or Tatacoa Desert Private Transfer: $167
- Bogota Airport (BOG) to Downtown Round-Trip Private Transfer: $49
- Departure Private Transfer Bogota City to Bogota Airport BOG in Business Car: $119
- Departure Private Transfer Bogota City to Bogota Airport BOG in Luxury Van: $134
- El Dorado International Airport (BOG) - Private Round trip transfer Bogota: $80
- Premium Private Transfer from Bogota Hotels to El Dorado Airport: $17
- Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: El Dorado Airport (One Way): $13
Is it cheaper to fly into Cartagena or Bogota?
Prices for flights to both Bogota and Cartagena change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayCartagena $9.36Bogota $13
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cartagena
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cartagena.
- Featured in NYTimes > Arepas and Dancing: Danceable Cooking Class in Cartagena: $32
- Cooking Class In A Real Restaurant At Old City: $38
- Cooking class of typical food at the beach and sunset view: $39
- Taste Cartagena Food tour: $40
- Street Food Tour in Cartagena: $42
- Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $42
- Street Food Cooking Class, Mojito making & Fruit tasting: $50
- Cooking class, Caribbean lunch at our place: $51
- Cruise by the Bay with Dinner and Wine: $55
- Dinner Cruise Along Cartagena's Bay: $60
- Cooking class: Street Food & Mojito making: $60
- Street food tour: $61
Typical Food Prices in Bogota
For Bogota, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$1.47
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Hot Dog$0.86
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bogota
For Bogota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bogota Local Food Tour in the City Center: $13
- Peruvian cooking workshop: $26
- Viejo Bogota Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $49
- PALOQUEMAO MARKET FOOD TOUR. EXOTIC FRUIT. LOCAL SNACKS. /Min 2 pax: $55
- Bogota Food Tour • Private Car • Fruits Cacao Lunch Coffee Beer: $59
- Bogotá Food Tour - La Candelaria: $61
- Flavors of Colombia: Chapinero Street Food Tour: $70
- Dinner and party at Andres Carne de Res DC: $100
- Private Street Food Tour in Candelaria Bogota: $133
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cartagena $20Bogota $12
Tours and Activities in Cartagena
Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cartagena City Tour & Convento de la Popa (AM): $40
- Cartagena Efoil FliteBoard Experience in Fenix Beach 1H: $150
- Eco cultural Historical Tour beyond Old City! + Pool: $98
- Palenque Native Guide, free entrance tickets, dance show & lunch: $110
- Playa Blanca Private tour : $148
- Playa Morena Beach Club Whith Lunch And Walking tour of fort San Fernando: $39
- Private Beach Tour in Barú and Optional Bird Aviary: $120
- Rosario Islands Full Day Tour: $156
- Shore excursion Accessible sightseeing tour : $170
- Walking Tour of Cartagena Including a Colombian Cup of Coffee: $95
- "Essential Cartagena" Private Tour. : $70
- 1 Hour Efoil FliteScooter Experience in Fenix Beach Cartagena : $120
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bogota
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Bogota's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Beer$1.23
Tours and Activities in Bogota
For Bogota, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Theatron Party-Tour, 19 Clubs, Map, cocktail, bottle, After-party: $5.00
- Colonial Bogotá: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of La Candelaria: $5.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - El Dorado Expedition, Part II: $6.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - El Dorado Expedition, Part I : $6.99
- Bike Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $12
- Tour of the Colombian Armed Conflict: war, drug trafficking and peace: $13
- Walking Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $14
- Tour Quebrada delights Bogotá: $15
- Full Day Tour to the Colonial Town of Villa de Leyva: $15
- Cycling tour in Simon Bolivar Park and Virgilio Barco Library: $17
- Alternative tour of Bogotá: gastronomic and cultural: $19
- Bike Tour in Bogota Historical Sites and Fruit Market: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCartagena $8.78Bogota $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Cartagena
Also in Cartagena, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Getsemaní: $18
- Pub Crawl with Dancing Lessons and Free Shots: $19
- Cartagena Pub Crawl: Let's Party & Matching in Getsemaní: $21
- Friday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $23
- Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $23
- Thursday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $25
- Pub Crawl Only Locals Have Fun In The Walled City: $35
- Pub Crawl Nightlife in Cartagena : $44
- Get the Nightlife Vibe & Bar crawl: $57
- Nightlife Pub crawl in Cartagena: $64
- Pub Crawl: $70
Sample the Local Flavors in Bogota
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bogota:
- Pub Crawl Colombian Version - Centro Historico Bogotá: $39
- Pub Crawl in Bogotá: $42
- Pub Crawl in Bogota - Ancient Brews : $103
When comparing the travel costs between Cartagena and Bogota, we can see that Bogota is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cartagena Expensive? and Is Bogota Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cartagena or Bogota?
Bogota has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Cartagena. When comparing the sizes of Cartagena and Bogota, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Cartagena or Bogota?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Cartagena or Bogota in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Cartagena as well as Bogota. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bogota throughout the year.
Cartagena usually gets more rain in July than Bogota. Cartagena gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Cartagena is generally much warmer than Bogota. Daily temperatures in Cartagena average around 29°C (84°F), and Bogota fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCartagena 29°C (84°F)Bogota 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Cartagena or Bogota in the Autumn?
Both Bogota and Cartagena are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Bogota because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bogota. It's quite rainy in Cartagena. In October, Cartagena usually receives more rain than Bogota. Cartagena gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Cartagena is much warmer than Bogota in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cartagena averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Bogota fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCartagena 27°C (81°F)Bogota 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Cartagena or Bogota in the Winter?
Both Bogota and Cartagena during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bogota year-round.
Cartagena usually gets less rain in January than Bogota. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Cartagena is much warmer than Bogota. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cartagena in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Bogota averages at about 14°C (57°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCartagena 27°C (81°F)Bogota 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Cartagena or Bogota in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cartagena and Bogota. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round. Bogota attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Cartagena usually receives less rain than Bogota. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Cartagena is generally much warmer than Bogota. Daily temperatures in Cartagena average around 28°C (82°F), and Bogota fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCartagena 28°C (82°F)Bogota 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Bogota and Cartagena
| Cartagena | Bogota | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
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.