A Travel Price Comparison for Colombia Cartagena vs. Bogota for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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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.

Which city is cheaper, Bogota or Cartagena?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cartagena is $40, while the average daily cost in Bogota is $44. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cartagena and Bogota in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cartagena $23
    Bogota $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cartagena $46
    Bogota $44
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.

Hotels in Cartagena


Hotels in Bogota


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cartagena $6.36
    Bogota $7.30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:

  • Transfer to Tayrona Park, Santa Marta or Barranquilla City from Cartagena: $84
  • Transfer service in Cartagena: $50
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Cartagena City to Airport: $12
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Cartagena City to Airport: $17
  • Transfer Cartagena: $50
  • Private transfer to Barranquilla from Cartagena- Traslado privado a Barranquilla: $170
  • Private transfer Cartagena airport -Mamonal: $65
  • Private Transfers in air conditioning buses: $7.00
  • Private Transfer: Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) to Cartagena: $40
  • Private Transfer: Cartagena to Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG): $40
  • Private Transfer from Port of Cartagena to La Boquilla: $28
  • Private Transfer from Port of Cartagena to El Laguito: $28

Typical Local Transportation prices in Bogota

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bogota are as follows:


  • Taxi from Airport
    $6.29
  • Taxi Ride
    $0.33
  • 2 Bus Passes
    $0.74

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bogota

Also for Bogota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Andres Carne de Res Chia • Premium Private Transfer • Keep Safe from Covid: $80
  • Andres Carne de Res Restaurant Round-Trip Transfer Private Tour: $99
  • Arrival Private Transfer Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota City by Business Car: $103
  • Arrival Private Transfer Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota City in a Luxury Van: $114
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota City by 2x4 Vehicle: $68
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota City by Minibus: $123
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota City by Minivan: $87
  • Bogota Airport Pick-up (transfer service): $19
  • Departure Private Transfer Bogota City to Bogota Airport BOG in Business Car: $103
  • Departure Private Transfer Bogota City to Bogota Airport BOG in Luxury Van: $114
  • Departure Private Transfer from Bogota City to Bogota Airport BOG by 2x4 Vehicle: $68
  • Departure Private Transfer from Bogota City to Bogota Airport BOG in Minibus: $123

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cartagena $8.33
    Bogota $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cartagena

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cartagena.

  • Cartagena Cuisine Cooking Experience: $30
  • BIKE & BITE food tour: $52
  • Cruise by the Bay with Dinner and Wine: $55
  • Street food tour with Julie: $64
  • Food Tour in Cartagena Walled City: $66
  • Street Food & Local Food Tour: $66
  • SkyKitchen 4 Course Cooking Class: $81
  • Bazurto Market Tour and Cooking Class in Cartagena: $92
  • Cartagena - Food Tour: $100
  • Caribbean Cuisine Cooking Class: $105
  • Shared Local Cooking Class and Lunch in Cartagena: $110
  • Bazurto Local Market Tour & Cooking Class: $115

Typical Food prices in Bogota

For Bogota, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Breakfast
    $1.31
  • Hot Dog
    $0.76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bogota

For Bogota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Food Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $52
  • Bogotá Street Food Tour: $52
  • PALOQUEMAO MARKET FOOD TOUR. EXOTIC FRUIT. LOCAL SNACKS. /Min 2 pax: $52
  • Flavors of Colombia: Chapinero Street Food Tour: $59
  • Cooking Lesson and Gourmet Colombian Meal with a Professional Chef in Bogota: $74
  • Local Market Tour and Private Gourmet Cooking Lesson with a Chef in Bogotá: $90
  • Private Street Food Tour In Bogota: $119
  • Tropical Abundance: Interactive Cooking Class in Bogota: $138
  • Private Gastronomy Tour Including Cooking Class: $266

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cartagena $18
    Bogota $11

Tours and Activities in Cartagena

Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Hour Panoramic tour for cruise ship passengers: $40
  • 4-Hour Fishing Experience with Locals Near Cartagena: $103
  • 6 Hr Cartagena Fishing Experience: $974
  • Accessible sightseeing tour of Cartagena: $140
  • Audio Guide - Walking Tour with Interactive (Cartagena de Indias): $10
  • Aviario National Park Shared Tour: $63
  • Bar Tour for Guys and Bachelor Parties: $20
  • Bazurto Market + La Popa Convent Cartagena City Tour 4H: $81
  • Bazurto Market Half day tour in Cartagena: $125
  • Biking Tour Cartagena: $19
  • Birdwatching & Photography experience at the National Aviary in Barú: $279
  • Bolivar Pirate Island Experience with Lunch: $75

Typical Entertainment prices in Bogota

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Bogota's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Beer
    $1.09

Tours and Activities in Bogota

For Bogota, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • The Walking Tour At Home: $5.00
  • Colonial Bogotá, La Candelaria Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.34
  • Classic Sights and Hidden Histories of Bogota Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.34
  • Bogotá: La Macarena to Parque Nacional Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.34
  • Paranormal Candelaria: Find the terror and the stories. Tour Immersive 3D: $6.99
  • Divercity Bogotá Admission Ticket: $7.05
  • Shared Monserrate Tour: $8.00
  • La Macarena & Perseverancia walking tour-The Other History of Bogota Colonial: $9.00
  • Shared Graffiti Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $9.60
  • Shared Walking Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $9.60
  • Cycling tour in Simon Bolivar Park and Virgilio Barco Library: $10
  • Memories of political violence : Bogota alternative walking tour: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cartagena $7.81
    Bogota $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Bogota

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bogota:

  • Brewery and Craft Beer Tour in Bogotá: $41
  • Pub Crawl in Bogotá: $45
  • Pub Crawl Tour in La Candelaria: $58
  • Gay bar crawling in Bogotá!: $120

About these numbers

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.


When is the best time to visit Cartagena or Bogota?

Both destinations experience a warmer tropical 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 tropical climate. Bogota attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and tropical climate.

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. Temperatures in Cartagena average around 29°C (84°F), and Bogota stays around 14°C (57°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cartagena 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 tropical climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year. The warm tropical climate attracts visitors to Bogota 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 temperature in Cartagena is usually 27°C (81°F) in October, and Bogota stays around 14°C (57°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cartagena 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 tropical climate that lasts throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Bogota because of the warm tropical climate that lasts throughout the year.

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 are around 27°C (81°F), and Bogota is about 14°C (57°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cartagena 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. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and tropical climate. Bogota attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and tropical 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. Temperatures in Cartagena average around 28°C (82°F), and Bogota stays around 15°C (59°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cartagena 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)


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Cartagena vs. Bogota Travel Comparison

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