A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fortaleza vs. Cartagena for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Fortaleza or Cartagena?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fortaleza and Cartagena can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Fortaleza or Cartagena?

Fortaleza

A major city on Brazil's northeastern coast and the capital city of Ceara state, Fortaleza is best characterized by its city landscape lined with beaches and palm trees. It also features some great seafood as well as long-standing folk traditions in culture and dance.

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.

Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Fortaleza?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $73, while the average daily cost in Cartagena is $47. 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 Fortaleza and Cartagena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fortaleza $32
    Cartagena $27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fortaleza $64
    Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Fortaleza and Cartagena

Looking for a hotel in Fortaleza or Cartagena? 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 Fortaleza


Hotels in Cartagena


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: Fortaleza Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fortaleza $22
    Cartagena $7.44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza

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

  • 4x4 Private Transfer Service : $188
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Fortaleza by Minivan: $51
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Fortaleza by Sedan Car: $41
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Jericoacoara by Minivan: $336
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Jericoacoara by Sedan Car: $253
  • Beach Park Transfer from Fortaleza: $17
  • Cumbuco Private Transfer From Fortaleza: $51
  • Cumbuco Shared Transfer From Fortaleza: $44
  • Departure Private Transfer: Fortaleza City to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Minivan: $51
  • Departure Private Transfer: Fortaleza City to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Sedan Car: $41
  • Departure Private Transfer: Jericoacoara to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Minivan: $336
  • Departure Private Transfer: Jericoacoara to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Sedan Car: $253

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:

  • One way private water transfer between Cartagena and the Islands (6 ppl max) : $565
  • 10. ARACATACA Transfer from Cartagena-private: $340
  • 16. Transfer to Valledupar from Cartagena Private or vice versa.: $298
  • Private Transfer Cartagena to Palomino (or vice versa): $275
  • Private transfer from Cartagena to Santa Marta: $230
  • 19. Transfer to Tolú/ Coveñas from Cartagena or vice versa.: $220
  • 15. Transfer to SANTA MARTA from Cartagena Private or vice versa.: $220
  • Cartagena to Santa Marta (or vice versa) Private Transfer : $186
  • Private Transfer from Cartagena to Barranquilla: $165
  • San Diego to Long Beach Airport (LGB) - Departure Private Transfer: $155
  • Departure Private Transfer Cartagena City to Cartagena Airport CTG by Minibus: $145
  • Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minibus: $145

Is it cheaper to fly into Fortaleza or Cartagena?

Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Fortaleza 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
    Fortaleza $25
    Cartagena $9.75

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fortaleza

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

  • Thematic Show with Rotation of Pizzas in Aquiraz: $23

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
  • Local Flavors Food Tour with Native Chef: $38
  • Taste Cartagena Food tour: $40
  • Street Food Tour in Cartagena: $42
  • Shared Street Food Tour: $42
  • Flavors of Colombia - Cartagena Street Food Tour: $45
  • Bazurto Market Food Tour by Anthony Bourdain: $49
  • Getsemaní District at Night (with dinner included): $53
  • Cruise by the Bay with Dinner and Wine: $55
  • Cartagena Food Tour: $57
  • Dinner on a boat at Cartagena Bay: $58

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fortaleza $16
    Cartagena $21

Tours and Activities in Fortaleza

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fortaleza.

  • Full Day Tour to Cumbuco From Fortaleza: $12
  • Cumbuco Beach Tour: $12
  • One Day Bus Tour of Fortaleza and Cumbuco Beach: $13
  • 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $14
  • Lagoinha Beach Tour: $15
  • Águas Belas Tour: $16
  • Cumbuco Beach with City Tour from Fortaleza: $16
  • Tour 3 beaches in 1 day: $18
  • Lagoinha Beach Tour: $18
  • Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $20
  • Canoa Quebrada Beach Tour with Nettour: $21
  • Fortaleza City Tour : $22

Tours and Activities in Cartagena

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

  • Accessible sightseeing tour of Cartagena: $165
  • Beach Buggy ATV Adventure Tour CARTAGENA: $125
  • Eco cultural Historical Tour beyond Old City! + Pool: $98
  • Exciting Beach Buggy ATV Tour in Cartagena : $150
  • Freedom Tour de Palenque: $110
  • Playa Blanca Private tour : $162
  • Playa Morena Beach Club Whith Lunch And Walking tour of fort San Fernando: $39
  • Private Tour & the best coffee of the world in Cartagena (Also for cruisers): $250
  • Private city tour: $100
  • Rosario Islands Full Day Tour: $138
  • Tour around the Rosario Islands 4 islands: $60
  • Walking Tour of Cartagena and a colombian cup of colombian coffee and snacks., : $95

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fortaleza $10
    Cartagena $9.14

Sample the Local Flavors in Cartagena

Also in Cartagena, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Getsemaní Pub Crawl with Complimentary Drinks: $19
  • Pub Crawl: $70

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fortaleza and Cartagena, we can see that Fortaleza is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cartagena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cartagena and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Fortaleza would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fortaleza than you might in Cartagena.

Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or Cartagena?

Fortaleza is bigger, and its population is about 2.5 times larger than the population of Cartagena. When comparing the population of Fortaleza vs. Cartagena, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Fortaleza or Cartagena?

Fortaleza has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cartagena experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Fortaleza or Cartagena in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Fortaleza as well as Cartagena. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.

Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Cartagena in the summer. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Cartagena fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fortaleza this time of the year. In the summer, Fortaleza often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cartagenain July. Fortaleza gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun.

Fortaleza receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fortaleza usually gets more rain in January than Cartagenain July. Fortaleza gets 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Fortaleza 28°C (82°F) 
    Cartagena 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or Cartagena in the Autumn?

Both Cartagena and Fortaleza are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Cartagena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fortaleza in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.

Fortaleza usually receives less sunshine than Cartagena during autumn. Fortaleza gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 175 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. It's quite rainy in Fortaleza. In April, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than Cartagenain October. Fortaleza gets 356 mm (14 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Fortaleza 27°C (80°F) 
    Cartagena 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or Cartagena in the Winter?

Both Cartagena and Fortaleza during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.

In July, Fortaleza is generally around the same temperature as Cartagenain January. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 26°C (79°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Cartagena, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fortaleza. In the winter, Fortaleza often gets less sunshine than Cartagenain January. Fortaleza gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun.

Fortaleza usually gets more rain in July than Cartagenain January. Fortaleza gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Fortaleza 26°C (79°F) 
    Cartagena 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or Cartagena in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Fortaleza and Cartagena. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Cartagena in the spring. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. In Fortaleza, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fortaleza usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during spring. Fortaleza gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than Cartagenain April. Fortaleza gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Fortaleza 28°C (82°F) 
    Cartagena 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Cartagena and Fortaleza

Fortaleza Cartagena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 356 mm (14 in) 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 256 mm (10.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 26°C (80°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 29°C (84°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 29°C (84°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 30 mm (1.2 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.
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Fortaleza vs. Cartagena Travel Comparison

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