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

Should you visit Grand-Bourg 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 Grand-Bourg 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: Grand-Bourg or Cartagena?

Grand-Bourg

Marie-Galante is an island of the Guadeloupe archipelago, a French overseas territory in the Caribbean. Sometimes called the "Big Pancake" for its circular shape and flat terrain, the island is a prime location for sugar fields which provide the ingredients for Marie Galante's famous cane juice rum. The island is also known for its many windmills, beaches, and historic plantations.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.


Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Grand-Bourg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Grand-Bourg is €180, while the average daily cost in Cartagena is €45. 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 Grand-Bourg and Cartagena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grand-Bourg 98
    Cartagena 25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grand-Bourg 196
    Cartagena 50
Compare Hotels in Grand-Bourg and Cartagena

Looking for a hotel in Grand-Bourg 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 Grand-Bourg


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: Cartagena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Grand-Bourg 53
    Cartagena 7.03

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:

  • Private Transfer from Bocagrande to Port of Cartagena: $25
  • 15. Transfer to SANTA MARTA from Cartagena Private or vice versa.: $290
  • 18.Transfer (Rafael N-Hotel Decameron Baru Airport) or vice versa: $90
  • 2. Transfer from the Airport to the Cartagena Hotel (or vice versa): $29
  • 20. Transfer Rafael N. Airport-HOTEL LAS ISLAS-CALABLANCA: $142
  • 8. Transfer to BARRANQUILLA from Cartagena Private or vice versa: $128
  • Air Conditioning Bus transfer: $21
  • Airport Transfer - Hotel Cartagena: $23
  • Airport Transfer Hotel: $26
  • Airport Transfers Cartagena: $37
  • Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minibus: $129
  • Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minivan: $93

Is it cheaper to fly into Grand-Bourg or Cartagena?

Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Grand-Bourg 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
    Grand-Bourg 49
    Cartagena 9.21

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 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: $43
  • Local Flavors Food Tour with Native Chef: $50
  • Cooking Class: Street food & Mojito making: $50
  • Cruise by the Bay with Dinner and Wine: $55
  • Private Dinner at a Local Chef's House in Cartagena: $58
  • Cartagena Gourmet: Cooking Class with a View, Elegance & Flavor: $59
  • Cooking class: Street Food & Mojito making: $60
  • Street food tour: $61

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Grand-Bourg 26
    Cartagena 20

Tours and Activities in Cartagena

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

  • Emeralds Tour: $0.03
  • Totumo Mud Volcano Experience: $0.21
  • Cartagena de Indias: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Artists' Quarter Getsemani Self-guided Tour: $6.31
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Great Battle: Fort of San Felipe: $6.99
  • Old Town Highlights Self-guided Tour: $8.45
  • Shared walking tour in the historic center: $9.02
  • Tour the city on a rumba in a typical bus: $9.23
  • Old Town & Getsemani Quarter Self-guided Tour: $9.52
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of San Diego Neighborhood Tour: $10
  • Republican Architecture Self-Guided Audio Tour in Cartagena: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: The Rise of the Wall City Part II: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Grand-Bourg 39
    Cartagena 8.63

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 with Dancing Lessons and Free Shots: $18
  • Cartagena's Best Pub Crawl all included!: $23
  • Cartagena Pub Crawl: Let's Party & Matching in Getsemaní: $24
  • Nightlife Pub crawl in Cartagena: $71


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Grand-Bourg and Cartagena, we can see that Grand-Bourg is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Grand-Bourg is in Caribbean Islands and Cartagena is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Grand-Bourg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Grand-Bourg than you might in Cartagena.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Grand-Bourg Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Grand-Bourg or Cartagena?

Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Grand-Bourg. When comparing the sizes of Grand-Bourg and 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 along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Grand-Bourg or Cartagena?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Grand-Bourg or Cartagena in the Summer?

Both Cartagena and Grand-Bourg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand-Bourg throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Grand-Bourg. In July, Grand-Bourg usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Grand-Bourg gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Cartagena. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Grand-Bourg. Grand-Bourg usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during summer. Grand-Bourg gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.

Grand-Bourg is around the same temperature as Cartagena in the summer. The daily temperature in Grand-Bourg averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Cartagena fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Grand-Bourg 27°C (81°F) 
    Cartagena 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Grand-Bourg or Cartagena in the Autumn?

Both Cartagena and Grand-Bourg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Grand-Bourg because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.

Cartagena gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Grand-Bourg. Grand-Bourg usually gets more rain in October than Cartagena. Grand-Bourg gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Grand-Bourg. In the autumn, Grand-Bourg often gets more sunshine than Cartagena. Grand-Bourg gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 175 hours of full sun.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Grand-Bourg 27°C (80°F) 
    Cartagena 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Grand-Bourg or Cartagena in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand-Bourg and Cartagena. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand-Bourg year-round. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Grand-Bourg usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Grand-Bourg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. In Grand-Bourg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Grand-Bourg usually receives less sunshine than Cartagena during winter. Grand-Bourg gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Grand-Bourg is generally cooler than Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Grand-Bourg average around 24°C (76°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Grand-Bourg 24°C (76°F) 
    Cartagena 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Grand-Bourg or Cartagena in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Grand-Bourg as well as Cartagena. Grand-Bourg attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.

Grand-Bourg receives a lot of rain in the spring. Grand-Bourg usually gets more rain in April than Cartagena. Grand-Bourg gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Grand-Bourg this time of the year. In the spring, Grand-Bourg often gets more sunshine than Cartagena. Grand-Bourg gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun.

Grand-Bourg is around the same temperature as Cartagena in the spring. The daily temperature in Grand-Bourg averages around 26°C (78°F) in April, and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Grand-Bourg 26°C (78°F) 
    Cartagena 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Cartagena and Grand-Bourg

Grand-Bourg Cartagena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 29°C (84°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 29°C (84°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)