Best Day Trips from Cartagena

Cartagena de Indias is one of the most popular destinations on the Colombian Caribbean and one of the most important cities to learn about the history of the Discovery of America and the viceroyalties. However, the best beaches and natural attractions are to be found around the Walled City, so you can discover them using this place as a base.

Some of the best things to do in Cartagena de Indias include a trip to Playa Blanca and Baru, a tour of the popular Rosario Islands, a full-day tour of San Basilio del Palenque, a visit to the Totumo volcano and a tour of the mangroves, which form part of a fascinating ecosystem characteristic of Colombia's Caribbean region.

The excursion to Playa Blanca and Baru is one of the most popular in the city because these places are among the most paradisiacal in Colombia. In Playa Blanca you will find large beach resorts that stretch along the Caribbean coast and tropical corners that are known for the beauty of their beaches and warm waters.

In this idyllic setting you can enjoy a variety of water activities, such as snorkelling to explore the rich underwater life that inhabits the nearby reefs. The beach also offers the perfect opportunity to relax in the Caribbean sun, either in a hammock among the palm trees or in comfortable beach chairs. The local gastronomy, on the other hand, is also an integral part of the experience, offering fresh seafood dishes and other regional specialities.

In Baru, the neighbouring island, you can explore mangroves and get to know the local culture, discovering the authenticity of its inhabitants. These excursions, which are among the best tours in Cartagena de Indias, will allow you to live an experience that combines relaxation on paradisiacal beaches with adventure and cultural discovery.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 48 euros per person.
• Duration: about 7 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will get to know one of the paradisiacal sites of the Colombian Caribbean.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: these experiences are focused on the beaches, so you won't have free time to visit the villages that surround the coast.

The Rosario Islands tour from Cartagena de Indias will transport you to one of the tropical paradises located off the Colombian coast. This archipelago, made up of more than 20 coral islands, is famous for its crystal clear waters and unique marine biodiversity.

One of the most outstanding islands is Baru Island, known for its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, perfect for enjoying water activities and relaxing under the Caribbean sun. You can also visit Isla Grande and Isla del Tesoro, known for having been a pirate port during the time of the corsairs.

The Rosario Islands experience will give you the opportunity to snorkel and explore the coral reefs that are home to a variety of marine life. In addition, many tours include visits to the Oceanarium, a marine aquarium where you can learn about the region's fascinating marine life. Local cuisine is also an essential part of the tour, so you can choose to enjoy delicious fresh seafood on the islands at extra cost.

From tranquil beaches to coral reefs, the Rosario Islands offer a complete experience that combines relaxation with the discovery of the region's underwater wildlife.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 85 euros per person.
• Duration: around 7 and a half hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will be able to combine in one excursion the beauty of the Colombian Caribbean with a tour of the region's underwater fauna.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: due to the fact that it is a full day excursion and that there are more than 20 islands, you will only be able to see the main ones and most of the time the tour will be divided between Baru and Isla Grande.

If you want to discover the history and culture of the Colombian Caribbean region, you can't miss an excursion to San Basilio de Palenque. This site is recognised as the first free town in the Americas since it was inhabited by descendants of enslaved people who won their freedom in the 17th century.

In San Basilio de Palenque you can discover the cultural traditions of the region. Music, dance and the Palenquera language, a Creole dialect unique in Latin America, will immerse you in the essence of this people. During the visit, the locals will guide you through the narrow cobblestone streets, sharing with you stories that reveal the struggle for freedom and the preservation of their traditions, threatened by contemporary development.

During these tours, you will also have the opportunity to interact with the inhabitants, learn about their handicrafts and discover the authenticity of life in San Basilio de Palenque. A visit to this historic town, a different experience in the Colombian Caribbean, is an eye-opening journey that connects the past and the present in an enriching cultural activity that highlights the resilience and identity of this Afro-descendant community.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 99 euros per person.
• Duration: between 5 and 6 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will be able to live a different experience in the Colombian Caribbean, in a tour focused on the cultural aspect and not on the beaches.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: they are experiences that have the assistance of an expert local guide, so you will have to follow his pace and you won't have much free time to do a tour on your own.

The Totumo volcano tour is an experience that combines adventure circuits with the contemplation of a natural environment unlike any other in the region. Totumo, a small active mud volcano, will offer you the opportunity to bathe in muddy waters. Also, on the way from Cartagena de Indias the excursion will take you through paradisiacal landscapes.

At the Totumo volcano you will be amazed by the sight of this mud cone rising in the middle of nature. The hot, rejuvenating mud of the crater, known for its therapeutic properties for the skin, will allow you to float in the density of the mud, in one of the most striking activities you can do from Cartagena de Indias.

After the mud bath you will have the opportunity to visit a nearby lagoon and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings. Visiting the Totumo volcano, then, is not only an adventurous experience, it is also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and nature of Colombia, combining discovery and ecotourism.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 50 euros per person.
• Duration: about 5 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will have the unique opportunity to bathe in the muddy waters of an active volcano.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: the adventure tour around the volcano is demanding, so it is not an experience recommended for children or people with reduced mobility.

If you want to live an experience oriented to the discovery of the nature of the Colombian Caribbean, you can't miss a visit to the mangroves. These ecosystems, which are vital to the region, occupy a large part of the Ciénaga de la Virgen, an extensive area that is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Navigating its meandering canals will also allow you to discover the wildlife that flourishes among the twisted roots of the mangroves.

During these excursions you may spot exotic birds such as herons and pelicans, as well as other species typical of this aquatic ecosystem. The serenity of the mangroves will also offer you the opportunity to unwind and enjoy the tranquillity as you boat through the intricate canals. During the trip you will learn about the ecological importance of the mangroves and their important role in the preservation of the marine environment.

These experiences will allow you to achieve a direct connection with nature, combining environmental education provided by local guides with an adventure through one of the most striking ecosystems of the local flora.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 53 euros per person.
• Duration: between 7 and 9 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: they are adventure experiences that will teach you about the importance of these biotic areas in the conservation of the ecosystem.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: they may suffer modifications in the itinerary during wet or rainy days, which are very common during winter and autumn in Cartagena de Indias.

You can book any of these tours in advance online or book them once you're in town. Just keep in mind that if you plan to travel to this destination during the summer, which is part of the high season, these experiences may sell out, and they are destinations that are not accessible by public transport or on the Cartagena de Indias tour buses.

Also, keep in mind that the city has a well-oiled system of full-day excursions, mainly because the best beaches in the region are not in Cartagena de Indias but in the surrounding areas, so it is common that during peak times these tours are the most requested by tourists.

On these excursions you'll have the opportunity to explore a variety of destinations, each with their own particularities. The excursion to Playa Blanca and Baru will take you to miles of white sand and crystal clear waters, where you can immerse yourself in the serenity of the sea and enjoy water activities. In addition, the authenticity of Baru will allow you to discover the local culture and explore mangroves, which will enrich your experience.

If you decide to venture to the Rosario Islands, you will find more than 20 coral islands, each with its own unique charm. From paradise beaches to coral reefs, this excursion offers opportunities to snorkel and explore the rich marine life. In addition, a visit to the Oceanarium will bring you even closer to the underwater beauty of the region.

For those who choose the San Basilio de Palenque excursion, the experience focuses on the rich history and culture of this free people. From the Palenquera language to the local music and dance, every corner of this site tells a story of resistance and Afro-descendant identity.

First of all, be sure to pack sunscreen, comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear for each destination you visit on these excursions. Whether enjoying the beaches at Baru, exploring the mangroves or relaxing in the mud of the Totumo volcano, comfort and protection from the sun will be key in a place that can easily reach 40°C.

Also, if you decide to snorkel in the Rosario Islands, consider bringing your own equipment to enhance the experience. Also, always follow the recommendations of the local guides and respect the regulations to preserve the natural beauty of each site as well as your physical integrity. Keep in mind that many of the sites you will visit on the best excursions in Cartagena de Indias do not have much infrastructure to deal with a health emergency.

Finally, don't forget to soak up the culture and history of each destination. In San Basilio de Palenque strive to understand the local traditions, interact with the locals and enjoy the authenticity of the experience. This will contribute substantially to your tour.

On your excursions from Cartagena de Indias there are charming villages that you should not miss, each with its own unique character and appeal. One of them is San Basilio de Palenque, recognised as the first free town in the Americas. This historic corner will allow you to discover the rich Afro-descendant culture, offering you the opportunity to explore its cobblestone streets, enjoy the music and the popular local dances.

Another town worth visiting is Baru, close to Playa Blanca. There you can explore mangroves and discover local life, connecting with the traditions and natural landscape of the region. The experience in Baru perfectly complements the relaxation on the beaches of Playa Blanca, offering you a complete overview of the diversity of the area.

Also, you cannot miss the opportunity to explore the Ciénaga de la Virgen and its surroundings, where the mangroves will open the door to a fascinating natural world. A trip to these mangroves will allow you to spot exotic birds, learn about the ecological importance of this ecosystem and enjoy the serenity of its canals, which constitute a unique wonder in the world.

Taking an excursion from Cartagena de Indias is more than just a simple adventure, as it will allow you to get to know the natural, cultural and historical richness that the region has to offer. Nearby destinations such as Playa Blanca and Baru will give you the opportunity to enjoy paradisiacal beaches and immerse yourself in the authenticity of local life.

The diversity of the landscapes is another excuse to enjoy these excursions. From the mangrove swamps of the Ciénaga de la Virgen to the Rosario Islands, each destination presents a unique facet of the natural beauty and beach paradises of the Colombian Caribbean. Whether floating in the therapeutic mud of the Totumo Volcano or exploring the history of San Basilio de Palenque, these tours offer something for everyone.

The direct connection with the local culture is another highlight. San Basilio de Palenque will show you its history of resistance and Afro-descendant identity, while Baru will allow you to explore the authenticity of life on a Caribbean island.