Welcome to my blog! If you’re planning a trip to Cartagena, Colombia and looking to explore more of the area, you’re in the right place. In this post, I’ll be sharing some of the best day trips from Cartagena to nearby destinations that offer beautiful beaches and cultural experiences.
Best day trips from Cartagena
1. Full day tour to Rosario Islands
2. Day trip to La Boquilla
3. Private tour of San Basilio de Palenque
4. Day trip to the mud volcano El Totumo
5. Day trip to San Fernando Ft and Playa Morena Club
1. Day Trip from Cartagena: Rosario Islands
Rosario Islands is an archipelago formed by 28 small islands off the coast of Colombia, known for their white sand beaches and coral reefs. They are popular for snorkeling and diving.
A national park and marine reserve protect the local biodiversity, and access is typically by boat from Cartagena.
A trip to Rosario Islands make an excellent day trip from Cartagena. However, there are resorts and hotels where you can spend a night relaxing in front of the Caribbean sea.
The most convenient way to visit is with this 5 Island full day tour that allows you to experience snorkeling, a Caribbean lunch and relax later on a beautiful beach.
2. Day
Trip from Cartagena: La Boquilla
La Boquilla is a small fishing village of about 15,000 people, located 25 minutes northeast of Cartagena. On one end of La Boquilla you can visit a mangrove forest known as the Cienaga de la Virgen.
About 20 minutes from La Boquilla, you will reach Playa Azul, La Boquilla Beach. This beach has been granted the International Blue Flag Certification, which was renewed for the fourth time last November.
If you would like some adventure take a canoe trip in the mangrove forest. Along the way, you will gain insight into the traditional fishing villages and local inhabitants of La Boquilla.
3. Day Trip from Cartagena: San Basilio de Palenque
San Basilio de Palenque is among the nicest day trips from Cartagena. Escaped slaves in the 16th century formed this community that was able to resist and fight against Spanish colonial forces.
People in this town speaks their own language, Palenquero. Their music and dance incorporate African and indigenous traditions. Those ladies dressed in colorful and ample skirts selling fruit in the Walled City comes from this town, one hour from Cartagena.
A visit to Palenque provides an opportunity to discover the cultural richness of the country beyond its city limits. Book a private tour to San Basilio de Palenque in order to learn more about its unique music, language, and traditions.
4. Day Trip from Cartagena: Volcano El Totumo
One hour north of the city and standing at around 15 meters high, you will find El Totumo, a mud volcano. The minerals contained in the mud, such as sulfur, magnesium, iron, and calcium, offer benefits for the skin and detoxify the body. Indeed, mud baths are sanitary and possess certain beneficial properties
It’s also a fun experience. No matter how heavy you are, the minerals contained in the mud won’t let you sink down. Same as in the Dead Sea, you will just float.
Once you get out of the crater just let the mud dry on your skin. After a while you can rinse yourself in the nearby lagoon.
I recommend a private tour to the mud volcano in order to arrive there easily. Don’t forget your swimming suit and cloth to change.
5. Day Trip from Cartagena: Tierra Bomba
This island is only ten minutes away by motorboat from Cartagena and has a population of about 9000 people. The beach along its coast, Punta Arena, is very popular. Another landmark is the historical fort of San Fernando, built to protect the city against pirates.
You can combine a visit to San Fernando Fort and Playa Morena Club. In this beach club you can spend the day and enjoy a typical Colombian lunch.
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You may find more recommendations in other blogs for places as far as Usiacuri, Taganga, and even Tayrona Park. However, none of these destinations are possible to visit on a one-day round-trip from Cartagena. This is an honest blog. I’m also not considering a day trip to Playa Blanca in this list since, although it’s a very beautiful beach, it is usually too crowded and not recommended for a one-day relaxing trip unless you go during the off-season.
