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Day Trips and Tours from Cartagena, Colombia

Day Trips and Tours from Cartagena, Colombia

The port city of Cartagena is brimming with a wide array of attractions, from its 16th-century Old Town to its endless stretches of immaculate beaches. However, if you want to discover the diversity of Colombia, you should consider participating in one (or more) of the day trips and tours from Cartagena that are on offer.

From enchanting islands to intriguing cities and villages that encapsulate the country’s far-stretching history, there’s an excursion to suit everyone.

Rosario Islands

Just 20 kilometers off the coast of Colombia lies the Rosario archipelago. Formed of 27 islands and declared a national park, this area is famed for its bountiful coral reefs, and silky white shores.

On a day trip to the Rosario Islands, you’ll have the opportunity to dip into the sparkling seas yourself to discover a multitude of marine species, including angelfish, giant sea turtles and nurse sharks.

Some of these excursions combine this remarkable reserve with a mangrove tour from Cartagena, enabling you to explore Colombia’s natural diversity. Those wishing to experience a taste of luxury can opt for a day trip to Isla del Sol — a private island located in the archipelago.

Playa Blanca - Barú

Located on the tip of the Barú Island peninsula, Playa Blanca provides a slice of much-needed rest and relaxation to weary travelers. With swaying palm trees, golden sands and dazzling turquoise seas, this beach is the definition of paradise.

Day tours to Playa Blanca - Barú come in all shapes and sizes, from lazing on a sun bed at a beach club, to hopping between destinations on a combination excursion.

The Rosario Islands and Isla Cholón are among the additional locations you can explore on this type of day trip.  Those heading to Barú Island in search of solitude can instead participate in a day tour to Playa Tranquila — a hidden bay just a few minutes from the more popular Playa Blanca.

Totumo Volcano

A mud volcano situated in the Santa Catalina region of Northern Colombia, Totumo is over 5,000 years old and is still considered active. This unusual formation has, in recent years, become a popular tourist attraction after word traveled of its healing properties.

Today, visitors to Cartagena can take a day trip to Totumo Volcano to bathe in its crater and reap the rewards of its mineral-infused mud. The benefits of this mud, as claimed by locals and tourists, include detoxifying the body, improving rheumatic symptoms, and healing skin conditions.

San Basilio de Palenque

Travelers willing to journey just an hour southwest of the city can explore the charming village of San Basilio de Palenque. Listed as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, this townlet is brimming with history as the first free African town in the Americas.

San Basilio de Palenque day trips enable you to discover the horrific truth behind slavery on the continent, as well as the bravery of some of those enslaved. The village was established in the early years of the 17th century by a group of runaways and inspired more slaves to do the same, freeing themselves of the misery they had become accustomed to through their “ownership.”

Tierra Bomba

If Playa Blanca - Barú doesn’t tickle your fancy, why not embark on a day tour to Tierra Bomba—another island close to the city of Cartagena—to stretch out on its shores and soak up the scorching Colombian sun? From ancient ruins to luxurious beach clubs, this isle has something to interest every traveler.

While on this island, you’ll wander the remains of Fort San Fernando, which was originally built in the 17th century to protect Tierra Bomba from marauders. The castle was bombarded twice, during the 17th and 18th centuries, after which restorations were made to the construct.

Tayrona National Park

Covering more than 150 square kilometers, Tayrona National Park is home to an array of flora and fauna, showcasing the natural beauty of Colombia. Located on the Northwestern coast of the country, the protected area is known for its biodiversity and includes 30 square kilometers of ocean, preserving its flourishing coral reefs.

From rainforests filled with the sound of maic monkeys chattering as they swing between lush palms to oceans brimming with over 1,000 marine species, you’ll see the very best of Colombia on a day trip to Tayrona National Park.

Santa Marta

Another destination you can access on a day trip from Cartagena is the bustling city of Santa Marta. Founded in the 16th century by the Spanish, Santa Marta was one of the first spots in Colombia to be colonized and is the second-oldest remaining city in South America. Day trips to Santa Manta include organized tours and private transfers, which enable you to explore the city at your own pace.

The destination’s highlights include Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, which was where Simón Bolívar — the Venezuelan politician who led multiple South American nations to independence — died. Other attractions worth a visit include the Museo del Oro Tairona - Casa de la Aduana, which celebrates indigenous cultures, as well as the nearby Tayrona National Park.

Galerazamba

Those who are searching for Colombia’s most unique destinations will find Galerazamba to their taste. Along the northeastern coast of the country, between Cartagena and Barranquilla, this salt mine attracts a plethora of visitors because of its vibrant pink waters.

Budding photographers can snap a spectacular shot of this unusual phenomenon on a day trip to Galerazamba while nature enthusiasts can step into the saline waters to see its coloring up close. If you wish to see two of Colombia’s most impressive natural attractions in just one day, you can combine your Galerazamba excursion with a trip to Totumo Volcano.

Barranquilla

Once a port city that attracted European immigrants fleeing the horrors of WWI and WWII, Barranquilla is now best known as the host of Colombia’s largest carnival celebration, held annually in February.

However, the city, located along the Magdalena River, is exciting to explore at any time of year with a host of attractions including its 45-meter high “Window to the World” structure, which showcases Barranquilla’s long-standing history.

By embarking on a day trip to Barranquilla, you can also see its impressive Italian-built cathedral and the home stadium of its famed football team, Atlético Junior.

Mucura Island

Part of the San Bernardo Corals Natural Park archipelago, Mucura is a coral island situated in the Caribbean Sea to the south of Cartagena. Another of the country’s most popular spots for sunbathing, this isle is also home to a myriad of sea creatures, including bioluminescent plankton, which is visible at night.

Species you’re likely to see on a Mucura Island day tour include the West Indian Manatee and the Hawksbill turtle. Another of the destinations that can be reached here is Tintipan Island on a boat transfer. These San Bernardo Corals Natural Park day trips are both relaxing and exciting at the same time, and are bound to be a highlight of your vacation.

Isla Cholón

Those who are traveling to Cartagena for its buzzing nightlife scene should make a day trip to Isla Cholón, best known as the region’s “party island.” Surrounded by staggeringly blue seas and pristine sands, you can dance the day away in the warm Colombian sunshine as DJ’s mix your favorite tracks.

One of the best spots in the country to let loose, this island is also breathtakingly beautiful for anyone more interested in its natural surroundings.

Santa Rita

Those looking to stay inside the city and explore all of its attractions can take a day trip to Santa Rita Fruit Market, one of the most celebrated produce markets in the country.

Here, you can discover fruits that you may have never seen before and taste the freshness of local produce, which includes passion fruits, sapotas, and dragon fruit. Let your guide lead you around this food haven, encouraging you to try other Colombian foods, including cassava.