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    Cartagena Trip Cost: How Much Does It Cost to Visit in 2026?

    Daily budget guide for Cartagena (prices in COP)Updated

    • BudgetCOP 126,721–COP 316,802 / day
    • Mid-rangeCOP 316,802–COP 950,405 / day
    • LuxuryCOP 950,405–COP 1,425,608 / day
    Colorful Buildings in Cartagena, Colombia 
    Daily budget

    What a day in Cartagena costs

    Budget

    COP 126,721–COP 316,802 / day

    ≈ $40 USD

    Hostels or guesthouses, street food and markets, public transport.

    Mid-range

    COP 316,802–COP 950,405 / day

    ≈ $100 USD

    Comfortable hotels, sit-down restaurants, a few paid activities.

    Luxury

    COP 950,405–COP 1,425,608 / day

    ≈ $300 USD

    Boutique or five-star stays, fine dining, private tours and transfers.

    Estimates are per person, per day, in COP. USD equivalents use open.er-api.com exchange rates from 3 Sep 2026.

    Make it your trip

    What could your trip cost?

    Choose your pace and travel style. Start with the published daily estimate, then make room for the things you care about.

    Estimated trip budget · COP

    COP 2,217,614–COP 6,652,835

    7 days · 1 traveler · Mid-range

    Daily budget per person
    COP 316,802–COP 950,405
    Season adjustment
    ×1

    An editorial estimate, not a booking quote. Daily budget × days × travelers × season adjustment. Add flights, insurance, and any costs outside the guide separately. Shared rooms and child rates may change your total.

    Cost of living

    Everyday prices

    Inexpensive meal
    COP 12,000-18,000 ($3-4.50)
    Mid-range meal for two
    COP 40,000-70,000 ($10-17.50)
    Local beer
    COP 5,000-8,000 ($1.25-2)
    Cappuccino
    COP 3,000-5,000 ($0.75-1.25)
    Single transit ticket
    COP 3,000 ($0.75)

    Typical prices at the time of research, in COP; expect variation by neighbourhood and season.

    Seasonal pricing

    Prices through the year

    • Low×0.85
    • High×1.35
    • Shoulder×1.05

    December to March for warm, dry weather around 29°C — the most reliable conditions for exploring and beach days. February and early March offer peak-season weather with slightly fewer holiday crowds. April to May and October to November are good shoulder months with lower prices and shorter afternoon showers. June to September is the rainy season with heavy afternoon downpours, but mornings are often sunny and it is the cheapest time to visit.

    Overview

    Cartagena is Colombias most popular city, pricier than Bogota or Medellin but 50-70% cheaper than comparable Caribbean destinations. Budget travelers manage $40-65/day.

    Daily Budget Breakdown

    Budget ($40-65/day): Hostels in Getsemani ($15-30/night), street food ($8-15/day), buses ($0.75), free Walled City walks.

    Mid-Range ($100-140/day): Boutique hotels ($45-88/night), restaurants ($20-40/day), Rosario Islands trip.

    Luxury ($250-400+/day): Colonial hotels ($125-375/night), fine dining ($50-125/day), private island excursions.

    Where to Save

    Getsemani neighborhood 40-50% cheaper than Walled City. Menu del dia lunches ($3-4). Shoulder season April-May and Sept-Nov. Free walking tours (tip $5-10).

    Where to Splurge

    Rosario Islands day trip ($25-40). Walled City rooftop dinner ($30-50). Sunset sailing ($40-60). Chocolate and coffee tasting ($15-25).

    Tips

    Stretch your budget

    Ways to save
    • Stay in Getsemaní instead of the Walled City — hip neighborhood with hostels from $10/night and colorful street art
    • Eat menu del día at local restaurants for COP 12,000-18,000 ($3-4.50) — full lunch with soup, main, juice, and dessert
    • Visit April-May or September-November for 20-30% lower hotel rates and fewer crowds
    • Take local buses and colectivos instead of taxis — same routes at a fraction of the cost
    • Always pay in Colombian pesos — ATM fees are ~$5 + 7% markup, so withdraw larger amounts less frequently
    Budget tips
    • Stay in Getsemani for 40-50% less. Eat menu del dia ($3-4). Visit April-May or Sept-Nov. Bus for $0.75. Free walking tours.
    Free things to do
    • Walk the UNESCO Walled City — stunning colonial architecture, balconied houses, and bougainvillea-draped streets
    • Explore Getsemaní street art and murals — Cartagenas creative neighborhood with free outdoor galleries
    • Visit free churches — Iglesia de San Pedro Claver, Cathedral of Cartagena, and Santo Domingo with baroque interiors
    • Walk the city walls at sunset — the full circuit offers views over the Caribbean, old town, and Bocagrande skyline
    • Swim at Playa de La Boquilla — a free local beach with seafood shacks and mangrove boat rides nearby
    FAQ

    Frequently asked questions

    Is Cartagena cheap to visit?

    Very affordable — budget travelers spend $30-50/day with a Getsemaní hostel ($10-15/night), local menu del día lunches ($3-4.50), and free walled city walking. Its one of South Americas best-value colonial cities.

    Is Cartagena safe for tourists?

    Generally safe in tourist areas (Walled City, Getsemaní, Bocagrande). Use normal precautions — avoid flashing valuables, use registered taxis, and be cautious at night in less-touristed areas. The old town is well-patrolled.

    When is the cheapest time to visit Cartagena?

    September-November offers the lowest prices (rainy season but brief afternoon showers). April-May is also affordable. December-March is peak season with highest prices. Shoulder months offer the best value.

    Planning the trip? Read the full Cartagena guide.

    Updated Data: Editorial research · Published daily-cost surveys · Open exchange rates