How Much Does a Trip to Cartagena Cost? Real Budget for 2025-2026

One of the most common questions before traveling to Cartagena is how much money to bring. The answer depends a lot on what kind of traveler you are and what you expect from your experience. This budget guide uses real 2025-2026 prices, not catalog estimates.

Flights: how much to pay and when to buy

Cartagena's Rafael Núñez Airport (CTG) receives direct flights from Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, and a few cities in the United States and Panama.

• Bogotá to Cartagena: $120,000 – $400,000 COP one-way depending on the airline and how far ahead you book. Buy 4-8 weeks in advance for the best prices.
• Medellín to Cartagena: $100,000 – $350,000 COP one-way.
• Miami to Cartagena (direct): USD 200 – USD 500 one-way. Spirit and Copa have direct routes.
• New York via Bogotá or Panama: USD 300 – USD 700 one-way depending on layover and season.

Accommodation: options for every budget

Backpacker / Low budget: Hostels in Getsemaní have shared dorm beds from $40,000 – $70,000 COP per night. Private room in a hostel: $100,000 – $180,000 COP.

Mid-range budget: 3-star hotel in Bocagrande or Getsemaní: $200,000 – $350,000 COP per night. Apartment or Airbnb in the Centro Histórico for groups: $300,000 – $600,000 COP total.

High-end / luxury: Boutique hotels in the Centro Histórico or oceanfront in Castillogrande: $500,000 – $2,000,000 COP per night. During the December-January season, prices can be 50-100% higher.

Getting around Cartagena

• Metered taxi: $8,000 – $15,000 COP within the tourist area. Without a meter, negotiate before getting in.
• Uber / InDriver: $6,000 – $12,000 COP for the same routes. More predictable and with a trip record.
• Mototaxi: $5,000 – $8,000 COP for short rides. Cheap, but somewhat risky if the driver doesn't know the route well.
• Urban bus: $2,500 COP per ride. The cheapest option, but not recommended for tourists with luggage.

Food: where costs vary the most

Food is where you can save the most or spend the most in Cartagena, depending on where you choose to eat:

• Local market / corrientazo: $15,000 – $35,000 COP per person (includes soup, main course, juice, and dessert).
• Neighborhood restaurant: $30,000 – $60,000 COP per person.
• Tourist restaurant in the Centro Histórico: $70,000 – $150,000 COP per person.
• Fine dining restaurant: $150,000 – $300,000 COP per person.

Tours and experiences: real prices

Here are the prices for the main experiences in Cartagena:

• Rosario Islands day trip (private boat + snorkel + lunch): See Nohemi experiences for current pricing.
• Bay sunset tour: $120,000 – $180,000 COP per person.
• Kitesurf course (beginner level, 9 hours): From $750,000 COP.
• San Felipe Castle: $22,000 COP for foreigners, $6,500 COP for Colombians.
• Private boat rental: $3,200,000 – $3,900,000 COP for a full day (for the whole group).

Daily budget by traveler profile

Backpacker: $180,000 – $250,000 COP/day (hostel, local food, public transportation, one budget tour every 2-3 days).

Mid-range traveler: $400,000 – $700,000 COP/day (3-star hotel, varied restaurants, occasional tours).

Luxury trip: $1,000,000 – $3,000,000 COP/day per person (boutique hotel, premium restaurants, private boat).

Frequently asked questions