Cartagena is a beautiful coastal city in Colombia that offers plenty of things to do and see. But sometimes you might want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and explore the surrounding areas. Luckily, Cartagena is surrounded by beautiful beaches, national parks, and colonial towns that make perfect day trip destinations. In this article, we’ll take a look at the 15 best day trips from Cartagena that you shouldn’t miss.
Rosario Islands
The Rosario Islands are a group of small islands located just off the coast of Cartagena. These islands are part of the Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Park, which is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the Caribbean. The islands offer a wide range of activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming. You can also visit the aquarium on Isla San Martin de Pajarales or relax on one of the many beautiful beaches. One of the most popular activities on the islands is to take a boat tour, which will take you to some of the best spots for snorkeling and swimming. You can also rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the islands on your own.
Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca is a beautiful white sand beach located on Isla Barú, just a short boat ride from Cartagena. The beach is known for its crystal clear waters and beautiful sunsets. You can spend the day lounging on the beach, swimming, and enjoying fresh seafood from one of the many restaurants on the beach. There are also many water sports activities available, such as jet skiing and parasailing. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a boat tour to nearby islands and explore their beautiful beaches and coral reefs.
Islas del Encanto
Islas del Encanto is a group of small islands located off the coast of Cartagena. These islands are known for their beautiful coral reefs and crystal clear waters. You can spend the day snorkeling, swimming, and exploring the islands. One of the most popular activities on the islands is to take a boat tour, which will take you to some of the best spots for snorkeling and swimming. You can also relax on one of the many beautiful beaches and enjoy the stunning views.
Volcan de Lodo El Totumo
Volcan de Lodo El Totumo is a unique mud volcano located about an hour outside of Cartagena. The volcano is filled with warm mud that is believed to have healing properties. You can climb into the volcano and cover yourself in mud, then rinse off in the nearby lake. It’s a unique and fun experience that you won’t find anywhere else. After your mud bath, you can relax on the nearby beach or enjoy some of the local food at one of the many restaurants in the area.
La Boquilla
La Boquilla is a small fishing village located just outside of Cartagena. The village is known for its mangrove forests and beautiful beaches. You can take a boat tour of the mangroves, go fishing with the locals, or simply relax on the beach. One of the highlights of the village is the traditional dance and music performances, which you can enjoy while dining on some of the delicious local seafood.
Barú Island
Barú Island is a beautiful island located just off the coast of Cartagena. The island is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. You can spend the day swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying fresh seafood from one of the many restaurants on the island. One of the most popular activities on the island is to take a boat tour, which will take you to some of the best spots for snorkeling and swimming. You can also relax on one of the many beautiful beaches and enjoy the stunning views.
Palenque de San Basilio
Palenque de San Basilio is a small town located about an hour outside of Cartagena. The town is known for its rich history and unique Afro-Colombian culture. You can visit the town and learn about its history, culture, and traditions. One of the highlights of the town is the traditional music and dance performances, which you can enjoy while exploring the town. You can also visit the local market and try some of the delicious traditional food, such as coconut rice and fried plantains.
Mompox
Mompox is a beautiful colonial town located about four hours from Cartagena. The town is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and rich history. You can visit the town and take a walking tour to learn about its history, architecture, and cultural heritage. One of the most famous landmarks in Mompox is the Santa Barbara de Mompox Church, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also visit the many other churches and museums in the town, or simply stroll around and soak up the atmosphere.
Salinas de Galerazamba
Salinas de Galerazamba is a beautiful salt mine located about an hour outside of Cartagena. The mine is surrounded by pink and white salt flats, creating a surreal and beautiful landscape. You can take a tour of the mine and learn about the salt extraction process, as well as enjoy the beautiful views. There are also some small shops in the area where you can buy souvenirs made from salt.
Santa Marta
Santa Marta is a beautiful coastal city located about four hours from Cartagena. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, colonial architecture, and vibrant culture. You can visit the city and explore its many attractions, such as the Cathedral of Santa Marta, the Gold Museum, and the San Felipe de Barajas Castle. You can also relax on one of the many beautiful beaches in the area, such as Playa Taganga or Playa Grande.
Tayrona National Park
Tayrona National Park is a beautiful national park located about four hours from Cartagena. The park is known for its beautiful beaches, lush jungle, and rich biodiversity. You can take a hiking tour of the park and explore its many trails, as well as enjoy its many beaches and swimming spots. Some of the highlights of the park include the Pueblito Ruins, the Cabo San Juan Beach, and the La Piscina natural pool.
Minca
Minca is a beautiful mountain town located about two hours from Cartagena. The town is known for its beautiful views, waterfalls, and coffee farms. You can take a tour of one of the many coffee farms in the area, as well as hike to some of the beautiful waterfalls and swimming spots in the area. Some of the highlights of the town include the Pozo Azul waterfall, the La Victoria Coffee Farm, and the Mirador Los Pinos viewpoint.
La Cienaga Grande
La Cienaga Grande is a beautiful wetland located about two hours from Cartagena. The wetland is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including many species of birds and fish. You can take a boat tour of the wetland and explore its many canals and waterways, as well as enjoy the beautiful views. Some of the highlights of the wetland include the La Cienaga Grande Wildlife Sanctuary and the El Santuario de Flora y Fauna Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta.
La Caimanera
La Caimanera is a small town located about two hours from Cartagena. The town is known for its unique crocodile sanctuary, where you can see crocodiles in their natural habitat. You can take a tour of the sanctuary and learn about the crocodiles and their importance to the local ecosystem. There are also some small shops in the area where you can buy souvenirs made from crocodile leather.
Laguna de Pedro Palo
Laguna de Pedro Palo is a beautiful lagoon located about two hours from Cartagena. The lagoon is surrounded by lush jungle and is home to a wide variety of bird species. You can take a boat tour of the lagoon and explore its many canals and waterways, as well as enjoy the beautiful views. Some of the highlights of the lagoon include the El Totumo Mud Volcano and the El Galope waterfall.
In summary, Cartagena is surrounded by many beautiful day trip destinations that are worth exploring. From beautiful beaches to colonial towns, national parks to unique natural landmarks, there’s something for everyone just a short drive or boat ride away. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or just relaxing on a beach, there’s a day trip destination for you. So, next time you’re in Cartagena, make sure to take a day trip and explore some of these beautiful destinations.
FAQs
How far are these day trip destinations from Cartagena?
The distance varies depending on the destination, but most are within a two to four-hour drive or boat ride from Cartagena.
Can I book a day trip tour from Cartagena?
Yes, there are many tour companies in Cartagena that offer day trips to these destinations. You can also arrange a private tour or rent a car and explore on your own.
Are these day trip destinations family-friendly?
Yes, most of these destinations are family-friendly and offer activities for all ages. However, some destinations may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues.
What is the best time of year to visit these day trip destinations?
The best time to visit these day trip destinations depends on the destination. Some destinations, such as the beaches and islands, are best visited during the dry season (December to April) when the weather is sunny and dry. Other destinations, such as the wetlands and national parks, are best visited during the rainy season (May to November) when the landscape is lush and green.
Can I visit multiple day trip destinations in one day?
It’s possible to visit multiple destinations in one day, but it would require a lot of driving or boat rides and may not be very enjoyable or relaxing. It’s better to plan a separate day trip for each destination and take your time to fully explore and enjoy it.
