4-Day Cartagena Birthday Celebration Itinerary

When I turned 45, I knew I wanted something special—a trip that balanced relaxation with cultural immersion, beach time with authentic experiences. My cousin and I spent four incredible days in Cartagena, Colombia, and what we discovered was a city that delivers on every level: history, flavor, color, and warmth that you can feel in every corner.

This isn’t your typical “hit all the tourist spots” itinerary. This is how to experience Cartagena like someone who’s done the research, made the connections, and tasted every dish worth ordering. Let me show you exactly how we spent our time and how you can, too.

Choosing where to stay: Walled City vs. Bocagrande

Most first-time visitors are told to stay in the Walled City, and for good reason. It’s absolutely stunning with its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and bougainvillea draping from every balcony. You’re steps from restaurants, bars, and centuries of history.

But we chose Bocagrande, and here’s why:

We wanted to wake up to the beach. Bocagrande is Cartagena’s modern hotel zone, lined with high-rise hotels, a wide sandy beach, and a completely different energy from the historic center. It’s where you get the luxury resort experience while still being close to everything that makes Cartagena magical.

We stayed at: Hyatt Regency Cartagena

Why it worked for us:

• Club Lounge access with daily breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres (this alone saved us time and money).

• Beachfront location with stunning Caribbean views.

• Only a 15-minute Uber ride from the airport, no stress after a long flight.

• Modern amenities, reliable service, and the kind of comfort you want when celebrating a milestone birthday.

Pro tip: If you want to be in the thick of things, walking to dinner at 10 pm, surrounded by nightlife and old-world charm, choose the Walled City or Getsemaní. If you prefer a quieter base with beach access, luxury amenities, and quick rides into the action, Bocagrande is your answer.

Getting around—transportation made easy:

We used Uber exclusively during our trip, and it was flawless. Rides were quick (10–15 minutes to most attractions), affordable, and reliable. The drivers were friendly, and we never waited more than a few minutes for a pickup. No need to negotiate with taxis or worry about pricing—everything was transparent and easy.

Day 1: arrival & relaxation

After a long flight, we kept things simple. We checked into the Hyatt, settled into our rooms, and took full advantage of the Club Lounge for a late breakfast. The rest of the day? Pure relaxation by the pool and beach, letting the Caribbean breeze ease us into vacation mode, followed by a massage at the hotel spa.

Evening: Light dinner at the hotel, early to bed. Sometimes the best travel decision is knowing when to do nothing.

This was our deep dive into Cartagena’s soul, starting with a guided tour and ending with one of the best coffee experiences I’ve ever had.

Morning: Walled City & Getsemaní tour with Nexperience

We booked a walking tour with Nexperience, and it was worth every minute. Our guide walked us through the Walled City’s history, from Spanish colonization to its role in the slave trade to its transformation into a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We sampled traditional sweets like cocadas (coconut candies) and alegrías (sesame seed treats) from local vendors, which gave us a delicious education in Cartagena’s Afro-Caribbean culinary roots.

Then we ventured into Getsemaní, the neighborhood that pulses with street art, local life, and creative energy. This is where Cartagena feels raw and real. Every wall is a canvas: vibrant murals depicting Colombian heroes, Afro-Colombian pride, and abstract explosions of color. Plaza de la Trinidad is the beating heart of Getsemaní, where locals gather in the evenings with music, laughter, and street vendors selling arepas and fresh mango.

Lunch: Restaurante Espíritu Santo (Getsemaní)

We grabbed lunch at Restaurante Espíritu Santo, a hidden gem with a rooftop terrace. The food is traditional Colombian with an elevated presentation—think fresh ceviche, grilled fish, and plantain-everything. The vibe is relaxed.

Afternoon: Café del Mural—a hidden coffee gem

If you only do one thing in Getsemaní, make it Café del Mural. This tiny coffee shop is tucked away on a quiet street, and it offers one of the most authentic coffee experiences in Colombia. We did a full coffee tasting, sampling over six varietals from different regions of Colombia and learned about the entire process from bean to cup.

Our guide explained the flavor profiles: the fruity brightness of beans from Huila, the chocolatey richness of Antioquia, the floral notes from the Sierra Nevada. We sipped slowly, taking notes, comparing, falling in love with Colombian coffee all over again. This wasn’t a tourist trap—this was the real deal, run by people who are deeply passionate about their craft.

Pro tip: Book ahead if possible. The space is small, and tastings are personalized. Budget about an hour, you’ll want to savor every sip.

Dinner: La Morena (Bocagrande)

Back in Bocagrande, we had dinner at La Morena, a local favorite known for its coastal Colombian cuisine. The menu is rich with Caribbean flavors, and here’s what you absolutely must try:

• Coconut lemonade: Sweet, tangy, refreshing. It became our drink of choice for the rest of the trip.

• Coconut rice: Subtly sweet and the perfect complement to grilled seafood.

• Fried fish with patacones (fried green plantains): Crispy, flavorful, and satisfying.

The restaurant has a laid-back, beachy vibe, and the service is warm and attentive. It’s where locals eat, which is always the best sign.

This day was transformative. If you want to understand the depth and resilience of Afro-Colombian culture, you must visit San Basilio de Palenque.

Full-day tour with Travel Palenque

We booked a tour with Travel Palenque, and it exceeded every expectation. Palenque is the first free African town in the Americas, founded by enslaved people who escaped and built their own community in the 17th century. It’s a living monument to freedom, resistance, and cultural preservation.

Our guide, a Palenquero himself, walked us through the town’s history, introduced us to residents, and taught us about Palenquero, the unique Creole language still spoken there. We learned traditional dances, sang songs, and felt the power of a community that has fiercely protected its identity for over 400 years.

And then, the food. We were served a traditional Palenquero meal—sancocho (a hearty stew), fried fish, rice, plantains, and fresh fruit. It was the most delicious food we had in all of Colombia, prepared with love and pride. You could taste the history in every bite.

Pro tip: Support the community by purchasing handmade crafts and support the local artisans. They accept cards and cash. The women of Palenque are known for their colorful traditional dress and vibrant fruit baskets, iconic symbols of the town.

Dinner: La Mulata

That evening, we dined at La Mulata, a restaurant celebrating Afro-Caribbean flavors with a modern twist. The ambiance is chic yet welcoming, and the menu highlights ingredients like plantain, coconut, and fresh seafood. Everything we ordered was exceptional, bold flavors, beautiful presentation, and attentive service.

Our final full day was all about contrasts: a luxurious island escape followed by the vibrant chaos of Cartagena’s streets.

Morning/afternoon: Pa’ue Beach Club, Rosario Islands

We took a boat to Pa’ue Beach Club on the Rosario Islands, and dare I say, it had full White Lotus vibes. From the moment we arrived, the entire staff greeted us on the dock with champagne glasses in hand. The setting is pure paradise: turquoise water, white sand, thatched-roof cabanas, and impeccable service.

The experience included a boat ride around the islands, where we saw mangroves, coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. Back at the club, we lounged in the sun, swam in the warm Caribbean Sea, and enjoyed a fresh seafood lunch prepared by the in-house chef.

Pro tip: Book your spot in advance. Pa’ue is intimate and fills up quickly. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and your best swimsuit. This is worth every peso for the experience and the memories.

Late afternoon: exploring the Walled City on foot

After returning to Cartagena, we wandered through the Walled City at our own pace. This is when the magic really happens, no agenda, just soaking it all in. We stopped at street vendors for:

• Arepas de huevo: Corn cakes stuffed with egg and fried to crispy perfection.

• Fresh fruit cups: Mango, pineapple, and watermelon sprinkled with lime and salt.

• More coffee: Because you can never have too much Colombian coffee.

We browsed local shops, picked up handmade souvenirs, and then stumbled upon Gelateria Tramonti, hands down the best ice cream we had in Cartagena. This adorable little shop serves artisanal gelato in flavors that showcase local ingredients: lulo, guanabana, passion fruit, and of course, coconut. The shops along this street were the cutest—colorful storefronts, charming details, and that irresistible energy that makes you want to pop into every single one.

We watched the sunset paint the historic buildings in shades of gold and pink, gelato in hand. The Walled City at dusk is breathtaking, romantic, lively, and utterly unforgettable.

Dinner: Hyatt Regency Cartagena

We kept it simple and dined at the hotel. After days of exploring, it felt right to wind down somewhere familiar, reflect on the trip, and toast to 45 years of life, love, and adventure.