You don’t need luxury to feel free. You need clarity, courage, and a good pair of walking shoes. If you’re a solo traveler who values connection over cocktails and culture over cost, Cartagena is your perfect 5-day reset.
This itinerary is designed for real people—dreamers, doers, and digital nomads alike—who are tired of spending money just to feel seen. Here, you’ll eat like a local, dance like nobody’s watching, and spend less than $50 a day doing it.
Why Cartagena?
🔥 It’s hot right now. Trending among solo travelers, digital nomads, and backpackers who want color, culture, and coastline without the Cancun prices.
🌍 Latin-American soul. Afro-Caribbean rhythms meet colonial history, giving the city a richness you can’t filter.
💰 Budget-friendly. You can eat street food, stay in style, and see world-class sights all on a solo-friendly budget.
👣 Walkable and safe. Especially in areas like Getsemaní and the Walled City—perfect for first-timers.
📶 Connected. Great WiFi, cafés, and cowork spots for digital nomads.
✈️ Pre-Arrival Prep
- Travel Insurance: VisitorsCoverage Travel Insurance – affordable & made for solo travelers
- eSIM for Data: Airalo Latin America eSIM – skip roaming fees
- Backpack & anti-theft gear: Amazon anti-theft daypack – lightweight & secure
- Travel Shoes: All-day walking sneakers
- Solo Safety: Download Uber, Google Maps offline, and speak a few Spanish basics
🗓️ Your 5-Day Cartagena Itinerary
🥾 Day 1: Land, Settle, Explore Getsemaní
Theme: Ease in, get grounded, find your rhythm
| Time | Activity | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Arrive at Rafael Núñez Intl Airport | – |
| 9:00 AM | Uber to Getsemaní ($3) | $3 |
| 10:00 AM | Check into hostel/budget boutique hotel (Selina, Casa Zahri) | $15–25/night |
| 11:00 AM | Street art walk in Getsemaní | Free |
| 1:00 PM | Lunch: Restaurante Coroncoro | $4 |
| 3:00 PM | Chill in Parque Centenario | Free |
| 5:30 PM | Sunset at the city wall (Café del Mar view) | Free |
| 7:30 PM | Dinner: Arepa de Huevo from vendor | $2 |
| 9:00 PM | Free salsa night at Donde Fidel | Free |
🧠 Solo Tip: Don’t overplan Day 1. Just soak it in and say yes to conversations.
🌊 Day 2: Beaches, Vibes & Local Flavor
Theme: Escape the crowds, feel the ocean, connect with the rhythm
| Time | Activity | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast: Fresh juice & pan de bono | $2 |
| 9:00 AM | Shared shuttle or Uber to Playa Blanca | $8 |
| 10:00 AM | Relax on the beach (rent a lounger) | $5 |
| 1:00 PM | Seafood lunch at Playa Tranquila | $7 |
| 3:00 PM | Return to city | $8 |
| 5:00 PM | Cold shower, rest | – |
| 7:00 PM | Dinner at La Tapería Getsemaní | $6 |
| 9:00 PM | Rooftop view at Townhouse Skybar (1 drink) | $6 |
🧠 Solo Tip: Keep cash on hand for beach vendors. Pack your own towel & reef-safe sunscreen.
👝 Gear Rec: Dry bag for beach days, Collapsible water bottle
🎨 Day 3: History, Art & Afro-Colombian Culture
Theme: Learn the layers of Cartagena’s soul
| Time | Activity | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 AM | Breakfast at Café Stepping Stone | $4 |
| 9:30 AM | Visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas | $8 |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch: Menu del Día at local eatery | $4 |
| 1:30 PM | Museum: Palacio de la Inquisición | $5 |
| 4:00 PM | Afro-Colombian cooking class (Airbnb) | $10–15 |
| 7:00 PM | Eat what you made + new friends | – |
🎧 Add-On: Spotify Afrobeat & champeta playlist for your walks
📸 Affiliate: Vlogging GoPro kit for solo travelers
🛍️ Day 4: Markets, Massage & Minimal Spend
Theme: Reflect, recharge, and treat yourself without overspending
| Time | Activity | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Fruit breakfast from local vendor | $2 |
| 9:00 AM | Visit Bazurto Market (guided) | $6 |
| 12:30 PM | Cheap & amazing street lunch | $3 |
| 2:00 PM | Local massage parlor (non-touristy) | $10 |
| 4:00 PM | Relax at hostel / rooftop / write | Free |
| 7:00 PM | Final dinner at Cevichería El Boliche | $8 |
🧘 Solo Tip: Unplug this day. Journal. Let the city show you something unplanned.
🎒 Gear Rec: Lightweight travel hammock
🥲 Day 5: Reflection, Photos & Fly Out
Theme: Say goodbye slowly. Reflect. Take it with you.
| Time | Activity | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Coffee + pastry at Época Café | $4 |
| 9:00 AM | Walk through the Walled City – take photos | Free |
| 10:30 AM | Optional souvenir shopping in Old Town | $5–10 |
| 12:00 PM | Check-out + Uber to airport | $3 |
🎙️ Optional: Record a quick voice note or selfie video about what this trip meant to you.
💸 Total Estimated Budget (5 Days):
$210–$240 USD including food, housing, activities, and transport.
🎒 Solo Travel Essentials Checklist
- Lightweight anti-theft backpack [Amazon]
- eSIM or unlocked phone with data [Airalo]
- Portable charger + universal adapter [Amazon]
- Journal or digital notepad
- Reef-safe sunscreen + bug spray [Amazon]
- Refillable water bottle [Amazon]
- Language app or phrasebook
📥 Get the Downloadable PDF
Want this entire itinerary in a beautifully designed printable format, complete with clickable maps, offline tips, and bonus solo travel safety checklist?
👉 Download the Solo Cartagena Travel Pack
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Final Word
You don’t need five-star hotels to have a five-star experience.
You just need guts, a good plan, and the kind of courage that puts your happiness first.
This trip won’t just give you stories—it’ll give you something back that no one can take away: a reminder of who you really are.
Now go get it. Cartagena’s waiting.
