Daily costs per person in US dollars. Cartagena is moderately priced — budget travellers can explore well on $30-50 per day, while mid-range spending opens up excellent dining and island tours.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: COP (Colombian Peso) (Cards accepted in tourist areas)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $8–18 | $25–60 | $100+ | Hostel dorms → guesthouses → boutique hotels |
| Food | $5–12 | $12–25 | $35+ | Street food → restaurants → fine dining |
| Transport | $2–5 | $5–12 | $20+ | Walking/bus → taxi → private transfer |
| Activities | $5–15 | $15–40 | $60+ | Self-guided → group tours → private guides |
| Nightlife | $5–10 | $10–25 | $40+ | Street beers → bar crawl → cocktail bars |
| Daily Total | $30–70 | $80–180 | $300+ | Budget backpacker → comfortable mid → luxury |
Money-saving tips
Stay in Getsemaní
Getsemaní has the best value accommodation in central Cartagena — hostel dorms from 35,000 COP and private rooms from 80,000 COP per night. The Walled City is beautiful but significantly more expensive.
Eat street food and comedores
Set lunch menus (almuerzo corriente) at local comedores cost 10,000-15,000 COP for soup, main course, and juice. Arepas de huevo from street vendors cost 3,000-5,000 COP. Tourist restaurants charge 5-10x more for similar food.
Walk everywhere in the centre
The Walled City, Getsemaní, and the walls are all walkable. Save taxi money by wearing comfortable shoes and covering the compact historic centre on foot.
Book island tours at the pier
Rosario Island tours booked at the pier cost 60,000-80,000 COP — significantly less than hostel or hotel bookings. Negotiate directly with boat operators for the best price.
Drink local, not imported
Club Colombia beer costs 4,000-6,000 COP, imported beer costs 12,000-18,000 COP. Aguardiente is the national spirit and costs a fraction of imported cocktail ingredients.
Visit in shoulder season
December to January is peak season with premium prices. October to November and April to May offer similar weather with significantly lower accommodation costs and fewer crowds.
