Colombia How Much Does Cartagena Cost? (2026)
From budget $35/day to luxury $210/day — full daily expense breakdown
Cartagena Travel Cost — Quick Answer
Updated Jun 2026Per person, per day, in USD — daily cost summary for Cartagena.
- Budget / day
- $35
- Mid-range / day
- $85
- Luxury / day
- $210
- Biggest expense
- Accommodation ($35/day)
- 7-day total (incl. flights, mid)
- $740
- Est. round-trip flight
- $500-1,200 from US (CTG direct from JFK/MIA/FLL); $1,500+ from Asia (via BOG)
As of 2026, a day in Cartagena costs about $35 on a budget, $85 mid-range, and $210 for luxury travel. Accommodation is the single largest cost, and a 7-day mid-range trip including flights totals around $740.
Cartagena can be done on a wide range of budgets. Hostels, local restaurants, and public transport keep daily costs around $35. A 3-star hotel with sit-down meals averages $85. Luxury travelers in 4-5 star hotels with fine dining should expect $210+ per day. Below: detailed breakdown by category, total budgets for 3/5/7-day trips, and local saving tips.
How much should you budget per day in Cartagena?
Per person, per day for Cartagena in three travel styles · 2026 figures.
- Accommodation$12
- Food$12
- Transport$5
- Activities$6
- Accommodation$35
- Food$25
- Transport$10
- Activities$15
- Accommodation$110
- Food$45
- Transport$15
- Activities$40
Cartagena is mid-range Latin America. Walled City hotels premium ($150-500/night); Bocagrande beach mid-range; Getsemaní cheaper boutique. Pre-book Rosario Islands tour. Avoid hotel exchange rates — use ATM.
How much does each category cost in Cartagena?
Per person, per day in USD · 2026 figures.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $12 | $35 | $110 |
| Food | $12 | $25 | $45 |
| Transport | $5 | $10 | $15 |
| Activities & Attractions | $6 | $15 | $40 |
| Daily Total | $35 | $85 | $210 |
How much does a 3, 5, or 7-day Cartagena trip cost?
Including round-trip flight estimate · per person · estimated flights: $500-1,200 from US (CTG direct from JFK/MIA/FLL); $1,500+ from Asia (via BOG)
* Flight prices vary widely by origin and booking timing. Numbers above are average return economy fares.
Is Cartagena expensive compared to other cities?
Mid-range daily cost compared to other popular destinations.
* Exchange rates as of April 2026. Mid-range daily cost per traveler.
Cash or card — how should you pay in Cartagena?
How to pay and what to know about money in Cartagena.
USD widely accepted; COP for daily.
Walled City restaurants + 5-star hotels. Cash for street food + markets.
10% at sit-down restaurants.
Bancolombia + Davivienda free with most foreign cards.
Recommended Tours & Activities
Booking tours in advance is typically 15-30% cheaper than walk-up rates.
Cartagena Hotel Search
Find rooms in your style — budget $12 to luxury $110+ per night.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why you can trust cost guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.