Sample Long Weekend Itinerary or Bachelorette/Bachelor Party
There is no brighter city in South America than Cartagena. Arriving here you are immediately transported by the colors and energy of Cartagena. From Cafe Havana to Isles de Mujeres and the endless rooftops – everything is bumping! This is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway, a bachelor party, bachelorette or even a destination wedding. I highly recommend the Blue Apple Beach House and definitely renting a boat for a day. Cartagena is a convenient, quick flight from the US. You’ll be able to hop direct flights from cities like NYC & Atlanta on JetBlue or Delta which makes doing this in a long weekend completely achievable. From Atlanta, it’s hardly 3 hours and you touch down in Colombia!
*Disclaimer that my bachelorette party was in Cartagena, Colombia. 14 of us traveled down just before lockdown in March of 2020.
Day One:
Depart from your hometown city and head to Colombia! Arrive and check into Casa San Augustine or La Passion and get settled. Make sure to have dinner reservations ahead of time as the hot spots do fill up early. Explore the neighborhood, this is located within the walled city and right in the center of Cartagena de Indias. Dinner destination: La Perla or Lobo Del Mar.
In the evenings there is no shortage of bars and dance clubs to spend the night bopping around and bar hopping. Dinner is late here so make reservations for 8PM or later. Definitely hit Cafe Havana for the live music entertainment and salsa dancing – you will even learn yourself! Catching the sunset at Cafe del Mar is a fan favorite for locals and tourists alike. It’s worth grabbing a drink here at any point, though get ready for some wind and crowds!
The world is your oyster!
Day Two:
Schedule a pool day at the Blue Apple Beach Club or Bora Bora Beach House. You’ll be taken here via a boat so will need to make sure to schedule this in advance. Spend the day lounging at their pool sipping cocktails, or maybe dine at their fantastic restaurant for lunch enjoying fresh seafood. You can also walk along the beach here, though we like the pool the best! You can typically walk from hotels or villas in the walled city to the port where you will board your boat.
Day Three
You’ll want to schedule a full day boat excursion to Las Islas via boat. Everyone anchors at the palapas where you can all hang in the water and order plenty of food and drinks. Make sure your boat takes you around to additional islands as well to do a bit of island hopping and comparing the best of the best. The beaches are white sand and completely stunning. The water is also a turquoise greenish blue that you won’t find anywhere else. Ask your captain to drive you past Pablo Escobar’s old house and you can jump off the boat and swim just nearby where his plane crashed.
Day Four:
Shopping, coffee shops and then end the day rooftop bar hopping! First, head to the old town and hit some stores to stock up on trendy swimsuits and purses. Next, grab a coffee at La Presentacion or San Alberto.
Once you’re shopped out, relax by your hotel’s pool for the afternoon before getting ready for some nightlife! Start your evening with a cocktail at Town House, a super cute rooftop with small pools to sit in/around. A nice touch when we were here my wedding band sent us a bottle of champagne, how sweet!! Head to Movich for the sunset after this. Next make sure you have a reservation and head to dinner tonight at Carmen or Mardeleva – both absolutely delicious! Make sure to try some arepas while you’re in Cartagena too- they are delicious and served at most restaurants!
End the night dancing away at Cafe Havana! Try out your salsa skills and catch some live music.
