Cartagena in Kolumbien is a destination that Once in a Lifetime plans for travellers with a lifelong wish, with a focus on uniqueness and careful preparation. As a Swiss travel agency with video consultation, Once in a Lifetime takes time for trips that happen only once. With the planner, you record the wish, and the joint preparation follows in the video call.
Updated: 7 August 2026.
Why this trip
When the heat of the day eases, the balconies open in Cartagena, and the lanes of the old town smell of blossom and grilled fish. The city on the Caribbean coast of Colombia is, for couples and celebrants alike, a place where an occasion feels special without effort. The Centro Histórico is a World Heritage site, with city wall, squares and churches that you explore on a long walk. In the evening you sail out on a boat in the Bahía de Cartagena, for example on a sunset tour, and see the skyline in the light.
Day trips lead to the Rosario Islands with beaches and clear water. As accommodation the catalogue names the Bastión Luxury Hotel, located in the middle of the old town. The best travel season is between December and March, when it is drier. Santa Marta and Medellín are neighbours within reach, should the trip include more than one city.
In Cartagena itself three to four nights are enough if you add the islands. Check on the bill whether a tip is already included, and plan enough time so that you miss nothing.
Places and experiences
The catalogue for Cartagena is large, and in the video call you clarify which places come closest to your wish.
San Felipe de Barajas Fort, Experience
Monumento Torre del Reloj, Experience
Oceanarium Rosario Islands, Experience
| Place |
|---|
| San Felipe de Barajas Fort |
| Monumento Torre del Reloj |
| Oceanarium Rosario Islands |
Getting there
Once in a Lifetime prepares the journey from Zurich or Basel-Mulhouse with care, so that nothing dims the moment.
Frequently asked questions
What sets Once in a Lifetime apart?
Once in a Lifetime plans trips for lifelong wishes with a focus on uniqueness and careful preparation. We plan Cartagena by video call with plenty of lead time according to your occasion.
Which places are part of the programme in Cartagena?
For Cartagena, San Felipe de Barajas Fort, Monumento Torre del Reloj and Oceanarium Rosario Islands are on file, and Once in a Lifetime asks what is indispensable for you.
Who is a dream trip to Cartagena suitable for?
For travellers with a lifelong wish or a special occasion who want to prepare a trip well in advance and with care.
Which accommodations are listed for Cartagena in the catalogue?
Accommodation on file in Cartagena includes Sofitel Barú Cartagena, Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena and Hyatt Regency Cartagena, for example, and Once in a Lifetime checks it with you with care.
Which destinations in Kolumbien work well together?
Besides Cartagena, Medellín and Santa Marta come into question if time and occasion allow.
Can I adapt the trip?
Yes. We tailor occasion, duration, stops and pace to your wish. In a video call we discuss what the trip means to you and how that should show in the schedule.
How much does a trip to Cartagena cost?
The price depends on the dates, the accommodation and the length of the trip. We do not quote flat prices, but prepare an individual offer after you have filled in the planner.
How does the consultation work?
The consultation takes place by video call. After the planner you receive a reply from us within one working day.
How do I start planning?
You fill in the planner and state dates, budget and wishes. We get back to you by video call within one working day.
Plan your trip
Describe in the planner which wish you would like to fulfil.
Fill in the planner
reply within one working day by video call
Once in a Lifetime
Plan your journey step by step: travel dates, travellers and personal preferences, tailored to your destination.
Plan your own journeyAccommodation in the catalogue
Bastión Luxury Hotel, Accommodation
| Accommodation | Rating |
|---|---|
| Bastión Luxury Hotel | 4.7 |
Nearby destinations
These destinations in Kolumbien come into consideration as a complement.
More destinations for Once in a Lifetime
destinations in the catalogue of Once in a Lifetime: Chefchaouen, Chiang Mai, Cuenca.
Gallery
- San Felipe de Barajas Fort, Experience
- Monumento Torre del Reloj, Experience
- Oceanarium Rosario Islands, Experience
Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa, Experience
Bahía De Cartagena, Experience
La Fantastica Cartagena Pirate Ship - Cartagena Sunset Skyline Bay Tours - Rosario Islands Day trips, Experience
Centro Histórico de Cartagena, Experience
Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría, Experience
Updated: 7 August 2026.