Cartagena
South America · Colombia
Best Months
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Rec. Nights
5 nights
Airports
CTG (Rafael Núñez International)
Avg. Cash
$222 - $225/night
Best Value
Overview
Cartagena is Colombia's crown jewel -- a UNESCO World Heritage walled city where colorful colonial architecture, vibrant street life, and Caribbean beaches converge. The Old City's cobblestone streets, bougainvillea-draped balconies, and centuries-old fortresses create one of the most photogenic destinations in the Americas.
For points travelers, Cartagena offers one of the best CPP values anywhere. The Hyatt Regency Cartagena books at just 12,000 Hyatt points per night for a property that regularly commands $200+ in cash -- an extraordinary value that makes this a top Chase UR redemption. The Conrad Cartagena provides a luxury beach resort alternative through Hilton.
Beyond the stunning Walled City, Cartagena is a gateway to the Rosario Islands (pristine beaches and snorkeling), world-class food tours through Bazurto Market, and a nightlife scene that pulses until dawn. The combination of history, culture, beach access, and incredible points value makes Cartagena a must-visit for savvy travelers.
Cash vs Points
Hotels in Cartagena range from $222 to $225 per night. Points redemptions offer 1.5+ cents per point value.
Points Hotel Recommendations
11 properties in Cartagena bookable with points, sorted by value
| Hotel | Program | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hyatt Regency Cartagena | Hyatt | 12,000 | $215.75 | 1.8¢ | 0.0/10 | |
Hyatt Regency Cartagena | Hyatt | 15,000 | $225 | 1.5¢ | 8.7/10 | |
Dreams Karibana Cartagena Golf \u0026 Spa Resort | Hyatt | 20,000 | $258 | 1.3¢ | 0.0/10 | |
Movich Hotel Cartagena de Indias, an SLH Hotel | Hilton | 75,000 | $788.31 | 1.1¢ | 0.0/10 | |
Nacar Hotel Cartagena, Curio Collection by Hilton | Hilton | 65,000 | $577.16 | 0.9¢ | 0.0/10 | |
Wyndham Garden Cartagena | Wyndham | 15,000 | $118.8 | 0.8¢ | 0.0/10 | |
Intercontinental Cartagena De Indias | IHG | 39,000 | $247 | 0.6¢ | 0.0/10 | |
Holiday Inn Cartagena De Indias | IHG | 27,000 | $166.25 | 0.6¢ | 0.0/10 | |
Holiday Inn Express Cartagena De Indias | IHG | 21,000 | $127.3 | 0.6¢ | 0.0/10 | |
Ermita, Cartagena, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel | Marriott | 27,000 | $154 | 0.6¢ | 4.2/10 | |
Hilton Cartagena Hotel | Hilton | 60,000 | $304.56 | 0.5¢ | 0.0/10 |
Transfer Points Strategy
Find the best transfer path for your credit card points
If you have Points:
Hyatt Regency Cartagena
If you have Hilton Honors Points:
Movich Hotel Cartagena de Indias, an SLH Hotel
If you have Points:
Wyndham Garden Cartagena
If you have IHG One Rewards Points:
Intercontinental Cartagena De Indias
If you have Marriott Bonvoy Points:
Ermita, Cartagena, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
How to Earn Points for This Trip
The best hotels in Cartagena use World of Hyatt, Hilton Honors, Wyndham Rewards, IHG One Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy points. Here’s how to earn them:
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
IHG
$99
Annual Fee
140,000 IHG One Rewards points — transfers earns IHG One Rewards points directly
- 140K bonus points — enough for 3-5 free nights at many IHG properties
- Earn 26x total at IHG properties and 5x on travel, dining, and gas
- 4th night free on IHG award stays (saves 25% on 4-night bookings)
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Hilton
$150
Annual Fee
130,000 Hilton Honors points — transfers earns Hilton Honors points directly
- Automatic Hilton Honors Gold status
- Earn 12x at Hilton properties, 6x at restaurants and supermarkets
- Free weekend night reward after $15K in calendar year spending
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Hilton
$550
Annual Fee
175,000 Hilton Honors points — transfers earns Hilton Honors points directly
- Automatic Hilton Honors Diamond status (top tier)
- Earn 14x at Hilton properties, 7x on travel and dining
- Free weekend night reward annually + one after $60K spend
Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you apply through our links. This does not affect our recommendations or the price you pay. We independently evaluate every card based on transfer value and earning potential.
Recommended Activities
Curated experiences in Cartagena
Old Walled City Walking Tour
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage walled city with a local guide. See Plaza Santo Domingo, the Palace of the Inquisition, colorful Getsemaní street art, and centuries of colonial history brought to life.
Rosario Islands Day Trip
Take a boat to the Rosario Islands archipelago for pristine beaches, snorkeling in coral reefs, and a fresh seafood lunch on a private island. The turquoise Caribbean waters are stunning.
Bazurto Market Food Tour
Dive into Cartagena's most authentic market with a local guide. Sample exotic fruits, fresh ceviche, arepas de huevo, and local juices. This is where cartageneros actually shop and eat.
Sunset on the City Walls
Walk along the historic city walls at sunset with views of the Caribbean and the modern Bocagrande skyline. Street vendors sell cocktails and snacks. The golden hour light on the colonial buildings is magical.
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
Explore the largest Spanish colonial fortress in the Americas. An engineering marvel with underground tunnels, strategic battlements, and panoramic city views from the top.
Getsemaní Street Art Walk
Wander through Cartagena's hippest neighborhood with vibrant murals, live music spilling from bars, and a creative energy that's transforming this once-overlooked barrio into the city's cultural heartbeat.
Totumo Mud Volcano
Bathe in warm, mineral-rich mud inside a small volcanic crater. A quirky, uniquely Colombian experience followed by a rinse in a nearby lagoon. It's weird, wonderful, and unforgettable.
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Getting There
CTG (Rafael Núñez International)
Visa & Entry
Check your country's requirements
Budget
From $222/night
Packing Essentials
Pack for the climate
Cultural Tips
Respect local customs
You Might Also Like
Similar destinations you can book with points
Ask AI About Cartagena
Have questions about traveling to Cartagena with points? Our AI advisor can help you plan the perfect trip, compare hotels, and find the best value redemptions.
Ask Travy